We consider no man from the standpoint of those qualities and advantages he has not attained by personal effort. We stand for men whose manhood has withstood the test of trying conditions. We deem sterling character and staunch uprightness to be necessary qualifications to membership in this fraternity.

- Declaration of Principles, 1907-1908 -

On May 30, 2020, Tau Kappa Epsilon released a statement about the murder of George Floyd, discussing the role TKE and its men can play in the improvement and healing of our communities.

Since then, the Grand Council and the Professional Staff of Tau Kappa Epsilon have been listening.

We have been appreciative of the vital feedback of our membership asking us to do more.

The Grand Council and Professional Staff have held dozens of conversations with our members about how we take the next step, and we support the call for us to use our vast network to be better listeners, to be better educated and to model the way for change in society as leaders.

It's time to author the next chapter of TKE history.

We maintain that exclusiveness is the direct antithesis of a true fraternity.

- Declaration of Principles, 1907-1908 -

Since our Declaration of Principles, written in 1907-1908, Tau Kappa Epsilon has maintained the idea that exclusiveness is the direct antithesis of a true fraternity. Our Founders believed in an entity that would value all equally, leave a mark on the world, and instill dedication to its members for life.

#BlackLivesMatter.

Tau Kappa Epsilon wholeheartedly condemns racism in all forms as it has no place in our Fraternity nor in the world today.
 
#LoveIsLove.

Tau Kappa Epsilon is proud to support our members in the LGBTQ+ community as inequality has no place in our Fraternity nor in the world today.

On June 12, 2020, the Grand Council of Tau Kappa Epsilon announced its first four steps to advance our diversity, further our inclusion and champion the spirit that we take pride in as members of Tau Kappa Epsilon.

Strategic Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Conference Education
Officer Education
New Member Education

It will take the entire TKE Family to elevate what our organization can be, expand our impact and to advance our mission. It is incumbent upon all of us to celebrate our heritage by authoring our next chapter in a fashion that further honors our bond and our principles.

Strategic Committee on
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Grand Council approved a 5-year strategic plan in March 2020. This plan was nimble in its creation to allow for sustained monitoring and adjustment to reach our potential. TKE is announcing the formation of a Strategic Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This committee will be charged to establish proposals to augment the strategic plan and present them to the Grand Council for consideration and adoption. Additionally, this committee will be tasked to seek out further educational opportunities and potential strategic partnerships for the Offices of the Grand Chapter and our membership with outside organizations.

In the formation of this critical committee, Venerable Grand Prytanis James Hickey, Ph.D. has named Grand Grammateus Ryan Vescio to serve as Chairman of the Strategic Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and its three subcommittees.

Frater Hickey is proud to appoint more than 60 men to represent our diverse membership.

View the Committee

Conference Education

TKE Educational Conferences such as the Regional Leadership Conferences will host candid, genuine, and authentic conversations on diversity and inclusion.

Officer Education

TKE will be forming Diversity and Inclusion training that will be required to be completed by every officer within Tau Kappa Epsilon. These leaders form our future and their modeling towards an even greater TKE is critical.

New Member Education

TKE will be forming Diversity and Inclusion training that will be included as part of our new member education. Our new members have the ability to shape the future of Tau Kappa Epsilon.

TKE Pride Scholarship

Established in 2020 through the TKE Foundation, the TKE Pride Scholarship was established to support the experiences of gay, bisexual and transgender TKE members and to complement the inclusiveness and commitment within our brotherhood to create a safe and supportive fraternal experience for all Fraters. To learn more about this scholarship, please visit TKE.org/PrideScholarship.

To Believe in the life based upon integrity, justice, sincerity, patience, moderation, culture, and challenge in order to serve as a responsible, mature member of society.

- Creed of Tau Kappa Epsilon -

Our Dedication to Inclusivity

Tau Kappa Epsilon International Fraternity has never changed our membership selection policy since founding in 1899. We do not discriminate against individuals based on their race, religion, creed, orientation, and/or personal beliefs. We believe that the fraternity experience develops men toward personal growth, professional development and contribution to society. We encourage any man interested in committing to excellence to consider joining our TKE family. We reaffirm our devotion to use our ideals and principles to positively impact our campuses and communities.

Strategic Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

 

The purpose of the TKE DEI Committee is to review and discuss both current efforts to recognize the presence of differences which may exist within our organization based upon race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, language, age, religious commitment, or political perspective. The Committee is tasked to develop methods to identify and support the entire membership of Tau Kappa Epsilon more fully. This includes the decision making processes and development opportunities within Tau Kappa Epsilon. The DEI Committee will make recommendations to the Grand Council as to how to further the diversity, equity and inclusion our organization was founded upon.

 
Mark C. Romig A.P.R.

Mark C. Romig A.P.R.
Theta-Mu '78
University of New Orleans

Kevin W. Bradley

Kevin W. Bradley
Lambda-Pi '80
Northeastern Illinois University

Kevin Bradley (Lambda-Pi, Northeastern Illinois) is the Senior Advisor, Global Inclusion & Diversity for Zebra Technologies. He has over 30 years in human resources as a recruiter, business partner, EEO/AA compliance leader and D&I leader, where he has developed D&I strategies and employee resource groups from the ground up. In addition, he has facilitated workshops/clinics, the management of training solutions and Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs compliance review oversight. He is also a former board member of the National Association of Asian American Professionals and former advisor to the Asian Pacific Islander Scholars organization.
Dennis L. Fish

Dennis L. Fish
Xi '99
Washington University

Frater Dennis Fish (Xi, Washington) is the Associate Director for Program Operations at the U.S. Department of Labor, Civil Rights Center. Before joining the Civil Rights Center in 2014, Dennis was Senior Technical Advisor in the department’s Employee Benefits Security Administration, Office of Education and Assistance. Dennis received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Washington University in St. Louis in 1999 and his Juris Doctor from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2002. He resides with his family in Arlington, Virginia.

Dominick Gillette

Dominick Gillette
Delta-Zeta '20
Southeast Missouri State University

Dominick Gillette (Delta-Zeta, Southeast Missouri State) has recently attained his bachelor's degree and is currently pursuing a master's and a Ph. D. During his time with TKE, Frater Gillette has held the roles of Prytanis and Pylortes with the Delta-Zeta chapter. He is a graduate of the Charles R. Walgreen Jr. TKE Leadership Academy XXXIII in 2019, attended Conclave 2019 and participated in the 2020 Fraternity For Life virtual ceremony in 2020.
Ajay K. Patel

Ajay K. Patel
Gamma-Theta '21
University of Florida

Frater Ajay Patel (Gamma-Theta, Florida) studies philosophy and psychology, focusing on pre-clinical and counseling at the University of Florida. He has served as the Epiprytanis for the Gamma-Theta chapter and recently attended the Elmer & Donna Smith RLC in 2020.
Eric S. Ratinoff

Eric S. Ratinoff
Xi '93
Washington University

Eric Ratinoff (Xi, Washington) is co-founder and principal of The Mouse and the Elephant, a diversity, equity and inclusion training and consulting firm. He served as Executive Editor for the Ferguson Commission report and co-authored “A Seat at the Table,” an award-winning diversity and inclusion column for the New Hampshire Business Review. Frater Eric is also the founder and Chief Storyteller for the strategic storytelling firm Story First. A recent project, “In St. Louis: Five Years Later,” examines racial equity work in St. Louis since Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson. Eric chairs the Board of Advisors for Xi Chapter at Washington University in St. Louis.
Jacob L. Rhymes

Jacob L. Rhymes
Beta-Zeta '21
Louisiana Tech University

Frater Jacob Rhymes (Beta-Zeta, Louisiana Tech) is a political science major at Louisiana Tech University and plans to pursue a law degree. He serves as a student recruiter, is a member of the Pre-Law Society and is also a Student-Athlete Tutor at Louisiana Tech. In addition, Frater Rhymes serves as the Social Co-Chair and Judiciary Board Freshman Representative for the Beta-Zeta Chapter.
Edwin D. Robinson

Edwin D. Robinson
Theta-Nu '16
Southeastern Louisiana University

Edwin Robinson (Theta-Nu, Southeastern Louisiana) currently serves TKE as Grand Province Advisor of the Apollo Province and is working toward his elementary education degree at Western Governors University. Frater Robinson works at a non-profit in Bradenton, FL, as a Veterans Services Program Manager, helping homeless veterans obtain and maintain stable, permanent housing. He volunteers with his church, Big Brothers, and other veteran service organizations. Throughout his time with TKE, he has attended numerous programs and events, including Province Forums, Regional Leadership Conferences, Leadership Academy and the Alumni Volunteer Academy.
Randy M. Sabbagh

Randy M. Sabbagh
Nu-Pi '82
University of Delaware

Frater Randy Sabbagh (Nu-Pi, Delaware) is the Principal Technology Risk Manager focusing on cyber-resilience for a leading financial firm. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in diversity and inclusion programs. Such programs include co-founding his firm's LBGTQ+ and Hispanic employee resource groups and mentoring intern and first and second-year staff on their career paths to leverage and celebrate what they bring to the table—letting their voices be heard. Frater Sabbagh currently serves as Province Advisor for Fiesta Province.
Tyler M. Salley

Tyler M. Salley
Mu-Upsilon '14
Illinois State University

Frater Tyler Salley (Mu-Upsilon, Illinois State) is an Industrial Psychologist and organizational development professional and is committed to helping people live their best life at work—so they can do the same at home. With time spent in both public and private sectors, Frater Salley has experience in employee and leadership development, people analytics, diversity, equity and inclusion programming and management consultation. During his time at the Mu-Upsilon chapter, Salley served the Fraternity as Rush Chair and Prytanis. He holds a master's in applied behavioral sciences, a bachelor's in psychology and is a certified Change Management Practitioner (CMP).
Joe L. Shepherd, Jr.

Joe L. Shepherd, Jr.
Upsilon-Delta '20
Saginaw Valley State University

Joe Shepherd Jr. (Upsilon-Delta, Saginaw Valley State) is a 4th-year political science major with a minor in psychology at Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan. During his collegiate time with TKE, he has attended the Great Lakes Province Forum in 2018, the Donald R. Tapia Regional Leadership Conference in 2019 and Conclave 2019 in Orlando.
Dr. Christopher M. Torres

Dr. Christopher M. Torres
Zeta-Kappa '10
Portland State University

Dr. Christopher Torres (Zeta-Kappa, Portland State) is a faculty member at the State University of New York at Potsdam. His research agenda encompasses social justice issues pertaining to physical and sedentary behaviors regarding issues of inequality, the built environment, and other social determinants of health. Dr. Torres is a Fellow of the Bell National Resource Center on the African American Male, has served on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and as Interim Director for the SUNY Potsdam Center for Diversity. Currently, Dr. Torres is the NCAA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Liaison for SUNY Potsdam athletics.
Col (Ret) George Torres Jr.

Col (Ret) George Torres Jr.
Epsilon-Eta '81
Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Retired Colonel George Torres Jr. (Epsilon-Eta, Southwestern Oklahoma State) served thirty years in the United States Air Force, reaching the rank of colonel. During his time in the Air Force, he held several key positions of command and leadership in the Nuclear Weapons (ICBM/Bombers/Joint) Operations and Maintenance and Munitions disciplines at Wing and HHQ command levels. He earned his ROTC Commission at the University of Oklahoma in 1981. Frater Torres lives in Fort Worth, Texas, and serves as the Grand Province Advisor for the Lonestar United Province.

Damon Veras

Damon Veras
Gamma-Theta '23
University of Florida

Frater Damon Veras (Gamma-Theta, Florida) is a sophomore at the University of Florida, majoring in political science. Frater Veras’ professional background is in campaign consulting. He developed his skillset in campaign finance and digital organization through his finance and operations internships with local county commission and school board races in his hometown of Miami, Florida. He is involved in his chapter as the Histor, Social Chair and Social Development Chair. He is involved in student government, the Inter-Residence Hall Association and Hispanic Heritage Month at the University of Florida. He’s a proud son of immigrants and a first-generation college student.
Micheal D. Weaver

Micheal D. Weaver
Epsilon-Upsilon '21
Northwestern State University

Frater Micheal D. Weaver (Epsilon-Upsilon, Northwestern State) is the current Prytanis of the Epsilon-Upsilon chapter at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. He is currently serving his second term in office. Since joining the Epsilon-Upsilon chapter, Frater Weaver has held the offices of Crysophylos, Hypophetes and Hegemon. In addition to officer roles, he has led his chapter by serving as the recruitment chair. Frater Weaver also attended the 2018 Louisiana Fall Province Forum, the 2019 Elmer & Donna Smith Regional Leadership Conference and Conclave 2019 in Orlando.
Dr. Steve R. Yacovelli

Dr. Steve R. Yacovelli
Rho-Psi '93
Millersville University

Dr. Steve Yacovelli (Rho-Psi, Millersville) is the owner and principal of TopDog Learning Group, LLC, a leadership, change management and diversity and inclusion consulting firm based in Orlando with affiliates around the globe. Frater Yacovelli holds a bachelor's in speech communications from Millersville University, a master's in educational policy and leadership from The Ohio State University and a doctorate of education in instructional technology and distance education from Nova Southeastern University. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, “Doc Yock” has spent much of his personal and professional time fostering a consciously inclusive world.

DEI Subcommittee on History, Traditions and Education

 

This subcommittee will be focused on reviewing and highlighting TKE's history and traditions of inclusion, and how we can showcase our legacy. Further, this subcommittee will make recommendations on how we can integrate our history and traditions into DEI education for the members of TKE.

 
Ayo H. Adebisi

Ayo H. Adebisi
Omicron-Nu '19
Florida Institute of Technology
Dr. Nathaniel Chapman

Dr. Nathaniel Chapman
Sigma-Alpha '09
Florida International University
Tom M. Cruz

Tom M. Cruz
Upsilon-Xi '11
Oakland University
Kabir S. Dhillon

Kabir S. Dhillon
Upsilon-Psi '22
California State University-East Bay
Dr. Chris A. Dieni

Dr. Chris A. Dieni
Tau-Omega '08
Carleton University
Andrew F. Foley

Andrew F. Foley
Xi-Omega '20
Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Gregory T. Halloran

Gregory T. Halloran
Sigma-Gamma '13
State University of New York at Plattsburgh
Dr. Levi J. Harrel

Dr. Levi J. Harrel
Epsilon-Sigma '10
University of Central Oklahoma
Kobina A. Intsiful

Kobina A. Intsiful
Zeta-Zeta '16
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Steve A. Jones

Steve A. Jones
Delta '72
Knox College
Rick P. Lowrey

Rick P. Lowrey
Mu-Omega '84
George Mason University
Dante L. McClain

Dante L. McClain
Tau-Zeta '21
Western Connecticut State University
Calvin J. Rizzo

Calvin J. Rizzo
Beta-Epsilon '20
Trine University
Mecael L. Yuan

Mecael L. Yuan
Epsilon-Xi '01
Shepherd University

DEI Subcommittee on Social Engagement

 

This subcommittee will be focused on discussing and recommending whether TKE should become involved in the engagement of social issues. This engagement could be focused internally amongst our members, or externally on issues within society. This group will discuss which societal issues exist that the Fraternity could positively impact, how best to do so, and make recommendations to the DEI committee on action to take.

 
Oscar R. Barillas

Oscar R. Barillas
Delta-Epsilon '22
Cleveland State University
COL-RET Humberto J. Buitrago

COL-RET Humberto J. Buitrago
Mu-Omega '81
George Mason University
Jose A. Caisabanda, II

Jose A. Caisabanda, II
Kappa-Eta '22
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Tim D. Clegg II

Tim D. Clegg II
Beta-Omega '01
Missouri State University
Rabbi Joseph M. Domosh

Rabbi Joseph M. Domosh
Theta-Zeta '86
Rutgers University, Newark
Puneet Dusari

Puneet Dusari
Alpha-Eta '23
Rutgers University
Michael A. Gill-Branion

Michael A. Gill-Branion
Mu-Upsilon '06
Illinois State University
Zack D. Heller

Zack D. Heller
Lambda '21
University of Wisconsin-Madison
John R. Kerry

John R. Kerry
Mu-Zeta '10
Nicholls State University
Victor J. Rodriguez

Victor J. Rodriguez
Sigma-Alpha '15
Florida International University
Christopher J. Sherry

Christopher J. Sherry
Theta-Pi Colony '95
California State University, Chico
Raymond P. Simeon

Raymond P. Simeon
TKE Colony 794 - Barry '11
Barry University
Michael D. Steele

Michael D. Steele
Rho-Alpha '02
Winthrop University
David W. Towne Esq.

David W. Towne Esq.
Omega '97
Albion College
Chandler S. Waelder

Chandler S. Waelder
Zeta-Pi '21
Culver-Stockton College
Jeffery Winchester

Jeffery Winchester
Theta-Iota '23
Northern Michigan University

DEI Subcommittee on Recruitment and Retention

 

This subcommittee will be focused on how we can enhance our recruiting efforts to attract additional members of every background, a pillar within our Fraternity. This includes recruiting collegiate men, along with identifying and recruiting alumni from diverse backgrounds as volunteers. This group will discuss and make recommendations on how we further improve retention and engagement of members of all backgrounds.

 
Rashawn L. Armston

Rashawn L. Armston
Pi-Omicron '
Northern Kentucky University
Abdul K. Bangura

Abdul K. Bangura
Mu-Zeta '23
Nicholls State University
Danny K. Barrow

Danny K. Barrow
Alpha-Pi '09
George Washington University
Jeff M. Dingess II

Jeff M. Dingess II
Upsilon-Delta '16
Saginaw Valley State University
Mazen A. Hammoud

Mazen A. Hammoud
Delta-Omicron Colony '18
Central Michigan University
Abel Kassa

Abel Kassa
Epsilon-Alpha '18
Saint Louis University
David A. Mendoza III

David A. Mendoza III
Pi-Eta '84
Texas A & M University
Joseph D. Moss

Joseph D. Moss
Iota-Upsilon '98
University of West Alabama
Benny C. Rieth

Benny C. Rieth
Sigma-Xi '17
St. Norbert College
Dylan Santalo

Dylan Santalo
Gamma-Theta '19
University of Florida
G. Scott S. Spence

G. Scott S. Spence
Beta-Beta '87
North Carolina State University
William C. Takewell

William C. Takewell
Iota-Theta '12
Centenary College of Louisiana
Omar Williams

Omar Williams
Xi-Iota '14
University of Central Florida
Kobe B. Wilson

Kobe B. Wilson
Delta-Epsilon '23
Cleveland State University
Zach R. Woodbeck

Zach R. Woodbeck
Epsilon '20
Iowa State University

Founded on January 10, 1899, Tau Kappa Epsilon is one of the largest collegiate men’s social fraternities in North America with over 294,000 initiated members and 227 active chapters and colonies. TKE’s mission is to aid men in their mental, moral and social development for life. With nearly 12,000 collegiate members, Tau Kappa Epsilon contributes to the advancement of society through the personal growth of our members, and service to others. TKE builds Better Men for a Better World.

With a vision of forward-thinking, growth for Tau Kappa Epsilon, the Grand Council of TKE has released our 2020-2025 Strategic Plan.

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