• |
  •  tkeogc@tke.org
  • |
  •  (317) 872-6533
  • |
  •  MyTKE.org Login
  • |
  •  Officers/Volunteers Chapter Module Login
  • |
  •  Shop TKE
  • |
  • Careers
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity
  • Home
  • About
      • About Tau Kappa Epsilon

      •   About Us & Quick Facts
      •   2020-2025 Strategic Plan
      •  Find a Chapter
      •  Find an Alumni Association
      •  Founders Housing Fund
      •   TKE Professional Staff
      •  TKE Grand Council
      •  The TEKE Magazine
      •  Contact Us
      • Join the Fraternity for Life

      •  Become a Teke
      •  Member Benefits
      •  Expansion
      •  Distinguished Alumni
      •  Teke Authors
      • Our 126 Year History

      •  Our Founders
      •  National Founders
      •  Expansion Leaders
      •  Past Grand Prytani
      •  Past Grand Officers
      •  Declaration of Principles
      •  Opportunity Out of Defeat
      •  Creed
      •  Desired Aims & Outcomes
      •  

      •  Symbols & Traditions
      •  Fraternity's History
      •  Organization Timeline
      •  Individual Award Winners
      •  Chapter Award Winners
  • Programs
    • Overview
    • Province Forums
    • Regional Leadership Conferences
    • Leadership Academy
    • Conclave
    • Life Loyal Teke
    • Alumni Volunteer Academy
    • The Blueprint
  • NEWS
    • From the Newsroom
    • Featured Stories
    • Events
  • Foundation
    • Foundation Home
    • Give Now
    • Apply for Scholarships
    • Giving Priorities
      • Area of Greatest Need
      • Scholarships
      • Leadership Funds
      • Special Projects
      • Leadership Academy
      • BM4BW Courtyard
    • Ways To Give
      • Payment Methods
      • Matching Gifts
      • Stocks and Securities
      • Tribute Giving
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
    • Planned Giving
      • Start Your Free Will
      • Stocks & Securities
      • IRA Gifts
    • Donor Recognition
    • Your Stories
    • Foundation Board of Directors
  • Resources
      • Chapter Resources

      •  EDU.TKE.org
      •  Fee Structure & Finances
      •  Year at a Glance
      •  Branding & Standards
      •  Awards
      •  St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
      •  Chapter Rankings
      •  Recruitment Rankings
      •  Risk Management Guidelines
      •  Order Recruitment Supplies
      •  Resource Guides

      •  View All Chapter Resources
      • Emerging Chapter Resources

      • Becoming an Emerging Chapter
      • How to Charter
      •  Risk Management Guidelines
      •  Resource Guides
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  

      •  View All Emerging Chapter Resources
      • Officer Resources

      •  EDU.TKE.org
      •  Prytanis
      •  Epiprytanis
      •  Grammateus
      •  Crysophylos
      •  Histor
      •  Hypophetes
      •  Pylortes
      •  Hegemon
      •  Recruitment Chairman
      •  Philanthropy Chairman
      • Volunteer Resources

      •  EDU.TKE.org
      •  Become a Volunteer
      •  Chapter Advisor
      •  Board of Advisors
      •  Province Advisor
      •  Grand Province Advisor
      •  Faculty/Campus Advisor
      •  Alumni Associations
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  

      •  View All Volunteer Resources
  • Give Now

The History of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity

  • About
  • History
  • Owen Ison Truitt Born

    November 20, 1868

    Owen Ison Truitt was born at Spring Bay, Woodford County, Illinois, a tiny village a few miles north of Peoria, on the east side of the Illinois River, on November 20, 1868. He was therefore thirty years old at the time of the founding. His secondary education was also gained at the Wesleyan Academy. As he and Settles graduated in the same class on June 19, 1902, they must have become well acquainted both in the Academy and as fellow freshman in college. Both were in training for, and after graduation entered, the ministry of the Methodist Church, and both held student pastorates. Frater Truitt subsequently served four pastorates all in the Central Illinois Conference. On July 13, 1929, both he and his wife were killed in an automobile accident. He was the first of the Founders of "the Miracle Fraternity" to pass into the Chapter Eternal.

  • Joseph Lorenzo Settles Born

    November 02, 1871

    Joseph Lorenzo Settles was born November 2, 1871, in the little town of Lexington, seventeen miles northeast of Bloomington, Illinois. He entered Illinois Wesleyan Academy in the fall of 1896, and was known as "Dad" Settles; he was nearly 25 years old at the time. He completed the Academy coursework and enrolled in college, graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1902. After graduation, he served as a minister for the Methodist Episcopal Church for over 18 years. He then served as Assistant Treasurer of the Methodist Centenary Fund and later moved to Los Angeles as the Executive Secretary for the Los Angeles Rotary Club. Founder Settles remained in Los Angeles until his death on February 15, 1943.

  • Charles Roy Atkinson Born

    October 17, 1877

    C. Roy Atkinson, who was always called by his middle name, was born in Bloomington, October 17, 1877, and lived there all his life. He entered Illinois Wesleyan in 1896, and graduated in 1900. He was therefore a junior at the time of the founding and scholastically two years ahead of his fellow Founders. He was a quiet young man but a fine singer, music being the great passion of his whole life. He had a leading place in many church choirs of Bloomington, and at the time of his death, was director of music in the Sunday school of the First Christian Church. He was official organist for the Order of the Eastern Star and he played for various functions of the Masonic Lodge. He was also chairman of the music committee of the Kiwanis Club, of which he was a Past President and Charter Member. Frater Atkinson died in an automobile accident on September 14, 1930. A peculiarity of his funeral was the absence of vocal music since none of the many persons with whom he had sung could trust themselves not to break down during the service.

  • James Carson McNutt Born

    June 13, 1878

    James Carson McNutt was born on June 13, 1878, in Herrick, Illinois. McNutt was the first person whom Frater Settles approached with his plan for a new fraternal organization. After graduating in 1901, Frater McNutt taught school in Southern Illinois for a while before entering Washington University School of Medicine. He received the medical degree in 1905. Dr. McNutt was a general practitioner for many years and, in 1955, received the Illinois Medical Society's gold pin for fifty years of active practice. He was a well-respected physician who helped found two nursing schools. McNutt kept an avid interest in the fraternity, as evidenced by his attendance at Conclaves, his frequent speeches at Founders' Day and other Teke banquets, and by his joining with the other Founders in addressing the Fraternity at large. On May 19, 1962, this last of the Founders joined those who had gone before, dying at the age of 83.

  • Clarence Arthur Mayer Born

    May 18, 1879

    Clarence Arthur Mayer, Frater McNutt's roommate, was born on May 18, 1879 at Mt. Pulaski, Logan County, Illinois. Frater Mayer graduated from Illinois Wesleyan in 1902. Mayer was the most colorful of the Founders. He was a musician of great natural ability and exceptional training. His field was the piano and pipe organ. In 1916, he and his wife and Wallace Grieves founded the Springfield College of Music and Allied Arts, of which he continued to be the director until 1926. Frater Mayer never ceased to be an active Teke and, along with Founder McNutt, laid down the eight criteria by which a real Teke will always be recognized, codifying the creed of the Founders. When Clarence A. Mayer died on August 8, 1960, Tau Kappa Epsilon lost not only a Founder but an inspiring leader.

  • Knights of Classic Lore Founded at Illinois Wesleyan

    January 10, 1899

    The Knights of Classic Lore was founded and Alpha chapter was thus formed.

  • The Knights of Classic Lore Is Founded

    January 10, 1899

    From the 1901 petition to Phi Delta Theta, as written by the Founders: “The local fraternity, Knights of Classic Lore, originated in Illinois Wesleyan University during the winter term of the college year 1899-1900. The originators were J. L. Settles, 1902; O. I. Truitt, 1902; J. C. McNutt, 1901; C. Roy Atkinson, 1900, and Clarence A. Mayer, 1903. The purpose of these men was to form a brotherhood of earnest students, of good character and congenial qualities, for intellectual, social and moral culture. With this aim mutually and specifically agreed upon they began to meet fortnightly in the evenings in their respective rooms. These meetings were at first informal, and there was no constitution nor organization of any kind. Later, however, a committee consisting of Truitt, McNutt and Settles, drew up a constitution recognizing the objects above stated, providing for officers, and making the conditions for membership in the organization a unanimous vote of election on men whose names were previously submitted by the members, the invitation to join following the election. This constitution after some three or four weeks' deliberation was adopted, and, with the exception of a single revision made some months later, is the present constitution of the K. C. L. It provides for seven officers, as follows: Princeps, Primus, Secundus, Amanuensis, Sacerdos, Mensarius and Servieus ad Arma. Mr. Roy Atkinson was the first Princeps. The meetings during this year were led by the members in the alphabetical order of their names...Occasionally a member would be appointed to "post up" on some scientific topic or recent discovery, as, for example, liquid air, and report to his brother Knights the results of his reading. Hamlet was read and discussed within circle of the Knights; and these programs varied with an occasional initiation, as the organization grew, constituted the work of the first year. The following year the Amateurean Hall, a large room on the third floor of the main hall of the university, was rented, in which the organization held its first meetings for the year. Then the present quarters, a room on the second floor of the main hall, was secured, by petitioning the trustees of the university, for the exclusive use of the Knights. This room has now been occupied about a year and has been fitted up with new furniture, tapestry and wall decorations, and contains other belongings of the individual Knights. The organization has now won a secure place as a factor in the college life, and a charter in a national Greek letter fraternity, which had been talked of from time to time, is one of its recognized aims. We wish, in closing, to give especial credit to Mr. Martin, who has largely represented the organization to the fraternity to whom this prospectus is sent, for the fidelity, zeal and sacrifice with which he has labored in this behalf.”

  • Petition to Phi Delta Theta Submitted & Rejected

    November 15, 1901

    Little did Phi Delta Theta know when they rejected TKE’s petition to recharter, they set the Knights of Classic Lore on a course that would completely change the fraternity landscape by creating Tau Kappa Epsilon.

  • Alpha Crest Used

    1902

  • Petition to Phi Delta Theta Submitted & Rejected #2

    1904

  • Petition to Phi Delta Theta Submitted & Rejected #3

    1906

  • Declaration of Principles Drafted

    1907

    National Founder William Wilson, during the winter months of 1907-1908, wrote the Declaration of Principles, spending many weeks preparing this document for presentation to the Fraternity. Never once modified since its original drafting, the Declaration of Principles stands today as the most important document in the Fraternity. It codifies the basic beliefs of Tau Kappa Epsilon and states two great dangers in college fraternity life: an attitude of exclusiveness toward non-fraternity men, and a bitter and unfriendly spirit toward other fraternities on campus. You can read the full document at TKE.org/DOP.

  • Opportunity Out of Defeat

    October 19, 1907

    Late in 1907, several undergraduate members of Tau Kappa Epsilon were again preparing a petition to be presented to the Phi Delta Theta national convention in 1908. The wisdom of petitioning, however, was being questioned with increasing frequency. To increase enthusiasm for this fourth attempt, a banquet was held on October 19, 1907, at which speeches were made both advocating and questioning the proposal. One of the most notable and influential speeches given was a blistering address by Wallace G. McCauley, titled "Opportunity Out of Defeat," in which he advocated the abandonment of the petitioning process and the substitution of a campaign for TKE to become its own national fraternity. You can read the full speech at TKE.org/OOOD.

  • Final Petition to Phi Delta Theta Submitted & Rejected

    1908

  • The First Edition of THE TEKE Magazine is Released

    1908

    The year 2008 marked the Diamond Anniversary (100 years) of THE TEKE magazine. The first edition appeared in January 1908 and was a 20-page booklet of 7 by 10 inches bound with a gray cover and the title THE TEKE within a red triangle. Clyde M. Leach, Alpha Chapter, was the editor.

  • Frater Lester H. Martin (Alpha, Illinois Wesleyan University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    February 17, 1909

  • Conclave 1909

    February 17, 1909

    Conclave 1909 was held at Alpha Chapter House.

  • Beta Installed

    April 17, 1909

    The Beta chapter was installed at Millikin University.

  • Conclave 1910

    February 11, 1910

    Conclave 1910 was held at Alpha Chapter House.

  • Frater Lester H. Martin (Alpha, Illinois Wesleyan University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    February 11, 1910

  • Frater William L. Wilson (Alpha, Illinois Wesleyan University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    February 10, 1911

  • Conclave 1911

    February 10, 1911

    Conclave 1911 was held at Beta Chapter House.

  • The Triangle Is Formed

    February 03, 1912

    The Gamma chapter was installed at University of Illinois.

  • Conclave 1912

    February 09, 1912

    Conclave 1912 was held at Alpha Chapter House.

  • Frater William L. Wilson (Alpha, Illinois Wesleyan University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    February 09, 1912

  • Delta Installed

    November 22, 1912

    The Delta chapter was installed at Knox College.

  • Minchin Coat of Arms Used

    1913

  • Conclave 1913

    February 14, 1913

    Conclave 1913 was held at Beta Chapter House.

  • Frater L. W. Tuesburg (Alpha, Illinois Wesleyan University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    February 14, 1913

  • Frater L. W. Tuesburg (Alpha, Illinois Wesleyan University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    April 17, 1914

  • Conclave 1914

    April 17, 1914

    Conclave 1914 was held at Gamma Chapter House.

  • Conclave 1915

    April 16, 1915

    Conclave 1915 was held at Gamma Chapter House.

  • Frater Lyle F. Straight (Alpha, Illinois Wesleyan University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    April 16, 1915

  • Epsilon Installed

    May 28, 1915

    The Epsilon chapter was installed at Iowa State University.

  • Conclave 1916

    April 28, 1916

    Conclave 1916 was held at Custer Hotel.

  • Frater Lyle F. Straight (Alpha, Illinois Wesleyan University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    April 28, 1916

  • Zeta Installed

    May 12, 1916

    The Zeta chapter was installed at Coe College.

  • Eta Installed

    February 17, 1917

    The Eta chapter was installed at University of Chicago.

  • Theta Installed

    March 10, 1917

    The Theta chapter was installed at University of Minnesota.

  • Iota Installed

    April 21, 1917

    The Iota chapter was installed at Eureka College.

  • Conclave 1917

    April 27, 1917

    Conclave 1917 was held at Sheldon-Munn Hotel.

  • Frater Oscar G. Hoose (Alpha, Illinois Wesleyan University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    April 27, 1917

  • Kappa Installed

    May 12, 1917

    The Kappa chapter was installed at Beloit College.

  • Lambda Installed

    December 15, 1917

    The Lambda chapter was installed at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

  • Frater Tex P. Flint (Alpha, Illinois Wesleyan University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    April 16, 1918

  • Conclave 1918

    April 16, 1918

    Conclave 1918 was held at Hotel LaSalle.

  • Frater Tex P. Flint (Alpha, Illinois Wesleyan University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    April 25, 1919

  • Conclave 1919

    April 25, 1919

    Conclave 1919 was held at Elk Clubrooms.

  • Mu Installed

    September 19, 1919

    The Mu chapter was installed at Carroll College.

  • Nu Installed

    October 03, 1919

    The Nu chapter was installed at University of California, Berkeley.

  • Conclave 1920

    April 23, 1920

    Conclave 1920 was held at Hotel Radisson.

  • Frater Tex P. Flint (Alpha, Illinois Wesleyan University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    April 23, 1920

  • Xi Installed

    September 17, 1920

    The Xi chapter was installed at Washington University.

  • First National Executive Secretary (CEO) Established

    1921

  • First TKE Headquarters Established

    1921

    As reported by THE TEKE from June 1921: “The outstanding feature of the Conclave was, of course, the final transformation of the office of Grand Grammateus into an Executive Secretaryship, something long-desired but never before feasible. To those who had the courage to insist on translating this dream into reality at this time, much credit is due. I believe the result will be most satisfactory.” The central HQ was established in Grand Grammateus Tex Flint’s home in Lombard, IL.

  • Omicron Discovers Horseshoe On Way to Conclave

    April 01, 1921

  • Conclave 1921

    April 23, 1921

    Conclave 1921 was held at Park Hotel.

  • Frater William D. Reeve (Theta, University of Minnesota) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    April 23, 1921

  • Omicron Installed

    May 27, 1921

    The Omicron chapter was installed at The Ohio State University.

  • Pi Installed

    May 05, 1922

    The Pi chapter was installed at Pennsylvania State University.

  • Conclave 1922

    October 27, 1922

    Conclave 1922 was held at Hotel Montrose.

  • Frater William D. Reeve (Theta, University of Minnesota) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    October 27, 1922

  • Rho Installed

    January 01, 1923

    The Rho chapter was installed at West Virginia University.

  • Scorpion Installed

    May 24, 1923

    The Scorpion chapter was installed at Cornell University.

  • Conclave 1923

    October 25, 1923

    Conclave 1923 was held at Hotel Chase.

  • Frater Philip H. McGrath (Beta, Millikin University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    October 25, 1923

  • Bastard Crest Used

    1924

  • Tau Installed

    January 17, 1924

    The Tau chapter was installed at Oregon State University.

  • The Silver Jubilee

    October 23, 1924

    As reported by THE TEKE Volume XVI Issue 4 from December 1924: “Perhaps the greatest feature of the Conclave was the presence of five founders of the fraternity...” “It was really an inspiration to observe the intensely active part the "Dads" took in all the proceedings of the conclave. Frater Settles came all the way from Los Angeles to be on hand and saw to it that his journey was not in vain...” “After a while ‘Dad’ McNutt found an opportunity…to present for the amusement of the fraters some of the rare and raw anecdotes connected with the undergraduate days of the founders;... At that time there were Clarence Mayer, the curly-haired and full of hope; Settles, the Methodist bishop in embryo; C. Roy Atkinson, social mentor of the group; and James McNutt himself whose first obstetrical experience, as he put it, was at the birth of a fraternity.”

  • Conclave 1924

    October 23, 1924

    Conclave 1924 was held at Illinois Hotel.

  • Frater Philip H. McGrath (Beta, Millikin University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    October 23, 1924

  • Upsilon Installed

    January 01, 1925

    The Upsilon chapter was installed at University of Michigan.

  • Phi Installed

    May 28, 1925

    The Phi chapter was installed at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

  • Current Coat of Arms Established

    1926

    When the Grand Council met in Chicago in January of 1926, it was adopted with changes in the helmet as suggested by Frater Dr. Carlton B. Pierce. Our current Coat Of Arms was designed by Frater Pierce with the close cooperation and technical advice of Miss Emily H. Butterfield. Miss Butterfield was a founder of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and one of the country’s leading authorities on fraternity heraldry. A resolution was adopted in appreciation of the “valuable services rendered the fraternity by Fraters Pierce, Schattenberg, and Tuesburg and the expert advice rendered by Miss Butterfield.” Dr. Pierce received special commendation. He had submitted more than a dozen different designs during the process of finding an acceptable one. The 1926 Conclave held in Chicago was the end of the debate and controversy. The modern day version of the Coat of Arms was adopted by the Grand Chapter and has remained unchanged since that time. In 1928, the fraternity’s Coat of Arms was copyrighted and is yet today one of the registered trademarks of Tau Kappa Epsilon.

  • Chi Installed

    May 20, 1926

    The Chi chapter was installed at University of Washington.

  • Conclave 1926

    September 02, 1926

    Conclave 1926 was held at Palmer House.

  • Frater Miles Gray (Iota, Eureka College) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    September 02, 1926

  • Psi Installed

    November 23, 1926

    The Psi chapter was installed at Gettysburg College.

  • Omega Installed

    December 29, 1926

    The Omega chapter was installed at Albion College.

  • Alpha-Alpha Installed

    June 16, 1927

    The Alpha-Alpha chapter was installed at Wabash College.

  • Alpha-Beta Installed

    November 18, 1927

    The Alpha-Beta chapter was installed at Ohio University.

  • Alpha-Gamma Installed

    December 29, 1927

    The Alpha-Gamma chapter was installed at Washington State University.

  • Alpha-Delta Installed

    December 29, 1927

    The Alpha-Delta chapter was installed at University of Idaho.

  • Conclave 1928

    September 06, 1928

    Conclave 1928 was held at Hotel Orlando.

  • Frater Milton M. Olander (Gamma Emerging Chapter, University of Illinois) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    September 06, 1928

  • Alpha-Epsilon Installed

    October 04, 1928

    The Alpha-Epsilon chapter was installed at Monmouth College.

  • Alpha-Zeta Installed

    December 20, 1928

    The Alpha-Zeta chapter was installed at Purdue University.

  • Founder Truitt Enters Chapter Eternal

    July 13, 1929

  • Alpha-Eta Installed

    June 02, 1930

    The Alpha-Eta chapter was installed at Rutgers University.

  • Conclave 1930

    September 03, 1930

    Conclave 1930 was held at Palace Hotel.

  • Frater Eugene C. Beach (Iota, Eureka College) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    September 03, 1930

  • Founder Atkinson Enters Chapter Eternal

    September 14, 1930

  • Alpha-Theta Installed

    September 29, 1930

    The Alpha-Theta chapter was installed at Whitman College.

  • Alpha-Iota Installed

    November 20, 1930

    The Alpha-Iota chapter was installed at Hamilton College.

  • Alpha-Kappa Installed

    December 05, 1930

    The Alpha-Kappa chapter was installed at University of Pennsylvania.

  • Alpha-Lambda Installed

    January 29, 1931

    The Alpha-Lambda chapter was installed at Kansas State University.

  • Alpha-Mu Installed

    September 18, 1931

    The Alpha-Mu chapter was installed at Ohio Wesleyan University.

  • Alpha-Nu Installed

    January 01, 1932

    The Alpha-Nu chapter was installed at University of New Hampshire.

  • Alpha-Xi Installed

    December 16, 1932

    The Alpha-Xi chapter was installed at Drake University.

  • Alpha-Omicron Installed

    March 23, 1934

    The Alpha-Omicron chapter was installed at New Mexico State University.

  • Alpha-Pi Installed

    June 01, 1935

    The Alpha-Pi chapter was installed at George Washington University.

  • National Founders Named

    September 05, 1935

    In 1935, at the 20th Conclave, the most significant measure adopted was the recognition of Lester H. Martin, L.W. Tuesburg, William Wilson and Wallace G. McCauley (seen photographed in order) for their dedicated and untiring efforts in the building of Tau Kappa Epsilon. They were named National Founders for their work in making TKE truly a “national” fraternity.

  • Conclave 1935

    September 05, 1935

    Conclave 1935 was held at Hotel Baker.

  • Frater Donald A. Fisher (Omicron Emerging Chapter, The Ohio State University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    September 05, 1935

  • Alpha-Rho Installed

    June 10, 1937

    The Alpha-Rho chapter was installed at University of Rhode Island.

  • Conclave 1937

    September 02, 1937

    Conclave 1937 was held at Pfister Hotel.

  • Frater Clarence E. Smith (Beta, Millikin University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    September 02, 1937

  • Alpha-Sigma Installed

    June 03, 1938

    The Alpha-Sigma chapter was installed at University of North Dakota.

  • Tau Kappa Epsilon Devastated By WWII

    1939

    As reported in the February 1938 edition of THE TEKE: Sixteen million Americans served in World War II. Millions of college-aged men were no longer attending college. It was reported that the Grand Chapter had 34 open chapters with a membership of nearly 1,100 active members. It was estimated that 54 percent of TKE’s total membership wore the uniform of one of the services. In 1944, TKE only had 11 open chapters, most having less than 10 members. Tau Kappa Epsilon lost 195 Fraters in World War II.

  • Alpha-Tau Installed

    May 26, 1939

    The Alpha-Tau chapter was installed at Drexel University.

  • Conclave 1939

    September 07, 1939

    Conclave 1939 was held at French Lick Springs Hotel.

  • Frater Herbert H. Helble (Kappa, Beloit College) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    September 07, 1939

  • Frater L. W. Tuesburg (Alpha, Illinois Wesleyan University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    June 01, 1941

  • Alpha-Upsilon Installed

    April 18, 1942

    The Alpha-Upsilon chapter was installed at Fort Hays State University.

  • Alpha-Phi Installed

    April 25, 1942

    The Alpha-Phi chapter was installed at University of Kansas.

  • Conclave 1942

    June 19, 1942

    Conclave 1942 was held at Edewater Beach Hotel.

  • Frater Charles E. Nieman (Kappa, Beloit College) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    June 19, 1942

  • Alpha-Chi Installed

    September 12, 1942

    The Alpha-Chi chapter was installed at University of Louisville.

  • Teke Loyalty Fund Created

    1943

    The original precursor to Life Loyal Teke, the Teke Loyalty Fund was created to support the minimum operations of Tau Kappa Epsilon during WWII as well as to prepare for Tau Kappa Epsilon’s recovery after World War II. This ask of $3 (approximately $50 in today’s dollars) from each Frater would be vastly important in the coming years. In April 1944, THE TEKE magazine reported more than 1,000 Tekes, friends and family contributed toward the goal of raising $5,000 in its second-year campaign.

  • Founder Settles Enters Chapter Eternal

    February 15, 1943

  • Grand Prytanis Williams Leads Rebuilding Effort

    June 01, 1944

    When Dr. R.C. Williams assumed the office of Grand Prytanis in 1944, the United States was in the midst of its greatest military conflict. There was general unrest among many Tekes as to the future of the Fraternity. Some TKE leaders felt that the Fraternity had neither the resources nor the knowledge to survive and advocated its dissolution or merger with another national. In fact, a merger was discussed with Kappa Delta Rho, another small national with 17 chapters, but the merger failed for lack of agreement on behalf of both parties. Frater Williams, however, held steadfastly to the belief that Tau Kappa Epsilon was constructed of a fiber that would not only survive the crisis, but would be the leader in the fraternity world in the years to come. By the end of hostilities in 1945, the rehabilitation was already underway. By May 1945, TKE only had 19 chapters with a total membership of 192. Two chapters (Alpha-Zeta at Purdue and Alpha-Phi at Kansas) still maintained houses.

  • Frater Dr. R. C. Williams (Alpha-Pi, George Washington University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    June 01, 1944

  • First Field Secretaries Employed

    September 15, 1945

    This year saw the adoption of a plan—made possible by the Teke Loyalty Fund—of hiring Traveling Supervisors on a full-time basis. This plan had been used on a very limited scale by TKE before the war. This year, however, marked the first real utilization of the program. These Traveling Supervisors or Field Secretaries as they were later called, competent young men and recent graduates, were of inestimable value in reactivating dormant chapters, in training the Fraters of the active chapters, and in promoting the program of expansion that was to follow. The first post-war Traveling Supervisor, Robert Nelson, was actually working in the field less than a month after Victory Over Japan Day. Frater Ed Pohl, Field Secretary in 1948, was interviewed by TKE in 2017.

  • First Field Secretaries Employed

    September 15, 1945

    Frater Dr. R. C. Williams assumed the office of Grand Prytanis in 1944 and would serve in that capacity through 1949. Frater Williams led the massive task of rebuilding and expanding the Fraternity after World War II. In 1945, a plan was adopted, made possible by the Teke Loyalty Fund, of hiring Traveling Supervisors on a full-time basis. These recent graduates were of tremendous value in reactivating dormant chapters, in training and indoctrinating the Fraters of the active chapters, and in promoting the program of expansion that was to follow. For the first time in its long history (46 years), TKE hired a full-time Field Secretary, Marine Lieutenant Bob Nelson from Delta Chapter.

  • Alpha-Psi Installed

    October 04, 1946

    The Alpha-Psi chapter was installed at Davis & Elkins College.

  • Beta-Alpha Installed

    October 26, 1946

    The Beta-Alpha chapter was installed at Bradley University.

  • Beta-Beta Installed

    January 18, 1947

    The Beta-Beta chapter was installed at North Carolina State University.

  • Beta-Gamma Installed

    February 01, 1947

    The Beta-Gamma chapter was installed at Oklahoma State University.

  • Beta-Delta Installed

    February 01, 1947

    The Beta-Delta chapter was installed at University of Maryland.

  • Beta-Epsilon Installed

    February 22, 1947

    The Beta-Epsilon chapter was installed at Trine University.

  • Beta-Eta Installed

    March 08, 1947

    The Beta-Eta chapter was installed at Missouri University of Science and Technology.

  • Beta-Zeta Installed

    April 10, 1947

    The Beta-Zeta chapter was installed at Louisiana Tech University.

  • Beta-Theta Installed

    April 13, 1947

    The Beta-Theta chapter was installed at University of Missouri-Columbia.

  • Alpha-Omega Installed

    May 24, 1947

    The Alpha-Omega chapter was installed at University of California, Los Angeles.

  • Beta-Iota Installed

    May 30, 1947

    The Beta-Iota chapter was installed at Iowa Wesleyan College.

  • Beta-Kappa Installed

    June 13, 1947

    The Beta-Kappa chapter was installed at University of Oregon.

  • Beta-Lambda Installed

    July 12, 1947

    The Beta-Lambda chapter was installed at Auburn University.

  • Conclave 1947

    September 04, 1947

    Conclave 1947 was held at Illini Union Building.

  • Frater Dr. R. C. Williams (Alpha-Pi, George Washington University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    September 04, 1947

  • Beta-Mu Installed

    December 06, 1947

    The Beta-Mu chapter was installed at Bucknell University.

  • Beta-Nu Installed

    December 06, 1947

    The Beta-Nu chapter was installed at Marshall University.

  • Beta-Xi Installed

    April 16, 1948

    The Beta-Xi chapter was installed at Beta-Xi.

  • Beta-Omicron Installed

    May 23, 1948

    The Beta-Omicron chapter was installed at Wayne State University.

  • Beta-Pi Installed

    June 05, 1948

    The Beta-Pi chapter was installed at Georgia Institute of Technology.

  • Beta-Rho Installed

    September 18, 1948

    The Beta-Rho chapter was installed at University of Akron.

  • Beta-Sigma Installed

    October 30, 1948

    The Beta-Sigma chapter was installed at University of Southern California.

  • Beta-Tau Installed

    November 27, 1948

    The Beta-Tau chapter was installed at Florida Southern College.

  • Beta-Upsilon Installed

    December 11, 1948

    The Beta-Upsilon chapter was installed at University of Maine - Orono.

  • Beta-Phi Installed

    January 01, 1949

    The Beta-Phi chapter was installed at Louisiana State University.

  • TKE Celebrates Our 50th Anniversary

    January 10, 1949

  • Beta-Chi Installed

    February 12, 1949

    The Beta-Chi chapter was installed at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

  • Beta-Psi Installed

    March 06, 1949

    The Beta-Psi chapter was installed at Arkansas State University.

  • Beta-Omega Installed

    April 23, 1949

    The Beta-Omega chapter was installed at Missouri State University.

  • Gamma-Alpha Installed

    May 21, 1949

    The Gamma-Alpha chapter was installed at University of Wyoming.

  • Gamma-Beta Installed

    May 21, 1949

    The Gamma-Beta chapter was installed at Colorado State University.

  • Conclave 1949

    August 31, 1949

    Conclave 1949 was held at Drake Hotel.

  • Frater Leland F. Leland (Theta, University of Minnesota) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 31, 1949

  • TKE Activates All But Four Chapters Post War

    September 01, 1949

    In September 1949, Frater Williams stepped down as Grand Prytanis after five years of service in that office, and Grand Histor Leland F. Leland was elected to replace him. All but four TKE chapters had been reactivated. And in addition, 28 new chapters had been installed, bringing TKE’s active chapter roll to 70 chapters, collegiate members to more than 3,000, and total initiates to nearly 16,000. With rapidly expanding college enrollments and with the Fraternity’s feet planted firmly on the ground, the future for TKE looked bright indeed. This history was detailed in the Golden Book, a 50-year history written by Frater Leland F. Leland.

  • Golden Book Published Detailing the First 50 Years of TKE

    September 01, 1949

  • Golden Book Published

    September 01, 1949

    The Golden Jubilee Conclave in Chicago, September 1-3, 1949, celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Fraternity and marked the publication of The Golden Book of Tau Kappa Epsilon, a detailed history of the first fifty years of the Fraternity, compiled by Leland F. Leland.

  • Gamma-Gamma Installed

    September 10, 1949

    The Gamma-Gamma chapter was installed at University of Texas at El Paso.

  • Gamma-Epsilon Installed

    October 14, 1949

    The Gamma-Epsilon chapter was installed at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

  • Gamma-Delta Installed

    October 28, 1949

    The Gamma-Delta chapter was installed at University of Miami.

  • Gamma-Zeta Installed

    December 11, 1949

    The Gamma-Zeta chapter was installed at Hartwick College.

  • Gamma-Eta Installed

    December 18, 1949

    The Gamma-Eta chapter was installed at Idaho State University.

  • Gamma-Theta Installed

    January 28, 1950

    The Gamma-Theta chapter was installed at University of Florida.

  • Gamma-Iota Installed

    February 11, 1950

    The Gamma-Iota chapter was installed at University of Colorado at Boulder.

  • Gamma-Kappa Installed

    April 16, 1950

    The Gamma-Kappa chapter was installed at Indiana University.

  • Gamma-Lambda Installed

    May 19, 1950

    The Gamma-Lambda chapter was installed at San Diego State University.

  • Gamma-Mu Installed

    May 19, 1950

    The Gamma-Mu chapter was installed at Furman University.

  • Gamma-Nu Installed

    May 28, 1950

    The Gamma-Nu chapter was installed at University of Toledo.

  • Gamma-Xi Installed

    December 02, 1950

    The Gamma-Xi chapter was installed at University of New Mexico.

  • Gamma-Omicron Installed

    December 03, 1950

    The Gamma-Omicron chapter was installed at University of Virginia.

  • Order of the Golden Eagle Established

    1951

  • TKE Alumnus of the Year Established

    1951

  • Office of Hegemon Established

    1951

  • Gamma-Pi Installed

    January 13, 1951

    The Gamma-Pi chapter was installed at Parsons College.

  • Gamma-Rho Installed

    January 20, 1951

    The Gamma-Rho chapter was installed at Indiana State University.

  • Gamma-Sigma Installed

    January 27, 1951

    The Gamma-Sigma chapter was installed at University of Kentucky.

  • Gamma-Tau Installed

    February 17, 1951

    The Gamma-Tau chapter was installed at University of Denver.

  • Gamma-Upsilon Installed

    March 03, 1951

    The Gamma-Upsilon chapter was installed at University of Texas at Austin.

  • Gamma-Phi Installed

    May 11, 1951

    The Gamma-Phi chapter was installed at Emporia State University.

  • Gamma-Chi Installed

    May 12, 1951

    The Gamma-Chi chapter was installed at Valparaiso University.

  • Conclave 1951

    August 28, 1951

    Conclave 1951 was held at Hotel Roanoke.

  • Frater Sophus C. Goth (Nu, University of California, Berkeley) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 28, 1951

  • Gamma-Psi Installed

    October 20, 1951

    The Gamma-Psi chapter was installed at Butler University.

  • Gamma-Omega Installed

    March 14, 1952

    The Gamma-Omega chapter was installed at Eastern Illinois University.

  • Delta-Alpha Installed

    March 22, 1952

    The Delta-Alpha chapter was installed at Western Michigan University.

  • Delta-Beta Installed

    May 25, 1952

    The Delta-Beta chapter was installed at Lake Forest College.

  • Delta-Gamma Installed

    October 24, 1952

    The Delta-Gamma chapter was installed at University of Connecticut.

  • Top TKE Chapter Award Established

    1953

  • Top Teke (Individual) Award Established

    1953

  • TKE Grants 100th Charter

    February 28, 1953

    College enrollments took a nosedive with the outbreak of hostilities in Korea and TKE’s growth, as a result, was greatly curtailed. In spite of this fraternity recession, however, Tau Kappa Epsilon granted its 100th charter to a collegiate chapter on February 28, 1953, when Delta Delta Tau, a local fraternity at Colorado College of Education at Greeley, was installed as Delta-Delta Chapter.

  • TKE Grants 100th Charter

    February 28, 1953

    Tau Kappa Epsilon granted its 100th charter to an undergraduate chapter on February 28, 1953, when Delta Delta Tau, a local fraternity at Colorado State College, Greeley, chapter was installed as Delta-Delta chapter.

  • Delta-Delta Installed

    February 28, 1953

    The Delta-Delta chapter was installed at University of Northern Colorado.

  • Delta-Epsilon Installed

    May 09, 1953

    The Delta-Epsilon chapter was installed at Cleveland State University.

  • Delta-Zeta Installed

    May 23, 1953

    The Delta-Zeta chapter was installed at Southeast Missouri State University.

  • Delta-Eta Installed

    May 31, 1953

    The Delta-Eta chapter was installed at Northern Illinois University.

  • Conclave 1953

    September 01, 1953

    Conclave 1953 was held at Hotel Savery.

  • Frater James C. Logan (Xi, Washington University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    September 01, 1953

  • Delta-Theta Installed

    January 09, 1954

    The Delta-Theta chapter was installed at California State University, Long Beach.

  • Delta-Iota Installed

    April 10, 1954

    The Delta-Iota chapter was installed at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

  • Delta-Kappa Installed

    April 23, 1954

    The Delta-Kappa chapter was installed at High Point University.

  • Delta-Lambda Installed

    April 23, 1954

    The Delta-Lambda chapter was installed at University of Central Missouri.

  • Delta-Mu Installed

    May 15, 1954

    The Delta-Mu chapter was installed at Pittsburg State University.

  • Delta-Nu Installed

    May 15, 1954

    The Delta-Nu chapter was installed at Northwest Missouri State University.

  • Delta-Xi Installed

    May 16, 1954

    The Delta-Xi chapter was installed at Miami University.

  • Delta-Omicron Installed

    May 29, 1954

    The Delta-Omicron chapter was installed at Central Michigan University.

  • Delta-Pi Installed

    January 15, 1955

    The Delta-Pi chapter was installed at Eastern Michigan University.

  • Delta-Rho Installed

    January 29, 1955

    The Delta-Rho chapter was installed at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

  • Delta-Sigma Installed

    March 26, 1955

    The Delta-Sigma chapter was installed at Morningside College.

  • Delta-Tau Installed

    May 07, 1955

    The Delta-Tau chapter was installed at University of Northern Iowa.

  • Delta-Upsilon Installed

    May 07, 1955

    The Delta-Upsilon chapter was installed at Missouri Valley College.

  • Delta-Chi Installed

    May 08, 1955

    The Delta-Chi chapter was installed at Gannon University.

  • Delta-Omega Installed

    May 13, 1955

    The Delta-Omega chapter was installed at Western State College of Colorado.

  • Delta-Phi Installed

    May 14, 1955

    The Delta-Phi chapter was installed at Saint Francis University.

  • Delta-Psi Installed

    May 14, 1955

    The Delta-Psi chapter was installed at North Dakota State University.

  • Epsilon-Alpha Installed

    May 21, 1955

    The Epsilon-Alpha chapter was installed at Saint Louis University.

  • Epsilon-Beta Installed

    May 27, 1955

    The Epsilon-Beta chapter was installed at University of Tampa.

  • Conclave 1955

    August 31, 1955

    Conclave 1955 was held at Hotel President.

  • Frater James C. Logan (Xi, Washington University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 31, 1955

  • Grand Prytanis Award Established

    1956

  • Epsilon-Gamma Installed

    January 06, 1956

    The Epsilon-Gamma chapter was installed at Moravian College.

  • Epsilon-Delta Installed

    March 17, 1956

    The Epsilon-Delta chapter was installed at University of Massachusetts Amherst.

  • Epsilon-Zeta Installed

    April 20, 1956

    The Epsilon-Zeta chapter was installed at Rider University.

  • Epsilon-Epsilon Installed

    April 21, 1956

    The Epsilon-Epsilon chapter was installed at University of Nebraska at Omaha.

  • Epsilon-Eta Installed

    May 05, 1956

    The Epsilon-Eta chapter was installed at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

  • Epsilon-Theta Installed

    May 05, 1956

    The Epsilon-Theta chapter was installed at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

  • Epsilon-Iota Installed

    May 05, 1956

    The Epsilon-Iota chapter was installed at Youngstown State University.

  • Epsilon-Kappa Installed

    May 12, 1956

    The Epsilon-Kappa chapter was installed at Loyola University Chicago.

  • Epsilon-Lambda Installed

    May 12, 1956

    The Epsilon-Lambda chapter was installed at University of Missouri-Kansas City.

  • Epsilon-Mu Installed

    May 20, 1956

    The Epsilon-Mu chapter was installed at University of Louisiana at Monroe.

  • Epsilon-Nu Installed

    May 26, 1956

    The Epsilon-Nu chapter was installed at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

  • Epsilon-Omicron Installed

    May 26, 1956

    The Epsilon-Omicron chapter was installed at University of Houston.

  • Epsilon-Xi Installed

    June 03, 1956

    The Epsilon-Xi chapter was installed at Shepherd University.

  • First TKE-Owned Office Building Purchased

    August 15, 1956

    The First TKE-owned office building, nicknamed “El Rancho,” was occupied on August 15, 1956, as Tau Kappa Epsilon headquarters at 5000 East 59th Street in Kansas City.

  • First TKE-Owned Office Building Purchased

    August 15, 1956

    "El Rancho was occupied on August 15, 1956, and served as temporary TKE headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.

  • Epsilon-Pi Installed

    September 29, 1956

    The Epsilon-Pi chapter was installed at Colgate University.

  • Epsilon-Rho Installed

    October 06, 1956

    The Epsilon-Rho chapter was installed at Northern Arizona University.

  • Epsilon-Sigma Installed

    February 23, 1957

    The Epsilon-Sigma chapter was installed at University of Central Oklahoma.

  • Epsilon-Tau Installed

    April 27, 1957

    The Epsilon-Tau chapter was installed at University of Rochester.

  • Epsilon-Upsilon Installed

    May 04, 1957

    The Epsilon-Upsilon chapter was installed at Northwestern State University.

  • Epsilon-Phi Installed

    May 10, 1957

    The Epsilon-Phi chapter was installed at University of Detroit Mercy.

  • Epsilon-Chi Installed

    May 18, 1957

    The Epsilon-Chi chapter was installed at University at Buffalo.

  • Epsilon-Psi Installed

    May 18, 1957

    The Epsilon-Psi chapter was installed at McNeese State University.

  • Epsilon-Omega Installed

    May 18, 1957

    The Epsilon-Omega chapter was installed at Minot State University.

  • Zeta-Beta Installed

    May 24, 1957

    The Zeta-Beta chapter was installed at University of Evansville.

  • Zeta-Alpha Installed

    May 25, 1957

    The Zeta-Alpha chapter was installed at Wagner College.

  • Zeta-Gamma Installed

    June 01, 1957

    The Zeta-Gamma chapter was installed at Nebraska Wesleyan University.

  • Conclave 1957

    August 27, 1957

    Conclave 1957 was held at Bedford Springs Hotel.

  • Frater Frank B. Scott (Beta, Millikin University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 27, 1957

  • Zeta-Delta Installed

    October 26, 1957

    The Zeta-Delta chapter was installed at Alma College.

  • Zeta-Epsilon Installed

    January 10, 1958

    The Zeta-Epsilon chapter was installed at Waynesburg University.

  • Zeta-Zeta Installed

    January 10, 1958

    The Zeta-Zeta chapter was installed at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

  • Zeta-Eta Installed

    January 10, 1958

    The Zeta-Eta chapter was installed at Muhlenberg College.

  • Zeta-Theta Installed

    February 22, 1958

    The Zeta-Theta chapter was installed at Western Illinois University.

  • Zeta-Iota Installed

    March 15, 1958

    The Zeta-Iota chapter was installed at University of Manitoba.

  • TKE Becomes an International Fraternity

    March 15, 1958

    On March 15, 1958, TKE truly became an international fraternity when a charter was presented to Canadian Alpha colony, at the University of Manitoba, establishing it as Zeta-Iota Chapter.

  • TKE Becomes International Fraternity

    March 15, 1958

    Past Grand Prytanis Bruce B. Melchert, then a new member of the TKE Professional Staff, was tasked to drive to University of Manitoba to start a new chapter. TKE officially became an international fraternity when a charter was presented to Canadian Alpha colony at the University of Manitoba, establishing it as Zeta-Iota Chapter. Frater Melchert was later named an Expansion Leader for his efforts.

  • Zeta-Kappa Installed

    May 30, 1958

    The Zeta-Kappa chapter was installed at Portland State University.

  • Zeta-Lambda Installed

    May 30, 1958

    The Zeta-Lambda chapter was installed at Bowling Green State University.

  • TKE Scholarship Fund Established

    1959

    In 1959, Frater Harry Donnelly (Alpha-Kappa, Pennsylvania) and others in the Washington D.C. area formed a corporation under the laws of Virginia to serve as an avenue through which funds could be accumulated and used to award grants, provide study assistance, and give scholarships to local TKE students. Known as the “Teke Scholarship Fund, Inc.,” the corporation received a tax-exempt ruling from the Internal Revenue Service.

  • Order of Silver Maple Leaf Established

    1959

  • Zeta-Mu Installed

    January 10, 1959

    The Zeta-Mu chapter was installed at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

  • Zeta-Nu Installed

    January 17, 1959

    The Zeta-Nu chapter was installed at Valdosta State University.

  • Zeta-Xi Installed

    March 22, 1959

    The Zeta-Xi chapter was installed at Boston University.

  • Zeta-Omicron Installed

    April 04, 1959

    The Zeta-Omicron chapter was installed at Western Carolina University.

  • Zeta-Pi Installed

    April 04, 1959

    The Zeta-Pi chapter was installed at Culver-Stockton College.

  • TKE Becomes Largest Fraternity

    April 04, 1959

    On April 4, 1959, Zeta-Omicron Chapter was installed at Western Carolina College, Cullowhee, North Carolina. This event was a landmark in that it made Tau Kappa Epsilon the largest social fraternity in the world.

  • TKE Becomes Largest Social Fraternity

    April 04, 1959

    On April 4, 1959, Zeta-Omicron chapter chapter was installed at Western Carolina College, Cullowhee, North Carolina. This event was a landmark in that it made Tau Kappa Epsilon the largest social fraternity in the world.

  • Zeta-Rho Installed

    April 19, 1959

    The Zeta-Rho chapter was installed at American International College.

  • Zeta-Sigma Installed

    April 24, 1959

    The Zeta-Sigma chapter was installed at Marietta College.

  • Zeta-Tau Installed

    May 09, 1959

    The Zeta-Tau chapter was installed at Shippensburg University.

  • Zeta-Upsilon Installed

    May 09, 1959

    The Zeta-Upsilon chapter was installed at Alliance College.

  • Zeta-Phi Installed

    May 16, 1959

    The Zeta-Phi chapter was installed at Rollins College.

  • Zeta-Chi Installed

    May 22, 1959

    The Zeta-Chi chapter was installed at Murray State University.

  • Zeta-Psi Installed

    May 22, 1959

    The Zeta-Psi chapter was installed at Hamline University.

  • Zeta-Omega Installed

    May 29, 1959

    The Zeta-Omega chapter was installed at California University of Pennsylvania.

  • Conclave 1959

    September 01, 1959

    Conclave 1959 was held at Sheridan Cadillac Hotel.

  • Frater Donald Kaser (Epsilon, Iowa State University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    September 01, 1959

  • Theta-Alpha Installed

    January 10, 1960

    The Theta-Alpha chapter was installed at Loyola Marymount University.

  • Theta-Beta Installed

    February 14, 1960

    The Theta-Beta chapter was installed at Belmont Abbey College.

  • Theta-Gamma Installed

    April 22, 1960

    The Theta-Gamma chapter was installed at Lock Haven University.

  • Theta-Epsilon Installed

    May 13, 1960

    The Theta-Epsilon chapter was installed at Humboldt State University.

  • Theta-Delta Installed

    May 14, 1960

    The Theta-Delta chapter was installed at Fairmont State University.

  • Theta-Zeta Installed

    June 03, 1960

    The Theta-Zeta chapter was installed at Rutgers University, Newark.

  • Theta-Eta Installed

    June 04, 1960

    The Theta-Eta chapter was installed at University of South Dakota.

  • Founder Mayer Enters Chapter Eternal

    August 08, 1960

  • Elvis Presley Initiated as an Honorary Member

    October 24, 1960

    It all began with a dream of initiating someone famous as an honorary member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Fraternity at Arkansas State College in the fall of 1960. Chapter president Rick Husky came up with the idea of presenting Elvis Presley with an award. Due to Elvis’ generous charitable contributions, Husky thought of the idea to present a “Man of the Year Award.”

  • Theta-Theta Installed

    November 23, 1960

    The Theta-Theta chapter was installed at California State University.

  • Theta-Iota Installed

    February 18, 1961

    The Theta-Iota chapter was installed at Northern Michigan University.

  • Theta-Kappa Installed

    March 18, 1961

    The Theta-Kappa chapter was installed at Long Island University, Post.

  • Theta-Lambda Installed

    April 29, 1961

    The Theta-Lambda chapter was installed at Widener University.

  • Theta-Mu Installed

    May 05, 1961

    The Theta-Mu chapter was installed at University of New Orleans.

  • Theta-Nu Installed

    May 06, 1961

    The Theta-Nu chapter was installed at Southeastern Louisiana University.

  • Theta-Xi Installed

    May 11, 1961

    The Theta-Xi chapter was installed at University of Arkansas.

  • Theta-Sigma Installed

    May 13, 1961

    The Theta-Sigma chapter was installed at St. John's University.

  • Theta-Tau Installed

    May 13, 1961

    The Theta-Tau chapter was installed at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

  • Theta-Omicron Installed

    May 20, 1961

    The Theta-Omicron chapter was installed at Adrian College.

  • Theta-Pi Installed

    May 20, 1961

    The Theta-Pi chapter was installed at California State University, Chico.

  • Theta-Rho Installed

    May 20, 1961

    The Theta-Rho chapter was installed at St. Cloud State University.

  • Current TKE Flag Established

    August 01, 1961

  • Conclave 1961

    August 28, 1961

    Conclave 1961 was held at Rodney Plaza.

  • Frater Donald Kaser (Epsilon, Iowa State University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 28, 1961

  • Theta-Upsilon Installed

    December 02, 1961

    The Theta-Upsilon chapter was installed at California State University, Sacramento.

  • Theta-Phi Installed

    February 23, 1962

    The Theta-Phi chapter was installed at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

  • Theta-Chi Installed

    April 06, 1962

    The Theta-Chi chapter was installed at Frostburg State University.

  • Theta-Psi Installed

    May 04, 1962

    The Theta-Psi chapter was installed at Ferris State University.

  • Theta-Omega Installed

    May 05, 1962

    The Theta-Omega chapter was installed at University of Charleston.

  • Iota-Alpha Installed

    May 05, 1962

    The Iota-Alpha chapter was installed at University of Wisconsin-Superior.

  • Iota-Beta Installed

    May 19, 1962

    The Iota-Beta chapter was installed at Susquehanna University.

  • Iota-Gamma Installed

    May 19, 1962

    The Iota-Gamma chapter was installed at Truman State University.

  • Founder McNutt Enters Chapter Eternal

    May 19, 1962

  • Iota-Delta Installed

    May 25, 1962

    The Iota-Delta chapter was installed at Southern Oregon University.

  • Danny Thomas Joins Tau Kappa Epsilon

    October 24, 1962

  • Iota-Epsilon Installed

    January 19, 1963

    The Iota-Epsilon chapter was installed at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

  • Iota-Zeta Installed

    February 01, 1963

    The Iota-Zeta chapter was installed at Syracuse University.

  • Iota-Eta Installed

    March 08, 1963

    The Iota-Eta chapter was installed at Slippery Rock University.

  • Iota-Theta Installed

    March 23, 1963

    The Iota-Theta chapter was installed at Centenary College of Louisiana.

  • TKE Grants 200th Charter

    March 23, 1963

    The 200th charter was granted to Iota-Theta Chapter at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, on March 23, 1963. TKE became the first fraternity to install 200 chapters, a goal long considered impossible.

  • 200th Charter Granted

    March 23, 1963

    Forty-one new chapters were installed during the administration of Frater Don Kaser, a veteran of 10 years of service on the Grand Council, the most significant being the 200th charter granted to Iota-Theta Chapter at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, on March 23, 1963.

  • Iota-Iota Installed

    April 27, 1963

    The Iota-Iota chapter was installed at La Salle University.

  • Iota-Kappa Installed

    April 27, 1963

    The Iota-Kappa chapter was installed at Clarkson University.

  • Iota-Lambda Installed

    April 27, 1963

    The Iota-Lambda chapter was installed at Indiana Institute of Technology.

  • Iota-Mu Installed

    May 04, 1963

    The Iota-Mu chapter was installed at University of Findlay.

  • Iota-Nu Installed

    May 11, 1963

    The Iota-Nu chapter was installed at Hillsdale College.

  • Iota-Xi Installed

    May 12, 1963

    The Iota-Xi chapter was installed at Concord University.

  • Iota-Omicron Installed

    May 18, 1963

    The Iota-Omicron chapter was installed at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

  • Iota-Pi Installed

    May 25, 1963

    The Iota-Pi chapter was installed at Kent State University.

  • Iota-Rho Installed

    June 15, 1963

    The Iota-Rho chapter was installed at Seton Hall University.

  • Conclave 1963

    August 27, 1963

    Conclave 1963 was held at Marrott Hotel.

  • Frater J. Russel Salsbury (Phi, University of Nebraska-Lincoln) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 27, 1963

  • International Headquarters Moved to Indianapolis

    August 28, 1963

    The International Headquarters was moved to Indianapolis in the summer of 1961 to a Georgian style brick home at 3755 Washington Boulevard and was formally dedicated in August of 1963 during the 32 Conclave. This would serve as TKE's central office for the next 10 years.

  • International Headquarters Moved to Indianapolis

    August 28, 1963

    After the move to Indianapolis in 1961, this Georgia style brick home, located at 3755 Washington Boulevard, would serve as TKE’s central office for the next 10 years. This building was dedicated in 1963.

  • Iota-Sigma Installed

    December 14, 1963

    The Iota-Sigma chapter was installed at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

  • Iota-Tau Installed

    January 25, 1964

    The Iota-Tau chapter was installed at East Stroudsburg University.

  • Iota-Upsilon Installed

    February 28, 1964

    The Iota-Upsilon chapter was installed at University of West Alabama.

  • Iota-Phi Installed

    February 28, 1964

    The Iota-Phi chapter was installed at Defiance College.

  • Iota-Chi Installed

    May 02, 1964

    The Iota-Chi chapter was installed at New Mexico Highlands University.

  • Iota-Psi Installed

    May 02, 1964

    The Iota-Psi chapter was installed at Dickinson State University.

  • Iota-Omega Installed

    May 16, 1964

    The Iota-Omega chapter was installed at Glenville State College.

  • Kappa-Alpha Installed

    May 23, 1964

    The Kappa-Alpha chapter was installed at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

  • Kappa-Beta Installed

    December 29, 1964

    The Kappa-Beta chapter was installed at University of Texas-Pan American.

  • Kappa-Delta Installed

    March 06, 1965

    The Kappa-Delta chapter was installed at Old Dominion University.

  • Kappa-Gamma Installed

    March 26, 1965

    The Kappa-Gamma chapter was installed at The Catholic University of America.

  • Kappa-Epsilon Installed

    May 15, 1965

    The Kappa-Epsilon chapter was installed at Northland College.

  • Kappa-Zeta Installed

    May 15, 1965

    The Kappa-Zeta chapter was installed at Hobart College.

  • Kappa-Eta Installed

    May 29, 1965

    The Kappa-Eta chapter was installed at New Jersey Institute of Technology.

  • Kappa-Theta Installed

    June 05, 1965

    The Kappa-Theta chapter was installed at Adelphi University.

  • Fraternity for Life Film Premieres

    August 31, 1965

  • Conclave 1965

    August 31, 1965

    Conclave 1965 was held at Park Plaza Hotel.

  • Frater J. Russel Salsbury (Phi, University of Nebraska-Lincoln) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 31, 1965

  • Fraternity for Life Film Premieres

    August 31, 1965

    The TKE public relations and rush film premiered at the Toronto Conclave. It was the first fraternity film produced by Hollywood professionals, and featured undergraduates from Kansas, Missouri, and California, with alumni Ronald Reagan and Stan Kenton, in a 15- minute color and sound film. Chairman of the Public Relations Commission, George Woolery, and Executive Director Bruce B. Melchert planned the film.

  • Kappa-Iota Installed

    March 05, 1966

    The Kappa-Iota chapter was installed at University of Hartford.

  • Kappa-Kappa Installed

    March 12, 1966

    The Kappa-Kappa chapter was installed at Monmouth University.

  • Kappa-Lambda Installed

    March 26, 1966

    The Kappa-Lambda chapter was installed at University of Minnesota Morris.

  • Kappa-Mu Installed

    April 16, 1966

    The Kappa-Mu chapter was installed at Edinboro University.

  • Kappa-Nu Installed

    April 23, 1966

    The Kappa-Nu chapter was installed at Rockhurst University.

  • Public Service Week Created

    April 30, 1966

    In an effort to improve the image of TKE and the fraternity system, the Fraternity planned its first Public Service Week in 1966. The week was a great success, with more participation and good publicity than its creators ever imagined. It was adopted as an annual project.

  • Public Service Week Created

    April 30, 1966

  • Kappa-Xi Installed

    May 07, 1966

    The Kappa-Xi chapter was installed at Black Hills State University.

  • Kappa-Omicron Installed

    May 07, 1966

    The Kappa-Omicron chapter was installed at Philadelphia University.

  • Kappa-Pi Installed

    May 28, 1966

    The Kappa-Pi chapter was installed at University of San Diego.

  • Kappa-Rho Installed

    May 29, 1966

    The Kappa-Rho chapter was installed at Mississippi State University.

  • Frater Donald H. Becker (Psi, Gettysburg College) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    June 01, 1966

  • Kappa-Sigma Installed

    November 05, 1966

    The Kappa-Sigma chapter was installed at City University of New York.

  • Teke Educational Foundation Established

    1967

    The “Teke Scholarship Fund, Inc.” voted in 1963 to merge its organization with Tau Kappa Epsilon’s effort to form an educational foundation. Operations moved to the Tau Kappa Epsilon Offices of the Grand Chapter in Indianapolis, Indiana, and in 1967, the name changed to “Teke Educational Foundation, Inc.” without changing any of the corporation’s objectives or its tax-exempt status.

  • Kappa-Tau Installed

    January 14, 1967

    The Kappa-Tau chapter was installed at University of Arizona.

  • Kappa-Upsilon Installed

    January 21, 1967

    The Kappa-Upsilon chapter was installed at Villanova University.

  • Kappa-Phi Installed

    February 04, 1967

    The Kappa-Phi chapter was installed at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

  • Kappa-Chi Installed

    March 18, 1967

    The Kappa-Chi chapter was installed at Concordia University.

  • Kappa-Psi Installed

    March 18, 1967

    The Kappa-Psi chapter was installed at Quinnipiac University.

  • Kappa-Omega Installed

    March 18, 1967

    The Kappa-Omega chapter was installed at Washburn University.

  • Lambda-Epsilon Installed

    April 20, 1967

    The Lambda-Epsilon chapter was installed at Clarion University.

  • Lambda-Alpha Installed

    April 26, 1967

    The Lambda-Alpha chapter was installed at University of South Florida.

  • Lambda-Zeta Installed

    April 27, 1967

    The Lambda-Zeta chapter was installed at Troy University.

  • Lambda-Beta Installed

    May 06, 1967

    The Lambda-Beta chapter was installed at Lewis University.

  • Lambda-Gamma Installed

    May 13, 1967

    The Lambda-Gamma chapter was installed at University of Cincinnati.

  • Lambda-Delta Installed

    May 14, 1967

    The Lambda-Delta chapter was installed at University of Southern Maine.

  • Conclave 1967

    August 29, 1967

    Conclave 1967 was held at Grand Bahma Hotel.

  • Frater Donald H. Becker (Psi, Gettysburg College) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 29, 1967

  • Lambda-Eta Installed

    January 07, 1968

    The Lambda-Eta chapter was installed at University of Iowa.

  • Lambda-Theta Installed

    February 03, 1968

    The Lambda-Theta chapter was installed at Santa Fe University of Art & Design.

  • Lambda-Iota Installed

    February 24, 1968

    The Lambda-Iota chapter was installed at Florida State University.

  • Lambda-Kappa Installed

    March 23, 1968

    The Lambda-Kappa chapter was installed at DePaul University.

  • Lambda-Lambda Installed

    April 20, 1968

    The Lambda-Lambda chapter was installed at Utica College.

  • Lambda-Mu Installed

    April 27, 1968

    The Lambda-Mu chapter was installed at Elon University.

  • Lambda-Nu Installed

    May 04, 1968

    The Lambda-Nu chapter was installed at University of Wisconsin-Stout.

  • Lambda-Xi Installed

    May 04, 1968

    The Lambda-Xi chapter was installed at Sul Ross State University.

  • Lambda-Omicron Installed

    May 11, 1968

    The Lambda-Omicron chapter was installed at University of North Texas.

  • Lambda-Rho Installed

    May 11, 1968

    The Lambda-Rho chapter was installed at Plymouth State University.

  • Lambda-Pi Installed

    May 12, 1968

    The Lambda-Pi chapter was installed at Northeastern Illinois University.

  • Lambda-Sigma Installed

    May 18, 1968

    The Lambda-Sigma chapter was installed at Keene State College.

  • Lambda-Tau Installed

    May 18, 1968

    The Lambda-Tau chapter was installed at Northrop University.

  • Lambda-Upsilon Installed

    May 25, 1968

    The Lambda-Upsilon chapter was installed at Georgia Southern University.

  • Lambda-Phi Installed

    September 28, 1968

    The Lambda-Phi chapter was installed at Bryant University.

  • Lambda-Chi Installed

    September 28, 1968

    The Lambda-Chi chapter was installed at Wayne State College .

  • Lambda-Psi Installed

    November 16, 1968

    The Lambda-Psi chapter was installed at East Carolina University.

  • Lambda-Omega Installed

    November 29, 1968

    The Lambda-Omega chapter was installed at Georgia State University.

  • Mu-Alpha Installed

    January 11, 1969

    The Mu-Alpha chapter was installed at West Chester University.

  • Mu-Beta Installed

    February 15, 1969

    The Mu-Beta chapter was installed at Eastern Kentucky University.

  • Mu-Gamma Installed

    February 22, 1969

    The Mu-Gamma chapter was installed at Midwestern State University.

  • Mu-Delta Installed

    March 01, 1969

    The Mu-Delta chapter was installed at Athens State University.

  • Mu-Epsilon Installed

    March 01, 1969

    The Mu-Epsilon chapter was installed at University of Massachusetts Lowell.

  • Mu-Zeta Installed

    March 08, 1969

    The Mu-Zeta chapter was installed at Nicholls State University.

  • Mu-Eta Installed

    March 15, 1969

    The Mu-Eta chapter was installed at Northeastern University.

  • Mu-Theta Installed

    April 12, 1969

    The Mu-Theta chapter was installed at Lycoming College.

  • Mu-Iota Installed

    April 26, 1969

    The Mu-Iota chapter was installed at Western New England University.

  • Mu-Kappa Installed

    April 26, 1969

    The Mu-Kappa chapter was installed at University of New Haven.

  • Mu-Lambda Installed

    May 03, 1969

    The Mu-Lambda chapter was installed at Michigan Technological University.

  • Mu-Mu Installed

    May 10, 1969

    The Mu-Mu chapter was installed at Hofstra University.

  • Mu-Nu Installed

    May 17, 1969

    The Mu-Nu chapter was installed at University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

  • Mu-Xi Installed

    May 17, 1969

    The Mu-Xi chapter was installed at California State Univ., Fullerton.

  • Mu-Omicron Installed

    May 17, 1969

    The Mu-Omicron chapter was installed at Tennessee Technological University.

  • Mu-Pi Installed

    May 17, 1969

    The Mu-Pi chapter was installed at Southampton College.

  • Mu-Rho Installed

    May 24, 1969

    The Mu-Rho chapter was installed at Bethel University.

  • Mu-Sigma Installed

    May 31, 1969

    The Mu-Sigma chapter was installed at Morehead State University.

  • Conclave 1969

    August 25, 1969

    Conclave 1969 was held at Tan-Tar-A Resort.

  • Frater Donald H. Becker (Psi, Gettysburg College) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 25, 1969

  • Mu-Tau Installed

    November 08, 1969

    The Mu-Tau chapter was installed at James Madison University.

  • Mu-Upsilon Installed

    November 22, 1969

    The Mu-Upsilon chapter was installed at Illinois State University.

  • Mu-Phi Installed

    November 22, 1969

    The Mu-Phi chapter was installed at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

  • TKE Coast-To-Coast Keg Roll

    1970

  • Mu-Chi Installed

    January 24, 1970

    The Mu-Chi chapter was installed at University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

  • Mu-Psi Installed

    February 14, 1970

    The Mu-Psi chapter was installed at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

  • Mu-Omega Installed

    February 21, 1970

    The Mu-Omega chapter was installed at George Mason University.

  • Nu-Alpha Installed

    February 21, 1970

    The Nu-Alpha chapter was installed at Niagara University.

  • Nu-Beta Installed

    February 28, 1970

    The Nu-Beta chapter was installed at Albright College.

  • Nu-Gamma Installed

    March 15, 1970

    The Nu-Gamma chapter was installed at University of St. Thomas.

  • Nu-Delta Installed

    April 18, 1970

    The Nu-Delta chapter was installed at Colorado State University-Pueblo.

  • Nu-Epsilon Installed

    April 18, 1970

    The Nu-Epsilon chapter was installed at Suffolk University.

  • Nu-Zeta Installed

    May 02, 1970

    The Nu-Zeta chapter was installed at Elmhurst College.

  • Nu-Eta Installed

    May 02, 1970

    The Nu-Eta chapter was installed at Boise State University.

  • Nu-Theta Installed

    May 09, 1970

    The Nu-Theta chapter was installed at University of Utah.

  • Nu-Iota Installed

    May 16, 1970

    The Nu-Iota chapter was installed at University of Illinois at Chicago.

  • Nu-Kappa Installed

    May 16, 1970

    The Nu-Kappa chapter was installed at Winona State University.

  • Nu-Lambda Installed

    November 28, 1970

    The Nu-Lambda chapter was installed at University of Southern Indiana.

  • Nu-Mu Installed

    December 19, 1970

    The Nu-Mu chapter was installed at University of South Alabama.

  • TKE Installs 300th Chapter

    December 19, 1970

    TKE reached another significant milestone with the installation of our 300th chapter (Nu-Mu) at the University of South Alabama.

  • 300th Chapter Installed

    December 19, 1970

    In 1970, TKE reached another significant milestone with the installation of our 300th chapter (Nu-Mu) at the University of South Alabama.

  • Nu-Nu Installed

    February 13, 1971

    The Nu-Nu chapter was installed at University of Windsor.

  • Nu-Xi Installed

    February 13, 1971

    The Nu-Xi chapter was installed at Stephen F. Austin State University.

  • Nu-Omicron Installed

    February 20, 1971

    The Nu-Omicron chapter was installed at University of Bridgeport.

  • Nu-Pi Installed

    March 06, 1971

    The Nu-Pi chapter was installed at University of Delaware.

  • Nu-Rho Installed

    March 06, 1971

    The Nu-Rho chapter was installed at Salem International University.

  • Nu-Sigma Installed

    March 06, 1971

    The Nu-Sigma chapter was installed at Upper Iowa University.

  • Nu-Tau Installed

    March 20, 1971

    The Nu-Tau chapter was installed at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.

  • Nu-Upsilon Installed

    April 03, 1971

    The Nu-Upsilon chapter was installed at Texas A & M University-Kingsville.

  • Nu-Phi Installed

    April 17, 1971

    The Nu-Phi chapter was installed at Duquesne University.

  • Nu-Chi Installed

    April 24, 1971

    The Nu-Chi chapter was installed at Bentley University.

  • Nu-Psi Installed

    May 08, 1971

    The Nu-Psi chapter was installed at West Liberty University.

  • Xi-Alpha Installed

    May 15, 1971

    The Xi-Alpha chapter was installed at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

  • Nu-Omega Installed

    May 15, 1971

    The Nu-Omega chapter was installed at William Paterson University.

  • Xi-Delta Installed

    May 22, 1971

    The Xi-Delta chapter was installed at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck.

  • Xi-Beta Installed

    May 22, 1971

    The Xi-Beta chapter was installed at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

  • Xi-Gamma Installed

    May 22, 1971

    The Xi-Gamma chapter was installed at New York Institute of Technology.

  • Xi-Epsilon Installed

    May 22, 1971

    The Xi-Epsilon chapter was installed at Huron College.

  • Xi-Zeta Installed

    May 22, 1971

    The Xi-Zeta chapter was installed at Bluefield State College.

  • Xi-Eta Installed

    May 29, 1971

    The Xi-Eta chapter was installed at Missouri Western State University.

  • Xi-Theta Installed

    June 05, 1971

    The Xi-Theta chapter was installed at University of West Georgia.

  • Conclave 1971

    August 23, 1971

    Conclave 1971 was held at Grove Park Inn.

  • Frater Lenwood S. Cochran (Gamma-Mu, Furman University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 23, 1971

  • Xi-Iota Installed

    December 04, 1971

    The Xi-Iota chapter was installed at University of Central Florida.

  • Xi-Kappa Installed

    March 04, 1972

    The Xi-Kappa chapter was installed at Baker University.

  • Xi-Lambda Installed

    March 25, 1972

    The Xi-Lambda chapter was installed at University of Georgia.

  • Xi-Mu Installed

    April 08, 1972

    The Xi-Mu chapter was installed at University of Dayton.

  • Xi-Nu Installed

    April 15, 1972

    The Xi-Nu chapter was installed at Miami Dade College.

  • Xi-Xi Installed

    April 29, 1972

    The Xi-Xi chapter was installed at Texas State University.

  • Xi-Omicron Installed

    May 20, 1972

    The Xi-Omicron chapter was installed at William Penn University.

  • Xi-Rho Installed

    May 20, 1972

    The Xi-Rho chapter was installed at Lander University.

  • Xi-Pi Installed

    May 30, 1972

    The Xi-Pi chapter was installed at Valley City State University.

  • Headquarters Moves to College Park

    September 09, 1972

    With continued growth of members and chapters, Executive Director Bruce Melchert spearheaded an effort to build a headquarters on the northwest side of Indianapolis in an area called "College Park." In February 1971, the new headquarters at 8645 Founders Road opened its doors for operation, with the actual dedication taking place on September 9, 1972.

  • TKE HQ Moves to 8645 Founders Rd

    September 09, 1972

    A major goal was reached in January 1972 with the opening of the new TKE Headquarters at 8645 Founders Road in Indianapolis, Indiana. The new headquarters was the first built by the Fraternity and was the culmination of years of dreams and plans. In 1973, T.J. Schmitz from Iota-Omicron Chapter at the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater was confirmed as the new Executive Vice President, succeeding Bruce B. Melchert who left the professional staff after 15 years of service.

  • TKE Partners with St. Jude

    December 01, 1972

    The Grand Council of Tau Kappa Epsilon reviewed a proposal from Frater Nick Maloof (Gamma-Kappa, Indiana) and others to make St. Jude Children's Research Hospital the international philanthropy. Founded by Frater Danny Thomas (Gamma-Nu, Toledo), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is the world leader in research for childhood cancers. Frater Thomas dreamed that “no child should die in the dawn of life.”

  • Key Leader Award Established

    1973

  • Salsbury-Scott Interfraternity Award Established

    1973

  • Salsbury-Scott Interfraternity Award Established

    1973

  • Xi-Sigma Installed

    January 27, 1973

    The Xi-Sigma chapter was installed at Milton College.

  • Xi-Tau Installed

    January 27, 1973

    The Xi-Tau chapter was installed at Lyon College.

  • Xi-Upsilon Installed

    February 24, 1973

    The Xi-Upsilon chapter was installed at Rochester Institute of Technology.

  • Xi-Phi Installed

    February 24, 1973

    The Xi-Phi chapter was installed at Kutztown University.

  • Xi-Chi Installed

    February 24, 1973

    The Xi-Chi chapter was installed at Kennesaw State University.

  • Xi-Psi Installed

    March 31, 1973

    The Xi-Psi chapter was installed at South Dakota State University.

  • Xi-Omega Installed

    April 14, 1973

    The Xi-Omega chapter was installed at Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

  • Omicron-Alpha Installed

    April 14, 1973

    The Omicron-Alpha chapter was installed at Appalachian State University.

  • Omicron-Beta Installed

    April 28, 1973

    The Omicron-Beta chapter was installed at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.

  • Omicron-Gamma Installed

    May 05, 1973

    The Omicron-Gamma chapter was installed at Central Connecticut State University.

  • Omicron-Delta Installed

    May 12, 1973

    The Omicron-Delta chapter was installed at University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

  • Omicron-Epsilon Installed

    May 19, 1973

    The Omicron-Epsilon chapter was installed at Bemidji State University.

  • Omicron-Zeta Installed

    May 19, 1973

    The Omicron-Zeta chapter was installed at Weber State University.

  • Conclave 1973

    August 20, 1973

    Conclave 1973 was held at Hilton Hotel .

  • Frater Bill A. Quallich (Delta-Epsilon, Cleveland State University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 20, 1973

  • TKE Celebrates 75th Anniversary

    January 10, 1974

  • TKE Celebrates 75 Years

    January 12, 1974

    The 1973 Conclave in Indianapolis marked the beginning of our 75th anniversary year, which was highlighted by a Diamond Anniversary celebration and banquet on January 12, 1974, in Bloomington, Illinois, the site of our founding.

  • Omicron-Eta Installed

    March 16, 1974

    The Omicron-Eta chapter was installed at West Virginia Univestity Institute of Technology.

  • Omicron-Theta Installed

    March 30, 1974

    The Omicron-Theta chapter was installed at Newberry College.

  • Omicron-Iota Installed

    May 04, 1974

    The Omicron-Iota chapter was installed at Rowan University.

  • Omicron-Kappa Installed

    May 09, 1974

    The Omicron-Kappa chapter was installed at University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

  • Omicron-Lambda Installed

    May 18, 1974

    The Omicron-Lambda chapter was installed at Broward College.

  • Omicron-Mu Installed

    May 10, 1975

    The Omicron-Mu chapter was installed at Husson University.

  • Omicron-Nu Installed

    May 24, 1975

    The Omicron-Nu chapter was installed at Florida Institute of Technology.

  • Conclave 1975

    August 18, 1975

    Conclave 1975 was held at PlayBoy Resort.

  • Frater William H. Wisdom (Alpha-Xi, Drake University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 18, 1975

  • Omicron-Xi Installed

    September 27, 1975

    The Omicron-Xi chapter was installed at University of Alabama.

  • Omicron-Omicron Installed

    March 13, 1976

    The Omicron-Omicron chapter was installed at University of Missouri-St. Louis.

  • Omicron-Pi Installed

    March 20, 1976

    The Omicron-Pi chapter was installed at Baylor University.

  • Omicron-Rho Installed

    November 06, 1976

    The Omicron-Rho chapter was installed at Texas Tech University.

  • Omicron-Sigma Installed

    December 11, 1976

    The Omicron-Sigma chapter was installed at Indiana University Southeast.

  • Omicron-Tau Installed

    January 22, 1977

    The Omicron-Tau chapter was installed at Columbus State University.

  • Omicron-Upsilon Installed

    March 19, 1977

    The Omicron-Upsilon chapter was installed at York College of Pennsylvania.

  • Omicron-Phi Installed

    April 12, 1977

    The Omicron-Phi chapter was installed at University of Oklahoma.

  • Omicron-Chi Installed

    April 30, 1977

    The Omicron-Chi chapter was installed at Robert Morris University.

  • Omicron-Psi Installed

    May 07, 1977

    The Omicron-Psi chapter was installed at Lakeland College.

  • Omicron-Omega Installed

    May 21, 1977

    The Omicron-Omega chapter was installed at Radford University.

  • Conclave 1977

    August 15, 1977

    Conclave 1977 was held at Fairmont Hotel.

  • Frater Dr. Bill V. Muse (Epsilon-Upsilon, Northwestern State University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 15, 1977

  • President’s Circle/Circle of Excellence Established

    1978

  • Pi-Alpha Installed

    March 11, 1978

    The Pi-Alpha chapter was installed at Ashland University.

  • Pi-Beta Installed

    April 01, 1978

    The Pi-Beta chapter was installed at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

  • Pi-Gamma Installed

    May 05, 1979

    The Pi-Gamma chapter was installed at East Tennessee State University.

  • Pi-Delta Installed

    May 19, 1979

    The Pi-Delta chapter was installed at University of Alabama at Birmingham.

  • Conclave 1979

    August 20, 1979

    Conclave 1979 was held at Sheraton Hote.

  • Frater Rodney Williams Jr. (Alpha-Chi, University of Louisville) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 20, 1979

  • Pi-Epsilon Installed

    January 10, 1981

    The Pi-Epsilon chapter was installed at Christian Brothers University.

  • Ronald Reagan Becomes 40th President

    January 20, 1981

    Frater Ronald Wilson Reagan was a man who held the Fraternity in the highest regard throughout his lifetime. As an accomplished actor, he was never far from his home chapter at Eureka College, and to him, the Fraternity was more than a brotherhood—it was a belonging. Even after Frater Reagan made the transition from actor to politician, he never forgot his roots. In 1979, Frater Reagan publicly announced his intention to serve as the next president of the United States. By 1981, he had won the hearts of millions of Americans following a truly remarkable campaign to win the United States presidency. Following the 1891 presidential campaign, Frater Reagan took the time to provide a change of address to the TKE Educational Foundation. His contribution of $100 and request that all future correspondence be sent to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. was a testament to his love and admiration for the Fraternity. Four years later, following another successful presidential campaign, the American people gave Frater Reagan the nod of approval for another four years at the helm of the Executive Office. The freezing weather spoiled the most famous 1.7-mile parade in the United States, a presidential drive from the Capitol to the White House, but the day was not lost, at least not for Tekes. Fastened to the limousine that carried the President was a customized license plate that let the American people know exactly what he was, “A Teke.”

  • Pi-Zeta Installed

    January 24, 1981

    The Pi-Zeta chapter was installed at Auburn University Montgomery.

  • Pi-Eta Installed

    March 28, 1981

    The Pi-Eta chapter was installed at Texas A & M University.

  • Pi-Theta Installed

    April 25, 1981

    The Pi-Theta chapter was installed at University of Texas at San Antonio.

  • Conclave 1981

    August 17, 1981

    Conclave 1981 was held at Hotel Roanoke.

  • Frater John A. Courson (Alpha-Epsilon, Monmouth College) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 17, 1981

  • Pi-Iota Installed

    February 13, 1982

    The Pi-Iota chapter was installed at University of Nevada, Reno.

  • Pi-Kappa Installed

    February 13, 1982

    The Pi-Kappa chapter was installed at Colorado Mesa University.

  • Pi-Lambda Installed

    February 13, 1982

    The Pi-Lambda chapter was installed at University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

  • Pi-Mu Installed

    April 24, 1982

    The Pi-Mu chapter was installed at State University College-Buffalo.

  • Pi-Nu Installed

    March 25, 1983

    The Pi-Nu chapter was installed at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutherford.

  • Pi-Xi Installed

    May 28, 1983

    The Pi-Xi chapter was installed at University of California, San Diego.

  • TKE Elects First “Legacy” Grand Prytanis

    August 20, 1983

    The 47th Conclave was held at the Hyatt Burlingame in San Francisco, California. During this Conclave, TKE elected its first “legacy” Grand Prytanis, Rear Admiral John R. Fisher. His father, Donald A. Fisher, served as Grand Prytanis from 1935–1937. Frater Fisher proudly wore his father’s Past Grand Prytanis medallion during his own installation ceremony.

  • Pi-Omicron Installed

    December 17, 1983

    The Pi-Omicron chapter was installed at Northern Kentucky University.

  • Conclave 1983

    December 27, 1983

    Conclave 1983 was held at Fairmont Hotel.

  • Frater Duwe R. Woerpel (Iota-Alpha, University of Wisconsin-Superior) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    December 27, 1983

  • Reagan Hosts White House Reception

    March 23, 1984

    One of the most historic TKE events took place on March 23, 1984, when an impressive group of TKE leaders gathered for a special fraternal celebration at the White House in Washington, D.C. Frater Ronald Reagan, a lifelong TKE supporter, was awarded the NIC Gold Medal, the highest award among fraternities, for his lifelong efforts to support and promote college fraternities. In addition, Grand Prytanis Woerpel presented Frater Reagan with the Order of the Golden Eagle, the highest award in Tau Kappa Epsilon, for his exemplary lifelong commitment to our Fraternity and for his many efforts to assist and promote TKE.

  • Pi-Pi Installed

    April 27, 1984

    The Pi-Pi chapter was installed at Cameron University.

  • Pi-Rho Installed

    April 29, 1984

    The Pi-Rho chapter was installed at Babson College.

  • Pi-Sigma Installed

    May 12, 1984

    The Pi-Sigma chapter was installed at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

  • Ronald Reagan White House Reception

    August 23, 1984

  • TKE Presents First Fraternity Video

    December 01, 1984

    Mark A. Fite, who served on the staff of the Offices of the Grand Chapter from 1981 to 1989, was the executive producer of "Above All Else," the first TKE recruitment video. Also offering their talents in the production were Fraters Ronald Reagan and producer Raymond W. Franklin.

  • Regional Leadership Conferences Established

    1985

    According to Executive Vice President T.J. Schmitz in 1985, “Five Regional Leadership Conferences were organized to provide education in membership recruitment, chapter management, associate member and alumni programming, legal liabilities and other areas designed to strengthen chapter operations.”

  • Pi-Tau Installed

    May 04, 1985

    The Pi-Tau chapter was installed at Iona College.

  • Pi-Upsilon Installed

    May 10, 1985

    The Pi-Upsilon chapter was installed at Towson University.

  • Pi-Phi Installed

    May 11, 1985

    The Pi-Phi chapter was installed at University of Maine at Presque Isle.

  • Conclave 1985

    August 17, 1985

    Conclave 1985 was held at Hyatt Orlando.

  • Frater Joel E. Johnson (Iota-Omicron, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 17, 1985

  • Pi-Chi Installed

    October 12, 1985

    The Pi-Chi chapter was installed at Rutgers University-Camden.

  • Pi-Psi Installed

    January 11, 1986

    The Pi-Psi chapter was installed at University of Southern Mississippi.

  • Pi-Omega Installed

    March 15, 1986

    The Pi-Omega chapter was installed at University of Albany-SUNY.

  • Rho-Beta Installed

    April 19, 1986

    The Rho-Beta chapter was installed at Michigan State University.

  • Rho-Alpha Installed

    April 19, 1986

    The Rho-Alpha chapter was installed at Rho-Alpha.

  • Rho-Gamma Installed

    April 26, 1986

    The Rho-Gamma chapter was installed at University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

  • Rho-Delta Installed

    May 03, 1986

    The Rho-Delta chapter was installed at Cal Poly Pomona.

  • Rho-Epsilon Installed

    May 10, 1986

    The Rho-Epsilon chapter was installed at Northwood University.

  • Rho-Zeta Installed

    May 10, 1986

    The Rho-Zeta chapter was installed at Montclair State University.

  • Rho-Eta Installed

    February 18, 1987

    The Rho-Eta chapter was installed at SUNY-Stony Brook.

  • Rho-Theta Installed

    March 14, 1987

    The Rho-Theta chapter was installed at Lake Superior State University.

  • Rho-Iota Installed

    April 25, 1987

    The Rho-Iota chapter was installed at Tarkio College.

  • Rho-Kappa Installed

    April 29, 1987

    The Rho-Kappa chapter was installed at Longwood University.

  • Rho-Lambda Installed

    May 02, 1987

    The Rho-Lambda chapter was installed at State University of New York at Oswego.

  • Rho-Mu Installed

    May 02, 1987

    The Rho-Mu chapter was installed at Binghamton University-SUNY.

  • Rho-Nu Installed

    May 09, 1987

    The Rho-Nu chapter was installed at San Francisco State University.

  • Rho-Xi Installed

    May 09, 1987

    The Rho-Xi chapter was installed at San Jose' State University.

  • Rho-Omicron Installed

    May 19, 1987

    The Rho-Omicron chapter was installed at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

  • Conclave 1987

    August 20, 1987

    Conclave 1987 was held at Grand Hyatt Hotel.

  • Frater Bruce B. Melchert (Beta-Theta, University of Missouri-Columbia) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 20, 1987

  • Rho-Pi Installed

    November 20, 1987

    The Rho-Pi chapter was installed at University of Rio Grande.

  • Rho-Rho Installed

    December 11, 1987

    The Rho-Rho chapter was installed at Sam Houston State University.

  • TKE Grants 400th Charter

    December 11, 1987

    Seventeen years after TKE granted the 300th charter, Tau Kappa Epsilon granted the 400th charter to Rho-Rho at Sam Houston State University located in Huntsville, Texas.

  • Rho-Sigma Installed

    December 12, 1987

    The Rho-Sigma chapter was installed at Grand Valley State University.

  • Rho-Tau Installed

    January 10, 1988

    The Rho-Tau chapter was installed at University of Michigan-Dearborn.

  • Rho-Upsilon Installed

    March 12, 1988

    The Rho-Upsilon chapter was installed at Franklin College.

  • Rho-Phi Installed

    April 30, 1988

    The Rho-Phi chapter was installed at State University of New York at Cortland.

  • Rho-Chi Installed

    April 30, 1988

    The Rho-Chi chapter was installed at Lebanon Valley College.

  • Rho-Psi Installed

    May 07, 1988

    The Rho-Psi chapter was installed at Millersville University.

  • Rho-Omega Installed

    November 12, 1988

    The Rho-Omega chapter was installed at University of South Carolina.

  • Sigma-Alpha Installed

    November 12, 1988

    The Sigma-Alpha chapter was installed at Florida International University.

  • Excellence in Education Award Established

    1989

  • Sigma-Beta Installed

    February 25, 1989

    The Sigma-Beta chapter was installed at State University of New York at Brockport.

  • Sigma-Gamma Installed

    April 01, 1989

    The Sigma-Gamma chapter was installed at State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

  • Sigma-Delta Installed

    April 22, 1989

    The Sigma-Delta chapter was installed at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.

  • Sigma-Epsilon Installed

    May 06, 1989

    The Sigma-Epsilon chapter was installed at State University of New York - Oneonta.

  • Sigma-Zeta Installed

    May 20, 1989

    The Sigma-Zeta chapter was installed at University of South Carolina Aiken.

  • Sigma-Eta Installed

    June 03, 1989

    The Sigma-Eta chapter was installed at California State University-San Bernardino.

  • Conclave 1989

    August 17, 1989

    Conclave 1989 was held at Hyatt Regency Hotel.

  • Frater Jim S. Margolin (Psi, Gettysburg College) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 17, 1989

  • Sigma-Theta Installed

    September 16, 1989

    The Sigma-Theta chapter was installed at Saint Leo University.

  • TKE Leadership Academy Established

    1990

    The Charles R. Walgreen Jr TKE Leadership Academy, established in 1990, has challenged Tekes to realize their potential as individuals and as leaders. Guided by skilled TKE facilitators, those who attend leave with increased self-confidence and the tools necessary to have positive impact on their TKE chapters and as alumni volunteers after graduation. A special gift from Frater Charles R. Walgreen Jr funded the first TKE Leadership Academy. Since its establishment in 1990, more than 1,600 Fraters have graduated from the program.

  • Sigma-Iota Installed

    March 31, 1990

    The Sigma-Iota chapter was installed at Pace University-Pleasantville.

  • Sigma-Kappa Installed

    April 21, 1990

    The Sigma-Kappa chapter was installed at Merrimack College.

  • Sigma-Lambda Installed

    April 27, 1990

    The Sigma-Lambda chapter was installed at Northeastern State University.

  • Sigma-Mu Installed

    April 28, 1990

    The Sigma-Mu chapter was installed at Marquette University.

  • Sigma-Nu Installed

    May 05, 1990

    The Sigma-Nu chapter was installed at State University of New York at New Paltz.

  • Sigma-Xi Installed

    May 05, 1990

    The Sigma-Xi chapter was installed at St. Norbert College.

  • Sigma-Omicron Installed

    May 05, 1990

    The Sigma-Omicron chapter was installed at Middle Tennessee State University.

  • Sigma-Pi Installed

    September 22, 1990

    The Sigma-Pi chapter was installed at Wake Forest University.

  • Sigma-Rho Installed

    December 01, 1990

    The Sigma-Rho chapter was installed at Marist College.

  • Conclave 1991

    August 18, 1991

    Conclave 1991 was held at Fairmont Hotel.

  • Frater Bob J. Borel (Omicron Emerging Chapter, The Ohio State University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 18, 1991

  • TKE Educational Foundation Merges

    1992

    In 1975, the Virginia corporation dissolved and the assets and liabilities of the Foundation were merged into a new Indiana corporation. The name of the corporation changed again in 1992 to the “TKE Educational Foundation.” The governing lines of authority for the TKE Educational Foundation voting membership were restructured in 1996 along revised guidelines of the Internal Revenue Service to provide for more independent operation from TKE. The Foundation employed its first President/CEO, Timothy L. Taschwer (Epsilon-Nu, Wisconsin-Stevens Point), to manage day-to-day affairs and administer program activity coordination with TKE.

  • Sigma-Sigma Installed

    May 09, 1992

    The Sigma-Sigma chapter was installed at Salisbury University.

  • Sigma-Tau Installed

    May 16, 1992

    The Sigma-Tau chapter was installed at State University of New York Geneseo.

  • Sigma-Upsilon Installed

    May 16, 1992

    The Sigma-Upsilon chapter was installed at Ramapo College of New Jersey.

  • Sigma-Phi Installed

    May 23, 1992

    The Sigma-Phi chapter was installed at Temple University.

  • Sigma-Chi Installed

    May 30, 1992

    The Sigma-Chi chapter was installed at University of California, Davis.

  • Sigma-Psi Installed

    November 12, 1992

    The Sigma-Psi chapter was installed at Clemson University.

  • Tau-Alpha Installed

    January 09, 1993

    The Tau-Alpha chapter was installed at New York University.

  • Sigma-Omega Installed

    January 10, 1993

    The Sigma-Omega chapter was installed at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

  • Tau-Beta Installed

    April 01, 1993

    The Tau-Beta chapter was installed at Sonoma State University.

  • Tau-Gamma Installed

    April 25, 1993

    The Tau-Gamma chapter was installed at Manhattan College.

  • Tau-Delta Installed

    April 30, 1993

    The Tau-Delta chapter was installed at New Jersey City University.

  • Tau-Zeta Installed

    May 01, 1993

    The Tau-Zeta chapter was installed at Western Connecticut State University.

  • Tau-Epsilon Installed

    May 01, 1993

    The Tau-Epsilon chapter was installed at University of Hawaii at Manoa.

  • Tau-Eta Installed

    May 08, 1993

    The Tau-Eta chapter was installed at Southern Connecticut State University.

  • Tau-Theta Installed

    May 15, 1993

    The Tau-Theta chapter was installed at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison.

  • Conclave 1993

    August 18, 1993

    Conclave 1993 was held at Hyatt Regency.

  • Frater ADM Jack R. Fisher (Gamma-Epsilon, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 18, 1993

  • Tau-Iota Installed

    October 23, 1993

    The Tau-Iota chapter was installed at University of Western Ontario.

  • Tau-Kappa Installed

    November 20, 1993

    The Tau-Kappa chapter was installed at Virginia Commonwealth University.

  • EVP T.J. Schmitz Retires

    1994

    In December of 1993, Executive Vice President T. J. Schmitz retired after 25 years of service to the Fraternity. Initiated a Teke at Iota-Omicron Chapter at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Frater Schmitz was honored with the designation of Executive Vice President Emeritus by the Grand Chapter in 1993. He is a recipient of the Order of the Silver Maple Leaf and Grand Prytanis Awards, and in 1999 received the Order of the Golden Eagle Award. He is a Life Loyal Teke.

  • Tau-Lambda Installed

    March 19, 1994

    The Tau-Lambda chapter was installed at Kean University.

  • Tau-Mu Installed

    April 23, 1994

    The Tau-Mu chapter was installed at Johnson & Wales University.

  • Tau-Nu Installed

    May 14, 1994

    The Tau-Nu chapter was installed at Shawnee State University.

  • Tau-Xi Installed

    October 29, 1994

    The Tau-Xi chapter was installed at Ithaca College.

  • Tau-Omicron Installed

    May 06, 1995

    The Tau-Omicron chapter was installed at St. Thomas University.

  • Conclave 1995

    August 17, 1995

    Conclave 1995 was held at Grand Hyatt.

  • Frater Tom M. Castner (Lambda-Lambda, Utica College) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 17, 1995

  • Tau-Pi Installed

    December 02, 1995

    The Tau-Pi chapter was installed at Pace University-Manhattan.

  • Tau-Rho Installed

    December 02, 1996

    The Tau-Rho chapter was installed at Tau-Rho Chapter.

  • Fraternity for Life Award Established

    1997

  • Tau-Sigma Installed

    April 09, 1997

    The Tau-Sigma chapter was installed at Francis Marion University.

  • Conclave 1997

    August 21, 1997

    Conclave 1997 was held at Innisbrook Resort.

  • Frater Gary A. LaBranche CAE (Omicron Emerging Chapter, The Ohio State University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 21, 1997

  • Tau-Tau Installed

    April 18, 1998

    The Tau-Tau chapter was installed at Coastal Carolina University.

  • Tau-Upsilon Installed

    May 16, 1998

    The Tau-Upsilon chapter was installed at Louisiana State University in Shreveport.

  • Medal of Excellence Established

    1999

  • Advisory Hall of Fame Established

    1999

  • Jean Cochran Fraternity Dedication Award Established

    1999

  • TKE Celebrates Centennial

    January 09, 1999

    The Centennial Celebration took place in seven cities across North America on January 9, 1999, counting down to midnight on January 10. Each of the sites was linked via satellite to Bloomington, Illinois, where the Knights of Classic Lore had begun 100 years ago.

  • Tau Kappa Epsilon Celebrates 100th Anniversary

    January 10, 1999

    The Centennial Celebration took place in seven cities across North America on January 9, 1999, counting down to midnight on January 10th. Each of the sites was linked via satellite to Bloomington, Illinois, where the Knights of Classic Lore had begun 100 years ago. In 1999, our 50th Conclave, known as the Centennial Conclave, was held in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral was the opening site of the Conclave that saw Lon G. Justice elected as Grand Prytanis. Emceed by Frater Mark Romig (Theta-Mu, New Orleans) and Mike Moxley (Beta-Beta, North Carolina State), the Centennial program was an hour long with a countdown to midnight. Photographed is the Bloomington, Illinois Centennial attendees toasting the Fraternity.

  • Charles Walgreen Jr. Attends 25th, 50th, 75th, 100th

    January 10, 1999

    Frater Charles Walgreen Jr. joined Tau Kappa Epsilon at Upsilon chapter at University of Michigan in 1925. He was elected Grand Crysophylos in 1937 and as Grand Epiprytanis in 1942. He was required to resign in 1943 because of business pressures when he assumed the presidency of the Walgreen Drug Store chain. He is the only known member to attend the 25th, 50th, 75th and 100th anniversary celebrations. He passed into the Chapter Eternal at 100 years old in February 10, 2007. Frater Walgreen is one of the top three donors to the TKE Foundation ever. Photographed with Frater Walgreen is Frater Alan Wilson (Tau-Chi) who were the oldest and newest initiate at the Centennial.

  • Tau-Phi Installed

    January 10, 1999

    The Tau-Phi chapter was installed at University of Pittsburgh.

  • Tau-Chi Installed

    January 10, 1999

    The Tau-Chi chapter was installed at Carthage College.

  • Conclave 1999

    August 01, 1999

    Conclave 1999 was held at Hyatt Regency Hotel.

  • Frater Lon G. Justice (Pi-Alpha, Ashland University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 01, 1999

  • Tau-Psi Installed

    April 29, 2000

    The Tau-Psi chapter was installed at University of West Florida.

  • Tau-Omega Installed

    May 06, 2000

    The Tau-Omega chapter was installed at Carleton University.

  • Upsilon-Alpha Installed

    May 06, 2000

    The Upsilon-Alpha chapter was installed at Spring Hill College.

  • Upsilon-Beta Installed

    May 27, 2000

    The Upsilon-Beta chapter was installed at California State University, Northridge.

  • Upsilon-Gamma Installed

    March 24, 2001

    The Upsilon-Gamma chapter was installed at University of Minnesota Duluth.

  • Conclave 2001

    August 02, 2001

    Conclave 2001 was held at Fairmont Hotel.

  • Frater Bob D. Planck (Epsilon-Omicron, University of Houston) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 02, 2001

  • Regional Leadership Conferences Re-Established

    2002

    TKE revitalized and offered the Regional Leadership Conference program after a hiatus. Six cities served host to the ever-popular event as Tekes from across North America came prepared to learn the latest in chapter management tools and techniques. RLCs have become a staple of leadership development and improving chapter operations. Since 2002, nearly 25,000 men have attended RLCs.

  • Volunteer of the Year Award Established

    2002

  • Upsilon-Delta Installed

    April 13, 2002

    The Upsilon-Delta chapter was installed at Saginaw Valley State University.

  • Upsilon-Epsilon Installed

    May 11, 2002

    The Upsilon-Epsilon chapter was installed at West Virginia State University.

  • Life Loyal Teke Program Established

    July 17, 2003

    Life Loyal Teke was unveiled as the newest Fraternity program at the 52nd Conclave at the Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas in Irving, Texas.

  • Conclave 2003

    July 17, 2003

    Conclave 2003 was held at Omni Mandalay Hotel.

  • Frater Mark C. Romig A.P.R. (Theta-Mu, University of New Orleans) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    July 17, 2003

  • Life Loyal Teke Program Established

    July 17, 2003

    At Conclave 2003, Tau Kappa Epsilon unveiled the most forward-thinking initiative the Fraternity has developed in decades with the Life Loyal Teke program. It was geared to help significantly improve individual chapters, strengthen communication to our members and more. Since its inception, more than 10,000 Fraters have demonstrated their commitment to the Fraternity for Life through their Life Loyal Teke donations.

  • Upsilon-Zeta Installed

    April 24, 2004

    The Upsilon-Zeta chapter was installed at Angelo State University.

  • Ronald Reagan Enters Chapter Eternal

    June 05, 2004

  • Reagan Enters Chapter Eternal

    June 05, 2004

    On June 5, 2004, Frater Ronald W. Reagan, a 1929 initiate of Iota Chapter at Eureka College, passed into the Chapter Eternal, ending his decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 93.

  • Upsilon-Eta Installed

    April 30, 2005

    The Upsilon-Eta chapter was installed at University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

  • Upsilon-Theta Installed

    May 21, 2005

    The Upsilon-Theta chapter was installed at University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

  • Conclave 2005

    July 28, 2005

    Conclave 2005 was held at Fairmont Hotel.

  • Frater Mark A. Fite (Delta-Xi, Miami University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    July 28, 2005

  • Upsilon-Iota Installed

    August 20, 2005

    The Upsilon-Iota chapter was installed at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

  • TKE Leadership Academy Graduates It’s 500th Frater

    2006

  • Top TKE Recruiter Award Established

    2007

  • Charles Walgreen Enters Chapter Eternal

    February 10, 2007

  • Walgreen Enters Chapter Eternal

    February 10, 2007

    Frater Charles R. Walgreen, Jr., the son of the founder of Walgreen Co. and the drugstore chain's former chairman, entered the Chapter Eternal February 10, 2007, at the age of 100. Frater Walgreen was the only Teke to attend the 25th, 50th, 75th and 100th anniversaries of the Fraternity. As part of his lasting legacy in Tau Kappa Epsilon, Frater Walgreen made substantial donations to support the TKE Leadership Academy and other educational programs of the Fraternity.

  • Upsilon-Kappa Installed

    May 12, 2007

    The Upsilon-Kappa chapter was installed at Trent University.

  • Conclave 2007

    August 05, 2007

    Conclave 2007 was held at Riviera Hotel & Casino.

  • Frater Mark K. Johnson (Nu-Theta Expansion, University of Utah) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 05, 2007

  • THE TEKE Celebrates 100 Years

    2008

    “Then let us issue a magazine, quarterly as first, name it The Teke, make it attractive and artistic in form.” TKE’s magazine was created out of a vision from the Opportunity Out of Defeat Speech. In March 2008, THE TEKE celebrated 100 years of excellence.

  • Upsilon-Lambda Installed

    May 03, 2008

    The Upsilon-Lambda chapter was installed at College of Staten Island.

  • Grand Council Expanded

    2009

    At the 2009 Conclave, the Grand Chapter voted to add two additional At-Large Members and a collegiate member to the Grand Council. This marked the first time TKE collegiates have had representation on TKE’s International Board of Directors.

  • Two Grand Council At-Large Members and Collegiate Representation Established

    2009

  • Upsilon-Mu Installed

    May 30, 2009

    The Upsilon-Mu chapter was installed at New York Institute of Technology-Manhattan.

  • Conclave 2009

    August 06, 2009

    Conclave 2009 was held at New Orleans Marriott.

  • Frater Dr. Herb L. Songer (Alpha-Upsilon, Fort Hays State University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 06, 2009

  • Steve Forbes - 250,000th Member Initiated

    August 06, 2009

    Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief at Forbes Media, was initiated as the 250,000th member of Tau Kappa Epsilon at the opening ceremony of the 2009 Conclave in New Orleans.

  • Upsilon-Nu Installed

    September 12, 2009

    The Upsilon-Nu chapter was installed at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

  • Upsilon-Xi Installed

    May 22, 2010

    The Upsilon-Xi chapter was installed at Oakland University.

  • TKE HQ Moves to 7439 Woodland Dr

    July 10, 2010

    After nearly forty years at 8645 Founders Rd, TKE moved the HQ a few miles down the road. The building provides TKE the opportunity to grow the TKE Professional Staff and features the Better Men for a Better World Courtyard. Additionally, the two tenants in the building provide enough revenue to pay the monthly mortgage on the HQ. In 2016, the headquarters was named by Frater Donald R. Tapia (Sigma-Theta, St. Leo).

  • TKE Outgrows Vintage 1971 Building

    July 17, 2010

    Following nearly 40 years at 8645 Founders Road, the Fraternity purchased a property approximately three miles away for its new home. The three-story, 26,500 square foot facility was constructed in the early 1990s and renovated in 2004. The headquarters officially moved in the spring of 2010 and on July 17, two hundred Tekes and guests attended the grand opening.

  • Upsilon-Omicron Installed

    November 20, 2010

    The Upsilon-Omicron chapter was installed at American University.

  • Conclave 2011

    August 04, 2011

    Conclave 2011 was held at Grand Hyatt San Antonio.

  • Frater Honorable Ed C. Moy (Lambda, University of Wisconsin-Madison) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 04, 2011

  • $1 Million in 5 Years to St. Jude

    August 07, 2011

    At Conclave 2011 in San Antonio, Tau Kappa Epsilon announced at the Grand Inaugural Tau Kappa Epsilon's commitment to raise $1 million to name an MRI Suite at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

  • TKE Invests in Technology

    2012

    Tau Kappa Epsilon has been the leader in the fraternal world in many ways. We were the first fraternity magazine to print in color. We were the first fraternity with a website. And TKE was the first fraternity on social media. In 2012, TKE made a deep investment into technology that would define the next decade. Using metrics and data analytics, the development of the Key Results Area (KRA) scorecard and more, TKE has been able to provide valuable insights into chapter’s success and help to improve alumni engagement through TKE Chapter Module, MyTKE.org, EDU.TKE.org and much more.

  • Upsilon-Pi Installed

    April 28, 2012

    The Upsilon-Pi chapter was installed at University of California-Santa Cruz.

  • Upsilon-Rho Installed

    May 12, 2012

    The Upsilon-Rho chapter was installed at Central Methodist University.

  • Upsilon-Sigma Installed

    November 03, 2012

    The Upsilon-Sigma chapter was installed at University of Arkansas-Monticello.

  • Upsilon-Tau Installed

    November 17, 2012

    The Upsilon-Tau chapter was installed at California State University, Stanislaus.

  • Apollo Award Established

    2013

  • Upsilon-Upsilon Installed

    February 09, 2013

    The Upsilon-Upsilon chapter was installed at State College at Farmingdale.

  • Upsilon-Phi Installed

    April 06, 2013

    The Upsilon-Phi chapter was installed at SUNY Delhi.

  • Upsilon-Chi Installed

    May 26, 2013

    The Upsilon-Chi chapter was installed at St. Francis College.

  • Conclave 2013

    August 08, 2013

    Conclave 2013 was held at Grand Hyatt Washington.

  • Frater Honorable Bob Barr (Beta-Sigma, University of Southern California) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 08, 2013

  • TKE Leadership Academy Graduates It’s 1000th Frater

    2014

  • THE TEKE Revitalizes Its Brand

    February 24, 2014

    February 24, 2014, marked the beginning of a new chapter for THE TEKE Magazine—the 107th volume presented a new style for the Fraternity’s most popular publication. The magazine was given a cleaner design throughout to make every page more inviting, adding and revamping a number of departments, and expanding the coverage of topics. An enhanced digital edition of THE TEKE was launched with the spring 2014 issue.

  • Upsilon-Psi Installed

    May 17, 2014

    The Upsilon-Psi chapter was installed at California State University-East Bay.

  • Upsilon-Omega Installed

    November 01, 2014

    The Upsilon-Omega chapter was installed at Santa Clara University.

  • Phi-Alpha Installed

    March 28, 2015

    The Phi-Alpha chapter was installed at University of Alaska.

  • Conclave 2015

    August 06, 2015

    Conclave 2015 was held at New Orleans Marriott.

  • Frater Rod Talbot (Beta-Chi , Southern Illinois University Carbondale) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 06, 2015

  • $2.6 Million in 6 Years to St. Jude

    February 13, 2016

    At the 2016 Donald R. Tapia Regional Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, Tau Kappa Epsilon’s Grand Council announced a $2.6 million, six-year commitment to St. Jude to name the Proton Therapy Synchrotron/Particle Accelerator, a state-of-the-art radiation therapy machine that targets tumors with high precision while sparing nearby healthy tissue and organs. Grand Prytanis Rod Talbot said during the announcement, “When deciding on the new commitment, we thought, ‘What can we do to change lives for the families?’ We decided we needed to dream big and be on the cutting edge of technology and treatment. We are about to embark on the largest philanthropic project in the history of our Fraternity.”

  • Frater Christopher T. Hanson (Alpha-Pi, George Washington University) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 03, 2017

  • Conclave 2017

    August 03, 2017

    Conclave 2017 was held at Hyatt Regency New Orleans.

  • TKE Educational Foundation Renamed

    August 01, 2019

  • Amanda Baker Inspiration Award Established

    August 01, 2019

  • Frater James Hickey Ph.D. (Zeta-Alpha, Wagner College) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 01, 2019

  • Conclave 2019

    August 01, 2019

    Conclave 2019 was held at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld.

  • $10 Million in 10 Years to St. Jude

    August 03, 2019

    On August 3, at Conclave 2019 in Orlando, Grand Prytanis Christopher T. Hanson proudly announced our commitment to embark on our most ambitious fundraising campaign yet. “It is a great honor to share with you our next step in helping to achieve Frater Danny Thomas’s dream that ‘no child should die in the dawn of life.’ Today, we make history. Today, we dedicate ourselves to building a better world by making the largest commitment by any men’s fraternity to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Today, we officially begin our campaign to raise $10 million over the next ten years for the children of St. Jude,” stated Hanson. It was the largest commitment to St. Jude by any men’s fraternity.

  • Frater Ted W. Bereswill (Gamma-Upsilon, University of Texas at Austin) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    September 29, 2021

  • TKE Leadership Academy Graduates It’s 1500th Frater

    2022

  • Conclave 2022

    July 24, 2022

    Conclave 2022 was held at Marriott Marquis Houston.

  • Frater Ryan J. Vescio Esq. (Rho-Omega, University of South Carolina) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    July 26, 2022

  • Phi-Beta Installed

    April 15, 2023

    The Phi-Beta chapter was installed at The College of New Jersey

  • 125th Anniversary

    January 10, 2024

    The 125th Anniversary was marked with a virtual celebration across the world on January 10, 1899. Tau Kappa Epsilon Chief Executive Officer, Donald E. Aldrich, and Grand Prytanis, Ryan J. Vescio, Esq, were joined by Past Grand Prytanis/Expansion Leader/Past TKE CEO Bruce B. Melchert and Past CEO Tim Murphy. More than 1,000 Tekes joined the virtual celebration.

  • Conclave 2024

    August 01, 2024

  • 300,000th Member Initiates

    August 01, 2024

    At Conclave 2024 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Tau Kappa Epsilon initiated it’s 300,000th member. The initiate, Blake Bortles, was a surprise to all attendees.

  • Frater Michael J. McEvilly (Beta-Eta, Missouri University of Science and Technology) Is Elected Grand Prytanis

    August 03, 2024

Login to your MyTKE.org Account


Forget Your Password?

No worries, click here to reset your password.

Founded on January 10, 1899, Tau Kappa Epsilon is one of the largest collegiate men’s social fraternities in North America with over 305,000 initiated members and 215 active chapters. 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.

Latest News

  • 2025-26 TKE Fee Structure Announcement April 14, 2025
  • Frater Dennis "Buckwheat" Perry Enters Chapter Eternal April 2, 2025
  • Shane Ranschaert Joins Professional Staff to lead Region 2 February 28, 2025
  • Tau Kappa Epsilon Mourns the Passing of Christopher A. Grasso, PGO February 11, 2025
  • Fraternity & Foundation Selects New Directors of Development for East & West, Regional Director January 14, 2025
  • View All News Articles

Useful Links

  • Find a Chapter
  • Find Lost Tekes
  • Donate
  • Resources
  • St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
  • Our Programs
  • Member Benefits
  • TKEStore.com - The Official TKE Store
  • Download the TKE App
  • The Black Book
  • Chapter Eternal
  • Rent a Room at TKE HQ
  • Update Your Contact Information
  • Contact Us

THE TEKE Magazine

  • THE TEKE Vol. 117 Issue 2 - Summer 2024
    THE TEKE
    Vol. 117 Issue 2
    Summer 2024


    View Past Issues

Contact Us

Tau Kappa Epsilon

7439 Woodland Drive Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46278
Phone: (317) 872-6533
Fax: (317) 875-8353
Email: tkeogc@tke.org

2025 © All Rights Reserved. Member Privacy