Davis & Elkins College welcomes Tau Kappa Epsilon’s (TKE) undergraduate chapter in their return to the D&E campus. TKE is one of the largest fraternities in the United States by membership, boasting well over 250,000 brothers across the country.
TKE offers a rich legacy in its previous establishment at D&E, with many dedicated alumni and several current faculty and staff who’ve proven instrumental in the effort to help the fraternity return. The shared commitment between these esteemed members of the College’s community and TKE upon the values of brotherhood and service enhance the chapter’s likelihood of succeeding.
Student-led organizations across campus are universally supportive of this decision, with Student Government Association President Sidney Megna commenting, “TKE starting back up on campus is very exciting! The students are thrilled, and I know alumni of the College are ecstatic about the news as well. I am confident this will help to grow our campus community.”
Alumni of the College serving within the community have also helped to orchestrate this opportunity, with Forest Festival Board member and TKE brother Ray LaMora stating, “Over the past two weeks, I have spoken with many alumni brothers who are very excited to have a presence at Davis & Elkins College once again. Many of us are committed to helping these young men succeed.”
TKE will be represented across campus with 30 members who will be actively participating in the process of becoming brothers upon the group’s final approval. A milestone moment occurs on February 21, as the group will travel to New York for the TKE National Conference.
“We believe in the mantra, ‘TKE is not afraid to fail,’” says Interim President Samuel A. Rached. “Our group felt there was something missing in Greek life on campus, and we wanted to be the change we wished to see. After careful consideration, we realized that TKE aligned perfectly with our values and vision. With strong alumni support and a commitment to the ideals we hold dear, choosing TKE was a clear and unanimous decision.”
Board of Trustees member, advisor to Student Life and TKE brother Lou Stark adds, “Having TKE on campus is yet another important step in strengthening our cocurricular and Greek Life offerings at D&E. I am excited that this fraternity that has meant so much to many of us will yet again be part of our campus community.”
“D&E students are leaders, and as a result of their efforts I am very pleased to welcome Tau Kappa Epsilon back to our campus,” states D&E President Chris A. Wood. “Joining our four other Greek organizations, I look forward to the TKE’s training leaders and providing avenues for service. Our students are fortunate to have their alumni fraternity brothers stepping up to support them as yet another organization springs up on campus to strengthen the student experience.”
To advance the chartering process, TKE will need to submit a formal petition that details aspirations of the group as they apply to the College. The fraternity will demonstrate adherence to all regulations established by the College prior to final approval and future collaboration.
