Tau Kappa Epsilon
Encyclopedia
Tau Kappa Epsilon is a college
fraternity
founded on January 10, 1899 at Illinois Wesleyan University
with chapters in the United States, and Canada, and affiliation with a German fraternity system known as the Corps of the Weinheimer Senioren Convent (WSC). There are currently 278http://www.tke.org/about/more active TKE chapters and colonies throughout the United States and Canada. The colors of the fraternity are the shade of cherry known as crimson lake, and the shade of gray known as pure silver. Of the national fraternities founded prior to 1920, TKE is one of the few fraternities that never had a discrimination clause in its membership requirements to prevent membership of men because of their race, color, or creed. TKE was also one of the first fraternities to abolish "Hell week" when in 1928 it was replaced with an initiation period consisting of lessons portraying the finest attributes of brotherhood.
On January 10, 1899,Charles Roy Atkinson, Clarence Arthur Mayer, James Carson McNutt, Joseph Lorenzo Settles, and Owen Ison Truitt met at 504 East Locust Street in Bloomington, Illinois
and drew up the first constitution for a new fraternity at Illinois Wesleyan University
. The purpose of the new organization was to be an "aid to college men in mental, moral and social development." The founders sought to be a different organization than the other fraternities at the time by establishing a fraternity where membership would be based on personal worth and character rather than wealth, rank, or honor. Mental development would be emphasized by the study of classic literature at weekly meetings, and thus the new fraternity became known as the Knights of Classic Lore. The first public announcement of the Knights of Classic Lore appeared in the February 1, 1899 issue of the Argus, which is the student publication of Illinois Wesleyan University.
During the time of the formation of the Knights of Classic Lore were trying hard to get the Illinois Epsilon chapter of Phi Delta Theta
restored. Prominent PhiDelt alumnus Richard Henry Little became a persistent sponsor for the Knights to petition Phi Delta Theta for charter. The Knights first petitioned Phi Delta Theta at its 1902 convention in New York, but efforts were unsuccessful. After renting rooms at several locations beginning in the spring of 1899, the Knights of Classic Lore finally acquired its first fraternity house, known as The Wilder Mansion, in September 1902. Simultaneously with the acquisition of the new house, the Knights also adopted the name Tau Kappa Epsilon. The change in name was expected to create a better impression in future petitions to Phi Delta Theta. The second petition was presented at the Indianapolis convention of 1904, but it was withdrawn in an effort to gain unanimous support of all chapters in Phi Delta Theta's Zeta Province, which included Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. If this support was achieved, then charter would be granted to the group without any action from the convention. The Knights of Classic Lore gained the support of all Phi Delta Theta groups in the province, except for Wisconsin Alpha
, Illinois Beta
, and Missouri Alpha
. The Knights in turn unsuccessfully presented the petition at the 1906 convention in Washington, D.C.. During the continuing struggle for acceptance from Phi Delta Theta, TKE continued to grow stronger in its own existence.
In late 1907, TKE was preparing to petition Phi Delta Theta once again at the 1908 convention, when an event took place that would forever change the course of history for the fraternity. At the annual initiation banquet on October 19, 1907, speeches were made that both advocated and questioned the continued petitioning of Phi Delta Theta. At the banquet, Wallace G. McCauley delivered a blistering speech known as "Opportunity Out of Defeat." The powerful address called for an abandonment of the petitioning initiative and a new campaign to make TKE into a national fraternity itself. While there was some opposition at the time, the movement ultimately took hold, and by 1908, TKE was well on its way to becoming a national fraternity in its own right. The speech was published in the first issue of The Teke, in January 1908, and by November of that year, work was beginning on a new constitution. At the chapter meeting held on Monday, February 15, 1909, the new constitution became official. The first Conclave of the Grand Chapter of the new national fraternity of Tau Kappa Epsilon convened on February 17, 1909.
. There were no national fraternities at Millikin at this time, and TKE had just established its intentions to become a national fraternity. Representatives from TKE presented their case, and after thorough consideration, Chi Rho Sigma voted to accept TKE's offer. On April 17, 1909, Chi Rho Sigma was installed as the Beta Chapter of TKE. In November 1911, the Beta Rho Delta Fraternity was founded at the University of Illinois. BPΔ petitioned Tau Kappa Epsilon in January 1912, and they were installed as the Gamma Chapter of TKE on February 3, 1912. Following the installation of Gamma Chapter, The TEKE magazine noted that the triangle was completed. The geographic location of TKE's first three chapters form an almost perfect equilateral triangle. The equilateral triangle was at that time, and continues to be, the primary symbol of Tau Kappa Epsilon.
The National Fraternity Sigma Mu Sigma
merged with TKE in March 1935. The merger resulted in the new Alpha-Pi Chapter of TKE at George Washington University
and additional members for the Gamma Chapter at the University of Illinois and the Alpha-Zeta Chapter at Purdue University
.
Prior to 1939, TKE chapters were installed after local fraternities petitioned TKE for approval. In 1939 a colonization process was established to promote expansion and to ensure that potential chapters met all necessary requirements prior to installation. The first two TKE colonies were the Eta Colony at the University of Kansas
and the Chi Beta Colony at the University of Missouri
.
was sworn in as the 40th President of the United States
. Reagan joined TKE at the Iota Chapter at Eureka College
in 1929. Through his time as President of the United States, Reagan continued to remain actively involved in Tau Kappa Epsilon.
In 1983, President Reagan created the Ronald Reagan Leadership Award to recognize selected student members of TKE that have demonstrated superior academic and leadership accomplishments.
In March 1984 President Reagan sponsored a TKE alumni luncheon at the White House
. Approximately 60 members of TKE were invited to the White House luncheon. At the luncheon, Reagan was awarded TKE's Order of the Golden Eagle as well as the Gold Medal of the North-American Interfraternity Conference
(NIC) recognizing his lifelong efforts to support and promote college fraternities. Reagan was the first Teke and first U.S. President to receive the Gold Medal of the NIC.
In October 1984 President Reagan attended lunch at the TKE house at Ohio State University
. The Ohio State Chapter hosted President Reagan for lunch following a rally in which he was speaking at Ohio State.
In June 1988 President Reagan hosted a special TKE ceremony in the Oval Office
of the White House in which he presented the Ronald Reagan Leadership Award/Scholarship to TKE member Alan Friel. During the ceremony at the White House, President Reagan was also presented with TKE's Order of the Silver Maple Leaf by TKE Grand Prytanis Bruce Melchert.
, one of the most important of Olympian divinities. Apollo is the Greek god of music and culture, of light and the ideals toward which all Tekes constantly strive. Typifying the finest development of manhood, the selection of Apollo is most appropriate.
, and other symbols are derived. Red carnations are also worn at TKE banquets. The Red Carnation Ball is a dance that many chapters celebrate, and is named after the flower. Tau Kappa Epsilon chose this flower because it is the longest surviving after being cut from its stem.
form, upon which has a bend with five equilateral triangles, surmounting a scroll bearing five Greek letters, and surmounted by a skull, or death's head, three-quarters profile. This assemblage is done in the official colors, crimson lake cherry and pure silver gray, properly mantled." It may be used only by official members of the Fraternity on stationery, jewelry, and other personal effects. It is used by the Fraternity upon its official stationery, membership certificates, and other documents. Modified slightly several times during the early years of Tau Kappa Epsilon, the present Coat-of-Arms, adopted in 1926, was designed by Dr. Carlton B. Pierce and Ms. Emily Butterfield.
In mid-1995, the original horseshoe was discovered by Past Grand Prytanis Rodney Williams among some artifacts belonging to Alpha-Chi Chapter, which had been held for years by a charter member of the chapter. At the 49th Biennial Conclave, the original TKE horseshoe from Omicron Chapter was displayed, and the story behind its loss explained.
The horse shoe, now an adopted symbol, is traditionally displayed on a plaque given to new chapters at their founding.
In 2007 TKE began piloting a new member development program known as The Blueprint. The new program was finalized and officially rolled out in 2009. The Blueprint is a flexible, self-paced, personal development experience that can be tailored to a chapter’s particular circumstances within a structure consistent with the purpose and mission of the Fraternity. The Blueprint focuses on personal development throughout a student member's entire college career in TKE rather than just the traditional pledge period. It includes four milestones that are to be achieved during the program: (1) Initiation after six weeks of formal candidate education, (2) Order of the Founders after 1-3 additional semesters, (3) Knights of Classic Lore after 2-3 additional semesters, and finally (4) Fraternity for Life, at the time of graduation. The Blueprint allow members to select their own curriculum as they work toward goals personally, professionally, on campus, and in the community in addition to the traditional new member education regarding the history and traditions of TKE. While The Blueprint is optional but encouraged for existing chapters, it is required for all new chapters of TKE. The Blueprint differs from other similar program's such as Sigma Phi Epsilon
's Balanced Man Program, because The Blueprint does still require the traditional period of formal education before a new candidate is initiated and given full rights of membership.
Membership in Tau Kappa Epsilon involves both service-oriented
activities as well as social bonding
for its members. TKE adopted St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
as its philanthropy of emphasis in 2008, as it did for the Alzheimer's Association
in 2001. The Fraternity maintains a partnership with St. Jude, which was founded by Teke alumnus Danny Thomas
, as well as with the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute, in honor of fraternity member Ronald Reagan. For the Alzheimer's Association, TKE initially committed to raising $240,000 for the research institute, but the fraternity has already surpassed the original goal by contributing more than $286,484 While individual TKE chapters raise money for the philanthropy through various activities and events, most chapters host an annual Run For Reagan each spring. Run For Reagan is a 5-mile relay race that is hosted by chapters on many campuses across North America. Some chapters have also modified the event in unique ways, such the Phi Chapter at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which raised money by completing a 136-mile relay between Lincoln, Nebraska
and Manhattan, Kansas
prior to the Huskers/Wildcats football game. Also of note, the brothers of the Beta-Mu chapter at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania ran over 180 miles to Washington, D.C. and raised over $39,000 in 2009. Additionally the brothers of Rho-Mu at Binghamton University
participate in an annual "Keg Roll" each spring, in which they roll a keg 88 miles, from Syracuse to Binghamton. Plans are underway to unveil a new package of philanthropic activities to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at the Fraternity's biennial convention (Conclave) on August 8, 2009. In addition to St. Jude and the Alzheimer's Association, TKE chapters host philanthropic events to benefits many other charitable organizations, including Angelwish, which was created by fraternity member Shimmy Mehta in 1999 as an organization that grants wishes to the millions of children that are living with HIV/AIDS around the world.
Tau Kappa Epsilon is also affiliated with the German fraternity system known as the Corps of the Weinheimer Senioren-Convent
(WSC). The WSC serves as an umbrella organization for 60 student Corps at 22 cities all over Germany. As with TKE, most its members are students or alumni of technical, applied or natural sciences.
A local social/service sorority, Lambda Sigma Tau, was founded from the TEKEs. The group was originally founded as the Little Sisters of Tau Kappa Epsilon, but in the Fall of 1976 the group officially became Lambda Sigma Tau. The group was originally founded at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and St. Catherine University, also in St. Paul. The sorority funcions as a local social/service sorority and on February 14, 2011, they serve only St. Catherine University.
College
A college is an educational institution or a constituent part of an educational institution. Usage varies in English-speaking nations...
fraternity
Fraternities and sororities
Fraternities and sororities are fraternal social organizations for undergraduate students. In Latin, the term refers mainly to such organizations at colleges and universities in the United States, although it is also applied to analogous European groups also known as corporations...
founded on January 10, 1899 at Illinois Wesleyan University
Illinois Wesleyan University
Illinois Wesleyan University is an independent undergraduate university located in Bloomington, Illinois. Founded in 1850, the central portion of the present campus was acquired in 1854 with the first building erected in 1856...
with chapters in the United States, and Canada, and affiliation with a German fraternity system known as the Corps of the Weinheimer Senioren Convent (WSC). There are currently 278http://www.tke.org/about/more active TKE chapters and colonies throughout the United States and Canada. The colors of the fraternity are the shade of cherry known as crimson lake, and the shade of gray known as pure silver. Of the national fraternities founded prior to 1920, TKE is one of the few fraternities that never had a discrimination clause in its membership requirements to prevent membership of men because of their race, color, or creed. TKE was also one of the first fraternities to abolish "Hell week" when in 1928 it was replaced with an initiation period consisting of lessons portraying the finest attributes of brotherhood.
History
Bloomington, Illinois
Bloomington is a city in McLean County, Illinois, United States and the county seat. It is adjacent to Normal, Illinois, and is the more populous of the two principal municipalities of the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area...
and drew up the first constitution for a new fraternity at Illinois Wesleyan University
Illinois Wesleyan University
Illinois Wesleyan University is an independent undergraduate university located in Bloomington, Illinois. Founded in 1850, the central portion of the present campus was acquired in 1854 with the first building erected in 1856...
. The purpose of the new organization was to be an "aid to college men in mental, moral and social development." The founders sought to be a different organization than the other fraternities at the time by establishing a fraternity where membership would be based on personal worth and character rather than wealth, rank, or honor. Mental development would be emphasized by the study of classic literature at weekly meetings, and thus the new fraternity became known as the Knights of Classic Lore. The first public announcement of the Knights of Classic Lore appeared in the February 1, 1899 issue of the Argus, which is the student publication of Illinois Wesleyan University.
During the time of the formation of the Knights of Classic Lore were trying hard to get the Illinois Epsilon chapter of Phi Delta Theta
Phi Delta Theta
Phi Delta Theta , also known as Phi Delt, is an international fraternity founded at Miami University in 1848 and headquartered in Oxford, Ohio. Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and Sigma Chi form the Miami Triad. The fraternity has about 169 active chapters and colonies in over 43 U.S...
restored. Prominent PhiDelt alumnus Richard Henry Little became a persistent sponsor for the Knights to petition Phi Delta Theta for charter. The Knights first petitioned Phi Delta Theta at its 1902 convention in New York, but efforts were unsuccessful. After renting rooms at several locations beginning in the spring of 1899, the Knights of Classic Lore finally acquired its first fraternity house, known as The Wilder Mansion, in September 1902. Simultaneously with the acquisition of the new house, the Knights also adopted the name Tau Kappa Epsilon. The change in name was expected to create a better impression in future petitions to Phi Delta Theta. The second petition was presented at the Indianapolis convention of 1904, but it was withdrawn in an effort to gain unanimous support of all chapters in Phi Delta Theta's Zeta Province, which included Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. If this support was achieved, then charter would be granted to the group without any action from the convention. The Knights of Classic Lore gained the support of all Phi Delta Theta groups in the province, except for Wisconsin Alpha
University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1848, UW–Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It became a land-grant institution in 1866...
, Illinois Beta
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is a private research university in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It was founded by the American Baptist Education Society with a donation from oil magnate and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller and incorporated in 1890...
, and Missouri Alpha
University of Missouri
The University of Missouri System is a state university system providing centralized administration for four universities, a health care system, an extension program, five research and technology parks, and a publishing press. More than 64,000 students are currently enrolled at its four campuses...
. The Knights in turn unsuccessfully presented the petition at the 1906 convention in Washington, D.C.. During the continuing struggle for acceptance from Phi Delta Theta, TKE continued to grow stronger in its own existence.
In late 1907, TKE was preparing to petition Phi Delta Theta once again at the 1908 convention, when an event took place that would forever change the course of history for the fraternity. At the annual initiation banquet on October 19, 1907, speeches were made that both advocated and questioned the continued petitioning of Phi Delta Theta. At the banquet, Wallace G. McCauley delivered a blistering speech known as "Opportunity Out of Defeat." The powerful address called for an abandonment of the petitioning initiative and a new campaign to make TKE into a national fraternity itself. While there was some opposition at the time, the movement ultimately took hold, and by 1908, TKE was well on its way to becoming a national fraternity in its own right. The speech was published in the first issue of The Teke, in January 1908, and by November of that year, work was beginning on a new constitution. At the chapter meeting held on Monday, February 15, 1909, the new constitution became official. The first Conclave of the Grand Chapter of the new national fraternity of Tau Kappa Epsilon convened on February 17, 1909.
Expansion
In 1909, TKE approached the Chi Rho Sigma Fraternity at Millikin UniversityMillikin University
Millikin University is an American co-educational, comprehensive, private, four-year university with traditional undergraduate programs in arts and sciences, business, fine arts, and professional studies, as well as non-traditional, adult degree-completion programs and graduate programs in...
. There were no national fraternities at Millikin at this time, and TKE had just established its intentions to become a national fraternity. Representatives from TKE presented their case, and after thorough consideration, Chi Rho Sigma voted to accept TKE's offer. On April 17, 1909, Chi Rho Sigma was installed as the Beta Chapter of TKE. In November 1911, the Beta Rho Delta Fraternity was founded at the University of Illinois. BPΔ petitioned Tau Kappa Epsilon in January 1912, and they were installed as the Gamma Chapter of TKE on February 3, 1912. Following the installation of Gamma Chapter, The TEKE magazine noted that the triangle was completed. The geographic location of TKE's first three chapters form an almost perfect equilateral triangle. The equilateral triangle was at that time, and continues to be, the primary symbol of Tau Kappa Epsilon.
The National Fraternity Sigma Mu Sigma
Sigma Mu Sigma
Sigma Mu Sigma is a college fraternity founded in 1921 at Tri-State University. Sigma Mu Sigma was historically an all male social fraternity open originally to Master Masons, and later open to all undergraduate male students. As a national fraternity, Sigma Mu Sigma dissolved in 1935 when it was...
merged with TKE in March 1935. The merger resulted in the new Alpha-Pi Chapter of TKE at George Washington University
George Washington University
The George Washington University is a private, coeducational comprehensive university located in Washington, D.C. in the United States...
and additional members for the Gamma Chapter at the University of Illinois and the Alpha-Zeta Chapter at Purdue University
Purdue University
Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S., is the flagship university of the six-campus Purdue University system. Purdue was founded on May 6, 1869, as a land-grant university when the Indiana General Assembly, taking advantage of the Morrill Act, accepted a donation of land and...
.
Prior to 1939, TKE chapters were installed after local fraternities petitioned TKE for approval. In 1939 a colonization process was established to promote expansion and to ensure that potential chapters met all necessary requirements prior to installation. The first two TKE colonies were the Eta Colony at the University of Kansas
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is a public research university and the largest university in the state of Kansas. KU campuses are located in Lawrence, Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City, Kansas with the main campus being located in Lawrence on Mount Oread, the highest point in Lawrence. The...
and the Chi Beta Colony at the University of Missouri
University of Missouri
The University of Missouri System is a state university system providing centralized administration for four universities, a health care system, an extension program, five research and technology parks, and a publishing press. More than 64,000 students are currently enrolled at its four campuses...
.
Presidential Recognition
On January 20, 1981 Tau Kappa Epsilon member Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor....
was sworn in as the 40th President of the United States
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
. Reagan joined TKE at the Iota Chapter at Eureka College
Eureka College
Eureka College is a liberal arts college in Eureka, Illinois related by covenant to the Christian Church and founded in 1855. It has a strong focus on the mutual development of intellect and character. Stated core values are learning, service and leadership...
in 1929. Through his time as President of the United States, Reagan continued to remain actively involved in Tau Kappa Epsilon.
In 1983, President Reagan created the Ronald Reagan Leadership Award to recognize selected student members of TKE that have demonstrated superior academic and leadership accomplishments.
In March 1984 President Reagan sponsored a TKE alumni luncheon at the White House
White House
The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the president of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., the house was designed by Irish-born James Hoban, and built between 1792 and 1800 of white-painted Aquia sandstone in the Neoclassical...
. Approximately 60 members of TKE were invited to the White House luncheon. At the luncheon, Reagan was awarded TKE's Order of the Golden Eagle as well as the Gold Medal of the North-American Interfraternity Conference
North-American Interfraternity Conference
The North-American Interfraternity Conference , is an association of collegiate men's fraternities that was formally organized in 1910, although it began on November 27, 1909. The power of the organization rests in a House of Delegates where each member fraternity is represented by a single delegate...
(NIC) recognizing his lifelong efforts to support and promote college fraternities. Reagan was the first Teke and first U.S. President to receive the Gold Medal of the NIC.
In October 1984 President Reagan attended lunch at the TKE house at Ohio State University
Ohio State University
The Ohio State University, commonly referred to as Ohio State, is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. It was originally founded in 1870 as a land-grant university and is currently the third largest university campus in the United States...
. The Ohio State Chapter hosted President Reagan for lunch following a rally in which he was speaking at Ohio State.
In June 1988 President Reagan hosted a special TKE ceremony in the Oval Office
Oval Office
The Oval Office, located in the West Wing of the White House, is the official office of the President of the United States.The room features three large south-facing windows behind the president's desk, and a fireplace at the north end...
of the White House in which he presented the Ronald Reagan Leadership Award/Scholarship to TKE member Alan Friel. During the ceremony at the White House, President Reagan was also presented with TKE's Order of the Silver Maple Leaf by TKE Grand Prytanis Bruce Melchert.
Apollo
The mythological ideal or patron of Tau Kappa Epsilon is ApolloApollo
Apollo is one of the most important and complex of the Olympian deities in Greek and Roman mythology...
, one of the most important of Olympian divinities. Apollo is the Greek god of music and culture, of light and the ideals toward which all Tekes constantly strive. Typifying the finest development of manhood, the selection of Apollo is most appropriate.
Badge
The official membership badge, made of gold and adorned with three white pearls, is by far the most important item of TKE insignia in general use. This badge may be worn only by initiated members. Jeweled badges, crown set with pearls, diamonds, rubies or emeralds, according to choice, may be worn by alumni members. Frequently the standard membership badge is used as a token of engagement. Miniature badges are also available for mothers, sisters, wives, chapter sweethearts or for engagement purposes. The TKE 'badge of gold', unique in its design and distinctiveness, has never been changed since its adoption.Red carnation
The red carnation is the flower of the fraternity. From this flower the color for the coat-of-arms, flagFlag
A flag is a piece of fabric with a distinctive design that is usually rectangular and used as a symbol, as a signaling device, or decoration. The term flag is also used to refer to the graphic design employed by a flag, or to its depiction in another medium.The first flags were used to assist...
, and other symbols are derived. Red carnations are also worn at TKE banquets. The Red Carnation Ball is a dance that many chapters celebrate, and is named after the flower. Tau Kappa Epsilon chose this flower because it is the longest surviving after being cut from its stem.
Coat-of-arms
The heraldic definition of the TKE Coat-of-Arms is "A shield of a NormanNormans
The Normans were the people who gave their name to Normandy, a region in northern France. They were descended from Norse Viking conquerors of the territory and the native population of Frankish and Gallo-Roman stock...
form, upon which has a bend with five equilateral triangles, surmounting a scroll bearing five Greek letters, and surmounted by a skull, or death's head, three-quarters profile. This assemblage is done in the official colors, crimson lake cherry and pure silver gray, properly mantled." It may be used only by official members of the Fraternity on stationery, jewelry, and other personal effects. It is used by the Fraternity upon its official stationery, membership certificates, and other documents. Modified slightly several times during the early years of Tau Kappa Epsilon, the present Coat-of-Arms, adopted in 1926, was designed by Dr. Carlton B. Pierce and Ms. Emily Butterfield.
Flag
The present design of the TKE flag, as adopted at the 1961 Conclave, features five voided triangles, in cherry red, on a gray bend surmounting a red field. Because it is patterned after the shield of the fraternity Coat-of-Arms, the flag is readily associated with Tau Kappa Epsilon. Individual chapters may also purchase and use pennants and wall banners of various designs. These usually employ the name or Greek letters of the fraternity and chapter, and may incorporate the basic TKE insignia. TKE insignia may be purchased only from the Offices of the Grand Chapter or a merchant licensed by the fraternity headquarters.Founders' Day
On or near January 10 of each year, alumni associations of Tau Kappa Epsilon celebrate the founding of our Fraternity and honor the five Founders. This day is known as Founders' Day, is usually celebrated by a traditional banquet. At this celebration, contributions are collected for the Founders' Student Loan Fund, and the Grand Prytanis sends a subtle message to each chapter to be read as part of the program.The Horse Shoe
In April 1921, members of the Fraternity at The Ohio State University made their way to the Conclave in Madison, Wisconsin. At the conclusion of the vote granting their charter as Omicron Chapter, one of the members pulled from his pants pocket a rusty horseshoe which the fraters had picked up along the way. Believing that the horseshoe had granted the chapter good luck, the tradition began to pass the horseshoe down to each chapter. The original horseshoe was lost during World War II at the Alpha-Chi Chapter, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky (it was replaced with a new horseshoe to continue the tradition).In mid-1995, the original horseshoe was discovered by Past Grand Prytanis Rodney Williams among some artifacts belonging to Alpha-Chi Chapter, which had been held for years by a charter member of the chapter. At the 49th Biennial Conclave, the original TKE horseshoe from Omicron Chapter was displayed, and the story behind its loss explained.
The horse shoe, now an adopted symbol, is traditionally displayed on a plaque given to new chapters at their founding.
Membership Development
By the end of the 1980s, hazing, misbehavior, and alcohol abuse was beginning to take a serious toll on most national fraternities. The increasingly litigious environment resulted in very high risk management and legal costs as a result of the Animal House like atmosphere of many chapters over the past decade. In 1989, the Grand Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon voted to eliminate traditional pledging. Although many chapters and alumni members were strongly opposed to elimination of the pledge program, TKE had to take action to curb hazing and costs associated with it, and a new membership development program was implemented that included an immediate initiation requirement. TKE required the initiation of new members within 14 days of bid acceptance, and required all chapters to maintain comprehensive liability insurance. Under the new membership requirements, TKE membership declined sharply, and the loss of revenue created a burden to the fraternity. Despite the growing loss of initiates under the new program and strong objection, TKE mandated in 1991 that all chapters adopt the new program with its immediate initiation requirement. Membership continued to decline, and TKE was forced to suspend publication of THE TEKE and eliminate headquarters staff positions. In 1993, Rear Admiral John R. Fisher was elected to the Grand Prytanis position, and the fraternity CEO announced his retirement. Under new leadership, TKE finances were stabilized and the membership development program was modified in 1995 to allow for a pledge period, known as a candidate education period, of six weeks. Membership levels soon began to stabilize, and by 2002 membership was growing again for the first time in more than a decade.In 2007 TKE began piloting a new member development program known as The Blueprint. The new program was finalized and officially rolled out in 2009. The Blueprint is a flexible, self-paced, personal development experience that can be tailored to a chapter’s particular circumstances within a structure consistent with the purpose and mission of the Fraternity. The Blueprint focuses on personal development throughout a student member's entire college career in TKE rather than just the traditional pledge period. It includes four milestones that are to be achieved during the program: (1) Initiation after six weeks of formal candidate education, (2) Order of the Founders after 1-3 additional semesters, (3) Knights of Classic Lore after 2-3 additional semesters, and finally (4) Fraternity for Life, at the time of graduation. The Blueprint allow members to select their own curriculum as they work toward goals personally, professionally, on campus, and in the community in addition to the traditional new member education regarding the history and traditions of TKE. While The Blueprint is optional but encouraged for existing chapters, it is required for all new chapters of TKE. The Blueprint differs from other similar program's such as Sigma Phi Epsilon
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Sigma Phi Epsilon , commonly nicknamed SigEp or SPE, is a social college fraternity for male college students in the United States. It was founded on November 1, 1901, at Richmond College , and its national headquarters remains in Richmond, Virginia. It was founded on three principles: Virtue,...
's Balanced Man Program, because The Blueprint does still require the traditional period of formal education before a new candidate is initiated and given full rights of membership.
Grand Council officers and members
- Grand Prytanis (president) – Edmund C. MoyEdmund C. MoyEdmund C. Moy is an American businessman and former government official. From 2006 to 2011 he served as the 38th Director of the United States Mint.-Early life and education:...
- Grand Epiprytanis (vice-president) – Robert L. Barr
- Grand Grammateus (secretary) – Fritz Jacobi
- Grand Crysophylos (treasurer) – Rodney G. Talbot
- Grand Histor (historian) – Christopher T. Hanson
- Grand Hypophetes (chaplain) – Dr. James Hickey
- Grand Pylortes (sergeant at arms) – Shawn A. Babine
- Grand Hegemon (educator) - Robert Jefferis
- At-Large Member - Brian Montgomery
- At-Large Member - Gregory L. GeoffroyGregory L. GeoffroyGregory L. Geoffroy is the 14th and current president of Iowa State University. He has been in office since July 1, 2001.Geoffroy received his BA from the University of Louisville in 1968. He received his PhD in chemistry from California Institute of Technology in 1974...
- CAC Student Representative - Sean Finn
Philanthropy
Community service
Community service is donated service or activity that is performed by someone or a group of people for the benefit of the public or its institutions....
activities as well as social bonding
Male bonding
Male bonding is a term that is used in ethology, social science, and in general usage to describe patterns of friendship and/or cooperation in men...
for its members. TKE adopted St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, founded in 1962, is a leading pediatric treatment and research facility focused on children's catastrophic diseases. It is located in Memphis, Tennessee. It is a nonprofit medical corporation chartered as a 501 tax-exempt organization under IRS regulations.In...
as its philanthropy of emphasis in 2008, as it did for the Alzheimer's Association
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association, incorporated on April 10, 1980 as the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc., is a non-profit American voluntary health organization which focuses on care, support and research for Alzheimer's disease....
in 2001. The Fraternity maintains a partnership with St. Jude, which was founded by Teke alumnus Danny Thomas
Danny Thomas
Danny Thomas was an American nightclub comedian and television and film actor, best known for starring in the television sitcom Make Room for Daddy . He was also the founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital...
, as well as with the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute, in honor of fraternity member Ronald Reagan. For the Alzheimer's Association, TKE initially committed to raising $240,000 for the research institute, but the fraternity has already surpassed the original goal by contributing more than $286,484 While individual TKE chapters raise money for the philanthropy through various activities and events, most chapters host an annual Run For Reagan each spring. Run For Reagan is a 5-mile relay race that is hosted by chapters on many campuses across North America. Some chapters have also modified the event in unique ways, such the Phi Chapter at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which raised money by completing a 136-mile relay between Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska
The City of Lincoln is the capital and the second-most populous city of the US state of Nebraska. Lincoln is also the county seat of Lancaster County and the home of the University of Nebraska. Lincoln's 2010 Census population was 258,379....
and Manhattan, Kansas
Manhattan, Kansas
Manhattan is a city located in the northeastern part of the state of Kansas in the United States, at the junction of the Kansas River and Big Blue River. It is the county seat of Riley County and the city extends into Pottawatomie County. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 52,281...
prior to the Huskers/Wildcats football game. Also of note, the brothers of the Beta-Mu chapter at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania ran over 180 miles to Washington, D.C. and raised over $39,000 in 2009. Additionally the brothers of Rho-Mu at Binghamton University
Binghamton University
Binghamton University, also formally called State University of New York at Binghamton, , is a public research university in the State of New York. The University is one of the four university centers in the State University of New York system...
participate in an annual "Keg Roll" each spring, in which they roll a keg 88 miles, from Syracuse to Binghamton. Plans are underway to unveil a new package of philanthropic activities to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at the Fraternity's biennial convention (Conclave) on August 8, 2009. In addition to St. Jude and the Alzheimer's Association, TKE chapters host philanthropic events to benefits many other charitable organizations, including Angelwish, which was created by fraternity member Shimmy Mehta in 1999 as an organization that grants wishes to the millions of children that are living with HIV/AIDS around the world.
Chapters and colonies
To find a TKE chapter, use the TKE LocatorTau Kappa Epsilon is also affiliated with the German fraternity system known as the Corps of the Weinheimer Senioren-Convent
Weinheimer Senioren-Convent
The Weinheimer Senioren-Convent is the second oldest association of German Studentenverbindungen. It comprises roughly 60 German Corps, all of which are based upon the principle of tolerance....
(WSC). The WSC serves as an umbrella organization for 60 student Corps at 22 cities all over Germany. As with TKE, most its members are students or alumni of technical, applied or natural sciences.
A local social/service sorority, Lambda Sigma Tau, was founded from the TEKEs. The group was originally founded as the Little Sisters of Tau Kappa Epsilon, but in the Fall of 1976 the group officially became Lambda Sigma Tau. The group was originally founded at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and St. Catherine University, also in St. Paul. The sorority funcions as a local social/service sorority and on February 14, 2011, they serve only St. Catherine University.
THE TEKE
THE TEKE is the award winning official quarterly publication for undergraduate and alumni brothers of Tau Kappa Epsilon. The magazine features in depth articles related to topics of interest for TKE members, including chapter news, alumni news, service and foundation annual reports, and articles relating to leadership, professional development, chapter operations, and of general interest to the fraternal world. October 19, 1907, Wallace G. McCauley delivered his Opportunity out of Defeat speech at annual initiation banquet of the fraternity. Not only did this speech mark the decision to become a national fraternity, it also marked the beginning of the official magazine of TKE. In the speech, McCauley stated, "Then let us issue a magazine, quarterly as first, name it The Teke, make it attractive and artistic in form." THE TEKE magazine first appeared in January 1908. The first edition was a 20 page booklet of 7 by 10 inches bound with a gray cover and the title THE TEKE within a red triangle. Illustrations and photos were first used in Volume II, No. 2 of THE TEKE. The magazine expanded to the 8.5 by 11.5 inch size in 1935. THE TEKE was suspended in the 1990s amid financial difficulties for the fraternity, but it was re-established in 1999.The Teke Guide
The pledge manual of Tau Kappa Epsilon is known as The Teke Guide. Development on the manual began in 1927, and The Teke Guide was first published in 1935. The book was developed to acquaint pledges of TKE with the history, government, organization, idealism, functions, aspirations, and traditions of Tau Kappa Epsilon. The Teke Guide was the first fraternity pledge manual to use a two color printing process. The original book was designed, compiled, and edited by Grand Histor Leland F. Leland. Through the 1950s, The Teke Guide was a spiral bound book of nearly 150 pages. The book was rich with illustrations, including photos of all TKE chapter houses. In 1966 a new hard cover version of The Teke Guide debuted; however the new version contained significantly reduced content and very few photos. By the 1980s, the The Teke Guide had been reduced to a soft cover magazine-like format. The hard cover format returned again by the 1990s, and over the next few years an effort was made to restore the in-depth historical content and photographs that had been stripped from previous versions in order to make the book more of a permanent TKE reference manual for the life of each member. In 2007 the first edition to be printed in full color was issued.Popular culture
- During a sketch in Episode 17 of Saturday Night LiveSaturday Night LiveSaturday Night Live is a live American late-night television sketch comedy and variety show developed by Lorne Michaels and Dick Ebersol. The show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title of NBC's Saturday Night.The show's sketches often parody contemporary American culture...
Season 22, Will FerrellWill FerrellJohn William "Will" Ferrell is an American comedian, impressionist, actor, and writer. Ferrell first established himself in the late 1990s as a cast member on the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, and has subsequently starred in the comedy films Old School, Elf, Anchorman, Talladega...
plays a fraternity member who is appearing as a game show contestant. He wears TKE letters and at one point shouts "TKE Rules", to which the host, played by Rob LoweRob LoweRobert Hepler "Rob" Lowe is an American actor. Lowe came to prominence after appearing in films such as The Outsiders, Oxford Blues, About Last Night..., St. Elmo's Fire, and Wayne's World. On television, Lowe is known for his role as Sam Seaborn on The West Wing and his role as Senator Robert...
replies "Yes they do." - In 2003, Will FerrellWill FerrellJohn William "Will" Ferrell is an American comedian, impressionist, actor, and writer. Ferrell first established himself in the late 1990s as a cast member on the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, and has subsequently starred in the comedy films Old School, Elf, Anchorman, Talladega...
filmed a MTV Cribs style promotional video at the Rutgers UniversityRutgers UniversityRutgers, The State University of New Jersey , is the largest institution for higher education in New Jersey, United States. It was originally chartered as Queen's College in 1766. It is the eighth-oldest college in the United States and one of the nine Colonial colleges founded before the American...
TKE house for his film Old SchoolOld School (film)Old School is a 2003 American comedy film released by DreamWorks SKG and directed by Todd Phillips, director of the documentary Frat House. The story was written by Court Crandall, and the film was written by Phillips and Scot Armstrong...
. In the 21 minute episode, Ferrell explains that he moved into the TKE house following the filming of his movie, and he proceeds to give a tour of the Alpha-Eta house with fellow member Dan Linkletter. - In January 2008, a dispute arose between fraternity member Roy Jones, Jr and Félix TrinidadFélix TrinidadFélix 'Tito' Trinidad, Jr. is a Puerto Rican professional boxer, considered one of the best in Puerto Rico's history. After winning five National Amateur Championships in Puerto Rico, he debuted as a professional when he was 17. He won his first world championship when he defeated Maurice Blocker...
concerning custom boxing gloves that Jones had planned to use at the "Clash of the Titans" match at Madison Square GardenMadison Square GardenMadison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
. Roy Jones desired to use a custom pair of Grant gloves in TKE colors to match his trunks with the fraternity's logo and colors. Jones eventually agreed to switch back to the standard Everlast gloves, and he remarked "I wanted to wear the gloves to represent my fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE), the largest fraternity in the world...I tried to do good for TKE, but Tito's father was obstinate, and Tito wouldn't even talk to me", Jones said. "I have to wear Everlast gloves, so Tito will get an everlasting lick upside his head." - In October 2009, the TKE crest on a house next door can be seen as the cheerleader in an episode of NBC's Heroes enters a sorority house.