Remembering a Dynamic Leader

The Fraternity and Foundation are saddened to report the death of David A. Ruckman, Ohio State ‘62, a Distinguished Trustee and former chairman of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation Board of Trustees, following his courageous 20-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Dave is remembered for his selfless philanthropy and for his dynamic leadership at the start of Phi Kappa Tau’s second century. 

Initiated into Gamma Chapter in April 1962, Dave was later elected chapter president and continued his support of his chapter and fraternity for more than six decades, retiring from his final term on the Foundation board in April. He was a Trustee of the Foundation for most of last two decades and served as chairman from 2007 until 2014. His philanthropy benefited the national organization and his local chapter. His gifts of time and treasure were recognized with Phi Kappa Tau’s highest honor, the Palm Award in 2014. 

Dave had a distinguished career at Merrill Lynch and mentored countless young members of that firm. As District Director, he supervised over 1000 Merrill Lynch professionals. 

His leadership and philanthropy benefitted his home city of Cleveland where he served on the board of directors of the renowned Cleveland Orchestra and was a major supporter of the Salvation Army. 

He leaves behind his loving wife of 60 years, Marilyn, two daughters, Samantha and Nicole, and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Danielle in 2016. 

While we mourn Dave’s entry into Chapter Eternal, we also celebrate the life of a Phi Tau who leaves behind a legacy of remarkable philanthropy and leadership. We are brothers now and ever… 

A complete obituary may be found here.

Introducing The Brother's Keeper Archive

By Hayden Schimborski, Middle Tennessee State '17

The Phi Kappa Tau Executive Offices realize that the success of a fraternity is an all-around team effort. We want to give you, our undergraduate leaders, the chance to spotlight a selected member for their longstanding chapter accomplishments. 

BKA Pin

Upon approval into a chapter's B.K.A, short for “The Brother’s Keeper Archive” nominated members will be gifted with an exclusive PKT badge (as pictured), displaying their honorable place in our fraternity as well as the chance to be forever cemented in your chapter's history. Members of your B.K.A. will be recognized in the Phi Tau internal records for your chapter, and your brother's story will be part of a legacy within their chapter.  

Qualifications to apply: 

• A member cannot submit themselves. 

• Submitted members MUST be active in the chapter for at least 3 academic semesters. (Note: 

Initiated, Associate, or Alumni status do not carry any weight in decision making. It is preferred that nominations remain from 2021 and beyond) 

• Submitted members MUST be in good standing with their chapter of origin. 

• Submitted members must have participated in an honorable endeavor, something tangible and able to verify.  

• Submitted members must give their permission before application approval is complete and all applicants must be approved by the B.K.A. committee.  

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As members are approved in their respective chapter’s B.K.A., our office will spotlight their accomplishments here. The first ever nominee for this initiative was Zeta Lambda member, Nate Talley, Middle Tennessee State '21. Serving as Treasurer and Philanthropy Chair, Nate embodied the ideals of Phi Kappa Tau long before being introduced to the cardinal principles themselves. As treasurer, Nate helped steer Zeta Lambda's finances in a time of chapter uncertainty over the last three years. Nate has been a glimmering example of what every fraternity man should aspire to be. Not only is he treated with respect and admiration in the MTSU Greek community. The man makes homemade gifts such as stoles upon brothers graduating, it does not get more Phi Tau than that.  

His commitment to brotherhood and the greater fraternal experience are what truly make him worthy of recognition. Nate's accomplishments go far beyond those in his role, he has been one of the most loyal, kind, and honorable examples of what a fraternity man should be. Guys like Nate are the reason that this initiative was created, and I could not imagine anyone more fitting to be the first inductee to the B.K.A. 

This initiative's goal is to recognize longstanding officers for their outstanding achievements in their time spent as an undergraduate of Phi Kappa Tau. We hope this allows your chapter to take the first steps at giving our organization's backbone national recognition.  

Application to Apply for B.K.A.-> https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6QL92TZ 

For any further questions, please contact Hayden Schimborski (hschimborski@phikappatau.org (615)200-3851) 

Serious Initiatives

By Lilly Steger

This article was originally featured in the 2020-2021 Annual Report issue of the Laurel. To read the full issue click here. To opt in to receiving The Laurel click here.

Mike Rosser, Colorado State ’61 - National SeriousFun Advisor

 At the 64th National Convention last July, Phi Kappa Tau formally established a new volunteer role; the National SeriousFun Advisor. Championed by National President Dale Holland, Kent State ’87, the SeriousFun Advisor role is meant to establish an ongoing national volunteer position to push and develop SeriousFun initiatives within the Fraternity.  

The first person to hold the new National SeriousFun Advisor position is Mike Rosser, Colorado State ’61. “My goal is to build a campaign that will energize undergraduate members and alumni to volunteer at the camps as well as financially support Newman’s legacy,” Mike said. 

One of Mike’s primary goals is to develop the relationship between undergraduates and SeriousFun by getting them more involved. “For undergraduate purposes, it’s a great opportunity to work with a good organization and get medical exposure,” Mike said. “My wife – she’s a doctor – she’s looked at so many intern applications over the years. Working at SeriousFun always catches her eye.”  

Campers on a high ropes course.

The myriad of opportunities SeriousFun offers to undergraduates is a serious consideration in why undergraduates should consider applying to volunteer. “You learn exposure on the ground of the challenges people have,” Mike explained. “It’s so beneficial for so many careers – pre-med, any biological science, psychology, psychiatry, you name it.” 

But SeriousFun is much more than a career opportunity. For Mike, it’s something he would have directly benefited from as a boy. “I was born with a congenital club foot,” he shared. “The camps I went to in the late 40s and early 50s were not accommodating to someone with a handicap. I had a good experience, but I personally know and understand the benefits of a program like SeriousFun.”  

Mike took a trip to his nearest camp earlier this year – Roundup River Ranch in Gypsum, CO. “Roundup River Ranch really blew me away the first time I went,” Mike shared. “It’s a remarkable program and the people that work there are great. They’re helpful, engaged, and enthusiastic. It’s a remarkable program to be involved with.”  

A rock painted by a camper.

The long-term benefit is how SeriousFun pushes challenges kids and builds their confidence. “Every time you fail and go after it again is a lesson. Pretty soon, you know how to conquer that challenge,” Mike said. “Those things build on themselves.”  

“I am overwhelmed by the depth and the breadth of the organization and what they do for children with various illnesses and physical handicaps,” Mike said of SeriousFun.  

Mike wants to highlight a lifelong commitment not just to Phi Tau, but to SeriousFun as well. “It’s our commitment as part of our national philanthropy,” he said. “These camps need people, even if it’s washing dishes. It’s a great opportunity to get out and help. We can help both our young men and the children at SeriousFun.”  

Visit phikappatau.org/philanthropy or seriousfun.org for more information.  

Allyn Shaw Joins Phi Kappa Tau National Council

Phi Kappa Tau is excited to welcome Allyn Shaw, Michigan State ‘85, as the newest member of the National Council.

Allyn has a wealth of experience with the Fraternity. He has held roles as National Education Advisor (2015-Present), Education Dean (2010-2015), and Domain Director (1988-2010). He has also served as a Foundation Awards Committee member, Foundation strategic planning committee member, and a nominations committee member. In 2008, Allyn was recognized as an Outstanding Domain Director.

Allyn is the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Services at Michigan State University where he has worked since 2015 and previously from 1999-2004. He’s also held positions at the University of Tennessee Knoxville and the University of Richmond. Allyn holds a Ph.D., two master’s degrees, and his bachelor’s from Michigan State. His intense research is an asset to the school; he has published over 15 peer-reviewed papers since 2005. Allyn has been recognized with a series of awards for distinguished and innovative faculty members.

“To give back to the brotherhood and the fraternity is exciting as I have learned so much from the opportunities afforded me by being a Brother. Moving forward, I hope to contribute to the growth and success of the Fraternity,” Allyn said. Allyn’s education and experience in higher education will make him a valuable asset to the team. We are excited to have him on board.

Go Far!

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Mississippi State Assists Local Animal Shelter

Alpha Chi chapter at Mississippi State University has been giving back to their community by volunteering with their local animal shelter. “I reached out to see if they needed any help and they responded with an astounding YES,” said Community Service Chair Corey Krumrey, Mississippi State ’20.

“We were able to help maintain and service the area and take care of the animals. We gave them walks, fresh food, and water, and had lots of fun with them,” he said. “We do it because we’re able to. I feel like a lot of people forget about the small things they can do positively to impact the community and volunteering at the animal shelter is one of them. The staff was very friendly and it’s a good time whenever we go.”

Go Far!

What’s your chapter doing to help your community? Let us know here.

Transylvania Alumnus Named to College Personnel Hall of Fame

Michael Covert, Transylvania ’88, has been nominated as an inductee into the College Personnel Association of Kentucky Hall of Fame.

Covert is the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Transylvania University. He will receive his recognition in Louisville this coming February.

Congratulations, Michael!

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Georgia Alumnus Recognized as Top Medical Researcher

Ryan Devine, Georgia ’14, has been recognized as one of the top young medical researchers in the country, according to the University of Georgia.

Devine’s work involves improving the safety and effectiveness of blood-contracting medical devices.

“Despite decades of research, blood clotting remains the most common cause of failure in blood-contracting medical devices such as hemodialysis machines,” said Devine in the feature. “By reverse-engineering the blood vessels within our body, our lab has shown significant improvement in the blood compatibility of the polymeric materials commonly used in these types of devices.”

Devine has made huge contributions in research during his time at UGA including nine published studies, four of which he is first-author. Devine has also published three patents based on his research – one of which has been awarded a provisional patent.

Devine’s dedication to his work was recognized by Baxter International’s Young Investigator Awards program. Devine is a recipient of the first-tier award – one of six in the country.

“I’m honored to be recognized for my work by Baxter, which is a world leader in blood-contacting medical device research,” Devine said. “In additional, I would like to thank the faculty, staff, and fellow students in the College of Engineering and College of Veterinary Medicine for all of the support and training during my undergraduate and graduate studies.”

Ryan will finish the requirements for his Ph.D. this spring.  

Want to share a story with us? Submit news here.

A Memorial for James Royal

Over the summer the Zeta Xi chapter lost their brother, James Royal, South Carolina ’18, to suicide.

James’ death devastated his friends, family, and community. Local sports reporter Mike Uva created a shirt to honor James’ legacy, with all the proceeds going towards his memorial fund.

“The memorial fund is aimed towards those who are struggling with mental health,” shared his chapter brother Joey Murphy, South Carolina ’20. “The fund is aimed towards those who are struggling with mental health and helping to provide resources to those impacted by it.”

James’ parents are currently in the process of setting up the fund. You can view or purchase a shirt here.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, reach out for help immediately. There are resources you can use at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).

Aidan Strong in Delaware

Alpha Gamma chapter in their Aidan Strong shirts.

August 7th, Aidan Bradley, Delaware ’20, was hit by a train on campus.

Aidan is a senior and the son of alumnus Christopher Bradley, Delaware ’94. Over the summer, Aidan was walking home by the train tracks and was struck by a train passing through campus.

As a result, Aidan lost his right arm and right leg. After multiple surgeries, he is recovering, though there is a long road ahead. Details of the accident are unclear, as much of Aidan’s memory of the night was lost to injury trauma.

The Alpha Gamma chapter has been working closely with other groups on campus to provide Aidan with financial support during his recovery. The chapter reports that Aidan is handling the injury well and thriving in physical therapy. The family coined the phrase “Aidan Strong” due to his “incredibly” positive attitude.

We wish Aidan all the best in his recovery, and our thoughts are with the chapter and his family through this difficult time.

If you are able, the family is collecting donations here.

Brothers Connect in Vietnam

Photo from the local paper

Brothers meet in the most unlikely places. Chapter Brothers Wayne Edminston, Cal State Chico ’65, and Lanny French, Cal State Chico ’66, connected during the summer of 1969 while they were both deployed in Vietnam. For over 40 years the brothers didn’t speak again, until 2020 when they had the opportunity to catch up.

Submitted by Wayne Edminston, Cal State Chico ’65:

After listening to our Fraternity’s President, Dale Holland, I think back to my time in Vietnam supper of ’69. That was when a fellow chapter brother spent a day with me at Ton Sa Nhut Air Force Base, near Saigon.

Lanny French, Cal State Chico ’66, had been in the country for over a year when he came to see me. We reminisced about the chapter house and how strange it was to be here like – nothing like home – but how wonderful it was to see a familiar face.

He shared several of his stories about Army training and how he was very good at it in the jungles. I shared what my life was like as crew chief for the RF-101s (reconnaissance). Both of us were doing our part serving our country. He remained in Vietnam for over two years while I was there for 11 months and seven days.

We lost touch for 40 years – until 2020 when we had a chat on the phone.

So, Brothers, you never know where one might connect with another Phi Tau – no matter where it is.

Thank you,

Wayne Edminston, Cal State Chico ’65

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