Tau Kappa Epsilon fosters brotherhood and growth based in tradition
TKE brothers promoting their chapter.
October 14, 2020
At Ashland University, there are a total of four fraternities on campus and one of them is Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE).
TKE was founded on Jan. 10, 1899 at Illinois Wesleyan University and came to AU in 1978 according to the AU website.
The fraternity’s primary symbol is an equilateral triangle. This symbol represents,”…as a reminder, too, of the early days of the Fraternity and the traditions established by its founders,” according to the TKE website, “since the first three chapters of Tau Kappa Epsilon, which supplied the foundations for its growth, formed an equilateral triangle in their geographical relationship.”
Like other fraternities, TKE raises money for their own philanthropy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Alzheimer’s Association.
“We had a toy drive through the bookstore and then we usually do a high heel race that’s usually hosted in Akron where we walk like a mile in high heels” Former President Anthony McCartney said, “Another thing we usually did was a tub tug where we drag a bathtub for a mile.”
Not only do the brothers of TKE raise money for charity, but they have a close friendship that some may never have felt before.
“I chose TKE because I thought people were the most genuine. Getting to meet all of the members, I really felt like they were my closest friends and I felt a bond that I’ve never really felt before” McCartney said.
To keep their brotherhood strong, they hold brotherhood events every once in a while as well.
“We went to TopGolf, and have had toga parties every year where anyone is welcomed” McCartney said.
Fraternity life has changed many people’s lives in becoming better men and for McCartney, he has learned many lessons from being a part of TKE.
“Before I joined TKE, I was pretty shy and had trouble with conversations. It’s helped me to open my shell and connect with people on a different level” McCartney said.
For anyone who may be interested in joining fraternity life at AU, McCartney advises people to do it.
It will help people to learn that giving to charities is important and can open people’s eyes to different paths in life McCartney said.
For more information about FSL at AU email [email protected] or call 419.289.5723.