Roger Crouch

Roger Crouch, Gamma Beta (Old Dominion), was initiated into Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity on January 19, 1997. Crouch’s youngest son, Kenyon, joined the Gamma Beta Chapter at Old Dominion University, which sparked his father’s interest in fraternity.

Less than three months after his initiation, on April 4, 1997, Crouch served as the payload specialist on the Space Shuttle Columbia. As the shuttle blasted off, he made history as the first Pi Kappa Phi member to travel aboard a spacecraft. In his role on board, Crouch was responsible for conducting experiments in the Microgravity Science Laboratory. In his cargo for the trip, he packed a Pi Kappa Phi flag, which is now on display in the National Headquarters.

Highlights

• First Pi Kappa Phi brother to travel aboard a spacecraft (1997)
• Payload Specialist – STS-83 and STS-94 (1997)
• Senior Scientist – International Space Station (2000-04)
• NASA Exceptional Performance Award (1989)
• NASA Special Achievement Award (1983)
• Distinguished Alumni Achievement – Virginia Tech (1998)
• Distinguished Alumnus – Tennessee Technological University (1997)