Phi Kappa Tau History and Archives

05/27/2026

Judge James Lawrence King (Florida 1946), Federal District Court Judge in the Southern District of Florida since 1970 has died. An inaugural member of the Phi Kappa Tau Hall of Fame, Judge King was still listed as a senior status judge at the time of his death at 98. The Federal Justice Building in Miami was named for him by the US Congress in 1996. A celebration of his life is being held there this afternoon.

U.S. District Judge James Lawrence King, a Miami native, was appointed by President Richard Nixon in 1970.

05/23/2026

Perhaps the most poignant Phi Kappa Tau Memorial Day story is that of Robert J. Meder, a 1936 initiate of Alpha Chapter. Meder volunteered as one of the famed "Doolittle Raiders" who helped turn the tide of the World War II's Pacific theater. After the raid, Meder's plane crash landed and he was captured by the Japanese and brutalized in a POW camp where he died.

Robert J. Meder was born on 23 August 1917 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Martin and Rose Meder.  Robert had two sisters. Lucille and Doris Meder. He graduated from Lakewood High School where he was a cheerleader and in 1935, he entered Miami University where he was an active member of Phi Kappa Ta...

05/21/2026

Elliott Avent (NC State 1975) has announced his retirement after an outstanding 30-year tenure as head baseball coach at his alma mater.

After three decades as the head coach of NC State Baseball, Elliott Avent announced he will retire after the 2026 season.

One of the greats 👏

05/20/2026

Noted artist Joseph T. Dick (Akron 1951) creator of the University of Akron's mascot Zippy has entered Chapter Eternal. He was a loyal member of Alpha Phi Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau - University of Akron. Click the link in comments below to see more about Joe's artistic career.

05/14/2026

Dave Ricks (Purdue 1986), president, chairman and CEO of pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company was one of several dignitaries celebrating the company's 150th anniversary recently. A full article is linked in comments below.

05/04/2026

Remembering the tragic loss of Jeff Miller at Kent State 56 years ago today.

Jeffrey Glenn Miller March 28, 1950 – May 4, 1970 “You should, first of all, know more about Jeff and the kind of kid he was – which had a direct bearing on the kind of young adult he turned out to be.” — Elaine Holstein, Jeff Miller’s mother “Jeff and I grew up in the Bronx, NY.Whe...

04/29/2026

Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso (Rho-RPI) greets King Charles and Queen Camilla today.

It was a pleasure to welcome King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the Capitol today 🇺🇸🇬🇧

04/13/2026

Former Ohio State quarterback Bob Atha (Ohio State 1981) had been called "the most versatile player in Ohio State football history" He died March 31 at the age of 65, following a long battle with cancer.

Celebrate the life of Bob Atha, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Schoedinger Worthington.

03/28/2026

Astronaut and Phi Kappa Tau Hall of Famer Leroy Chiao (UC Berkeley) has a new book coming out soon.

The inspiring journey of Leroy Chiao, one of the first Asian American astronauts in history, elucidating his remarkable path into space as well as his experiences on Earth and beyondImagine if you could sit down and enjoy a meal with an astronaut. What questions would...