TThe Magazine of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternityhe Magazine ...api.tke.org/pdfs/theteke/2010-summer.pdfChris Walsh (Rho-Upsilon) Director of Communication Tom McAninch (Alpha-Zeta) Production

The Magazine of Tau Kappa Epsilon FraternityThe Magazine of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity Summer 2010 Summer 2010

w h a t ’ s i n s i d e

4 CEO’s Message Service to Others Is the Price We Pay

11 Teke on the Street A New Era for TKE

19 Chapter News Chapter Activities, Accomplishments, and 2010 Award Winners

34 Volunteers Greek Life Administrator of the Quarter and Volunteers of the Month

for July, August, and September.

19

departments

on the coverThe new home of Tau Kappa Epsilon is unveiled in this special edition of THE TEKE Magazine. Tour the facility, get a historical perspective from Frater Bruce Melchert, and hear from the Interim CEO. A new era has begun for the TKE Nation.

© 2010 Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Inc.

VOLUME 103 • NUMBER 3SUMMER 2010

THE TEKE is the offi cial publication of Tau Kappa Epsilon International Fraternity. TKE was founded on January 10, 1899, at Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL.

THE TEKE STAFF

Interim Chief Executive Offi cerShawn A. Babine (Lambda-Delta)

Vice President for Fraternal ServicesJohn W. Deckard (Grand Chapter)

Director of OperationsLouis L. LeBlanc, CAE (Gamma-Theta)

Director of Events & MarketingChris Walsh (Rho-Upsilon)

Director of CommunicationTom McAninch (Alpha-Zeta)

Production ManagerKatie Sayre

2 THE TEKE SUMMER 2010

LIFETIME GIVING LEVELSGolden Eagle Society - $1,000,000 or moreKnights of a Lasting Legacy - $500,000 - $999,999 Society of 1899 - $250,000 - $499,999Grand Prytanis Club - $100,000 - $249,000Presidents Circle - $50,000 - $99,999Leaders Society - $25,000 - $49,999Scholars Society - $10,000 - $24,999Triangle Society - $5,000 - $9,999Founders Society - $2,500 - $4,999Opportunity Out of Defeat Club - $1,000 - $2,499Grand Council Society - $500 - $999Fraters Society - $250 - $499

THE TEKE (ISSN 1527-1331) is an educational journal published quarterly in spring, summer, fall and winter by Tau Kappa Epsilon (a fraternal society),7439 Woodland Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278-1765. Periodicals Class postage paid at Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offi ces.

POSTMASTER: send address changes to THE TEKE, 7439 Woodland Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278-1765.

All alumni Fraters who donate $10 or more to the TKE Educational Foundation, Inc. will receive a one-year subscription to THE TEKE. It’s our way of saying thank you and of keeping you informed regarding what’s going on in your Fraternity today.

How to submit stories and photos:Chapter news should contain information about events, community service projects, and other notable achievements. Articles and photos can be emailed to [email protected] and [email protected]. Mail hard copies and prints to the Offi ces of the Grand Chapter. Digital photos should be at least 300 dpi in resolu-tion or on a digital camera’s highest-quality setting. Photos showing alcoholic beverages or members displaying unsuitable behavior cannot be accepted.

How to submit stories and photos:

features

2009 – 2011 GRAND COUNCIL

Grand PrytanisDr. Herbert L. Songer (Alpha-Upsilon)

Grand EpiprytanisEdmund C. Moy (Lambda)

Grand GrammateusBob Barr (Beta-Sigma)

Grand CrysophylosRodney G. Talbot (Beta-Chi)

Grand HistorRobert A. Jarred (Omicron-Kappa)

Grand HypophetesChristopher T. Hanson (Alpha-Pi)

Grand PylortesJames Hickey (Zeta-Alpha)

Grand Offi cerCorey Mathews (Gamma-Theta)

Collegiate Advisory Committee ChairMichael Beals (Epsilon)

SUBMISSION DEADLINES

Spring February 15Summer June 15Fall October 15Winter January 15

Send news and photographs for THE TEKE to the editor, 7439 Woodland Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278-1765.

OFFICES OF THE GRAND CHAPTER7439 Woodland DriveIndianapolis, IN 46278-1765Tel: 317/872-6533Fax: 317/875-8353Email: [email protected]: www.tke.org

Better Men for a

Better World

SUMMER 2010 THE TEKE 3

Offi ces of the Grand Chapter StaffMeet the new team that will service chapters & colonies in the four regions of the Fraternity.

A New Face for the TKE NationOn July 17, nearly 200 Tekes and guests showed up for the grand opening of the new headquarters building on Woodland Drive.

Better Men for a Better World CourtyardBe one of the fi rst to participate by purchasing a personalized brick or another item in the courtyard.

The SitdownBruce B. Melchert, PGP and former Executive Director of the Fraternity, talks about the various moves of the headquarters through the years.

Regional Leadership ConferencesJoin the best and the brightest at the 2011 RLCs. See next year’s dates and locations.

Reacting to ChangeHow you react to change determines your ultimate success or failure.

Money MattersStart your professional career with a basic knowl-edge of money management principles.

6

13

14

27

28

32

5

6

28

14

Members of the OGC Staff gather in the foyer with the interim CEO, Shawn Babine.


ceo message ceo message

Service to others is the price we pay to live on this earth. As Tekes, it is our obligation and our responsibility to be better men who build a better world. Although fraternities can be bullish on service to others and volunteerism, Fraters need to understand it is our responsibility. Understand-ing and improving the mechanics in which we operate our chapter and alumni projects help build a

stronger fraternity. Here are a few recommendations:

• TKE leaders should consistently communicate their expectations for the social, cultural, and intel-lectual impact they expect their charitable contributions to have. Setting achievable objectives, establishing a well-thought-out plan, seeking out resources before a project’s start, and focusing on the plan’s execution are critical to success. Failing to properly plan will certainly lead to failure. As Tekes, we do not fail. • TKE volunteers must reinforce the message before, during, and after their projects to instill the importance of their volunteer work. If social outcomes are a chapter’s expectations, Fraters ‘in the trenches’ must know. • Chapter volunteers and their audience, whether that audience is another group of Fraters or a nonprofi t agency, need to hold each other accountable. Goals for each event or activity must be established, communicated, and performance measured. We must ask those involved in the planning of a project to report to other stakeholders (e.g., community news, campus administration, your international offi ces, etc.) the progress made toward those goals. • Both chapters and individual Fraters have a responsibility to help in collecting key data such as total hours worked, total dollars raised, and to communicate with others our success. Leaders must perform a post-mortem qualitative assessment that not only identifi es accomplishments, but also analyzes lessons learned. • Chapter and alumni volunteer leaders must create a recognition system for their volunteers. Some-thing as simple as a reduced dues plan or alumni social event in honor of a volunteer are quick and easy ways to recognize volunteer excellence. Cutting-edge chapters and alumni plans are fully integrated in the workload, performance, and recognition expectations for their Fraters.

In 1908, Frater Edward P. Imboden wrote in an open letter for THE TEKE, “A man who is asked to join a fraternity such as the one of which this is the offi cial organ, should consider himself fortunate, and hold those from whom the invitation emanates in great esteem.” More than a quarter century since my initiation, I write my fi rst CEO message with great esteem for those Fraters who invited me to join. To those Fraters, I express my deepest gratitude for helping to shape my success. I was empowered as a young Teke, who came from poor beginnings, to believe I could dream and achieve anything. Prior to my appointment, I was privileged to serve as a volunteer and most recently as your Grand Hegemon, and I recognize that every volunteer and staff member gives much of their time, talent and treasure. To the volunteers with whom I worked alongside in the trenches, your loyalty and core values are a beacon that keeps me grounded as we march together into the future. To the Grand Council and dedi-cated staff, you are most incredible. Together, we will make a difference. My message to the TKE Nation is simple. Service to others is the price we pay and as Fraters in the Bond, it is our obligation and our responsibility. That is our legacy to others. When done right, TKE dreams do come true. Fraters, I love the Fraternity.

Yours in the Bond,

Shawn A. BabineInterim Chief Executive Offi cer

“Understanding and improving the mechanics in which we operate our chapter and alumni projects help build a stronger fraternity.”

Service to Others Is the Price We Pay


new staff new staff

The map above represents the regions serviced by our staff who are charged with training and motivating volunteers and collegiates. Help with other issues can be found at tke.org. The general contact information is 317.872.6533 by phone or [email protected] via email.

Chapter Services Team

John DeckardVice President forFraternal Services [email protected]

Buckwheat PerryDirector of Chapter

[email protected]

Donnie AldrichDirector of Programs

[email protected]

Adams KearnsAsst. Director

[email protected]

Pete DawsonRegional Director

Region 1Northeast

[email protected]

Matt GutierrezAssociate

Regional DirectorRegion 1

[email protected]

Adam FerrisRegional Director

Region 2South

[email protected]

Jason GaleaAssociate


[email protected]

Greg RoskopfRegional Director

Region 3Midwest

[email protected]

Nat SheppardAssociate


[email protected]

Todd FarmerRegional Director

Region 4West

[email protected]

Michael RussellAssociate


[email protected]

Tracy HolmesAsst. Director of Chapter Services

[email protected]

Aaron PattisonExpansionCoordinator

[email protected]

Nate LehmanSpecial Projects

[email protected]

Four Regions of Tau Kappa Epsilon

Chris SuskovichExpansionCoordinator

[email protected]

Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4


feature feature

The world’s largest fraternity has a new world-class facility to en-hance every facet of Tau Kappa Epsilon. Following nearly 40

years at 8645 Founders Road, the Frater-nity took a bold step forward purchasing a property approximately four miles away. Though it’s only a short distance, the dif-ferences in the buildings are remarkable. In the last edition of the magazine (spring 2010), the historical signifi cance of this move was featured to show the various places the Offi ces of the Grand Chapter (OGC) have called home. During each there were times of growing pains, but in the end it helped enhance services, attract the best and brightest from the TKE Na-tion, and position the Fraternity for healthy growth. This was no different. Join us as we walk through the front doors of the newest addition to the TKE Family.

Entering through the double doors you will notice an expansive greeting area. The foyer is designed to welcome Frat-ers and guests to the OGC from nearby and far away. To the right and left of the doors are miniature offi ces available to anyone traveling for work or who needs a quiet place to get some work done. When collegiates or alumni come to visit, the environment is welcoming and adorned with both Teke colors (Cherry & Gray) and framed historical artifacts. This theme can be found throughout the building.

As you are met by the Executive Secretary, you will notice a large column in the middle and a door to your left. The large column in the middle houses an eleva-tor which allows members access to all the fl oors of the OGC.

Hosting & Working

A key component of this building is the ability to host meetings and small con-ferences for members of TKE. When you enter the basement level from the elevator, this is abundantly clear with the spacious breakroom/meeting space. Hosting a full service kitchen and capacity to hold more than 75 comfortably for a general session or small breakouts, the space can be con-verted for several different uses. The staff can also utilize the area for its own training or other needs.

Entering through the double doorsyou will notice an expansive greeting area.

A New Face for the TKE Nation


feature feature

Continuing to move down the hallway is an exercise room. Staff and alumni or collegiates who come for conferences can take some time out to improve their health while away from familiar surroundings. For the staff, it serves as an enhancement for those who are attracted to working for the organization and helps those already employed to be in peak shape. This keeps health costs down, eliminates the need for staff to get gym memberships, and lessens the need for sick days as a result of being in better overall health. The lower level also houses shipping & receiving and the brains of the operation

—the servers and network infrastructure— keeping the offi ce functioning, online, and available to be reached at all times. Without this integral part and improved space, the ability to communicate with members and adapt to the latest technologies would be hampered. This new area leaves ample space to grow and develop even greater advancements in communications, chapter servicing, and data storage/collection, among many other things. The temporary home for the archives is housed on this fl oor, as well as all ritual equipment for the Offi ces of the Grand Chapter.

8 THE TEKE

SUMMER 2010

feature

Spreading the Message

When you pass through the entrance on your left of the fi rst fl oor, you enter the Events, Communication and Market-ing Department. This is where all the promotional materials, publications (such as THE TEKE), and events (like Regional Leadership Conferences and Conclave) are planned throughout the year. Your stories are cultivated here, as well as all production of communication vehicles—both print and online. If there is no message or materials to help spread the good news of TKE, there is diffi culty articulating what this organiza-tion is all about. The new space helps the staff continue to deliver the highest quality resources for the entire TKE Nation and ensures the future of these areas will be steadily improved. This wing helps preserve one of the four vital parts in the OGC.

Directing the Ship

After seeing the Events, Communica-tion and Marketing Department, the bulk of the remaining space on fl oor one is occupied by the Operations staff. This is where the record keeping, fi nancial, website and housing areas coexist. Without the individuals in this area, there would be little ability to support chapters, fund events (such as Conclave), track who are members, or keep tke.org up and running. The space also lends itself to traveling Tekes who need additional workspace and internet access. In the future, it will allow more members to join staff should the need arise. As you continue through this area, the TKE Educational Foundation is housed. The President and Director of Alumni Relations, along with the Operations shared staff, help support the function of the Fra-ternity through tax-deductible donations. Their efforts ensure the future of this great organization. “This building represents a living legacy,” said Frater Robert Tafl inger, Direc-tor of Business Affairs. “It is a great symbol of our organization for alumni to be proud and sets up an excellent infrastructure for years to come.”


feature feature

Continuing to move past those offi ces is the CEO’s workplace. This is an excellent place for the organization’s head to host prominent alumni and other stakeholders in a relaxed setting. It also allows the ability for the high ranking staff member to oversee the inner-workings of the entire organization.

Finding the Right Men

The lifeblood of the organization is its membership and no other part of the OGC is more heavily focused on this aspect than the Chapter Services staff. Housed on the third fl oor, the Vice President for Fraternal Services, Regional Servicing Team, Pro-grams, Standards and Expansion staff work to ensure the future. Senior Regional Direc-tor Todd Farmer says the facility makes him honored to be a Teke.

“This building communicates a sense of pride not only to the staff, but to all members of this organization. I want everyone to visit and tour the OGC to understand how we can better function as a fraternity. These are exciting times and I want every collegiate member to take a road trip here to utilize the space. This is not the staff ’s building—it’s your building.” More conference space is located on this fl oor in a state-of-the-art board room. This increases the opportunity to make multimedia presentations and interact in a more intimate setting. Doors join this space with an outdoor patio that overlooks the landscape and provides an area for members to host a lunch or alumni function when the need arises.

10 THE TEKE

SUMMER 2010

feature feature

There is an additional patio on the other side of the fl oor which joins what will become a museum. The space will be fi lled with artifacts from TKE’s early days through the present, complete with interac-tive archives and another space to host functions. The beautifully manicured grounds outside the building contain mature trees and plantings, and the garden area left of the main entrance will be home to the Better Men for a Better World Courtyard.

A Magnifi cent Obsession

Tau Kappa Epsilon has always prided itself on being the “World’s Largest & Best Fraternity.” Now we can showcase this thought into reality. Each time the head-quarters has moved, it has been to better position the organization as a growing leader in the fraternal world. This time is no different. The days of the Grand Council, collegiate and alumni members, or staff having to travel for meetings because there is not enough space in Indianapolis are gone. A world-class space is available for most any size meeting, conference or function—all to better enhance your experience as a member. As TKE con-tinues to grow and impact more lives, the abilities to meet the needs that come with it can be accomplished. Just as Frater Todd Farmer said, this space is yours. We have this building to represent what you stand for and strive to accomplish each day. We are all Tekes and now have a home we can grow with for years to come.


teke on the street teke on the street

REGION 1How does the past impact the future?

REGION 2

REGION 3 REGION 4

What does the future hold for your chapter and/or TKE as an organization?

Why do you believe TKE is the best fraternity and how will you stay involved? When you hear the words “New Era,” what do you think of?

David Seabold• Rowan University (Omicron-Iota)• Senior• Pylortes• Law and Justice, 2.5 GPA• Black Knights• Sussex County Sheriff Emergency

Management “The options of a man’s future are

determined by the choices of his past.”

John J. Lanza IV• Rider University (Epsilon-Zeta)• Senior• Prytanis• History, 3.67 GPA• Law Society, Order of Omega,

Omicron Delta Kappa & Phi Alpha Theta Honor Societies

• Bronc Buddy Freshman Move-In, Relay for Life, Greeks Go Green Campus Cleanup, Lawrenceville Little League

“A plan, argument, or idea for the future cannot be advanced intel-ligently before its origin and past implications are studied.”

Randy Butcher• Christian Brothers University

(Pi-Epsilon)• Senior• Events Management Chair • History• Up Til Dawn and the President’s

Tobacco Free Committee• Nite of Life with the Dream

Factory of Memphis and the St. Jude Marathon“Pi-Epsilon will reach 500 on the chapter scroll this year and I would like to see the same type of growth for TKE internationally, because the more men we recruit, the more good we can do in our world.”

Efstratios Kosmas• Saint Leo University (Sigma-Theta)• Senior• Social/Housing Chair, Judicial Board• Marketing, 2.3 GPA• Green and Gold Key, Student Ser-

vices, IFC, SSS Big Bro, Samaritans• Relay for Life, Pink Out Saint Leo,

Chili’s St. Jude, fall/spring Commu-nity Service Day, Hunger Banquet at SLU, TOMS a Day Without Shoes

“The future we hold for our chapter is to achieve the title of Outstanding Fraternity of the Year and double our numbers. We’re going to grow more people than ever before and be recognized as highest in standards for fraternities.”

Pete S. Katsilis• Cleveland State (Delta-Epsilon)• Senior• Social Chairman• Social Work, 2.7 GPA• Social Workers in Action• Making Strides for Breast Cancer

Walk, Human Rights Banquet, Cleveland Foodbank, Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

“TKE is the best fraternity because our D.O.P. guides us in our fraternal and other relationships. I hope to stay involved by guiding the actives and helping them continue to grow our chapter into what it once was.”

Heath D. Stratton• Shawnee State University (Tau-Nu)• Senior• Prytanis/Fundraising Chairman• Sports Studies, 2.6 GPA• Student Programming Board &

Student Government Alliance• St. Jude Cancer Research Fund,

Habitat for Humanity, Adopt-a-Highway, Red Cross Fund

“TKE is the best fraternity because of the leadership skills, tools, morals, and values a college man can learn as an active member. You can utilize those things to be a better man and use them in every aspect of life.”

Matthew Hente• Truman State Univ. (Iota-Gamma)• Senior• Prytanis• Business Administration/Man-

agement, 3.04 GPA• Bulldog Paintball Club President,

Student Senate Assoc. Senator• Relay for Life, SausageFest,

Street Cleaning “I think of a new opportunity for

TKE. We have the chance to capitalize on our momentum from our excellent year last year and offer more men the opportu-nity to join the brotherhood that will last a lifetime.”

Kristopher Nielsen• University of Kansas (Alpha-Phi)• Senior• Histor, former Prytanis, Crysophylos• Economics, 3.0 GPA• Homecoming Steering Committee,

University Daily Kansan, KU Leader-ship Panel,’10 LeaderShape Institute

• TKE for Troops (care package fund-raiser, TKE in a Box (canned food drive)

“A ‘New Era’ represents a tipping point in an organization, where there is signifi cant, noticeable change. This also comes with a change in attitude and renewed excitement.”

Grand Hyatt San Antonio

56th Biennial Conclave San Antonio, Texas

August 4–7

Join us for the


tke educational foundation tke educational foundation

The Better Men for a Better World Courtyard has been designed to give Tekes throughout the world an affordable opportunity to have their name added to our International Headquarters. Opportunities abound, with more than 2,800 bricks available, to permanently etch the name of the giver, a friend, or ones who have departed so there will be a lasting memory of the role they have played in making TKE great. Add your name to the International Headquarters today by visiting WWW.TKE.ORG/BRICK.

Better Men for a Better World Courtyard

14 THE TEKE SUMMER 200814 THE TEKE SUMMER 2010

the sitdown the sitdown

Selection of Indianapolis for TKE’s International Head-quarters ultimately proved to be a wise decision. How we got there and why will be explored in the following article.

During the tenure of Frater V. J. Hampton (Gamma, University of Illinois), who served as Executive Secretary for 11 years (1945-1956), the national offi ces were maintained in rented quarters in Champaign, Ill. Services were greatly expanded and the Fraternity grew from 9 to 130 active chapters. Following a prolonged and exhaustive study of possible sites and facilities, the Central Offi ce was again moved in 1956 to temporary headquarters in Kansas City, Mo. At that time, Richard R. Hall (Alpha-Omicron, New Mexico State) became full-time Executive Secretary, and future plans called for the construction of a permanent headquarters building, also in Kansas City. Construction of the new building was delayed again and again as a result of fi nancial diffi culties and policy changes by the Grand Council. What was intended as a temporary offi ce became TKE headquarters for the next fi ve years. During this time, seven fraternities and sororities built their headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind., which led TKE leaders to seriously consider this location for the permanent home of the Fraternity. Frater Melchert succeeded Frater Hall as Executive Secretary in 1960, and to him fell the task of transporting the International Headquarters to Indianapolis. In May of 1961, a new “permanent” headquarters for the Offi ces of the Grand Chapter was purchased at 3755 Washington Boulevard in Indianapolis. Formerly the Robert Stith property, this three-story brick colonial home would serve as TKE’s central offi ce for the next 10 years. With continued growth of members and chapters, the need for more staff, and future expansion opportunities, Frater Melchert spearheaded an effort in 1972 to build a headquarters on the northwest side of Indianapolis in an area called “College Park.” In January, the new headquarters opened its doors for operation. Years of dreaming, planning and saving funds all came to fruition with the new building.

election of Indianapolis for TKE’s International Head-quarters ultimately proved to be a wise decision. How

h d h ill b l d i h f ll i

Moving Through the Years

S141414 THE TEKETHE TEKETHE TEKE SSSUMMER 2010UMMER 2008UMMER 2008

Uyqth

sitoRfucK athbtiInth

SInCIsfo nMoPoc



THE TEKE: When you came on staff as a fi eld supervisor, there were talks of moving headquarters. Tell us a little bit about what that was like.

Melchert: The fi rst task I had was to head to Kansas City to unload boxes in the new home of TKE. It was a very diffi cult transition surrounded by much controversy as they moved out of Illinois. Many felt they shouldn’t move outside of where the Fraternity was founded, but the inten-tion was always to improve upon what we had. We would unpack boxes during the day and train for the job in the evening—it was fairly diffi cult for some time.

THE TEKE: When you became Executive Direc-tor, the idea of moving the OGC to Indianapolis came up. How did that come about and how was it received?

Melchert: Any time you move something that is near to the hearts of members it generates some opposi-tion. Since I never worked in Champaign, the move didn’t mean much to me, but when I was Executive Director, I worked on the move to Indianapolis. Don Kaser was the Grand Prytanis at the time and, during a Council meeting in Indianapolis, was approached by the executive director of Lambda Chi Alpha about TKE moving there. The location seemed like a good fi t because of the centralized location to our chapters. It also had tax advantages and great space for it.

THE TEKE: How was the decision made to offi cially make the move and then on where to go?

Melchert: The decision was made during that same meeting and we quickly put in a bid for the house on Washington Boulevard. Shortly after moving, we added a cinderblock building to the back of it to hold our printing, archives and mail services. That worked fi ne for a short time and then there was a movement, because of how many Greek headquarters were moving to Indy, to create a space for all college fraternities and sororities in what was called “College Park.” We were the fi rst to purchase land, but not the fi rst to build.

THE TEKE: Going back to the original move to Indianapolis, you moved in 1961, which made it a Con-clave year. What was that like?

Melchert: That was the Miami Conclave which was held in late August and the move was just a few weeks prior to that, so it was a little interesting to say the least. We had pack-up, then unpack and set stuff up, hire a staff, and then get ready for Conclave in a span of three weeks. There was really no time to stress out about it—it was just do it and we did.

THE TEKE: Why have every fraternity and sorority in one area? What was the reasoning behind this idea?

Melchert: The initial plans were to have each headquar-ters build and then have a centralized building for printing, mailing and other services. The problem with that, primarily, was each organization had a different timetable for doing this. However, this move could allow TKE to have a head-quarters built specifi cally for us and the staff could share best practices back and forth with the others on the row.

THE TEKE: Was there resistance from members about doing this?

Melchert: Well, we had run out of space at the current facility on Washington and had just been designated as the

There are few people in Tau Kappa Epsilon who have intimate knowledge of TKE’s most historic headquarters moves throughout the years. Frater Bruce B. Melchert (Scholars Society) was present for moves from Champaign, Ill., to Kansas City, Mo., and from there to Indianapolis, Ind. During each there were periods of great excitement, dissidence, and misunderstanding. Through it all, the Fra-ternity has continued to fl ourish and extend its prominence throughout the world. Join us as we sit down with Frater Bruce to discuss the historical signifi cance of this move and if it continues the trend, among other things.

A crowd estimated in excess of 200 attended the formal dedication of the new TKE International Headquarters on Founders Road September 9, 1972. The offi cal ribbon cutting was performed by Executive Director Bruce B. Melchert (left) and Grand Prytanis Lenwood S. Cochran (right).

16 THE TEKE

SUMMER 2010


world’s largest fraternity—so the move made sense. People were more disappointed that the “Teke Temple” idea never materialized, but were rather quiet about both the move to Indianapolis and the Founders Road location. I think the biggest advantage was the distribution of colleges and uni-versities made Indianapolis a near-perfect fi t for us and the other organizations. I think most believed this was a natural progression.

THE TEKE: Moving ahead to the building today, do you believe this continues the progression you are talking about?

Melchert: This is a beautiful step forward. The Found-ers Road location served its purpose and was getting to the point of hindering progress. It was not adequate to hold functions because of awesome growth throughout the U.S. and Canada. This is not a bad thing at all, but does require a change. I think when alumni and collegiates come to the new offi ce, they will see how inviting and comfortable they will be while learning about the organization. I also think they will take great pride in the offi ce.

THE TEKE: Was this the right time to move? Could we have waited?

Melchert: Part of the reason for making the move now is the economy. Real estate is at its lowest ebb and this was an amazing opportunity to fi nd something that could fi t the needs while being reasonable in cost. We would not have been able to get the facility we got during normal times—it would have been well out of our price range. Seeing and rec-ognizing this, we had to jump on it. This is an investment in the future of TKE and one we can build on for many years.

THE TEKE: How is this comparable to fraternities of our size in the Greek world?

Melchert: It’s an interesting question because several of our fellow Greeks have had facilities near to the same size as this one and sometimes even bigger. The reason they have big buildings is not for the size, but rather to instill pride in their members and show them all about the organization inside it. Regardless of how big or small, a building is just a building if you don’t use it for a good purpose. And the plans to utilize the space within those walls at the OGC will help make it a proper home for this Fraternity.

THE TEKE: What was the fi rst thought that went through your mind when you were able to tour the facility?

Melchert: Wow! And I couldn’t believe it was cherry and gray. But in all seriousness, it is an impressive building and epitomizes the kind of prominence and prestige that we have generated and engendered. It made me exceptionally proud to call it home and the feeling that this is my home. It is exactly the type of place that those Fraters talked about years ago of a Teke Temple. There are just so many possibili-ties and it’s so exciting to be a part of fi guring out what to do next with it.

The Teke Temple design was proposed by Teke architect Frank Norris (Gamma-Xi) and past Grand Histor Walter J. Miller (Epsilon) of Albuquerque, N.M. It incorporated the use of the famed Teke triangles, inside and out. The fl oor plans called for a “Great Hall”; adequate offi ce, storage, and fi ling space; a combination Grand Council meeting room, museum, and library, as well as bedroom space to house Teke Field Supervisors, Grand Council members, and others, when visiting the headquarters.

Laurel Hall, Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity headquarters, Indianapolis.



Bruce B. Melchert was initiated into Beta-Theta Chapter at the University of Missouri in 1954 and has served the Fra-ternity as a Regional

Offi cer, Judiciary Chairman, Conclave Chair-man, and member of the Board of Directors of the TKE Educational Foundation. He was a Field Supervisor from 1956 to 1957, Assistant Executive Secretary from 1958 to 1959, and was TKE’s Executive Director from 1960 to 1972. During this time, Bruce grew

As Frater Bruce stated earlier, this is a place all Fraters—undergraduates and alumni—can call home. The building is a hollow shell without members like you. The opportunities are endless with this new facility and all of you are invited to share in the abundance this has to offer.

the Grand Chapter by 163 chapters, from 148 to 311. After leaving the staff, he was elected to the Grand Council in 1979, serving as Grand Prytanis from 1987 to 1989. He is a recipient of the Order of the Silver Maple Leaf, Grand Prytanis Award, and the Order of the Golden Eagle Award. He is also a Life Loyal Teke. He is recognized as an International Founder for beginning the Zeta-Iota Chapter at the University of Manitoba in 1958. For his efforts in extending the reach of Tau Kappa Epsilon beyond the border of the United States of America, Frater Melchert was named Expansion Leader at the 49th Biennial

Conclave. Frater Bruce’s professional experiences include serving as TKE’s Executive Director, Administrative Assistant for U.S. Congress, Deputy Mayor of the city of Indianapolis, Chairman of the Indiana Repubican’s State Central Committee, Executive Vice President of Public Relations and Marketing for Carlson and Company Advertising, and Vice President of Community and Government Affairs for Methodist Hospital of Indiana, Inc. He retired in 2006 as Vice President of Government Affairs with Clarian Health Partners where he held the position for 20 years.

ABOUT FRATER MELCHERT

Sigma Nu Fraternity headquarters (top), Lexington, Va.; Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity headquarters (bottom), Evan-ston, Ill.; (right) Grand Prytanis Herb Songer and CEO Kevin Mayeux cut the ribbon at the dedication ceremony of the new Headquarters July 17.


chapter news chapter news

CULVER-STOCKTON COLLEGE, Zeta-PiThe Zeta-Pi Fraters came back from spring break in early March to jump into a couple of community service projects. A total of 26 hours was logged at the Canton fi rehouse, helping them with their spring cleaning and rearranging. Previously, they worked around 130 to 140 hours at the annual Canton 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Spring means Greek Week and the Tekes are proud to report they brought back the gold on the back of winning the Small Talent Lip-sync and Tug-of-War events. They even won overall points over the sororities! Zeta-Pi also received the award for Highest House GPA for the 2009 year at the same awards ceremony.

The last three weeks of the semester, TKE again had a very strong showing, posting a 3.247 average, well above the all-male Greek average as well as the all-Greek average.

Ashland University, Pi-AlphaStrength: 40 • GPA: 2.8Community Service Hours: 1,035Recruitment Results: 20

Award Recruitment ResultsAward Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceHonorable Mention Alumni RelationsAward Extracurricular Activities

Bucknell University, Beta-MuTop TKE Chapter

Strength: 90 • GPA: 3.3Community Service Hours: 1,376Recruitment Results: 27

Honorable Mention Recruitment ResultsAward Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceAward Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Carleton University, Tau-OmegaTop TKE Chapter


Award Recruitment ResultsAward Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceHonorable Mention Alumni RelationsHonorable Mention Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Christian Brothers University, Pi-EpsilonTop TKE Chapter

Strength: 58 • GPA: 3.02 Community Service Hours: 5,105Recruitment Results: 13


Clemson University, Sigma-PsiStrength: 58 • GPA: 2.5Community Service Hours: 550Recruitment Results: 20

Award Recruitment ResultsAward Chapter SizeHonorable Mention Community ServiceHonorable Mention Alumni RelationsHonorable Mention Extracurricular Activities

Cornell University, ScorpionStrength: 35 • GPA: 3.4Community Service Hours: 375Recruitment Results: 10

Award Community ServiceAward Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Top TKE Chapter Award The offi cial requirements to be eligible to receive a Top TKE Chapter award are to meet at least four of the six excellence awards and be a chapter in good standing with the Offi ces of the Grand Chapter. Broken down into six distinct, yet connected focus areas of Recruitment Results, Chapter Size, Community Service, Alumni Relations, Academic Suc-cess, and Extracurricular Activities, the sum results in a well-rounded and successful chapter. Below is a listing of the 2010 Top TKE Chapters and news related to their winning the prestigious award.

Bucknell University, Beta-Mu

Carleton University, Tau-Omega

Christian Brothers University, Pi-Epsilon

Kansas State University, Alpha-Lambda

Ohio State University, Omicron

University of California-Berkeley, Nu

University of Louisville, Alpha-Chi

University of Southern California, Beta-Sigma

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Zeta-Mu

2010 Top TKE Chapters



Culver-Stockton University, Zeta-PiStrength: 40 • GPA: 3.19Community Service Hours: 1,200Recruitment Results: 13

Award Recruitment ResultsAward Chapter SizeHonorable Mention Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Drexel University, Alpha-TauMost Improved Chapter


Honorable Mention Recruitment ResultsAward Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceHonorable Mention Alumni RelationsHonorable Mention Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Eastern Michigan University, Delta-PiStrength: 32 • GPA: 3.18Community Service Hours: 1,250Recruitment Results: 8

Honorable Mention Recruitment ResultsHonorable Mention Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceHonorable Mention Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Fairleigh Dickinson University, Tau-ThetaStrength: 41 • GPA: 3.04Community Service Hours: 1,413Recruitment Results: 12Honorable Mention Recruitment Results

Award Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceHonorable Mention Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Florida International University, Sigma-AlphaStrength: 62 • GPA: 2.7Community Service Hours: 600Recruitment Results: 29Award Recruitment Results

Honorable Mention Chapter SizeHonorable Mention Community ServiceAward Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

George Washington University, Alpha-PiStrength: 47 • GPA: 3.1Community Service Hours: 1,500Recruitment Results: 17


Top Tekes This year, nine more Fraters join the ranks of Top Teke. Each has exemplifi ed excellence in the cornerstone principles of Scholarship, Character, Leadership (campus and chapter), Teamwork, Service, and Brotherhood. The Offi ces of the Grand Chapter congratulate our 2010 International Top Teke Fraters.

Cory FunkPi-Alpha, Ashland

University

Theo ConstantourosBeta-Sigma, Univ. of Southern California

Justin IngramMu-Chi

UNC-Wilmington

Jonathan TurkEpsilon, Iowa

State University

Theo Constantouros

Samuel OsborneBeta, Millikin

University

Kevin KinzerBeta-Epsilon

Trine University

Tyler ShortBeta-Gamma

Oklahoma State

Seth WantaSigma-Xi, St.

Norbert College

Cory Funk

Kevin Kinzer

2010 International Top Tekes

Jonathan Turk Adam YasinowXi, Washington

University



IUPUI, Upsilon-IotaStrength: 41 • GPA: 2.69Community Service Hours: 1,575Recruitment Results: 20

Honorable Mention Recruitment ResultsAward Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceAward Alumni RelationsHonorable Mention Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Iowa State University, EpsilonStrength: 59 • GPA: 2.94Community Service Hours: 1,547Recruitment Results: 23

Honorable Mention Recruitment ResultsHonorable Mention Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceAward Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Kansas State University, Alpha-LambdaTop TKE Chapter


Honorable Mention Recruitment ResultsHonorable Mention Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceAward Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Kent State University, Iota-PiStrength: 40 • GPA: 2.6Community Service Hours: 1,000Recruitment Results: 21

Award Recruitment ResultsHonorable Mention Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceHonorable Mention Alumni Relations

Millikin University, BetaStrength: 43 • GPA: 3.01Community Service Hours: 927Recruitment Results: 10


Missouri State University, Beta-OmegaStrength: 37 • GPA: 2.34Community Service Hours: 400Recruitment Results: 11

Honorable Mention Recruitment ResultsHonorable Mention Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceHonorable Mention Alumni RelationsHonorable Mention Academic SuccessHonorable Mention Extracurricular Activities

MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY, Kappa-KappaThe Monmouth Tekes have had continued success during the last school year and are proud to claim the last two TKE Interna-tional Sweethearts represented Kappa-Kappa Chapter. Succeeding Amanda Klaus is 2010 Sweetheart Marie Worsham who is very sup-portive of the chapter and upholds the ideals of Tau Kappa Epsilon dear to her heart. Marie came to every event the chapter held, including their Scholarship Dinner, Alumni Cocktail Party, and fi rst Senior Appreciation Dinner.

Besides dining with the Sweethearts, this year the chapter hosted several other dinners with the administration and advisor in an effort to improve Kappa Kappa’s image at the university. They also held a luncheon for Monmouth University’s president, Paul Gaffney II. Relations with alumni were also improved by increasing their involvement at various events such as the cocktail party. A great number of alumni attended Homecoming thanks to the efforts of Past Grand Offi cer Charles Trabold, and it was very rewarding to see others who helped make the chapter what it is today. In the spring, members held an alumni cocktail party in memory of George Bundy who was the fi rst Frater to sign Kappa-Kappa’s scroll and were glad to see a great turnout for the event. Thanks to the support of the Offi ces of the Grand Chapter and the alumni, Kappa-Kappa Chapter is only looking up and already planning for another successful school year.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY, Pi-OmicronIn March, the Fraters of Pi-Omicron Chapter hosted “Cuts for a Cure” at Northern Kentucky University’s student union. They auctioned off chances to cut members’ hair and the crazier the look the better. Putting pride aside, some had their heads buzzed, others went for the uneven look, and some had words inscribed into their tresses. This was the second year for the benefi t, with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Association. Frater Travis South-worth said members starting letting their hair grow out several months before the event.

“The longer your hair is, the more you can do with it, and the more money we’re going to raise for the Alzheimer’s Association.”

Drexel University, Alpha-Tau

Northern Kentucky University, Pi-Omicron Northwest Missouri State University, Delta-Nu

Southwest Oklahoma State University, Epsilon-Eta

2010 Most Improved Chapters

22 THE TEKE

SUMMER 2010


Monmouth University, Kappa-KappaStrength: 38 • GPA: 3.04Community Service Hours: 361Recruitment Results: 12

Honorable Mention Recruitment ResultsHonorable Mention Chapter SizeHonorable Mention Community ServiceHonorable Mention Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Northeastern State University, Sigma-LambdaStrength: 34 • GPA: 2.5Community Service Hours: 288Recruitment Results: 13

Award Alumni RelationsAward Extracurricular Activities

Northern Kentucky University, Pi-OmicronMost Improved Chapter

Strength: 56 • GPA: 3.1Community Service Hours: 400Recruitment Results: 34

Honorable Mention Recruitment ResultsAward Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceHonorable Mention Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Northwest Missouri State University, Delta-NuMost Improved Chapter


Honorable Mention Recruitment ResultsAward Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceAward Alumni RelationsHonorable Mention Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Ohio State University, OmicronTop TKE Chapter


Award Recruitment ResultsAward Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceAward Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

What makes the 2010 TKE International Sweetheart Scholarship winner tick? What does she hope to accomplish in the future with all of what she already has? What thoughts ran through her head when she was told of her selection as the 57th Sweetheart? We will answer all of these questions and more as we meet Marie Worsham. Representing Kappa-Kappa Chapter at Monmouth University, Marie’s dynamic list of accomplishments and interaction with the men of this chapter won over the TKE Nation. There is, however, much more to her story than just a resume. In one of the most highly contested since the inception of the online voting model, Marie took home the honor with a remarkable number of votes. This is the fi rst time in the 57-year history of the competition that the same chapter nominated back-to-back winners (Amanda Klaus 2009–10). “I think having this happen shows how hard the chapter is working to not only improve on our campus, but also become one of TKE’s top groups,” Marie said. “I was shocked and ecstatic

when I found out. I was even happier for these guys who have really stepped up and shown Amanda and me

what it means to be a Teke.” Marie is seeking a degree to become a market-

ing or advertising professional in the maga-zine or music industries. She also desires to

keep service as a principle in her life well past her college days. “The most important thing about service is not the want to get a scholar-ship or fulfi ll a requirement of some kind, rather the gratitude you get from knowing you helped someone in need,” said Marie. “Too many people today do this for a specifi c reason like what I said.

The real reward cannot be seen immedi-ately, but the impact will be felt for a long

time.” An avid outdoors enthusiast, Marie

seeks out parks and recreation activities wher-ever she goes. She loves horseback riding and has

since she was a child with horse farms near her home. In addition, she is a sports nut who loves attending games

for teams like the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Philadelphia Flyers. Marie grew up in both Florida and New Jersey, but says if she gets the opportunity Philly will be her next home. Congratulations to both Marie and the Kappa-Kappa Chapter on being selected for this hon-or. This next year’s Regional Leadership Conferences will feature the offi cial crowning, so be sure to save space on your calendar to meet the 2010 TKE International Sweetheart—Marie Worsham.

International Sweetheart The TKE International Sweetheart Award, selected annually by online voting on the TKE website,

is the highest honor for a female representative of the Fraternity. Nominees are chosen based on GPA,

honors and awards of distinction, extracurricular activities, community service and involvement with the

local TKE chapter. The Sweetheart is awarded a scholarship from the TKE Educational Foundation.

Marie Worsham



Quinnipiac University, Kappa-PsiStrength: 82 • GPA: 3.1Community Service Hours: 1,275Recruitment Results: 23

Award Recruitment ResultsAward Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceAward Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Rochester Institute of Technology, Xi-UpsilonStrength: 40 • GPA: 2.99Community Service Hours: 1,100Recruitment Results: 7

Award Community ServiceAward Alumni RelationsHonorable Mention Extracurricular Activities

Rollins College, Zeta-PhiStrength: 51 • GPA: 2.95Community Service Hours: 820Recruitment Results: 18

Award Recruitment ResultsAward Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceHonorable Mention Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

St. Francis University, Delta-PhiStrength: 26 • GPA: 3.2Community Service Hours: 425Recruitment Results: 7


St. Norbert College, Sigma-XiStrength: 38 • GPA: 3.0Recruitment Results: 15Honorable Mention Recruitment ResultsHonorable Mention Chapter Size

Honorable Mention Community ServiceHonorable Mention Alumni RelationsAward Extracurricular Activities

Spring Hill College, Upsilon-AlphaStrength: 54 • GPA: 3.1Community Service Hours: 2,715Recruitment Results: 18Honorable Mention Recruitment Results

Award Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceAward Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY, Kappa-NuLast October, the men of Kappa-Nu Chapter participated in the Memory Walk to benefi t the Kansas City chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. With more than 90 percent attendance by their members, they raised ap-proximately $850. The following month, the Tekes also enjoyed teaming up with Zeta Tau Alpha in a double elimination Washers tournament.

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY, Alpha-EtaAfter nearly fi ve years of absence from Rutgers University, the Alpha-Eta chapter is

back and going strong. In only a year’s time, their numbers have grown from four to forty, and they have had many victories along the way. One was the Annual Bed Race in which 36 of the university’s organizations, most of which were Greek, raced decorated hospital beds down College Avenue. The purpose of the competition was to collect umbrellas for local kids attending public schools in a non-

busing district. With the help of the Rutgers Tekes, 800 umbrellas were collected. The chapter was able to clinch fi rst place in the competition in which a trophy and prize were awarded. This is only one of the achievements this renewed chapter has earned so far, and they have every intent to pursue more as they continue their expansion.

RIDER UNIVERSITY, Epsilon-ZetaThe second annual Rider Relay (American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life”) has quickly become the event on Rider’s campus. During the community celebration March 27–28, team members took turns walking and running around the track inside the Student Recre-ation Center to raise funds to support cancer research education advocacy and patient and family services. The men of TKE fi nished with the second highest fundraising total ($2,725) and the third largest registered team (41) out of 64 teams and more than 800 par-ticipants, who raised an estimated $50,000. Fraters, family and friends reached out and dug deep in stressful economic times to make a strong showing that included 333 man-hours camped, with many camping overnight for a total of 15 hours. It was a team effort with several brothers stepping up and bringing in signifi cant donations into the hundreds of dollars. A fundraiser was held at a local Pizza Hut in which the Tekes received 20 percent of dine-in checks. The Epsilon-Zeta chapter also lit a luminaria on the track in honor of all the TKE brothers who have fallen to the disease. TKE CEO Kevin Mayeux was kind enough to donate $50 to the cause. His support, although certainly unexpected, was a welcome morale booster! All Fraters wore jerseys, brought chapter fl ags, made posters supporting Relay, and their newly lettered ‘Xi’ new member class joined them as well.

24 THE TEKE

SUMMER 2010


Southwestern Oklahoma State Univ., Epsilon-EtaMost Improved Chapter

Strength: 54 • GPA: 3.04Community Service Hours: 592Recruitment Results: 25

Award Recruitment ResultsAward Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Susquehanna University, Iota-BetaStrength: 58 • GPA: 2.98Community Service Hours: 2,141Recruitment Results: 18

Honorable Mention Recruitment ResultsAward Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceHonorable Mention Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Tennessee Tech University, Mu-OmicronStrength: 37 • GPA: 2.5Community Service Hours: 897Recruitment Results: 11

Honorable Mention Recruitment ResultsHonorable Mention Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceAward Alumni RelationsHonorable Mention Academic SuccessHonorable Mention Extracurricular Activities

University of Alabama – Birmingham, Pi-DeltaStrength: 40 • GPA: 2.9Community Service Hours: 1,900Recruitment Results: 26

Award Recruitment ResultsAward Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceHonorable Mention Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

University of California – Berkeley, NuTop TKE Chapter



SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY, Sigma-ThetaFraters at Saint Leo just had a very successful year. Greek Week was theirs before the week had even concluded. Winning all the events except one and even receiving a standing ovation at Mock Rock, the Tekes really showed the Saint Leo Greek Life who was top dog. The chapter continued their success by winning the Interfra-ternity Council’s “Fraternity of the Year” at the annual Greek Formal. But Sigma-Theta claims their biggest success is being a part of Relay for Life. The chapter set up a table around the quarter mile track selling chance tickets which raised more than $600 for the charity. Many more successes are planned for next year.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, Beta-ChiOn Saturday, March 27, TKE and Sigma Kappa teamed up to sweep this year’s 63rd annual Theta Xi Variety Show. Not only did they win the award for Best Overall – Large Act, but they swept the rest of the awards including Best Dance, Best Use of Theme, Best Music, Best Act-

ing, and Best Vocals. The theme for this year’s Theta Xi was Disney. Together, the Fraters of TKE and the lovely ladies of Sigma Kappa put on the most spectacu-lar show of the evening called “Mickey’s Magical Mishap,” directed by Frater Gavin Gottfried and Ashley Astroth of Sigma Kappa. The show came out on top and truly awed the audience as well as the judges. Numerous student organizations, including many Greek chapters, partici-

pated in the event to showcase their invested talent and hard work. The show was made up of four large acts, three musical acts, and two dance acts with one individual performance. It has been at least 20 years since TKE has won Theta Xi and four years for Sigma Kappa. With all the accomplishments of both organizations, the upcoming year looks promising and the continued tradition of excellence within the Beta-Chi chapter of TKE will be maintained on the SIUC campus.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-BERKELEY, NuOn March 14, members from Berkeley’s Greek community gathered at the TKE house to write friends and family and encourage them to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hos-pital. Overall, 13 brothers and 10 member-ship candidates from Nu Chapter, as well as a handful of women from Tri-Delta, attend-ed the event. Each person was encouraged to send at least 10 letters, with some brothers sending almost 40, if not more. “We ended up sending 424 combined letters,” says Ted Rothenberg, the Philanthropy Chairman for Nu Chapter. A raffl e was also held at the event, where an entry was earned for each letter sent off. The winner was given an iPod Touch.

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON, Epsilon-OmicronThe Teke Cookers once again served up their award winning Texas barbeque at Frontier Fiesta 2010. The alumni cook-off team, led by Fraters Pete Schubert (Epsilon-Omicron BOA Chair-man), Joe Parker, James Dean and a dozen or more Teke alumni members, hosted a hospitality tent for all Tekes and their guests for all three days with lots of great barbeque, beverages, music and fun for all. Three Teke Cookers teams (old timers, those right out of school, and a group in between) competed with pro-fessional cook-off teams from all over the Gulf Coast and won third place in the BBQ Bean cat-egory (the only UH based team to win any awards). Frontier Fi-esta is a student-run, student-led festival hosted by the University of Houston to promote scholar-ship, community, and education in the UH students, staff, and faculty, as well as in the Houston community. Each year a piece of the campus is transformed into a fully functional town called “Fiesta City.”



University of Central Florida, Xi-IotaStrength: 85 • GPA: 2.79Community Service Hours: 779Recruitment Results: 23

Honorable Mention Recruitment ResultsHonorable Mention Chapter SizeHonorable Mention Community ServiceHonorable Mention Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessHonorable Mention Extracurricular Activities

University of Louisville, Alpha-ChiTop TKE Chapter



University of Maryland, Beta-DeltaStrength: 90 • GPA: 3.2Community Service Hours: 2,423Recruitment Results: 27


University of Minnesota–Duluth, Upsilon-GammaStrength: 54 • GPA: 2.65Community Service Hours: 592Recruitment Results: 23

Award Recruitment ResultsAward Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

University of Missouri-Columbia, Beta-ThetaStrength: 68 • GPA: 2.8Community Service Hours: 2,300Recruitment Results: 26

Honorable Mention Recruitment ResultsHonorable Mention Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceAward Alumni RelationsAward Extracurricular Activities

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, Gamma-Theta Gamma-Theta Chapter fi rmly believes it is essential to give back to the community and partici-

pate in a variety of philanthropic events and service projects each semester. They also compete in Dance Marathon, a competition where teams not only stay awake, but stand for 26.2 hours in support of the Children’s Miracle Network at Shands Children’s Hospital at UF. The network, a nonprofi t organization, raises funds to improve chil-dren’s health through education, research and medical care. This year, TKE and Kappa Delta Sorority won the Miracle Cup, a prize

given for the team who raised the most money, had the most participants, and gathered the most spirit points. More than $50,000 was raised and TKE had more dancers, staffers, and overalls than any other fraternity. In addition, every spring the Tekes hold their own event called TKE 2-Step, which is a charity competition where sororities compete head on in a dance-off. All of the proceeds go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.

On April 17, Cal Day 2010, the Berkeley Tekes planned and arranged a dinner for any and all families related to the house. More than 40 people attended, comprised of 19 brothers and their families. Dinner was prepared by the current cook for the house, Ray Johnson, and consisted of three courses. At the dinner, each offi cer of the chapter introduced himself and Prytanis Dustin McKenzie gave a brief status update about the house and what the brothers had accomplished during the past school year. The dinner was planned and executed by the current Public Relations Chair, Christian Handley, and he plans on ensuring that a Parent’s Din-ner continues to happen every semester.

(L-R) Dr. Suresh Khator, engineering professor; Sharron Planck; Wayne Bailey, UH student and director/GM of Frontier Fiesta; Dr. Renu Khator, UH system chancellor and president of the University of Houston; Bob Planck, PGP.



UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, Beta-DeltaThe men of Beta-Delta Chapter have gone back to their roots, reaffi rming their belief in community service and philanthropy. In just its fi fth year since recolonization, TKE at the University of Maryland is already top fi ve in size with 89 active members and showed that strength this year through two fairly new events: Teke Sweep and Mr. Greek. These events marked a fall semester of hard work and dedication for the chapter. Teke Sweep was the coming together of the Tekes with the women of Alpha Omicron Pi for six long hours to clean the streets of the local downtown college park community. This year was the second

annual Mr. Greek event on cam-pus in which TKE and Alpha Phi team up to raise money for the Alpha Phi Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research In-stitute. Last year, with the event just getting off the ground, the turnout and money raised was minimal. But this year, the Greek community really embraced the cause and each philanthropy

took home $2,000. For the second straight year, Pi Kappa Alpha won the title of Mr. Greek, narrowly beating Delta Chi and Alpha Epsilon Pi (TKE does not enter a contestant). These events are both young, but the Beta-Delta chapter is proud to say the building blocks are in place to sustain a long history of success in both the local and national community.

WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, Zeta-ThetaOn April 11, the Zeta-Theta Tekes placed fi rst overall in Greek Week at Western Illinois University. The men placed in events such as fl ag football, eating contests, capture the fl ag, and capped off the successful week with Relay for Life where the chapter had helped raise more than $1,000 for their team. To date, the men of Zeta-Theta have allotted more than 250 service hours for the spring semester, with a total of more than 575 for the school year.

University of North Carolina–Wilmington, Mu-ChiStrength: 47 • GPA: 3.13Community Service Hours: 366Recruitment Results: 16Honorable Mention Recruitment Results

Award Community ServiceHonorable Mention Alumni RelationsAward Academic Success

University of Southern California, Beta-SigmaTop TKE Chapter

Strength: 130 • GPA: 3.2Community Service Hours: 2,719Recruitment Results: 36Award Recruitment Results

Award Chapter SizeAward Community ServiceHonorable Mention Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Zeta-MuTop TKE Chapter

Strength: 82 • GPA: 2.6Community Service Hours: 2,346

Recruitment Results: 25Award Recruitment ResultsAward Chapter SizeAward Community Service Award Alumni RelationsAward Academic SuccessAward Extracurricular Activities

Why is your chapter not included? We need to hear from you at [email protected].

Michael Beals, Epsilon, Iowa State University

Albert Berdellans, Gamma-Theta, University of Florida

2010 Top Recruiters


rlcs rlcs

Sometimes opportunity will knock on your door hard and you have to be completely stone deaf not to hear it. However, most opportunities arrive silently and are in the backdrop. They stay there until time elapses and they fade away, unnoticed. Most people miss opportunities they are unaware of.

Consider this as the fi rm rap on the entrance to alert you to one the best chances to not only improve your chapter, but also yourself—the 2011 Regional Leadership Conferences. You live day to day in the chapter, working through problems on the fl y and celebrating successes along the way. Wouldn’t it be nice to revel as opposed to dwelling on what could have been? RLC’s are your ticket—all you have to do is reserve your seat.

2011 Dates and Locations

FEBRUARY 4–5, 2011 • Kansas City RLC • Hyatt Regency Crown Center FEBRUARY 11–12, 2011 • Greg and Cay Woodson RLC • Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport FEBRUARY 11–12, 2011 • Indianapolis RLC • Hyatt Regency Indianapolis FEBRUARY 18–19, 2011 • Elmer and Donna Smith RLC • Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

FEBRUARY 25–26, 2011 • Baltimore RLC • Hyatt Regency Baltimore

The 2010 Regional Leadership Conferences saw nearly one thousand men at the fi ve locations. There is a reason—the value from coming outweighed the reasons for not. Alumni and collegiate members can learn a lot about continuing to help build a better world. Join us next year for an experience that lasts a lifetime.

“I don’t have enough money.” There are a number of ways to off-set costs to attend the RLCs. University and college student activities centers have scholarships designated for your use in heading to a function that will lead to improving your set of skills. The TKE Educational Foundation has chapter special project funds which are funded by your alumni to help offset these costs. In addition, alumni are eager to see their chapter succeed and telling them of your attendance may net a donation to help you get there. It is hard to put a price on building a better you. The types of lessons you can take away will enhance your already packed tool box for the future.

“I don’t have enough time … our chapter holds weekend activities.” More than likely you have a week-end activity EVERY weekend; setting aside ONE to help enhance your experi-ence and the chapter’s is a pretty good deal. That leaves you with 25 other week-ends to plan activities, including another 14 after the RLCs conclude. Setting aside time is certainly a diffi cult task, but these conferences bring in high profi le alumni and experts in industry who are carving out some of their schedule because they believe in your future.

For more information, go to tke.org/rlc

2011 Regional Leadership Conferences2011 Regional Leadership Conferences

“What is it all about and why should I go?” Two of the most common questions fi elded from alumni and collegiate members are easily addressed by countering, “Why not?” We could all use refreshers and, perhaps more importantly, learn a few nuggets of info to enhance our lives. Program-ming is different each year to ensure the latest information is available to you being facilitated by experts in the industry. Fraters come from around the TKE Nation for a number of reasons—like how to improve alumni relations, increase interest from the campus for recruitment, or how to capitalize on your experience to become marketable for career goals. In some cases, alumni or collegiate members are experts in specifi c areas and come to the RLC to share their best practices. In either case, question or help, this is a forum of the best and brightest in TKE. Coming together at this event helps breathe additional life into this great Fraternity.


recruitmentrecruitment

24/7/365, Rush vs. Recruitment, Join the TKE Nation, Quality vs. Quantity ...

/7/365, Rush vs. Recruitment,

REACTING TOREACTING TO

CHANGECHANGE

All of these talk about recruit-ment, when to do so, why it’s important, and what you should look for. Most chapters look to

the past when they set goals. While there is a place for learning from what was done before, doing the exact same thing is not what others intended. “We’ve always done it this way,” they say. But is it better than another way? Should you ignore this way because others say so? Some chapters say they are “happy with how many men they have” and “why should they try to get more than the fi ve they always get?” The real problem is a fear of change. Leaders can do it, but the skills and implementation are often overlooked. Anyone can complain from the back row (and they often do), but few come to the front to work toward a solution. Strong resistance to change is often rooted in deeply conditioned or historically rein-forced feelings. Patience and tolerance are required to help people in these situations to see things differently—bit by bit. There are examples of this sort of gradual, staged change everywhere in the world. Change for the sake of change is not what is being talked about here. In some cases, chapters and colonies are doing a great job of attracting the best and brightest on their campus. Taking what has worked with programs such as this are good, but more than likely a few things can be tweaked for even greater success. Celebrate those, but don’t rest on them and lose the desire to build upon it. Businesses, govern-ments, and so many other sectors are con-stantly evolving to get better. Where would Facebook be today if the founder decided to stop working on the site after the launch to the world? More than likely it would be buried by another social networking site who was not satisfi ed with the status quo. People confronted with the need or opportunity to change can become emo-tional. So can the chapter offi cers who try to manage the change. In order to dilute the emotions, everyone should take a step back and discuss the reasoning behind changing or not. Volunteers and offi cers can fi nd it helpful to use analogies to assist themselves and others to look at change in a more detached way.


recruitment recruitment

EMPOWER ACTION Put in place the struc-ture for change, and continually check for barriers to it. Remove obstacles, enable constructive feedback and lots of support from leaders—reward and recognize progress and achievements.

John Kotter’s highly regarded books Leading

Change (1995) and the follow-up The Heart of Change (2002) describe a helpful model for understanding and managing change. Each stage acknowledges a key principle identifi ed by Kotter relating to people’s response and approach to change, in which people see, feel and then change. Kotter’s eight-step change model can be summarized as:

GET THE VISION RIGHT Get the offi cer corps or team to establish a simple vision and strategy to focus on emotional and creative aspects necessary to drive toward the desired outcome.

COMMUNICATE FOR BUY-IN

Involve as many people as possible, communicate the essentials to appeal & respond to people’s needs. De-clutter communications and make technology work for you rather than against.

1 BUILD THE GUIDING TEAM Get the right people (regardless of position in chapter)

in place with the right emotional commitment and the right mix of skills and levels.

2

3

4

5

INCREASE URGENCY

Inspire fraters to move, make objectives real and relevant.


This model will help facilitate improve-ment in recruitment, but can also be applied to chapter operations and, perhaps more importantly, your life. Change management entails thoughtful planning and sensitive im-plementation. Above all, consultation with, and involvement of, the Fraters affected by the changes is key. If you force change on people problems arise. Just as in all goal-setting, change must be realistic, achievable and measurable.

Do not ‘sell’ change to the chapter as a way of accelerating the process. In-stead, change needs to be understood and managed in a way that people can cope ef-fectively with it. Change can be unsettling, so the Prytanis, or other offi cer, needs to be a reassuring infl uence. He needs to check that people affected by the change agree with, or at least understand, the need for change. Encourage Fraters to com-municate face to face with others if they are helping you manage an organizational change. You are not changing ‘mindsets’ or ‘attitudes’ toward recruitment, rather facili-tating a different way of doing something. Using words like those above tends to be interpreted as the original being wrong. As has been explained, there is nothing wrong with what has been done in the past but that does not mean we should always do it this way. Change, such as a new recruitment program, creates new roles and responsibili-ties, which need to be explained to people as early as possible so that their involve-ment in validating and refi ning the changes themselves can be obtained.

CREATE SHORT-TERM WINS Set aims that are easy to achieve—in bite size chunks or manageable numbers of initiatives. Finish current stages before starting new ones.

DON’T LET UP Foster and encourage determination and persistence—ongoing change—encourage ongoing progress report-ing—highlight achieved and future milestones.

MAKE CHANGE STICKReinforce the value of successful change via recruitment, promotion, new change leaders. Weave change into culture.

6

7

8

All around you change is happening, both forced and voluntary, and how you re-act to this determines your ultimate success or failure. Recruitment is not an easy task, nor is passing college courses, but doing so will ensure the future. Keep in mind you can be the one who starts a change that posi-tively affects the chapter for years to come. But, you have to start.

Before starting or implementing any change, ask yourself:

1. What do we want to achieve with this change, why, and how will we know that the change has been achieved?

2. Who is affected by this change, and how will they react to it?

3. How much of this change can we achieve ourselves, and what parts of the change do we need help with?

30 THE TEKE

SUMMER 2010



Top Recruiting Chapters as of 6/30/10

1 Beta-Sigma University of Southern California 4 1342 Alpha-Tau Drexel University 1 1143 Omicron The Ohio State University 3 1134 Tau-Beta Sonoma State University 4 1055 Alpha-Chi University of Louisville 2 966 Beta-Delta University of Maryland 1 957 Beta-Mu Bucknell University 1 898 Rho West Virginia University 3 889 Nu University of California-Berkeley 4 8710 Pi-Xi University of California-San Diego 4 86

1 Omicron The Ohio State University 3 56

2 Beta-Sigma University of Southern California 4 39

Rho-Delta Cal Poly Pomona 4 39

4 Alpha-Tau Drexel University 1 38

5 Alpha-Eta Colony Rutgers University 1 37

6 Rho West Virginia University 3 36

7 Pi-Omicron Northern Kentucky University 2 35

8 Pi-Xi University of California, San Diego 4 30

Alpha-Gamma Washington State University 4 30

Beta-Theta University of Missouri-Columbia 4 30

11 Sigma-Alpha Florida International University 2 29

12 Beta-Chi Southern Illinois University Carbondale 3 28

13 Beta-Xi Arizona State University 4 28

Delta-Nu Northwest Missouri State University 4 28

Alpha-Nu University of New Hampshire 1 28

16 Mu-Omega George Mason University 2 27

Beta-Mu Bucknell University 1 27

Beta-Delta University of Maryland 1 27

Rank Chapter College/University Region Men

Top Ten Chapters by Size

and foremost, these tougher credit stan-dards will help (but not prevent) you from borrowing too much and getting ‘over your head’ in debt. Lenders now want to know how much of your income is used for loan payments. No more than 33 percent of your gross income should be devoted to student, consumer and mortgage loan pay-ments. Further, your home ownership costs (mortgage payment, property taxes and homeowner’s insurance) should not exceed 28 percent of your gross income. In addi-tion, your credit and employment histories need to show consistent and responsible behavior. What does it mean to borrow wisely? Pay off your credit card balance each month. Make all loan payments on time. Pay off an auto loan before buying a new car on credit. Put 20 percent down payment for a new home. All of these actions demonstrate wise credit management.

Save For an Emergency We’ve all experienced it. Just when we get a little ahead in the checkbook, some-thing jumps up and bites us—unexpected car repairs; a costly trip to the emergency room; the loss of a job. Rather than us-ing the credit card, money experts say we should save for these ‘rainy days’ by setting aside three to six months’ net pay in an emergency savings account. This is hard to do. Here are some tips to ease this pro-cess. Set your initial emergency fund goal at $1,000. To build up this account even further, set up a payroll deduction of $100 a month to go directly to this account. Re-plenish the emergency fund each time you use it. The hardest part is getting the fund together from scratch when you don’t have it. But once it’s there, you can have peace of mind in knowing there’s a cash cushion to break a fall.

Save 10 Percent for the Long Term Saving for an emergency is not the same as saving for the long term. Instead of saving for an unexpected expense, you are saving for your future fi nancial goals (marriage, children, home, retirement). A less pain-

In a few years or months, you will fi nal-ly graduate and begin ‘living on your own.’ You will start your professional career and begin your personal life as

a single or married adult. ‘Money issues’ will begin to play an increasingly important part of being an adult. This article provides the foundational principles upon which to build your personal fi nancial life. This can also help those who have recently graduated or alumni get back on the right track.

Match Your Lifestyle to Your Income Many people can never seem to make ‘enough.’ What lifestyle have you prepared yourself for and how much money does it cost? There is a balance point where the income you earn (based on your training and expertise) is adequate to fund a certain level of living. Your challenge is to fi nd that balance point and avoid the stress and struggle that comes with living beyond that point. Perhaps you want to concentrate on fi nding ways to make more money. Perhaps you will focus on reducing expenses by managing your spending choices. Either

32 THE TEKE

SUMMER 2010

money matters money matters

The keys to success in life include knowing the basic money management principles

way, you want to always be in a position to be in charge of your choices and the

consequences that go with them. The economic downturn caught many people living a lifestyle they could not possibly afford and exacted a terrible price in ruined credit, bankruptcy and home fore-closures.

Spend Less Than You Earn Ben Franklin once said, “If you know how to spend less than you

get, you have the philosopher’s stone.” It seems like common sense

(and it is) but many people cannot balance their income and spending. A

credit card makes it diffi cult to achieve this balance because you are not limited by how much money you have in your checking account. If you cannot pay off your card balance, your bank is more than happy to let you make a minimum payment (and still let you use your card next month). Know what you earn. Start with your net paycheck (after taxes, savings and other deductions). Know what you spend. Write down your monthly expenses like rent, utili-ties, groceries, loan payments, gas and enter-tainment. Write down your other expenses like auto, home and life insurance premi-ums and auto repairs. Divide these annual expenses by 12 and add to your monthly expense total. What you earn should exceed what you spend. If it does not, it is time to make cuts. Ask yourself, “Do I really need HBO and Showtime?” However, it should not all be doom and gloom. Make sure you leave some room in your spending for fun and savings.

Borrow Money Wisely Prior to the downturn, lenders based their loan decisions assuming a borrower’s income would always go up and that, in the case of home mortgages, that home values would always go up. However, banks and other lenders have changed their loan underwriting standards to now focus on the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. As a result, credit is no longer plentiful as it once was. How can this be a good thing? First


money matters money matters

Information for this article was contributed by Michael T. McAninch, CPA, founder and proprietor of Centennial Financial Planning, a registered investment advisory fi rm in Westfi eld, Ind. He is a member of The Garrett Planning Network and the Financial Planning Association (FPA). Centennial specializes in providing commission-free fi nancial planning services and investment advice to individuals and fami-lies from all walks of life and income brackets. Services are offered on an hourly as-needed or retainer basis. Mike is a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, school mentor and fi nancial planning professional.

ful way to ‘spend less than you earn’ is to have your employer take money out of your paycheck before you see it. If you are disci-plined enough, you’ll get used to living on your net paycheck. Where should you save this money? An excellent place to start saving is in your employer’s 401k or 403b retirement plan. All contributions to this plan are tax-deferred—meaning that this money does not show up on your W2 at year-end. In fact, your contributions only become taxable when you withdraw them (i.e. when you retire). Many employers match a portion of your contributions—meaning that employers will add money to your account for free! Finally, the earlier you save, the earlier you take advantage of the ‘power of com-pounding interest.’ The following example illustrates this power. Dawn starts investing at age 25, and invests $2,000 a year until she’s 35. Dave, on the other hand, waits until age 35 to start, then contributes $2,000 a year all the way to age 65. Who would you guess has more money by retirement age? Dawn—by a long-shot. At an aver-age annual return of 8 percent, she’ll have $314,870 in her portfolio. Dave, who put in three times as much money, will only have $244,692.

Invest, Don’t Gamble High risks and high rewards are seldom a successful formula for long-term invest-ing. Purchasing a stock without performing detailed analysis is like betting on a horse to win in the Kentucky Derby. Imagine if you had to pick winners for the next 30 years un-til you retire. On the other hand, by keeping all of your money in a bank account paying 1 percent interest, your savings won’t grow enough in 30 years to fund your retirement. Most people recognize that invest-ing money requires taking a reasonable amount of risk to meet your fi nancial goals. First and foremost, invest your money into something you understand. Long-term investors do their homework by researching the various investments available to them. A good place to start would be the mutual fund prospectus reports for the investments in your company’s 401k/403b plan. In large part, these mutual funds are made available by your company’s plan because they meet most investors’ needs for investment returns at levels of risk they can tolerate. Gamblers rely on luck and chance. In-vestors put their cash only into things they understand, that have been proven to work time and again. Long-term investors rarely hit the jackpot, but they also rarely lose it all either, and history says they’ll make money. Which do you want to be?

Full Disclosure = Family Unity If you are single, you can pretty much

run your fi nances the way you see fi t. However, if you plan to get married,

you now have two sets of fi nancial attitudes, beliefs and goals. As in

every other area of marriage, full disclosure and clear com-munication about money is a formula for long-term success. Lacking either one

is a formula for trouble. Prior to marriage, prospective

spouses should discuss their views on money, budgeting, paying the bills and saving. Secret bank accounts or credit cards may result in money problems (now, later or both).

Stuff Happens! Insure Your Assets Insurance costs money. Unlike other stuff you buy, insurance coverage is some-thing that you cannot see (intangible) and may seem like a waste of money—until you need it. Insurance was developed to spread the risk of a loss to a large group of people. So when you have an accident, all the policy owners’ premiums are helping you recover from your loss. The most common types of insurance available today are auto, home, health and life. While it may be tempting, I highly discourage skipping these coverages as a way of saving money. One hospital stay for a broken leg could bankrupt you. It is better to reduce premium costs by shopping around for the best rates and altering policy deductibles and co-pays. I recommend purchasing life insurance only if you have someone who depends on your income (i.e. spouse, child).

Conclusion The transition from college student to professional career, single or married adult and possibly parenthood can be challenging to say the least. A critical component of this transition is management of your personal fi -nances. Hopefully understanding and living by these principles will result in fi nancial peace of mind and personal fi nancial success.

34 THE TEKE

SUMMER 2010

volunteers volunteers

Greek Life Administrator of the Quarter: ALLISON WISNIEWSKI

“... in order for non-Greeks to understand the pinnacles of membership, it is vital to let the campus community know what they are doing and why.”

July Volunteer of the Month: MATTHEW BARCLIFT

“You want Fraters to become men you would be proud to call Fraters, who will contribute as alumni to the Fraternity, and build a better world.”

The Greek Life Administrator of the Quar-ter began her career at Rutgers-Camden working with the fraternity and sorority community in 1997. In 2005, Allison Wisniewski began working with the community directly after watching Greek chapters struggle. She instituted the “Greek Initiative Program,” along with Associate Dean Thomas DiValerio, created to address concerns about the ongoing deterioration of the Greek organizations on campus. The program aims to help organizations to fl ourish as the entire Greek Community joins together. The Greek unity lends itself to improving leadership skills, serving the college community, and enhancing Greek Life at Rutgers-Camden. “Students who become a member of a fraternity or sorority are making an invaluable life decision,” Wisniewski said. “I am often known for quoting Ben Franklin, ‘Tell me and I forget, Teach Me and I may remember, Involve me and I learn.’ Students who are involved learn to juggle their life priorities, develop personal leadership skills, and understand personal accountability which all enhances what they are learning in the classroom.” Yet, Allison recognizes the uphill battle stu-dents who become Greek face with stereotypes. Bragging about your chapter or self is diffi cult

doing service when the reason you are doing it is to simply make situations better. That, she says, is essential to changing minds one by one. “It is a diffi cult thing to do when completing community service, achieving good grades, and getting involved in other aspects of the campus, but it is innate to who they are,” Allison said. “However, in order for non-Greeks to understand the pinnacles of membership, it is vital to let the campus community know what they are doing and why.” Her work with Greeks, detailed here, only scratches the surface of the day-to-day effort she puts forth. In addition to her job, she is heavily in-volved with various efforts in the city of Camden. She has overseen the Camden Angels project, a holiday outreach effort, for the last 11 years. The Camden Angels have helped more than 5,000 families within the city of Camden and Camden County by supplying clothing, food and toys to residents in need. The investment of time and energy she puts forth daily is the reason for her recognition as TKE’s Greek Life Administrator of the Quar-ter. The Offi ces of the Grand Chapter extends a heartfelt thank-you to Allison and all of our Greek Life Administrators.

“If I am not willing to step up, who will?” A telling thought about the most important part of Tau Kappa Epsilon – its volunteers. The organiza-tion has grown so large it is heavily dependent on the efforts of men like Frater Matthew Barclift, a TKE Volunteer of the Month from the Nu-Mu chapter (University of South Alabama). “I am trying to set an example for other alumni as well as provide stability for a chapter I still consider home,” said Frater Matt. “I saw the effect a good chapter advisor had on the group and on me while I was a collegiate. I want to provide that to this next generation of Fraters.” Frater Matthew has been instrumental in return-ing the University of South Alabama chapter back to prominence on campus. Nu-Mu and Barclift stood up to the adversity and has since won the Dean’s Cup (Top Fraternity in scholarship, campus involvement, and community service). He helped re-instill a sense of pride and what it means to be a Teke. “There is a certain satisfaction when giving back, especially when you see the fruits of your

efforts in the successes of the chapter,” said Frater Matthew. “And I am still amazed at what I learn from these guys – they keep me sharp on what this genera-tion is thinking and how best to work with them.” Patience and Persistence are what Barclift believes are keys to being a volunteer. Working with chapters is not always easy and sometimes you get little recognition for your efforts, but Frater Matt says things will begin to take shape as you push forward. “As an alumnus, you want to see your chapter continue to function and excel,” said Barclift. “More importantly, you want Fraters to become men you would be proud to call Fraters, who will contribute as alumni to the Fraternity, and build a better world. Just being there for these chapters can make all the difference.” Aside from his work with TKE, Matt is active in his church (serving on the advisory board & on the service team), treasurer of the local (Port City chapter of the USA Alumni Association), and sev-eral community service activities.


volunteers volunteers

August Volunteer of the Month: BOB JAMES

“Undergraduates really need alumni support so they can handle the business side of TKE correctly and to see it is for life.”

September Volunteer of the Month: BOB MCMURRY

“Bob shared insight on the Los Angeles collegiate scene ... He gave tips on how to best reach our audience. He also accommodated two staff members in his downtown apartment for two weeks.”

“We laugh at times when we look back and hear TKE for life. We had no idea at age 19 that it was damn true,” said Volunteer of the Month, Frater Bob James. Frater James has led the way in engag-ing and, in many cases, re-engaging the alumni of Omicron-Theta Chapter (Newberry College). A few years ago, Frater James became heavily involved in various Newberry College committees and clubs. He found the TKE chapter in desperate need of alumni support. The chapter struggled with membership, academics, fi nances and was not as competitive as the Top TKE Chapter Frater James left nearly 35 years ago. Where many may have been disappointed with the chapter and the collegiate members, Frater James placed the responsibility for the chapter’s struggles on himself and on his fellow alumni who allowed the chapter to operate without their involvement. He also took responsibility to help get the chapter back on track. “Undergraduates really need alumni support so they can handle the business side of TKE correctly and to see it is for life,” said James. “We learned from Lenwood Cochran that being a volunteer was an important way to infl uence the lives of under-

grads in a positive manner.” After James began to get involved, he also recruited many other alumni including the Chap-ter Advisor and many of the Board of Advisors members. He organized a 35th reunion, attended by nearly 100 Fraters, including many of the founders and TKE Past Grand Prytanis Lenwood Cochran. The chapter has more than quadrupled in size, has a full team of advisors, cleared up all of its fi nancial struggles, and this year won the Newberry College Dean Cup ‘for the organization with the highest GPA and activities for public service.’ “See-ing those men win that award knowing we helped them was a favorite moment,” said James. James has found alumni and administrators need to keep a few important things in mind when working with collegiate members. “Volunteers really need to realize it’s not going to be like when they were in school; however, our principles are still the same. Alumni need to understand that these men need help to carry on good traditions in their chapter, and for the college or university they are located at. Administrators need to view TKE as a positive on campus.”

A Life Loyal Teke and Past Grand Offi cer of TKE, Frater Bob McMurry (Beta-Sigma, University of Southern California) has epitomized the phrase “Fraternity for Life.” There have been several times Frater Bob has been asked to help and each time he has gone above any expectations. While the expan-sion team was working in Los Angeles, he hosted the pair and showed them around the city. “Bob shared insight on the Los Angeles col-legiate scene,” said Frater Matt Gutierrez, former Expansion and current Associate Regional Director. “He gave tips on how to best reach our audience. He also accommodated two staff members in his downtown apartment for two weeks.” He has never hesitated to volunteer his time, talents or treasure to enhance the efforts TKE makes to build better men. This most recent offering shows his dedication and determination to fulfi ll the Fraternity’s mission. “When he knew that we were returning, he insisted that we stay in his apartment to save on expenses. He helped us strategize to best meet the

needs of the Los Angeles area undergraduates. They are more business minded and we needed to sell the business side of the Fraternity strong to make the best of our efforts.” Frater McMurry is a proud member of the Founders Society with the TKE Educational Foun-dation. He is a partner in the Los Angeles offi ce of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP, where he is a member of the real estate group focusing in land use, environmental, and water issues. He has 25 years of experience and his special area of expertise includes the planning and implementation of all necessary steps involved in guiding Master Plan Communities from original design to comple-tion, including challenges to project approvals. He was an adjunct professor for Loyola Law School from 1984–1990 and is a member of the permanent faculty for the ALI-ABA National Land Use Insti-tute. He is the author of more than three dozen articles and presentations on entitlements, CEQA, and water law. He is a member of the State Bar of California and Illinois.

We need more volunteers to help us with expansion, chapter servicing and other special projects. This organization exists

because of the strong corps of volunteers. If you would like to help TKE with its efforts to ensure future men get the same

opportunity you were afforded, please email [email protected] or go to tke.org/member_resources/volunteer.

Tau Kappa Epsilon7439 Woodland Dr.Indianapolis, IN 46278-1765317.872.6533www.tke.org

LONNIE G. JUSTICE

• Past Grand Prytanis• Order of the Golden Eagle• Grand Prytanis Award• Key Leader

Vice President/General ManagerAgilent Technologies, Inc.Life Loyal Teke

Documents

TThe Magazine of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternityhe Magazine ...api.tke.org/pdfs/theteke/2010-summer.pdfChris Walsh (Rho-Upsilon) Director of Communication Tom McAninch (Alpha-Zeta) Production