2008 Woodie Awards
TKE fraternity plans return to Pitt State
Matt Knoche
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: Campus Life
After 18 years away from Pittsburg State, Tau Kappa Epsilon is planning a comeback.
The social fraternity of Tau Kappa Epsilon, or TKE for short, is back and looking to rebuild. TKE originally came to Pittsburg in 1954, but lost its chapter in 1989 due to outstanding debt and lack of membership.
"We wanted a clean slate; we're starting over," said Ryan Arnold, expansion consultant for the TKE fraternity.
Arnold says his plan is a six- to eight- week process of recruiting, talking to other Greek houses, and getting involved in the community and on campus.
Arnold says he is trying to build a good relationship with every facet of Pittsburg to leave a lasting image.
To officially become a chapter again, the TKEs will have to recruit 35 men, and that's what Arnold is aiming for by the end of the eight-week process.
"I'm excited that they are coming back - I believe this will help bring up recruitment for everyone," said Forrest Saucier, president of the Intra-Fraternal Council.
But not everyone shares that opinion. Jon Dewey, a member of the Greek community who did not want to share his fraternity's name, says he thinks that Pitt State already has enough fraternities.
"I believe bringing another fraternity on campus at this time would not be good timing, because it would take away possible numbers from already-shrinking chapters."
Currently, Pittsburg State's Greek population makes up only 7 percent of the student body. The Greek population has been in decline for the past several years.
Travis Smith, Greek adviser, says he hopes that the return of TKE will stimulate recruitment for all fraternities.
"I think it will be a rude awakening to all the fraternities," Smith said.
The social fraternity of Tau Kappa Epsilon, or TKE for short, is back and looking to rebuild. TKE originally came to Pittsburg in 1954, but lost its chapter in 1989 due to outstanding debt and lack of membership.
"We wanted a clean slate; we're starting over," said Ryan Arnold, expansion consultant for the TKE fraternity.
Arnold says his plan is a six- to eight- week process of recruiting, talking to other Greek houses, and getting involved in the community and on campus.
Arnold says he is trying to build a good relationship with every facet of Pittsburg to leave a lasting image.
To officially become a chapter again, the TKEs will have to recruit 35 men, and that's what Arnold is aiming for by the end of the eight-week process.
"I'm excited that they are coming back - I believe this will help bring up recruitment for everyone," said Forrest Saucier, president of the Intra-Fraternal Council.
But not everyone shares that opinion. Jon Dewey, a member of the Greek community who did not want to share his fraternity's name, says he thinks that Pitt State already has enough fraternities.
"I believe bringing another fraternity on campus at this time would not be good timing, because it would take away possible numbers from already-shrinking chapters."
Currently, Pittsburg State's Greek population makes up only 7 percent of the student body. The Greek population has been in decline for the past several years.
Travis Smith, Greek adviser, says he hopes that the return of TKE will stimulate recruitment for all fraternities.
"I think it will be a rude awakening to all the fraternities," Smith said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Aaron
posted 1/31/08 @ 11:15 AM CST
As an alumni of PSU and Sig Tau I agree that there are way to many fraternities on campus. Its hard enough as is to recruit qualified young men without the TKE's entering in. (Continued…)
Tom Earp
posted 1/31/08 @ 12:41 PM CST
Being a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha chapter, founder and alumnus, I am always glad to see the Greek Community growing at my alma mater. Fraternities(7). (Continued…)
Ryan Arnold
posted 2/04/08 @ 12:44 PM CST
For more information, to get your questions answered about this article, or if interested contact the TKE Staff at rarnold@tke.org!
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