Tau Kappa Epsilon
Tau Kappa Epsilon (ΤΚΕ), commonly known as ΤΚΕ or Teke, is a social college fraternity founded on January 10, 1899, at Illinois Wesleyan University. The organization has chapters throughout the United States and Canada, making the Fraternity an international organization. Since its founding in 1899, Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity has never had an exclusionary or discriminatory clause to prevent individuals from joining and has instead admitted members based on their "personal worth and character". As of fall 2023, there are 221 active ΤΚΕ chapters and colonies with over 298,000-lifetime members.
| Tau Kappa Epsilon | |
|---|---|
| ΤΚΕ | |
| Founded | January 10, 1899 Illinois Wesleyan University Bloomington, IL |
| Type | Social |
| Affiliation | NIC (former) |
| Scope | International |
| Motto | "Better Men for a Better World" |
| Colors | Primary: Cherry Red Pearl Gray Supplementary: Black White |
| Symbol | Equilateral Triangle |
| Flag | |
| Flower | Red Carnation |
| Patron Greek divinity | Apollo |
| Publication | The Teke |
| Philanthropy | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital |
| Chapters | 221 active |
| Members | 10,590 collegiate 298,000 lifetime |
| Nicknames | ΤΚΕ, Teke |
| Headquarters | 7439 Woodland Drive, Suite #100 Indianapolis, IN 46278 USA |
| Website | tke.org |
While Tau Kappa Epsilon is primarily mentioned as a collegiate fraternity, the organization emphasizes that it is a "Fraternity for Life". Many chapters have active alumni associations that support philanthropic causes, mentor collegiate members, and host social events. Famous Teke alumni that continued their involvement with the Fraternity include NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw, country music singer Willie Nelson, and U.S. President Ronald Reagan.