1998 Volume 121 No 1–4 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

In March 1944, Frank contacted
The Scroll with the following
news: "On this New
Year's Eve in China I want to
send you hearty greetings. It
was a big thrill to meet
Brother Tom Harmon after
his 32-day trek back to life
and safety—and he spent one
night with me after his release.
He is a great Phi. It will
be wonderful—and I know
what I mean when I say it—
when we all can gather 'round
the convention halls again."
Civilian relations
The war over, Frank turned
down a promotion and
returned to a civilian role,
which began with the
foimding of his own public
relations, publicity and
advertising firm in Miami,
Frank Wright Associates.
In 1948, Frank accepted the
post of campaign manager for
friend and gubernatorial candidate
FuUer Warren. Warren
won the election, and our Phi
of the Year was appomted assistant
governor, a post he
would hold for two years.
In 1962, Frank was named
the executive director of the
Palm Beach Round Table,
Florida's oldest cultural, educational,
and special events
forum. His three decades of
leadership for the Round
Table brought many notable
speakers including Richard
Nixon, George McGovern,
Alexander Haig, Beimy
Goodman, Ann Landers and
William Sessions. Nixon
called Brother Wright "the
George Steinbrenner of the
lecture circuit—he gets anyone
he goes after." The International
Platform Association
has agreed with Nixon's assertion
as Frank is a five-time
recipient of the Drew Pearson
Award, which honors the
most outstanding program
http://www.phidelt-ghq.com
chairman in America.
A bachelor into his 60s,
Frank married the renowned
Lady Eleanor Bumgardner,
U.S. Supreme Court executive
secretary and world-famous
doll collector. Eleanor had
previously served as the assistant
to the Governor of the
Philippines. In 1964, she
appeared on a coveted list
declaring her one of Washington,
D.C.'s "35 Most Distinguished
Women," joining the
ranks of Lady Bird Johnson
and Jackie Kennedy. She was
the only unmarried woman
so honored. Eleanor is also an
accomplished author and
member of the Florida
Women's HaU of Fame, nominated
in 1982 by the Governor
of Florida.
As a couple, Frank and
Eleanor were presented with
the 1980 Patti Award for special
contributions to the enrichment
of the arts and
sciences of the Palm Beach
community. "He has brought
to Palm Beach County many
internationally renowned
speakers to educate and enlighten
the residents of our
community," says Nancy Graham,
Mayor of West Palm
Beach.
During the 1960s Frank
traveled for the Department
of Defense to college campuses
all over the U.S. to attain
a clearer comprehension
of how the military fits into
formal higher education.
Frank has received honorary
degrees from Florida Southern
College and Northwood
University.
Fraternal dedication
A dedicated member of Phi
Delta Theta since his
initiation in 1925, Frank has
served the Fraternity in one
capacity or another for over
70 years. He served as
Province President for the
state of Florida three
different times over a span of
20 years. He was twiceelected
to the General
Council, opting not to run
for re-election a third time.
Just two years ago, at age 91,
Frank served as the president
of the Palm Beach Alimmi
Club. During his tenure, the
club received the Hoysgaard
Alumni Club Achievement
Award that honors the most
outstanding alumni
organization in Phi Delta
Theta.
When asked to comment
on himself, Frank says "I was
a fairly innovative type person
and initiative-taking person.
Others knew that Frank
will come in and do everything
he can. I was conscientious.
Anybody who has ever
known me knew that was one
of my characteristics." He
continues, "I like to point out
the good in people. I like to
think that I've encouraged a
great many people."
Brother Frank is a longtime
member of the Kiwanis,
serving as club president and
district governor. He is the
past fund chairman for the
American Red Cross of Palm
Frank S. Wright
Beach County, past chairman
of the board of the Salvation
Army, and past chairman of
the Boy Scout Court of
Honor. The Salvation Army
presented Frank with the
"Others Award" in 1990. It
was only the second time in
the organization's 75-year history
that such an honor was
bestowed.
Politicians agree
Florida Governor Lawton
Chiles offered the follovdng
comment when contacted
about Frank's nomination: "I
have continued to observe
the outstanding service that
Frank Wright has performed
for the State of Florida over
the last 50 years. He is an
outstanding citizen and a
worthy recipient of this
award." U.S. Senator Bob
Graham concurred, "Mr.
Wright's ninety-two years of
life reflect the values the
Raymond L. Gardner Award
salutes."
Frankly speaking, and
Wrighdy so, Frank Sumner
Wright is an accomplished
man of great achievement and
Phi Delta Theta is a better
organization due to his
membership.
Miami, Florida in 1905
Florida Alpha, '26 and solesurviving
founding member.
Youngest-ever sports editor
for major daily paper; served
in World War II; founded
public relations firm;
Governor's campaign
manager; cultural leader and
Fraternity volunteer.
SUMMER 1998 • THE SCROLL