A Brief History of Tau Kappa Epsilon at the University of Maryland

 

Prior to Re-colonization

The Beta Delta Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon was founded originally at the University of Maryland in1947, when Alpha Lambda Tau, a small predominately southern Fraternity when it was absorbed by our National organization. There are very little records of past chapter history for the purposes of this summary, the focus will be highlights post re-colonization in 2005.

The current Beta Delta Chapter has been active at the University of Maryland for 3 years.
 

Spring 2005-Spring 2008

 

The Beginning:

    In Spring 2005, two Tau Kappa Epsilon expansion consultants were sent to the University of Maryland to re-colonize and revive a once strong chapter. After a several weeks of recruitment, roughly 70 unaffiliated men were selected to build the foundation for the new chapter. After induction to the new member program, these men spent the next 6 weeks learning traditions, building bylaws, and learning rules and regulations for the fraternity at both the Campus and National level. The chapter got its first taste of the UMD Greek community when it was paired with AOPi, Theta Chi, and AGR for its first Greek week competition.

Fall 2005:

First rush and recruitment period. Faced with a lack of experience and resources, the chapter was successfully able to recruit 5 new members and conduct its first new member education period.

Colony began to experiment with programming, participating in on and off campus activities, and participating in Greek Intramural events.

Colony conducted its first officer elections where Frater Erik Ramseth was selected to lead the chapter into the New Year.

Chapter Hosts Rapid Romance Speed Dating Philanthropy Event

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Spring 2006

Petition for charter was drafted and submitted to the Grand Chapter

6 members attended the TKE Regional Leadership conference in Philadelphia PA. Programming included officer development classes and Dynamic Recruitment seminars.

Following a vacancy, chapter applied for #6 Fraternity, which was given to Delta Chi

Fall 2006:

Chartering ceremony was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Stamp student union where Grand officer Charles Trabold gave the colony its status as a chapter.

Following the disappointment of failing to meet all vision requirements, the chapter set a new goal of reaching category 1 status by the end of Spring 2007.

Tau Kappa Epsilon was voted into the Inter fraternity Council with a conditional status, requiring that they abide by Social policy and finish the year at Category 1 status.

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Spring 2007:

Chapter nearly doubles it best prior recruitment class, initiating 14 new members with an impressive GPA.

Using Omega Financial, chapter collected 100% of member dues

Paired with the sisters of Kappa Alpha Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho, Sigma Psi Zeta, and Lamda Theta Alpha, the chapter finished 2nd overall in the University’s Greek week competition, after several hard weeks of planning and practice.

After thorough programming and improved chapter participation, the chapter finished the year in Category 1 vision status.

Partnered with Alpha Phi, Chapter Launches week long “TEKE WEEK/Alpha Phiesta” to raise money for respective Charities

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Summer 2007:

9 members attended the Bi-annual Conclave celebration in Las Vegas.

Chapter received its charter from the Grand Chapter

In recognition for efficient operations based on excellence in chapter administration, campus activities, and scholarship, the Beta Delta Chapter Received Top TKE Status

Beta Delta Housing Corp Chairmen and President of The DC Area Alumni Association Chris Hanson is elected onto Grand Council.

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Fall 2007:

Grand President Mark Johnson visits and Conducts chapter retreat.

Chapter finishes strong in recruitment, tying with Alpha Epsilon Pi for largest new member class.

Members attend Province Education Conference at Salisbury University where Beta Delta is awarded for highest initiates of all chapter provinces.

Beta Delta hosts officer development clinic at Stamp Union, where executive Boards for Salisbury, UMBC, and Towson come together to pool leadership techniques and strategies

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Spring 2008:

Chapter has implemented new policies to improve chapter participation and financial stability, including point system

For community service, members have begun volunteering at local soup kitchen on various Saturdays throughout the semester.

Hosted Community Barbecue to help strengthen ties with Chapter and College Park community

Chapter will apply for house at #3 Fraternity Row