Our History

 

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.