The ring belonged to Adams’ grandfather – Jack Roberts – who graduated from Auburn in 1938 (although, at that time the school was named Alabama Poly-Technical Institute). After his death in the early 50s, Roberts’ ring was packed away with the rest of his keepsakes. But it was upon Adams’ initation into Pi Kappa Phi that the ring breathed life again.
“I came to see my grandma and told her I had joined this fraternity,” remembers Adams. “when I told her the name Pi Kappa Phi, she said, ‘Well, you might want to have your grandfathers’ fraternity ring.”
The ring that was handed to Adams’ was only slightly worn. Its gold band was decorated in the spirit of the school mascot (the Eagle) and the graduating class. A red stone occupied the top of the band, reflecting the school color.
What attracted Adams’ the most however, was the tiny crest on the stone, bearing the fraternity lamp, the recognizable crossed swords and the learned words of the fraternity.