The Legion of Honor Award was established in 1978 to recognize a member of Phi Delta Theta who has made a major contribution of his time, effort, and energy to serve the Fraternity and improve its stature; has distinguished himself in representing the Fraternity’s Cardinal Principles of Friendship, Sound Learning, and Rectitude; is widely recognized as a leader of fraternity men and identified with the promotion of fraternities; and has widely advanced and enlarged the opportunities for growth and leadership among college men through fraternities. During the 85th General Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, Phi Delta Theta recognized Brother Mark L. Bye, MIT ’78, with the Legion of Honor Award.
Mark L. Bye was initiated into Phi Delta Theta by the Massachusetts Gamma Chapter at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on April 11, 1975. He graduated in 1978 with both a bachelor of science and a master of science in chemical engineering from MIT. His academic and leadership foundation at MIT helped launch a career of global influence in business, philanthropy, and fraternal service.
Brother Mark L. Bye has spent over four decades leading complex, multibillion-dollar businesses across the industrial, chemical, energy, and specialty materials sectors. Early in his career, he held executive roles at Air Products and Chemicals, including group chief executive of its global gases and equipment business. He later served as CEO of DyStar, the world’s leading dye and pigment producer for textiles and fashion, and as a managing director and partner with Morgan Stanley Private Equity. During his tenure at Morgan Stanley, Mark led investments across Europe and North America, served on multiple investment and risk committees, and simultaneously helped lead both the Private Equity and Energy Capital Funds. He was a central figure in advancing ESG and sustainability efforts for the firm’s investment platforms, and his board leadership helped shape the future of dozens of portfolio companies.
Today, Mark serves as CEO of The Bye Group, offering advisory services and angel investments to technology-driven enterprises, and sits on several boards including Life Aire Systems and Alliance Technical Group. In addition to his unmatched professional resume, Brother Bye is one of Phi Delta Theta’s most impactful volunteers and supporters. Since 2016, he has served as a Trustee of the Phi Delta Theta Foundation and currently holds the role of chairman. He also chairs the Joint Investment Committee, helping steward the long-term financial health of the Foundation with great care and sophistication. His leadership has provided strategic direction, sound oversight, and thoughtful mentorship to his fellow trustees and staff.
Brother Bye’s philanthropic commitment, demonstrated through remarkable giving, has made a transformative impact on leadership programming, scholarships, and strategic initiatives that will serve generations of Phis to come. His giving is rooted in his belief in what Phi Delta Theta can do to shape strong, ethical leaders—and his investment in that belief has never wavered.
Outside of Phi Delta Theta, Brother Bye is also known for his philanthropic efforts in higher education. A gift by the Bye family to Davidson College expanded the school’s international influence and established a new program to elevate global perspectives among students. He is a passionate advocate for student leadership and learning and continues to serve others through board work, mentorship, and giving.
Brother Bye and his wife reside in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Those who know him best describe him as a man of integrity, intellect, humility, and quiet determination—living proof of what it means to be a Phi for life. For his exceptional leadership across industries, his deep commitment to mentorship and philanthropy, and his steadfast investment in the future of Phi Delta Theta, it is with great pride that we recognized Brother Mark L. Bye with the 2025 Legion of Honor Award.
