|
The
Beginnings of Tau Kappa Epsilon
Our
Beginning, Growth, and Development
On the cold night of January 10, 1899, students of Illinois
Wesleyan university in the small midwestern town of Bloomington
had just returned from the Christmas holidays when Joseph
L. Settles went to the room occupied by James C. McNutt and
Clarence A. Mayer at 504 East Locust Street to propound organization
of a new society on campus. Joined immediately by Owen I.
Truitt and Roy C.Atkinson, these five
men then drew up the first set of regulations for the
Knights of Classic Lore, a society whose avowed purpose was
"to aid college men in mental, moral, and social development."
Because
of his late arrival for this meeting, James J. Love was made
the first new member after which George A. Thorpe, Edwin A.
Palmer, and he, became the first initiates of this new organization.
Although Settles was the leader in organizing the society,
Atkinson was elected President and McNutt was chosen as Secretary.
There
were two fraternities already in existence at Illinois Wesleyan
in 1899, both with more than 50 chapters nationally. Phi Gamma
Delta had been established at IWU in 1866, while Sigma Chi
had begun there in 1883. In addition, two other national fraternities-
Phi Delta Theta and Delta Tau Delta- had inactive chapters
at Illinois Wesleyan, the Phi Delts existing from 1878-1897
and the Delts from 1877-1880.
A
"Different" Organization
The
founders of the Knights of Classic Lore, however, desired
an organization different from that represented by the existing
fraternities. Their desire was to establish a fraternity in
which the primary requisites for membership would be the personal
worth and character of the individual rather than the wealth
he possessed, the honors or titles he could display, or the
rank he maintained on the social ladder. The snobbery and
disdain for persons outside their fraternity- a common characteristic
of many fraternities at this time- was regarded with disfavor
by the founders of KCL.
It
was not long after their recognition on campus, however, that
the Knights of Classic Lore were approached by some of the
alumni of the Illinois Epsilon chapter of Phi Delta Theta,
whose charter had been surrendered in 1897. The Phi Delt alumni
saw in this new group an opportunity for the restoration of
its charter and, accordingly, interested themselves in converting
it into a strong local fraternity. Through the persuasion
and effort of Richard Henry Little, a columnist on the Chicago
Tribune and one of the most prominent Phi Delt alumni, the
Knights of Classic Lore presented a petition to the Phi Delta
Theta national organization at its convention in New York
in 1902. The petition was rejected.
In
order that their organization might be more attractive to
Phi Delta Theta, it was decided that a Greek-letter name should
be adopted. The name "Knights of Classic Lore" was
therefore abandoned and the Greek Letters Tau Kappa Epsilon
selected. As a further step, a fraternity house was rented.
It is significant that this was the first fraternity house
at Illinois Wesleyan although Phi Gamma Delta and Sigma Chi
had been in existence on campus for many years. The Wilder
Mansion, former home of President Wilder of the University,
became the first TKE house.
In
the ensuing years, the Phi Delt alumni and some of the undergraduate
members continued to press for affiliation with Phi Delta
Theta with petitions being presented at the 1904 and 1906
Phi Delt national convention. In each instance, however, the
petition was either withdrawn or postponed. It is reported
that one of the petitions came within one vote of being accepted.
The
Great Decision
Late
in 1907, several undergraduate members of Tau Kappa Epsilon
were again preparing a petition to be presented to the 1908
Phi Delta Theta national convention. The wisdom of petitioning,
however, was being questioned with increasing frequency. To
arouse 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 policy
and the substitution of a campaign to become a national. Although
arousing bitter opposition at the time, this speech ultimately
reduced the fourth petition to a bare formality and became
one of the significant turning points in the history of the
fraternity.
One
of the measures advocated by McCauley in his address was the
publication of a quarterly magazine called THE TEKE.
This proposal met with immediate approval and the first issue
was published in January, 1908, with Clyde M. Leach as the
editor.
The
First Conclave
Under
the new constitution the Prytanis and Grammateus of the undergraduate
chapters were ex-officio delegates to the Conclave of the
Grand Chapter, and accordingly, on February 17, 1909, Clyde
M. Leach as Prytanis and Orrie Reeser as Grammateus of the
Alpha chapter, met in Leach's room in the chapter house at
801 North Main Street and held the first Conclave of the Grand
Chapter, electing a full slate of national officers and appointing
a committee to revise the ritual.
The
first Grand Officers were: Grand Prytanis, Lester H. Martin;
Grand Epiprytanis, William Wilson; Grand Grammateus, Clyde
E. Leighty; Grand Histor, L.W. Tuesburg; Grand Crysophylos,
James J. Love; Grand Hypophetes, Arthur A. Heinlein, and Grand
Pylortes, Clyde H. Meyers. The office of Grand Hegemon was
not to be created until the 1951 Conclave.
Growth
Begins
As
has been typical of Tau Kappa Epsilon throughout its history,
the leaders of the fraternity did not waver but pressed forward
toward their goal to build TKE into a strong national fraternity.
Approximately two months after the national constitution was
ratified, the second, or Beta, chapter was installed.
On
April 6, 1909 Lester H. Martin, Arthur Heinlein, and L.W.
Tuesburg, plus a delegation of actives from Alpha Chapter,
paid a visit to Chi Rho Sigma, a local fraternity at Millikin
University, Decatur, Illinois. The Grand Prytanis appointed
a committee to investigate the local further, and when the
committee reported favorably, the first petition was written
with pen and ink on a piece of Decatur YMCA stationary and
unanimously approved by the Grand Council.
Beta
Chapter was installed on Saturday, April 17, 1909, at Decatur,
Illinois. A banquet was held that evening at the Decatur Hotel
attended by members of Alpha Chapter and TKE alumni. It is
significant to note that from the very beginning petitioning
groups were thoroughly investigated and that an installation
banquet was held. These policies have been followed without
exception since.
The
Second Conclave
The
second Conclave was also held in the Alpha chapter house at
801 North Main in Bloomington on February 11-12, 1910. The
Grand Officers, plus two delegates each from Alpha and Beta
Chapters, were in attendance. Alpha Chapter staged a banquet
on Friday evening, February 11, for those attending and a
smoker was held on Saturday evening at the close of the Conclave.
Business was transacted with all the seriousness of a large
meeting, and Lester H. Martin was again elected Grand Prytanis.
In
the Spring of 1910, it was announced that Alpha Chapter, after
living 11 years in a rented house, had purchased the home
of a Wesleyan professor at the cost of $8,500. This, the first
house ever owned by a fraternity at Illinois Wesleyan, was
located at 406 East Walnut Street, and served as the home
of the chapter until the fall of 1924.
On
February 10-11, 1911, the third Conclave convened at Decatur,
Illinois, with the Grand Officers and delegates from Alpha
and Beta again in attendance. William Wilson was elected Grand
Prytanis.
The
Triangle is Formed
The
issues of THE TEKE magazine during 1910-1911 were filled
with articles urging further expansion of the fraternity and
predicting the bright future of this infant national. Wallace
G. McCauley, in the January, 1910 issue stated:
"TKE is bound to become the fraternity. It is written in the
stars that way and all powers of established Hellenism cannot
stop the onward destiny of Tau Kappa Epsilon. I don't believe in
limiting its extension. Let us plant a chapter where there is a
proper membership to promote its principles."
Early
in 1912, three alumni of Alpha Chapter- Henry A. Burd, Wilbur
R. Leighty, and Ward H. Sachs- were graduate students at the
University of Illinois. Mainly through their efforts, a local
fraternity know as the Campus Club petitioned Tau Kappa Epsilon
for a charter, the petition being presented on January 22,
1912. The charter was granted and installation followed on
February 3, 1912, not at Champaign, but at the Alpha chapter
house in Bloomington.
The
significance if the location of these first three chapters,
closely approximating an equilateral triangle on the map,
was at once realized and has been symbolized ever since by
the traditional position and shape of the badge. Because of
the geographical significance of these three chapters, consideration
was given to cutting off any further growth.
The
Triangle is Broken
Such
sentiment was short lived, however, and by late 1912 the triangle
had been broken by an unnamed group at Knox College in Galesburg
Illinois. Through the leadership of John Gehlmann, Delta Chapter
was installed on November 22, 1912.
Earlier
in the year, on February 9-10, the fourth Conclave had been
held at Bloomington with Gamma Chapter represented for the
first time. This Conclave order a revision of the ritual,
provided for inspection of chapters, created the very important
Judiciary Committee, created the system of traditions, amended
the constitution to give each Past Grand Prytanis life membership
in the Grand Chapter, and approved the former associate member
button.
The
fifth Conclave, held in Decatur, Illinois, on February 14-15,
1913, saw the election of L.W. Tuesburg as Grand Prytanis.
Tuesburg, a loyal servant throughout the history of TKE, was
re-elected Grand Prytanis by the sixth Conclave on April 17-18,
1914, held in Champaign, Illinois. At this Conclave the first
complete code of fraternity laws was enacted under Frater
Tuesburg's leadership.
Out
of Illinois
When
the Knights of Classic Lore was founded in 1899 there were
no thoughts of ever leaving the bounds of that state. This
feeling was still present during the initial expansion among
several of the alumni and active members of the fraternity.
As a result, following the installation of Delta Chapter in
1912, no new chapters were chartered for more than two and
one-half years.
Voluminous
correspondence was carried on with numerous prospects during
this time, however, and a group at Iowa State College in Ames
determined, as early as 1913, to petition TKE for a charter
as soon as faculty permission could be secured.
One
of the first acts of the new Grand Prytanis, Lyle F. Straight,
elected at the seventh Conclave in Galesburg, Illinois, April
16-17, 1915, was to receive a petition from this group, known
as the Seminoles. The Seminoles were installed as Epsilon
Chapter on May 28, 1915, as the leadership of the fraternity
overcame any desire for provincialism. With this event, Tau
Kappa Epsilon may be said to have acquired a truly national
scope. With five chapters, TKE was eligible for membership
in the National Interfraternity Council and was admitted as
a senior member on November 27, 1915. Tau Kappa Epsilon had,
for the first time, crossed the borders of Illinois; had been
admitted into the councils of national fraternities; and had
completed a period of slow development.
In
six years, TKE had added but four chapters. In the next two
years, however, five additional chapters were admitted into
the fraternity. The chapters chartered were: Zeta at Coe College,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, May 21, 1916; Eta at the University of
Chicago, February 17, 1917; Theta at the University of Minnesota,
March 10, 1917; Iota at Eureka College, Eureka, Illinois,
April 21, 1917; and Kappa at Beloit College, Beloit, Wisconsin,
May 12, 1917.
The
eighth Conclave convened at Bloomington, April 28-29, 1916,
and re-elected Frater Straight was Grand Prytanis. On April
27-28, 1917, the month of America's entry into the First World
War, the ninth Conclave was held at Ames, Iowa. Oscar G. Hoose
was chosen as Grand Prytanis. The minutes of the Conclave
gave no mention of the approaching conflict save a single
resolution "embodying the spirit of the fraternity with
respect to the war situation."
World
War I
Up
to this time the history of the fraternity, marked only by
its annual Conclaves and the chartering of new chapters, had
been merely a somewhat routine record of slow, steady growth
in numbers, chapter rolls and fraternity consciousness. This
period also brought about the accretion of a body of laws
and traditions, the development of a ritual and a general
welding together of its membership into a homogenous fellowship.
With
the entry of the United States into World War I and its accompanying
transformation of the colleges into the Student's Army Training
Corps, fraternity activities on every campus were practically
suspended for more than a year. The enactment of the emergency
war legislation, most of which became permanent, began a trend,
ever since continuing, toward a strong centralized national
organization and, at the same time, a compact yet rapidly
expanding fraternity.
Tex
Flint Elected
If
the 1917 Conclave was not war conscious, the tenth, held in
Chicago, April 26-27, 1918, concerned itself with little else
than the war and its campus problems. Frater Hoose declined
re-election because he expected to enter the service and Harrold
P. 'Tex' Flint was elected to the first of three terms as
Grand Prytanis. Much emergency legislation was enacted, such
as the creation of regions and regional officers and Chapter
Advisors, and the definition of their duties, the suspension
of second-semester initiations, and the granting to the alumni
the right of active participation in chapter affairs whenever
the number of undergraduate members fell below ten.
The
record of Tau Kappa Epsilon in World War I was most creditable.
Many men saw active service both at home and in Europe, while
scores were enrolled in the S.A.T.C. At the tenth Conclave
in Chicago, April 26-27, 1918, it was revealed that Tau Kappa
Epsilon had a total membership of 702- 173 active members
and 529 alumni. Of the alumni, 204 or 38 1/2 percent were
directly involved in the war effort.
The
years 1919 and 1920 witnessed two rather uneventful Conclaves,
the eleventh, at Beloit, and the twelfth, at Minneapolis,
and the chartering of Mu, Nu, and Xi chapters. The Akela Club,
at the University of Wisconsin, had become Lambda Chapter
in 1918, the only wartime acquisition. Mu Chapter originated
from Sigma Alpha Phi, a local at Carroll College, Waukesha,
Wisconsin.
To
The West Coast
The
installation of Nu Chapter at the University of California
marked a significant step in the history of Tau Kappa Epsilon,
a step that was taken only after considerable discussion and
misgiving. The Sequoyah Club at the University of California
had presented two earlier petitions which were turned down
because of the distance between the 12 chapters that were
then concentrated in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
The third petition, however, proved successful and TKE took
a long leap geographically, obtaining a foothold on the shores
of the Pacific.
Phi
Omega, a local fraternity at Washington University in St.
Louis, was granted a charter as Xi Chapter by the Minneapolis
Conclave.
Tau
Kappa Epsilon passed through the war crisis and restored all
of its chapters to complete activity, a remarkable achievement
for such a young struggling fraternity. As the first decade
of its existence as a national fraternity closed in 1919,
plans were being mapped for a new era in the history of Tau
Kappa Epsilon.
A
Headquarters Is Created
The
advantage of a central office had for some time been apparent,
and now, with 14 chapters and the prospects of comparatively
rapid growth, its need was even more obvious. At the thirteenth
Conclave in Madison, Wisconsin, April 22-23, 1921, the desirability
of a headquarters was mentioned by several of the Grand Officers
in their annual reports. It was Grand Grammateus Lloyd V.
Ballard, however, who presented the matter so forcefully that
the office of Grand Grammateus was expanded into a national
Executive Secretary and a central office was created. Harrold
P. "Tex" Flint, then retiring as Grand Prytanis,
was elected to this position and became the first Executive
Secretary. The central office was established in Frater Flint's
home in Lombard, Illinois.
With
this change the affairs of the fraternity became better coordinated,
a new national consciousness evolved, a centralized administration
organization developed, and Tau Kappa Epsilon began to assume
an importance and secure recognition in the fraternity world.
William
D. Reeve (Minnesota) was elected Grand Prytanis at the thirteenth
Conclave, and was the first who was not an alumnus of Alpha.
Frater
Reeve presided over the fourteenth Conclave, held at Cedar
Rapids, Iowa in 1922, at which "hazing" in fraternity
initiation and pledging activities was soundly condemned.
Phillip H. McGrath, (Millikin) was elected as the fraternity's
national President at the fifteenth Conclave in St. Louis,
October 24-25, 1923.
The
Silver Anniversary
The
sixteenth Conclave in 1924 was set apart as the "Silver
Jubilee Conclave," celebrating the twentyfifth anniversary
of the founding of the fraternity. It was most appropriately
held at Bloomington and was marked by the presence of all
five of the Founders, who prepared a joint address. This Conclave
also unveiled a tablet in the Chapel at Illinois Wesleyan
University commemorating the founding of TKE. Life membership
in the Grand Chapter was conferred upon the Founders.
This
Conclave selected Leland F. "Pete" Leland as Grand
Histor, a position he was able to hold for 25 continuous years.
Leland, who was later chosen as president of the College Fraternity
Editor's Association, served as editor of THE TEKE, building
it to a position as one of the finest magazines in the fraternity
world. National Founders
The
Upward Climb
The
period 1921-26 saw 10 new chapters installed, completing the
first alphabet, from Alpha to Omega. TKE was spreading from
coast to coast, as evidenced by the chapters installed—Omicron
at Ohio State, Pi at Penn State, Rho at West Virginia, Sigma
at Cornell, Tau at Oregon State, Upsilon at Michigan, Phi
at Nebraska, Chi at the University of Washington, Psi at Gettysburg,
and Omega at Albion.
The
years 1926-30 were ones of steady growth, expanding both east
and west, under the leadership of Grand Prytanis Miles Gray
in 1926-28 and Milton Olander in 1928-30. Eight new chapters
had been installed by the nineteenth Conclave in San Francisco,
September 3-5, 1930, bringing the total chapter roll up to
32. This Conclave elected Eugene C. Beach as the eleventh
Grand Prytanis.
These
years were also years of grief, as the entire fraternity mourned
the passing of Founders Owen 1. Truitt and C. Roy Atkinson.
Both Founders died in auto accidents—Truitt on July 13, 1929,
and Atkinson on September 14, 1930.
The
Depression Years
The
five-year period, 1930-35, were trying years for the fraternity,
as they were for the people and organizations throughout the
nation. It was a struggle to keep the national organization
functioning smoothly and the chapter roll intact under financial
conditions which brought constantly shrinking financial support
from all sources. Fraternity chapters of other nationals and
even whole national fraternities were folding because of insufficient
support, but, under the strong leadership of Grand Prytanis
Beach and other devoted men of the fraternity, TKE weathered
the storm and even progressed during this period.
Eight
new chapters were added during this period and many chapters
pledged larger numbers of men each year. Only two chapters—the
University of Chicago and the University of Nebraska— were
not active following the Depression. Tau Kappa Epsilon also
absorbed the membership of a small national, Sigma Mu Sigma,
in 1934, but this resulted in only one new chapter, Alpha-Pi
at George Washington University in D.C.
The
only Conclave held during these five years was in 1935 at
the Hotel Baker in St. Charles, Illinois. This Conclave, which
was postponed each year for financial reasons, instituted
for the first time a program of addresses during the sessions
and at lunches and dinners. However, the most significant
measure adopted at this twentieth Conclave was the recognition
of Lester H. Martin, L. W. Tuesburg, William Wilson, and Wallace
G. McCauley for their dedicated and untiring efforts in the
building of Tau Kappa Epsilon. These four men were named National
Founders for their work in making TKE truly a "national"
fraternity.
The
Pre-War Years
The
years preceding the entry of the United States into the Second
World War have been described as the "quiet interlude."
The main emphasis was upon the balancing of the national budget
and strengthening the undergraduate chapters. Don A. Fisher
served as Grand Prytanis from 1935-37 and he was followed
by Clarence E. Smith in 1937-39. During this period only three
new chapters were installed, although much progress was made
in the internal organization of the fraternity.
With
war clouds on the horizon in 1939, Herbert Helble was elected
Grand Prytanis. However, because of the pressure of other
activities in this time of turmoil, Frater Helble resigned
in 1941. L. W. Tuesburg, then Grand Epiprytanis, was elevated
to the presidency, his second term as Grand Prytanis, serving
until June 21, 1942.
In
1941, Grand Grammateus "Tex" Flint resigned his
office after 20 years of service. Housing the central office
at first in his home, Frater Flint had moved the office to
a new building in Lombard, Illinois in 1927 and maintained
it there until 1941. With the resignation of Frater Flint,
Past Grand Prytanis Lyle Straight was elected Grand Grammateus
and the national office was moved to Bloomington, Illinois.
Three
new chapters were installed during this period, with Alpha-Chi
Chapter at the University of Louisville being the last pre-war
charter.
The
Second World War
Tau
Kappa Epsilon spent most of the war years under the leadership
of Grand Prytanis Charles E. Nieman. During the early years
of the United States' involvement in the military conflict,
TKE did not suffer greatly. In October, 1942, for example,
TKE pledged 568 men as opposed to 475 pledges the preceding
October. Also, during the year, 628 men were initiated into
TKE and the fraternity's income was $26,505.47, both initiations
and income being alltime highs.
The
severe manpower drain hit the colleges and the fraternity
system in 1943, causing many chapters to go inactive and nearly
all to abandon their houses. In September, 1943, only 19 of
TKE's chapters were still active and only two—Alpha-Zeta at
Purdue and Alpha-Phi at Kansas—still had houses. All the other
chapter houses had been relinquished for the duration of the
war.
No
Conclaves were held during the war period in conformity with
governmental orders and also to conserve fraternity funds.
While the fraternity continued to function, and continued
to give essential services to both chapters and fraters, all
expenses were cut to the bone.
THE
TEKE magazine was suspended during the war in favor of
a less expensive newspaper called Teke Life. This paper was
sent out to every Teke on record, regardless of subscription
status, in order to help maintain the interest of Tekes everywhere
during this period when many of their undergraduate chapters
were dormant.
For
the first time the office of Grand Grammateus was separated
from the duties of Executive Secretary and a part-time Executive
Secretary was hired. Dr. E. L. Theiss, professor of accounting
at the University of Illinois, assumed this position, hired
a full-time secretary, and set up the National Office in Champaign,
Illinois. In 1945, Frater Theiss tendered his resignation
and V. J. Hampton, Assistant Dean of Men at the University
of Illinois, was hired as Executive Secretary.
The
Big Decision
At
the beginning of the hostilities, the Grand Council of the
fraternity faced a major policy decision—whether the fraternity's
limited financial resources should be exhausted in a futile
attempt to keep all chapters active throughout the War or
whether the fraternity should recognize the impossibility
of that objective and concentrate on preparing an aggressive
and effective rehabilitation and expansion program after the
War. Luckily, the latter course was chosen. Subsequent events
demonstrated the wisdom of that choice, but it was not so
apparent when it was made.
With
so few chapters functioning during 1943-45, the income upon
which the fraternity depended to operate was drastically limited.
To provide TKE with some security to prevent financial failure
and to provide funds upon which to operate, the Teke Loyalty
Fund was created. Into this fund loyal TKE alumni contributed
nearly $30,000, without which the fraternity could not have
surmounted the tremendous hurdles that appeared. Each alumnus
was asked to contribute the small sum of $3.00 annually to
provide a fund for post-war chapter reactivation and new installations.
Tekes
in Uniform
Tekes
too numerous to mention were actively involved in the war
effort. It was estimated that 54% of TKE's total membership
wore the uniform of one of the services. Some of the more
noteworthy military leaders included:
Dr.
Irving P. Krick, one of the world's leading meteorologists
who set the date for Eisenhower's Normandy invasion; Major
General Dan C. Ogle, Surgeon General of the Air Force; Rear
Admiral R. C. Williams, Assistant Surgeon General of the U.
S. Public Health Service; Brig. Gen. Glen C. McBridge; Brig.
Gen. John C. P. Bartholf; Brig. Gen. Loyal M. Haynes; Brig.
Gen. W. E. Chambers; and Brig. Gen. Hugh M. Milton. According
to the best available data, 196 Tekes gave their lives for
their country and 30 received decorations exceeding that of
the Bronze Star during World War II.
Several
changes in the composition of the Grand Council occurred during
the "war years." Grand Epiprytanis Charles R. Walgreen,
Jr. was required to resign in 1943 because of business pressures
when he assumed the presidency of the Walgreen Drug Store
chain, and Grand Pylortes R. C. Williams was elevated to Grand
Epiprytanis. When Grand Prytanis Nieman was also forced to
resign because of professional and business activities in
1944, Frater Williams ascended. To this aggressive, dedicated
TKE leader fell the massive task of leading the rehabilitation
after the War.
Dr.
Williams Takes Office
When
Dr. Williams assumed the office of Grand Prytanis in 1944,
the United States was in the midst of its greatest military
conflict. Tau Kappa Epsilon had only 11 active chapters—many
with less than 10 members, and there was general unrest among
many Tekes as to the future.
Some
TKE leaders felt that the fraternity had neither the resources
nor the knowhow 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. Several chapters had been revived, bringing the
total active chapter roll back up to 19. This year also saw
the adoption of a plan, made possible by the Teke Loyalty
Fund, of hiring Traveling Supervisors on a full-time basis.
This plan, used successfully by Phi Gamma Delta, Sigma Chi,
Lambda Chi Alpha, and a few other nationals, had been used
on a very limited scale by TKE before the War, but this year
marked the first real utilization of the program. These Traveling
Supervisors, competent young men and recent graduates, were
of inestimable 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.
The first post-war Traveling Supervisor, Robert Nelson, was
actually working in the field less than a month after V-J
Day.
Completed
In Grand Fashion
With
as many as five Field Supervisors on the road at a time and
with Dr. Williams and other Grand Officers working incessantly
in the planning and organizing of the work to be done, the
extensive tusk of rehabilitation was completed in grand fashion—true
to the belief of Frater Williams and to the amazement of some
TKE leaders and the whole fraternity system. By September,
1949, every TKE chapter, except four, had been reactivated.
And, in addition, 28 new chapters had been installed, bringing
TKE's active chapter roll to 70 chapters, its total initiates
to nearly 16,000, and its undergraduate members to over 3,000.
Tau
Kappa Epsilon had also, for the first time, penetrated the
South. This move was made possible in the fall of 1946 when
Alpha Lambda Tau, a small predominantly Southern national
fraternity, announced its dissolution. Five of the then eight
active chapters of Alpha Lambda Tau affiliated with TKE, giving
Tau Kappa Epsilon chapters at the University of Maryland,
North Carolina State, Auburn, Louisiana Tech, and Tri-State
College in Indiana. On September 4-7, 1947, the twenty-fourth
Conclave was held in Champaign, Illinois, the first Conclave
since 1942. Dr. Williams was again elected, an endorsement
of his program of growth and rehabilitation. 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. With rapidly expanding college enrollments
and with the fraternity's feet planted firmly on the ground,
the future for TKE indeed looked bright.
The
Fabulous Fifties
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 50 years of the fraternity,
compiled by Leland F. Leland.
This
Conclave was attended by Founders James C. McNutt and Clarence
A. Mayer. Founder Joseph L. Settles had died on February 15,
1943.
To
160 Chapters
Entering
the 1950's, Tau Kappa Epsilon began a period of dynamic growth
never before equalled in the history of the fraternity system.
At the close of 1949, 50 years after the founding of the fraternity,
Tau Kappa Epsilon had granted a total of 79 charters, 75 of
which were active, and had initiated a total of 15,954 men.
Ten years later, at the close of this decade, TKE's charter
grants totaled 168, of which 160 were active and functioning,
and the total initiates numbered 39,065. In just ten years,
Tau Kappa Epsilon had more than doubled its size and had risen
from a very insignificant position in the fraternity world
to that of a leader in all aspects.
Such
a rise in power was possible only through the dynamic leadership
of a succession of Grand Prytanis and National Officers dedicated
to the principle that strength emanates from growth, aided
by an increasingly efficient national organization, and by
the detailed planning and devoted service of TKE leaders obsessed
with the desire to make Tau Kappa Epsilon the number one fraternity
in the country.
Grand
Prytanis during this expansion of the fraternity were Leland
F. Leland (1949-51), Sophus C. Goth (1951-53), James C. Logan
(1953-57), and Frank B. Scott (1957-59). For their efforts
and devoted service during the growth period of the fraternity
since World War II, Fraters Williams, Leland, Logan, and Scott
were named Expansion Leaders.
During
Frater Leland's administration, extensive revision of the
national constitution and bylaws was successfully completed.
This long-needed overhaul of the basic laws of the fraternity
was officially approved and adopted at the 1951 Conclave by
the passage sage of over a hundred separate amendments. One
of the significant changes made at this Conclave was the establishment
of the office of Grand Hegemon and the adoption of a plan
for national leadership conferences.
Leadership
Conferences
Anticipating
the development of a strong national leadership conference
program, Grand Prytanis Leland appointed Howard L. Hibbs,
then a regional officer, to head the first national leadership
conference. This school for undergraduate chapter officers
was successfully held the day before the formal opening of
the 1951 Conclave , and started the precedent l for national
leadership conferences preceding or during each Conclave.
These schools are in addition to the annual regional leadership
conferences which have long been utilized by TKE.
Frater
Leland was succeeded as Grand Prytanis at the twentysixth
Conclave, held in Roanoke, Virginia, by Grand Epiprytanis
Goth, a long-time member of the Grand Council. During Frater
Leland's term of office, 20 new chapters were installed and
Tau Chapter at Oregon State, one of the four chapters to become
dormant during the Depression and war years, was reactivated.
The
Korean War
During
Frater Goth's term of office, with the outbreak of hostilities
in Korea, college enrollments took a nose dive. TKE's growth,
as a result, was greatly curtailed. In spite of this fraternity
recession, however, Tau Kappa Epsilon granted its 100th charter
to an undergraduate chapter on 28, 1953, when Delta Delta
Tau, a local fraternity at Colorado State College, Greeley,
was installed as Delta-Delta Chapter.
This
important milestone in TKE history was commemorated by the
publication of a special issue of THE TEKE, reviewing the
history of TKE growth and development from that day in 1909
when Tau Kappa Epsilon was launched forth on its national
career.
Nine
new chapters were installed during Frater Goth's term.
Housing
Fund Established
James
C. Logan, a Kansas City attorney, was elected Grand Prytanis
at the twenty-seventh Conclave held during September, 1953,
at the Hotel Savery, Des Moines, Iowa. During Frater Logan's
two-term stint in this office, 44 new chapters were installed
and a national housing fund was established to provide loans
to undergraduate chapters for the construction and purchase
of fraternity houses. At the twenty-eighth Conclave at the
Hotel President and Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Missouri,
in September, 1955, Frater Logan was re-elected Grand Prytanis
and the corporate seal used on charters and certificates was
officially adopted.
In
1956, Richard R. Hall became Executive Secretary and the National
Office was moved to Kansas City. The office of Executive Secretary
thus became a fulltime administrative position.
The
twenty-ninth Conclave in August, 1957, at Bedford Springs,
Pennsylvania, chose Grand Epiprytanis Frank B. Scott to head
the fraternity. During Frater Scott's administration, 21 new
chapters were installed, two of which were of special importance.
Canadian Alpha colony at the University of Manitoba became
Zeta-Iota Chapter on Murch 15, 1958, making TKE an international
fraternity. For his efforts in securing TKE's first Canadian
chapter, Bruce B. Melchert was named International Founder
by Grand Prytanis Logan. Frater Melchert also holds the Order
of the Silver Maple Leaf, an award presented by Zeta-lota
Chapter recognizing men who give service to TKE in Canada.
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.
The
Solid Sixties
As
Tau Kappa Epsilon entered the decade of the 1960's, it had
assumed a position of vital importance in the fraternity world.
TKE was now the largest fraternity with more than 160 chapters
and was a leader in all aspects of interfraternity competition.
This decade was to bring about continued growth along with
a solidification of fraternity policies, procedures, and operations.
Don
Kaser, a veteran of ten years of service on the Grand Council,
was elected Grand Prytanis at the thirtieth Conclave at the
Sheraton-Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, September 1-5, 1959. Frater
Kaser's administration saw 41 new chapters installed, the
most significant being the 200th charter to lota-Theta Chapter
at Centenary College, Shreveport, Louisiana, on March 24,
1963. TKE thus become the first fraternity to install 200
chapters, a goal long considered impossible.
Under
the leadership of Frater Kaser, Tau Kappa Epsilon achieved
a position of solid financial stability; dedicated its first
permanent International Headquarters building; and formulated
and instigated new programs becoming that of the largest and
most progressive fraternity.
The
thirty-first Conclave at the Roney Plaza in Miami Beach, Florida,
September, 1961, greatly aided the fraternity's fiscal operations
by eliminating the monthly dues procedure and adopting the
single initiation fee. Increased operating efficiency, plus
sound financial management, enabled the fraternity to repay
all reserve funds in full by 1962 operating on an annual budget
in excess of $300,000.
In
1960 Bruce B. Melchert, CFC, became Executive Director, and
the fraternity office, or Offices of the Grand Chapter as
it is appropriately known, was moved to Indianapolis, Indiana,
during 1961. The Offices of the Grand Chapter building in
Indianapolis, contains the offices of the Executive Director
and the administrative staff, and houses the files, records,
and equipment of the fraternity.
Among
the many new dimensional goals formulated was the establishment
of a TKE placement service to aid fraters in obtaining employment.
McNutt
And Mayer Die
The
1960's marked the passing of the final two Founders of Tau
Kappa Epsilon. Clarence A. Mayer succumbed to a heart attack
in Los Angeles on August 8, 1960, and Dr. James C. McNutt
closed a brilliant page in history when he passed away on
May 18, 1962, in Bloomington, Illinois at the age of 83. Both
men, as were all five of the Founders, were active in the
fraternity until their death. Their loss was a keen one to
TKE.
The
thirty-second Conclave, held in August, 1963, at the Marriott
Hotel in Indianapolis, marked the election of l. Russel Salsbury
as Grand Prytanis and the dedication of the Offices of the
Grand Chapter building.
Salsbury
Re-Elected
Salsbury
was re-elected at the 1965 Conclave at Toronto, Ontario, the
first outside the United States. During his terms he directed
TKE as it began to realize the benefits of its size and rank.
The Offices of the Grand Chapter staff was enlarged to include
a Chapter Services Director, an Alumni Director, and a Publications
Director. The largest staff of traveling supervisors in the
fraternity world was on the road, and several resident supervisors
were hired for full-time work in problem chapters.
The
fraternity finances were brought up to date as a taxexempt
foundation was started and incorporated as the Teke Educational
Foundation, Inc., and the housing fund incorporated as the
TKE House Fund, Inc. An alumni dues program was begun to supplement
the fraternity's income.
The
fraternity began to take steps to preserve its history as
a very active history committee, composed mainly of National
Founder L. W. Tuesburg, Grand Histor Emeritus Leland, and
Past Grand Prytanis "Tex" Flint, began to write
down their memories. This resulted in the publication of "The
Reminiscences of L. W. Tuesburg" in 1963 and a history
of the 1899 to 1915 period in 1966.
The
most important legislation of the 1965 Conclave was the Board
of Directors concept, the result of four years of study by
the Administrative Survey Commission. Under this concept,
many of the routine duties traditionally done by a Grand Officer
have been assigned to the Offices of the Grand Chapter staff.
The Grand Prytanis (President), the Grand Grammateus (Secretary),
and the Grand Crysophylos (Treasurer), still retain their
basic duties as officers of the fraternity, but the other
Grand Officers do special projects as assigned by the Grand
Prytanis.
To
handle many of the routine tasks which the Offices of the
Grand Chapter assumed, TKE was the second fraternity to convert
to an electronic data processing system. Most of the financial
and membership records have been converted to high speed data
processing form.
The
Fraternity For Life Film
The
TKE public relations and rush film premiered at the Toronto
Conclave. It is the first fraternity film produced by Hollywood
professionals, and featured undergraduates from Kansas, Missouri,
and California, and alumni Ronald Reagan and Stan Kenton,
in a 15-minute color and sound film. The film was planned
by Public Relations Commission Chairman George Woolery and
Executive Director Bruce Melchert.
In
another 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 more good publicity than its creators ever imagined. It
has been adopted as an annual project.
A
Sorrowful Year
1966
was a great year as the fraternity continued its growth in
membership, chapter strength, and stability but it was also
a sorrowful year as three great leaders died.
Past
Grand Prytanis "Tex" Flint died February 21, Grand
Prytanis Emeritus L. W. Tuesburg died June 10, and incumbent
Grand Prytanis J. Russel Salsbury died June 3. Salsbury was
the first Grand Prytanis to die during his term.
Salsbury
was succeeded by Donald H. Becker, who pledged himself to
continue the policies and fulfill the goals of his predecessor.
A
Solidification
The
1960's have also brought a solidification in the number and
quality of fraternity houses owned by TKE chapters. The 1963
NIC Yearbook listed Tau Kappa Epsilon as owning 165 houses,
far more than any other national fraternity. In 1969, it was
revealed that the TKE House Fund, Inc., created in 1953, had
loaned money to over 134 chapters to buy, build, or improve
their physical facilities and had a total worth of over $
1,000,000.
Into
The Seventies
At
the 1967 Conclave, Grand Prytanis Becker was elected to the
first of two terms in that office. In his "State of the
Fraternity" address at the Grand Bahamas Conclave, Becker
talked about continued growth for the fraternity tied to the
growth in fraternity services to support these additional
chapters. At this time when there was a good deal of talk
about the impending death of fraternities, Tau Kappa Epsilon
was growing faster than ever in history. In the 1967-68 academic
year, 14 new chapters were installed. This tied the previous
one-year record which TKE had established. Then, in the 1968-69
school year, 22 new chapters were installed and two dormant
chapters were reactivated, an accomplishment many believed
impossible. During this period, in-depth evaluations were
taking place as leaders sought new and better programs to
meet the needs of students in a changing world. The "Retreat"
concept was born during this period with members encouraged
to plan the future of their chapter through pre established
goals. Chapter Advisor Conferences came into being in 1969
to give more information to Advisors. Believing that the Chapter
Advisor is a "key man for success," a number of
services were directed toward preparing the Chapter Advisor
for his responsibilities with the chapter. In addition, Regional
Leadership Conferences were pro grammed for participation
of members, as was the College of Leadership and Chapter Management
at Conclave.
Decade
Of Innovation
In
1970 TKE reached another significant milestone with the installation
of our 300th chapter (Nu-Mu) at the University of South Alabama.
At
the 1971 Conclave in Asheville, North Carolina, then Grand
Epiprytanis Lenwood Cochran succeeded Donald H. Becker as
Grand Prytanis of our fraternity. The ritual of the Fraternity
was updated at this Conclave. The new ritual keeps the spirit
and meaning of the original, but arranges it in a more usable
form with modern language.
New
Headquarters Opened
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, CFC, was confirmed as the new Executive Vice
President succeeding Bruce B. Melchert, CFC, who left the
professional staff after 15 years of dedicated service.
Diamond
Anniversary
At
the 1973 Conclave in Indianapolis, Grand Epiprytanis William
A. Quallich succeeded retiring Grand Prytanis Lenwood S. Cochran.
At this Conclave an "associate member" program was
adopted which replaces traditional pledge education or pledge
training. The Indianapolis Conclave marked the beginning of
our 75th anniversary year which was highlighted by a Diamond
Anniversary celebration and banquet on January 12, 1974, at
Bloomington, Illinois, the site of our founding in 1899. Bronze
markers were emplaced on each of the graves of the five Founders
who began The Knights of Classic Lore, the fraternity of Illinois
Wesleyan which later became Tau Kappa Epsilon.
At
the 1975 Conclave, held at the Lake Geneva Playboy Club, Grand
Epiprytanis William H. Wisdom, CFC, was elected Grand Prytanis,
succeeding William A. Quallich. During his administration,
the fraternity moved forward with a number of innovations
including the purchase of a new computer for the Offices of
the Grand Chapter. TKE was the second fraternity to convert
to electronic data processing in the 1960's. The addition
of this new equipment allowed all of the fraternity's financial
and membership records to be converted to high-speed data
processing. 1975 also saw the return of TKE to the National
Interfraternity Conference, the umbrella organization of the
fraternity movement.
Long
Range Planning
In
1976, Tau Kappa Epsilon became one of the first fraternities
to implement a long range planning approach. The first five-year
plan was presented during one of the most exciting Conclaves
in the fraternity's history, held in 1977 at the Fairmont
Hotel in the French Quarter of historic New Orleans. The 1977
Conclave was the first time that chartered alumni associations
were eligible to participate in the affairs of the Grand Chapter.
At this Conclave, Frater Robert H. Nelson delivered the report
of the Long Range Planning Committee, which was charged with
the responsibility of developing policy recommendations for
insuring the continued success of our fraternity. Another
innovative concept unveiled at this Conclave was the Grand
Chapter Policy on Chapter Standards. The New Orleans Conclave
included the installation of Dr. William V. Muse, CFC, as
Grand Prytanis, succeeding William H. Wisdom.
In
1979, Tau Kappa Epsilon held its 40th Conclave in French Lick,
Indiana. One of the highlights of the 1979 Conclave was a
trip to Louisville, Kentucky and a ride on the riverboat,
the "Belle of Louisville." A bold new philanthropic
program centered around the TKE Keg Roll was implemented in
1979. Grand Epiprytanis Rodney Williams, Jr., CFC, was elected
as the 28th Grand Prytanis.
The
80's - Focus On Excellence
In
1981, the 41st Biennial Conclave of Tau Kappa Epsilon was
held at the Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, Virginia. This event
marked a historic return to a very special Conclave site.
Thirty years previously, TKE had celebrated the 26th Conclave
in the Hotel Roanoke. The theme of "Reach Out . . ."
was emphasized as a challenge to all members of Tau Kappa
Epsilon to build on the great traditions of the fraternity
and does place a special focus on excellence in the decade
of the 1980's. Grand Epiprytanis John A. Courson, CFC, was
elected Grand Prytanis at this Conclave, succeeding the retiring
Grand Prytanis Rodney Williams, Jr.
Tau
Kappa Epsilon unveiled a number of new programs and concepts
in 1982. A special program of Regional Leadership Conferences
was added to the already existing schedule of District Leadership
Conferences. A greater focus on alumni involvement and volunteers
was introduced as part of the dynamic new Regional Servicing
Program. Full-color recruitment posters, buttons, brochures
and special slide presentations were introduced as part of
a comprehensive national marketing theme, "TKE . . .
The Winning Tradition."
In
1983, the 42nd Biennial Conclave was held at the Fairmont
Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana. The theme for this conclave
was "Tradition of Excellence." Grand Epiprytanis
Dwayne R. Woerpel, CFC, was installed as TKE's 30th Grand
Prytanis. An exciting highlight of this Conclave was the conclusion
of the TKE Keg Roll V during a special celebration in the
New Orleans Superdome. In addition, the first Ronald Reagan
Leadership Award was presented to Frater Rex Davis, an alumnus
of Beta-Psi Chapter at Arkansas State University.
One
of TKE's most historic 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 supporter of Tau Kappa Epsilon,
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 Dwayne R. 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.
Orlando,
Florida was the site of the 43rd Conclave. Held on August
17-20, 1985, this Conclave included the kick-off of the Second
Century Endowment of the TEF Campaign. This aggressive fundraising
program was developed to insure the financial future of Tau
Kappa Epsilon.
Frater
Joel E. Johnson, CFC, was installed as the new Grand Prytanis.
The Order of the Golden Eagle was given posthumously to Frater
Harry F. Donnelly. Frater Donnelly was a founder of the Teke
Educational Foundation. The new "America's Fraternity"
theme campaign was introduced, and many fraters enjoyed "TKE
Day" at Walt Disney World.
The
44th Conclave was held at the Grand Hyatt on August 19-2Z,
1987 in Washington, D.C. The new Fraternity theme "For
Winners Only" was unveiled and fraters enjoyed the sights
and sounds of our nation's capital. This "Capitol Conclave"
was the largest in TKE history with more than 900 fraters
and friends in attendance. Guests enjoyed a TKE tour of the
White House, arranged by Frater Ronald Reagan especially for
the Fraternity. Frater Bruce B. Melchert, CFC, was elected
as our new Grand Prytanis.
As
the eighties came to a close, fraternities were closely scrutinized
by college and university officials. Injuries and deaths from
hazing incidents cast a dark shadow upon the Greek system.
Several schools banned fraternities, and others established
committees to look at the future of Greek life on campus,
with more soon to follow.
After
careful study, Tau Kappa Epsilon proposed a bold new approach
to membership development. Although the Associate Member Program
was a vast improvement over traditional pledging, it was felt
that more needed to be done. As long as the new member was
perceived as a second-class citizen, the potential for hazing
existed.
TKE
created the Membership Development Program as a bold new move
to perpetuate the Fraternity for Life. The traditional pledge
period was replaced with an educational program designed to
continue long after traditional pledgeship would have ended.
Candidates for membership had to pass a review by a Membership
Quality Board, ensuring that all new members met chapter standards.
Standards regarding scholarship, leadership, member duties,
and others were set by each chapter. A professionally produced
series of videotapes, known as The Spirit of TKE", supplemented
the learning experience. These tapes covered all areas of
chapter management, fraternity history, operations, and other
vital topics. Unlike the Associate Member" period of
days past, the Membership Development Program offered ongoing
education throughout an undergraduate's career. Special levels
of achievement were designated to recognize continuing participation
in fraternal, campus, and community affairs.
At
the 45th Conclave in Indianapolis, Indiana, on August 19,
1989, the Membership Development Program was endorsed by the
Grand Chapter. Pledging become part of TKE's history. This
historic event brought national attention to Tau Kappa Epsilon,
once again taking the leadership role in the fraternity system.
Frater James S. Margolin was installed as our 48th Grand Prytanis.
A
Reflection And Summary
Historians
tell us that the history of a notion reflects the fiber of
the people who have composed it—how they have reacted to crises,
overcome obstacles, and developed over a long period of time.
It is likely, then, that the caliber of a fraternity can in
some way be measured by viewing its history in the proper
perspective.
The
first 50 years for Tau Kappa Epsilon--- from its founding
in 1899 to 1949--- were years of steady, yet slow, development.
It was a period in which the obstacles were not small--- two
world wars, the Great Depression, and competition with national
fraternities who were 50 years older.
These
crises were encountered by TKE, not as a large, financially
secure organization, but as a young, struggling fraternity.
Not establishing its second chapter until 1909, TKE entered
World War I with only 10 chapters and a total membership of
just over 700. Likewise, World War II hit TKE when it had
only 38 active chapters and a membership of less than 10,000.
It
is not likely that Tau Kappa Epsilon would have surmounted
these hurdles—and many others—without the competent leadership
and devoted service of men like Lester H. Martin, William
Wilson, L. W. Tuesburg, Wallace G. McCauley, Harrold P. Flint,
Eugene C. Beach, Leland F. Leland, Dr. R. C. Williams, and
many others.
It
was TKE's Founders, however, who provided the inspiration
upon which the fraternity was built. They dared to be unique
—unique in their vision, foresight, ideals, and principles.
They gave Tau Kappa Epsilon the spirit of genuine democracy
and challenged the fraternity to choose men not for their
wealth, rank, or honor, but for their personal worth and character.
They left the fraternity with a priceless heritage and challenged
Tekes everywhere to climb the mountain peaks of human achievement.
In
spite of this priceless heritage that is built into the first
50 years of its existence, Tau Kappa Epsilon was still a small,
somewhat insignificant, fraternity in 1949. It has been only
since World War II that TKE has gained the power, prestige,
and importance it now possesses.
Therefore,
TKE, although founded at a somewhat early date, is still a
youthful fraternity in the age of its chapters. More than
80 percent of the chapters have been installed since 1947.
Competing with its senior fraternities throughout the United
States and Canada, Tau Kappa Epsilon has demonstrated a competitive
spirit, vitality, and ability to succeed seldom found in the
fraternity world.
According
to the College Survey Bureau, an independent organization
that rates college fraternities and sororities, only 24% of
TKE's chapters ranked in the upper half of the groups on their
campus in 1948. However, by 1955 this percentage had been
raised to 39% and in 1966, following that decade of dynamic
growth, 64% of the TKE chapters were ranked in the upper half.
By 1978, 76% of chapters were upper half. In total national
strength--- a College Survey Bureau index based on size times
quality--- Tau Kappa Epsilon moved from 11th place among fraternities
in 1956 to 1st place in 1966 and has remained first ever since.
TKE's
post-war growth has not been a wild surge but has rather been
a long sustained forward march. During the 17-year period
from 1947 through 1963, a total of 165 new chapters were installed—an
average of 9.7 chapters per year, with the largest numbers
installed in any one year being 13. Further evidence of the
strength attained by this growth can be seen by a review of
other statistics. From 1947-63, the number of undergraduate
members and pledges rose from 1,870 to 10,546 and the average
chapter size increased from 38 to 53 men per chapter. The
number of men initiated per year increased from 1,542 to 4,163
and the total initiates rose from 12,589 in 1947 to 62,262
in 1965. By 1969 that number had exceeded 80,000 and on March
20, 1972, James T. Slavin, Jr., of Alpha-Gamma Chapter at
Washington State University, became the 100,000th initiate
of TKE.
Today,
Tau Kappa Epsilon's leadership in the fraternity world is
evident. The largest college social fraternity, TKE has almost
300 active chapters and colonies, in excess of 9,000 undergraduate
members, and 155,000 alumni--- all feats which have been accomplished
in a remarkably short period of time.
Tau
Kappa Epsilon has gained this position of strength—not by
luck or lowered standards—but by detailed planning, devoted
service, and inspired leadership. Also instrumental in its
success has been a "pioneering" spirit that has
characterized TKE from its beginning and farsighted leaders
who have had the fortitude to accept the challenge of the
unknown. Able to foresee the expanding college enrollments
of the future, TKE was the first large national fraternity
to expand into small state colleges, many of whom are now
major state universities.
The
Future
What
does the future hold for TKE? With Tau Kappa Epsilon just
now reaching maturity as an organization, one cannot feel
but that the years ahead will be bright.
Further
growth and progress can be expected. TKE leaders are not likely
to stand still amidst changing times. The late Grand Prytanis
Dan Kaser, speaking at the 32nd Conclave in 1963, said:
"TKE
has been fortunate to have leaders who foresaw, at an early
date, the increase in college population. Our growth has paralleled
that of increasing enrollments, thus placing TKE in an enviable
position among our fellow fraternities. We should continue
this selective growth so long as there are colleges and universities
capable of meeting our standards. "
Further
service to individual chapters, undergraduate members, and
alumni will be evident—even more efficient administration,
modern computer hardware and software, and the latest methods
of operation, pioneering programs such as placement service,
undergraduate scholarships, public service projects, and scholastic
and intellectual programs; and, above all, the devoted service
of competent leaders.
A
priceless heritage, an unparalleled record of growth and progress,
a bright and promising future . . . this is TAU KAPPA EPSILON.
|
