The Magazine of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity
Winter 2011
VOLUME 104 • NUMBER 1 WINTER 2011 THE TEKE is the official publication of Tau Kappa Epsilon International Fraternity. TKE was founded on January 10, 1899, at Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL.
what’s inside departments
THE TEKE STAFF Chief Executive Officer Steven A. Ramos (Zeta-Theta) Vice President for Fraternal Services John W. Deckard (Grand Chapter) Director of Operations Louis L. LeBlanc, CAE (Gamma-Theta) Director of Events & Marketing Chris Walsh (Rho-Upsilon)
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Director of Communication Tom McAninch (Alpha-Zeta) Production Manager Katie Sayre
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CEO’s Message Begin with the End in Mind
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Teke on the Street Utilizing Technology for Recruitment
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Recruitment Top Recruiting Chapters
POSTMASTER: send address changes to THE TEKE, 7439 Woodland Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278-1765.
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Chapter News Chapter Activities and Accomplishments
All alumni Fraters who donate $10 or more to the TKE Educational Foundation, Inc. will receive a one-year subscription to THE TEKE. It’s our way of saying thank you and of keeping you informed regarding what’s going on in your Fraternity today.
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Expansion Re-Colonizing a Dormant Chapter
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Volunteers Greek Life Administrator of the Quarter and Volunteers of the Month for January, February and March
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TKE Educational Foundation Building a Better Fraternity ... One Click at a Time
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Chapter Eternal Notice of members having passed into the Chapter Eternal
THE TEKE (ISSN 1527-1331) is an educational journal published quarterly in spring, summer, fall and winter by Tau Kappa Epsilon (a fraternal society),7439 Woodland Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278-1765. Periodicals Class postage paid at Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices.
LIFETIME GIVING LEVELS Golden Eagle Society - $1,000,000 or more Knights of a Lasting Legacy - $500,000 - $999,999 Society of 1899 - $250,000 - $499,999 Grand Prytanis Circle - $100,000 - $249,000 Presidents Circle - $50,000 - $99,999 Leaders Society - $25,000 - $49,999 Scholars Society - $10,000 - $24,999 Triangle Society - $5,000 - $9,999 Founders Society - $2,500 - $4,999 Opportunity Out of Defeat Club - $1,000 - $2,499 Grand Council Society - $500 - $999 Fraters Society - $250 - $499 © 2010 Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Inc.
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THE TEKE q WINTER 2011
on the cover
Frater Jim Fielding, president of Disney Stores Worldwide, is working to bring the Disney intellectual property back to the stores in unique and creative ways by providing interaction with the products that have been installed.
OFFICES OF THE GRAND CHAPTER 7439 Woodland Drive Indianapolis, IN 46278-1765 Tel: 317/872-6533 Fax: 317/875-8353 Email: tkeogc@tke.org Website: www.tke.org
features
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Founders’ Day Message Grand Prytanis Dr. Herbert L. Songer wishes the TKE Nation a Happy 112th Birthday.
2009 – 2011 GRAND COUNCIL Grand Prytanis Dr. Herbert L. Songer (Alpha-Upsilon)
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6 11 12
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The Sitdown Frater Jim Fielding is re-inventing Disney Stores as its president.
TKE Technology The TKE Nation is everywhere—literally. Get statistics on the latest social media tools.
Understanding the Power of Social Networking Think twice about the way you use social networks. There are just as many new opportunities to connect as there are to get into potential danger.
Grand Epiprytanis Edmund C. Moy (Lambda) Grand Grammateus Bob Barr (Beta-Sigma) Grand Crysophylos Rodney G. Talbot (Beta-Chi) Grand Histor Robert A. Jarred (Omicron-Kappa) Grand Hypophetes Christopher T. Hanson (Alpha-Pi) Grand Pylortes James Hickey (Zeta-Alpha) Grand Hegemon Shawn A. Babine (Lambda-Delta)
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Frustrated with Stagnate Recruitment?
Grand Officer Corey Mathews (Gamma-Theta)
Capture potential members before formal recruitment by using social media to spread your influence.
Grand Officer Fritz Jacobi (Lambda-Alpha)
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Reaching the Top of the Mountain
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Collegiate Advisory Committee Chair Michael Beals (Epsilon)
Frater Bryan Sartory believes applying for the TKE Leadership Academy helped him become the best. SUBMISSION DEADLINES
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How to submit stories and photos:
The Greatest Celebration of Brotherhood Be a part of history by attending the 56th Conclave in San Antonio, Texas, August 4–7, 2011.
Chapter news should contain information about events, community service projects, and other notable achievements. Articles and photos can be emailed to tmcaninch@tke.org and ksayre@ tke.org. Mail hard copies and prints to the Offices of the Grand Chapter. Digital photos should be at least 300 dpi in resolution or on a digital camera’s highest-quality setting. Photos showing alcoholic beverages or members displaying unsuitable behavior cannot be accepted.
Spring Summer Fall Winter
April 15 June 15 September 15 November 15
Send news and photographs for THE TEKE to the editor, 7439 Woodland Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278-1765.
Better Men for a Better World WINTER 2011 q THE TEKE 3
q ceo message
Begin with the End in Mind
G
reetings to the TKE nation. An exciting new chapter begins at Tau Kappa Epsilon. This chapter will continue to build on the great success of past TKE leaders. It is an honor to serve as the 11th chief executive, and I am humbled by the wonderful opportunity.
My background has centered around the corporate world at IBM and nonprofit leadership at the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, National Engineering Week, EasterSeals, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the creation of Project Stepping Stone. IBM’s basic beliefs are on excellence, respect and service. This is engrained deeply into my fabric. Having worked as an executive, I bring to the table considerable expertise in technology that over time we will employ to simplify many processes at the headquarters level. The end goal is to provide greater opportunities for both collegiate and alumni members and create a bridge for this relationship.
“I believe as leaders it is our role to positively impact our youth by encouraging continued education. In the process, we will not only help our youth but also brand Tau Kappa Epsilon.”
My most recent work was as interim CEO for the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA). NSHMBA’s mission is to foster leadership through graduate education in order to improve society. Long before assuming that role, I started a chapter of NSHMBA in Indiana. Much like TKE colonies, I recruited leaders, members, and initiated new programs. Within two years, we were leading all the chapters in innovative programs to network, providing service in the community and fundraising. There are strong parallels between the volunteer roles at TKE and NSHMBA which I hope to employ over the next few years. I have spent much of my time engaging with youth in middle school, high school and college. I have led initiatives that have worked with 30,000 middle school students promoting science, technology, engineering and math through National Engineering Week. I also co-founded Project Stepping Stone that has interfaced with 10,000 students, helping disadvantaged youth to find their way to college. From this experience, I have learned that our youth love to learn from outside leaders who can help them understand the great opportunities waiting for them. I believe as leaders it is our role to positively impact our youth by encouraging continued education. In the process, we will not only help our youth but also brand Tau Kappa Epsilon. We want young men to be thinking about TKE before they ever step foot on the college campus. By leading locally, nationally, and internationally, they will not only have heard about us but they will have experienced Tau Kappa Epsilon in action. My focus for the rest of my life is to lead in nonprofit education. I have the knowledge and experience to interface in the corporate world. I have the passion to make a positive difference in the education world. I believe that “None of us is as strong as all of us!” Working with you, our outstanding leaders of TKE, we will take a giant step forward in building Better Men for a Better World.
Yours in the Bond,
Steven A. Ramos Chief Executive Officer
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q founders’ day message
The Language of Our Ritual Dear Fraters:
I
wish all Tekes across the world a Happy Founders’ Day. Today marks the 112th birthday of this wonderful Fraternity. It has been a long-standing tradition that on Founders’ Day, the Grand Prytanis takes the opportunity to remind Tekes everywhere of our birth and the passionate vision of why our founding fathers established Tau Kappa Epsilon. This is a time when we reflect on our tradition and ritual. It’s also a good time to talk about why our ritual is so important to us as a Fraternity. One of the primary functions of our ritual is to remind us of the wisdom of our Founders. We remember the names who gathered at Illinois Wesleyan on that cold night of January 10, 1899, to lay the cornerstones of Tau Kappa Epsilon ... Joseph L. Settles, Owen I. Truitt, C. Roy Atkinson, Clarence A. Mayer, and James C. McNutt. Through our ritual we are reminded of the guiding ideals and principles that provide the reasons for why TKE exists. We understand that this Fraternity “stands for men” and “we consider no man from the standpoint of those qualities and advantages he has not attained by personal effort.” Has our Fraternity experienced trying times in the past? Of course it has, but we know that “we stand for men whose manhood has withstood the test of trying conditions.” We understand that the mark of a true Teke is his character—the character that allows him to persevere with all the changes and challenges it entails. What else does our ritual do? It provides us a common, universal language that connects us to our past. Whether you are young or old, rich or poor, leader or follower, our ritual provides a consistent way of bonding with every Frater on earth. These are all worthy reasons for participating in our ritual often, as I hope you all have a chance to do. On this Founders’ Day, I would urge you all to celebrate and proclaim your TKE passion loudly. Indeed, you have much to be proud of as we continue to grow and prosper. As the largest social fraternity in the world today, I am happy to report that the second year of this biennium looks to be stronger than ever. We have moved the international offices into a beautiful building in Indianapolis, Ind., which reflects the very success of the Fraternity. Our headquarters, and the professional staff that call it home, are truly impressive. Our volunteers across the country continue to give their time, talent and treasure to ensure that Tau Kappa Epsilon continues to prosper. Our collegiate Fraters continue to excel on campuses across the country. We wouldn’t be who we are today without the continued effort of each and every one of you. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your Grand Prytanis. A huge “thank you” goes out to one and all. Fraters, I love this Fraternity!
Dr. Herbert L. Songer Grand Prytanis
WINTER 2011 q THE TEKE 5
q the sitdown
Rebooting Disney Frater Jim Fielding Dares to Take Risks
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rowing up in Toledo, Ohio, Frater Jim Fielding (GammaKappa, Indiana University) is a long way from home in Southern California. Yet, he has stayed close to his roots by working hard to climb the corporate ladder at Disney. Now heading Disney Stores Worldwide, Fielding has reinvented the once sliding business. He has been able to take lessons from his experience colonizing the GammaKappa chapter and countless lessons learned while on campus in Bloomington, Ind. He works tirelessly in both the corporate and non-profit landscapes to ensure every child has the chance to be a kid. Join us as we sit down with Frater Jim to discuss his professional portfolio, TKE adventures, the technological impact on business, and his future.
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THE TEKE q WINTER 2011
q the sitdown
THE TEKE: Tell us about your experience at Indiana University. Fielding: This was the period of re-colonizing. It was certainly difficult dealing with the Interfraternity Council, convincing them that they needed another fraternity on campus. IU has a big Greek system, so they struggled with the concept of allowing another instead of having us join an existing one. Working with the International Headquarters on the process was a very formative experience. It was a lot of work to colonize. THE TEKE: What types of things did you learn through the colonizing effort? Fielding: You definitely learn the art of persuasion. It was about having a goal, setting a vision and executing it. To colonize, both TKE and Indiana University had specific standards and rules. This made it vital to our success to have the unified vision of where we needed to get to. The other skills were patience and perseverance. There are always growing pains when you start something. On the other hand, you gain a lot of momentum in the beginning and how to sustain that was an issue we faced. I have dealt with this at Disney Stores too.
“My computer class had punch-card programming and now we have the equivalent of a computer in our hand.” THE TEKE: How were you successful in your colonizing at IU? Fielding: You have to break all the tasks up or the overall list will seem too daunting. You can burn out very quickly, but having a plan everyone sticks to will help. The other important thing is to have balance. Make sure you have other activities like working out, doing some service, or whatever you need to take you away from the difficulties. This will also minimize burnout and re-energize you for the big tasks on your plate. Like what I do here at Disney, I always tell the team ‘we aren’t performing brain surgery, so if we make a mistake, it’s okay.’ The key is to learn from it and try your best not to make it again. This helps you keep perspective and moves you closer to success. THE TEKE: How has your TKE experience compared to becoming president of Disney Stores?
Fielding: In preparing for the interview, it’s funny how I
have seen the parallels between the work I did at IU for TKE and becoming the head of Disney Stores. This was a broken business being franchised and licensed, and then sold back to the company. It’s been interesting how I have been able to use those experiences even today. The communication, negotiation, and other skills that were learned then were much more valuable than most of the classes. My computer class had punch-card programming and now we have the equivalent of a computer in our hand. So while I have taken concepts and problem-solving from them, many more skills were gained through TKE and the other activities on campus. THE TEKE: How have you succeeded at Disney Stores? Fielding: I’m a firm believer in destiny and that everything happens for a reason. There was a reason I went to IU and a reason I had a desire to re-start the TKE chapter. Taking this in terms of Disney, getting this business back from the licensee—and it was broken, morale was low, the product was bad, the store design was poor—there wasn’t much you could say that was going well with it. In three years, we have completely turned it around. Our team has been re-built and is performing at a very high level. THE TEKE: Talk a little more about the process of taking back Disney Stores and how you were selected as the president. Fielding: The licensee did not want to continue the license and in December of 2007, I stepped out of my role with Disney for six months to decide what we should do with the stores. I needed to make a recommendation on what to do with Disney Stores to the board of directors and make sure to not make one that was perceived as self-serving. I spent several months analyzing the store and, at the end WINTER 2011 q THE TEKE 7
q the sitdown
of the day, saw that this could be revived. I presented the opportunity and they agreed. Disney Stores Worldwide (Europe, Japan & North America) were bought back in the spring of 2008. Our count today is upwards of 350 stores in nine (9) countries and will be in twelve (12) by early summer 2011. Strategically, we are looking to be in 17 to 20 countries over the next few years. THE TEKE: How has technology influenced your achievements at Disney? Fielding: I love technology and want to push harder in this area for Disney Stores. I want us to be a leading force in the retail and e-commerce environment because I think consumers are demanding it. Consumers have so many choices and we need to give them what they want. If you think about it, all of this went from shopping in stores to online to on your phone in a matter of five years. The pace of change is unbelievable. We have to communicate to our guests the way they want to be communicated with and if you are not on the leading edge, they will go somewhere else. 8
THE TEKE q WINTER 2011
THE TEKE: What types of technology have you been utilizing or are developing currently? Fielding: Mobile Checkout is one of the crowning achievements this year and changed our Christmas sales. They spent less time in lines, it was more efficient, and everyone loved it. In the stores, my favorite technology is the trees. For the projection on the trees we have a patent pending and the inventors won awards on it. They make the stores more alive. I am pushing for the future to shop in your hand and we are always looking for that next tech-
q the sitdown
THE TEKE: How does one get into a position of prominence like yours? Fielding: I firmly believe that hard work and honesty are rewarded. This position didn’t come by chance. I worked long hours and did what I had to, to succeed. That said, you must be open to possibilities. If you would have asked me in 2007, ‘Would you be the president of Disney Stores Worldwide?’ I would have said no because we don’t own Disney Stores. My focus was on something completely different then, but when the opportunity arose, I jumped on it.
nology to complement what we have. As I said, the pace of change is remarkable and the people we have in place embrace technology as it comes.
THE TEKE: What is your favorite piece of technology?
Fielding: I love social media and I am always on Twitter as @DisneyStorePrez. You learn so much from just this technology. You can see real time feedback, both bad and good, about the customer experience. It’s another way for me to communicate to our guests because I can’t be at every store. It’s not a marketing tool for us—it is a real account of how I feel. LinkedIn is a technology I have used to keep in touch with Fraters from my chapter. The one difficulty is to stay close with your chapter when you move so far away geographically. With the various social mediums and other technologies, this difficulty has been eased and I can start reconnecting more regularly on my own time.
THE TEKE: What gets you up each morning?
Fielding: The fresh challenges continue to motivate me. I look in the mirror and say, ‘If we are better today than we were yesterday, it’s been a good day.’ Retail is constant change and improvement, so it is vital that I feel this. Ever since I was a kid, I was always a morning person. My personal alarm is better than anything and I love the morning. I have a job I love and that is the real reason I can get up each morning.
THE TEKE: What other things are you involved with?
Fielding: I am the board chair of Make-A-Wish and it is exceptionally rewarding. It, too, is like a full-time job even though it is volunteer. That literally gets me up in the morning because the majority of my conference calls are between 5 and 6 a.m. The board is so internationally diverse, we are essentially on every time zone. Disney is one of the biggest contributors of wishes granted, which is how I first got involved with them. Disney Stores grants many of those wishes and when you are there for one, it is overwhelming. I became a donor first and over time was asked to step on the board. WINTER 2011 q THE TEKE 9
q the sitdown
concern of ours to give back. I know I have been blessed in life. I don’t take any success or this job for granted. I genuinely want to give back so others may get an opportunity like mine. If you ever were in need, how much would it mean to get some help? That question is one I ask of myself regularly and it motivates me to give what I can. THE TEKE: Do you push this view to Disney Stores employees?
Disney VoluntEARS hosted some 400 children and families from the local communities for an exclusive showing of the Disney film, “Beauty & the Beast” at two local theaters in Papenburg and Leer, Germany. THE TEKE: How does this non-profit work influence your other activities? Fielding: Non-profit work has made me a better forprofit president. You really have to be creative and work on a shoe-string budget. Down the road, when it is time to leave Disney, and that isn’t any time soon, I would like to take my experience to a non-profit. I think there is something really amazing with what all the non-profits are doing with little funding and still are able to have huge impacts.
“If you ever were in need, how much would it mean to get some help? That question is one I ask of myself regularly and it motivates me to give what I can.” THE TEKE: Where did a passion for non-profit work come from? Fielding: It came primarily from two influences. My parents were both very service-oriented. From an early age, they taught my sister and me there is always someone in need. One thing that sticks out in my mind ... every year before Santa came, we gathered up all of our old toys to donate. It was very traumatic as a small kid, but I realized over time what those toys we had as excess meant to other children who wouldn’t receive anything for Christmas without them. The other place was from the Fraternity. It may sound like I am saying this for the interview, but honestly we did a lot for the Bloomington community and it was a primary
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Fielding: I don’t have to. We all do so much for the communities where we are. Last year, Disney Stores globally gave 100,000 volunteer hours back to community. We have a forest in London called the Hundred Acre Wood where employees are planting trees, and we are constantly finding new ways to give back. Disney awarded me the Executive Voluntear of the Year which I am very proud of. THE TEKE: What does the future hold for Disney Stores? Fielding: The vision of the store is “the best 30 minutes of a child’s day.” We have taken this very seriously and it has driven the changes to the stores. It has given us the freedom to try things and push the envelope. I see us going everywhere around the world. Wherever and whenever you want to shop, you can. We want the in-store experience to be the best it can be. That allows us to continue pushing past even our own boundaries and thinking creatively to come up with even better designs. We’ll be a destination for gift-giving and memories for generations to come. There are so many incredible stories coming out of Disney and we get to make the experience extend into the home.
From humble beginnings to prominence is only part of the Frater Jim Fielding story. In between, difficulties tested his mettle and resolve. Yet, every step along the way he made his mark. Whether at IU, with TKE, or during his professional endeavors, he has taken principles and applied them. As Tekes, we often challenge each other to ‘Live the Ritual.’ Saying words with no intention of following through breeds a hollow organization, but Frater Jim has taken on this challenge. His story is an excellent example to follow. Work hard, learn from mistakes, and never stop pushing yourself until the ultimate goal is reached. (Follow Jim on Twitter @DisneyStorePrez.)
q tke technology
Where is the TKE Nation? Facebook (Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity)
If you already have a Facebook Profile, all you need to do is put “Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity” in your search tool and click ‘Like.’ • 15,152 Total Fans • 10,379 Active Users • 587,663 Post Views • 1,024 Post Feedback • 19 Countries • Largest Demographic: 18-24 56% • Fastest Growing Demographic: 35-44 + 6% in one month • Top 5 Cities: Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Dallas & St. Louis
Twitter (TKE_Fraternity)
Twitter is a free micro-blogging tool that allows users to publish short messages (140 characters or less) through their computers and mobile phones. Follow us! • 1,490 Followers • 977 Tweets since inception • 31 Average re-tweets per post • 65 Average mentions per day (@TKE_Fraternity)
YouTube (tkehq)
The second largest search engine in the world (only Google is higher), YouTube showcases the ultimate social media tool to interact with everyone. TKE’s presence is relatively small, but we are working diligently to improve this aspect by producing videos to both educate and entertain. • 1,216 channel views • 6,457 upload views
Flickr
TKE’s Flickr account (Tau Kappa Epsilon) allows you to view pictures from the biggest and best events of the organization. In addition to this function, you can share photos between users, download them for your use and add pictures to our collection. • 20+ sets of images from various TKE Events and Official Photography • 3,000+ TKE images
Foursquare (Tau Kappa Epsilon)
The first college social fraternity to break into this technology, you can now see where TKE is to interact with the headquarters staff. • 76 Friends • 9 Badges • 77 Check-ins
LinkedIn [Tau Kappa Epsilon (Official)] Members gather on LinkedIn to discuss topics of the day and connect with each other on a professional level. • 4,111 Total Members • 12 Average Users added per day • 2 Average Posts per day
RSS (TKE.org)
Official TKE Chapter Websites
Real Simple Syndication is yet another tool available through use of a home page like MyYahoo or iGoogle. Click on the RSS icon on TKE.org for the link.
Launched at Conclave in 2009, chapter websites are now available to all chapters. • 180 chapters currently utilize this FREE service
Now You Know.
*Statistics as of 02/23/2011 WINTER 2011 q THE TEKE 11
q professional development
Understanding
the Power of
Social Networking
12 THE TEKE q WINTER 2011
Social Networking: We all use it, whether for educational, business or personal use. But is what you are saying, showing in pictures or doing on the myriad of sites hurting you in the long run? Many people think the dangers of posting certain information are unfounded because they are young, at home, and/or protected with privacy settings. The reality is what you put out on the internet, whether through Facebook, Twitter, blogs or other areas, can be found by almost everyone. The key is to utilize these mediums for your gain rather than your demise. Getting upset about a professor’s test, your boss, or your girlfriend used to be vented with friends at a coffee shop or other in-person venue. Now, it seems dirty laundry is strewn throughout the internet. This is not a good thing to throw around when police, campus administrators, and workplaces are monitoring use. You think, “It won’t happen to me.” But why wouldn’t it? We live in a world dominated by instant gratification and a simple misstep can bring on a cascading avalanche of personal destruction. According to a few 2009 surveys (Nielsen), 70 percent of surveyed HR workers in the U.S. admitted to rejecting a job applicant because of internet behavior. For the most part, these matters refer to the posting of inappropriate photos and content on social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. In addition to not getting the job, there are countless cases of employees who post content about their lousy bosses or how they wish a fellow coworker would drop dead in the office. They were subsequently fired. Instead of complaining this is unfair, protected under the first amendment, or making up some other excuse—let’s be honest—if it was about you, you would want something done about it. You need to follow a set of personal rules to ensure your safety and those around you.
q professional development
General Rules 1. Act like you would in real life: Just because you’re hiding behind a computer as you type doesn’t mean that people aren’t going to connect what you say online with who you are as a real person. How you act on social media sites is often the most direct way that people—including potential employers—will perceive you. 2. Tweet and update for your most conservative followers: If you have lots of friends online, it can be hard to remember who’s still listening in to your conversations and updates. Remember who your most conservative followers are, and make sure whatever you put online is appropriate for them. 3. Be extra polite: You wouldn’t make a nasty comment to a person you just met at work or school: you’d probably go above and beyond to seem friendly and helpful. Apply the same attitude to your social media activity. 4. Follow the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated and you’ll develop a reputation for being a worthy friend and follow who other users will want to pass along to their network. 5. Remember that there are boundaries: Not everyone you’re following—or who is following you—is your personal friend, so avoid talking about health problems and mushy stuff.
Facebook 1. Edit your photo choices: Don’t put up photos of yourself or others engaging in illegal, irresponsible activities, including pictures of you chugging pitchers of beer, whether or not you’re 21. 2. Be careful who you tag: Just because you don’t have a job doesn’t mean your friends are okay with having ridiculous photos of them posted on Facebook so that their moms and bosses can see them.
Still don’t believe bad things can happen? Take a look at these examples. 1) Dan Leone, a game-day employee at the Philadelphia Eagles stadium, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he was fired for criticizing the team via Facebook. After the Eagles’ beloved safety Brian Dawkins signed to the Denver Broncos, Leone posted: “Dan is [expletive] devastated about Dawkins signing with Denver ... Dam Eagles R Retarted!!” Days later, Leone said he was contacted by the team’s director of event operations regarding his Facebook post. Leone deleted that post, but couldn’t save his job. 2) A Georgia high school teacher claims she was forced to resign after her principal “questioned her about her Facebook page, which included photos of her holding wine and beer,” CBSAtlanta reported. The National Education Association reveals that in other states, several young teachers and school staffers have put their jobs at risk by revealing personal information that parents and supervisors find inappropriate. 3) Four students who posed for photos with a human placenta were expelled from nursing school only months before graduation after posting one of the pictures on Facebook.
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q professional development
3. Don’t undermine your personal brand: Turn-offs are foul language & lewd jokes, evidence of excessive alcohol consumption or criminal activity, extremist/ intolerant views, or links to unsuitable websites. 4. Stop playing the farm animal game if you want to be taken seriously: Would you want to hire someone who clearly spends all day swapping cows and feeding goats on Facebook? 5. Be respectful of the relationship status: Talk with your partner before changing a relationship status. If it’s good news, do you want an online medium to be the one to share it? If it’s bad, you want to make sure you’re not breaking up with someone via Facebook.
Twitter 1. Keep tabs on your ratio: One of the easiest ways for people to decide whether or not they want to follow you is to check your follow ratio. Try to keep it balanced so you don’t look desperate or like a snob. 2. Share other people’s work, not just your own: For every tweet you make about yourself, make two or three tweets about someone else’s work or a third party article. 3. Send private messages for private conversations: Twitter has an option to let you send private messages, and it’s important that you remember to use it when appropriate.
4. Always share your best work: You never know who’s watching you on Twitter, so always promote your absolute best work, not your mediocre stuff. 5. Don’t use Twitter to point fingers: You can send open tweets to ask about a problem, but don’t trash companies or individuals just because you had a bad experience. Contact them in private.
Grammar & Communication 1. Know what @ means: @ is a sign that means you’re responding to or directly addressing a particular user or message. On some sites, it even tags that person. 2. Use the word, not the number: Substituting “2” for “to” looks like you’re in junior high. 3. Don’t make stupid mistakes: You’re not receiving an official grade from your tweets and updates, but you are being judged on your grammar mistakes. Take a few seconds to review your messages so that you can correct any mistakes. 4. Avoid exclamation points: They are warranted sometimes, but punctuation marks are annoying to read and make your writing look juvenile. 5. Always be honest and transparent: With so many distractions going on online, keep your messages short, clear and truthful.
Facts According to Socialnomics by Erik Qualman 2009 o o o o o o
1 out of 8 couples married in the U.S. met via social media 80 percent of companies are using LinkedIn as their primary tool to find employees YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world 2 to 3 Twitter accounts are activated every second 50 percent of Facebook users log in every day and spend an average of 55 minutes During the presidential campaign, Barack Obama had more than 5 million fans; 3 million online donors netted $500 million
14 THE TEKE q WINTER 2011
The Social Networking medium is an exceptionally powerful force in today’s society. Its ability to connect old friends and create new ones is better than anything the world has seen. But with every great force, there are dangers. If you can balance the two sides, it will help you in several facets of life. This technology is always changing, so it is best to seek out best practices whenever possible. Taking a few extra seconds researching the next big tool will increase your ability to use it safely and for the fun it is intended to provide.
q teke on the street
REGION 1
REGION 2
What is the best piece of technology you’ve utilized for recruitment?
What is your favorite social medium? Why?
Mo Anthony Sakil • Western Connecticut SU (Tau-Zeta) • Senior • Prytanis • Marketing, 2.9 GPA • SGA, Programs & Activities Council, Student Life Committee, Orientation Leader • TKE auction for Alzheimer’s, St. Jude Up ’Til Dawn, Holiday Cards for the Troops “Hands down the internet. From email services allowing us to send versions of our rush schedules/ fliers back and forth to social networking that helped post events, groups, “likes” and pro-Teke status updates.”
Cory Ziman • Southern Connecticut State University (Tau-Eta) • Junior • Histor • Communications, 2.89 GPA • Founder, University’s Student Run, TV Station SCSU-TV • St. Jude Letter-Sending Event “Our website is one of the best resources we have for recruitment. During the semester and rush, we constantly update it as well as have all our business cards. You can also contact brothers for more information; this email goes directly to other brothers’ smartphones.”
Sebastian Moreno • Northern Kentucky University (Pi-Omicron) • Senior • Philanthropy Committee • Criminal Justice, 2.5 GPA • Public Business Leaders, Latino Student Organization • KY Creek Restoration, Green for the Greater Good, Cuts for a Cure “I keep up with technology by reading the news on the internet in order to communicate with friends, Fraters and family. Technology news sites and Facebook are the best. They help me to stay active and involved in the lives of others.”
Gary Adams • Florida State University (Lambda-Iota) • Junior • Pylortes • Civil Engineering, 3.20 GPA • American Society of Civil Engineering, Florida State Alumni Assoc. • Strikes for St.Jude, Gamma Phi Beta Crescent Classic, Dance Marathon, Relay for Life, Light the Night “My favorite social medium is Facebook. Our chapter especially uses Facebook in both our daily personal lives as well as a means to help coordinate and establish connections with both past and current Fraters, friends, and family.”
REGION 3
REGION 4
How do you keep up with technology?
Why is it imperative for TKE to have a presence in technological advances?
John Michael Freund • Carthage College (Tau-Chi) • Senior • Fundraising & Philanthropy Committee • Marketing & Business, 3.0 GPA • Club Volleyball • Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Fund, Harbor Park Jazz & Blues Festival benefiting breast & cervical cancer “I work at Best Buy as a full-time department lead. They provide me and keep me up to date with the most current and interesting technology so I can share this knowledge with customers.”
Thomas Geary • Indiana University Southeast (Omicron-Sigma) • Junior • Judical Chairman • Political Science/Pre-Law, 2.55 GPA • Student Alumni Association • Wayside Christian Mission (served food to Louisville homeless) “I keep up with technology by keeping all my gear updated. We have great brothers in the Fraternity who know where to go and get good deals on the latest gadgets, and it doesn’t hurt we have a brother in IT!”
Abdallah Abu-Ghazaleh • University of Minnesota (Theta Colony) • Sophomore • Electrical Engineering, 3.334 GPA • Undergrad Research Assistant at Nonofabrication Lab, Asst. Secretary at Al-Madinah Cultural Center at Student Union • Food drive for flood victims “Much of the new technological advances have allowed humanity to be more efficient and to reach more people. The Fraternity needs to use these advances to help promote itself and better develop the skills of its members.”
Congrui David Li • University of California-San Diego (Pi-Xi) • Junior • Technology & Publicity Committees Chairman • Computer Science, 3.1 GPA • IFC Vice President of Marketing • TKE Winter Fest 2011 for St. Jude “It is imperative for TKE to invest and grow in the areas of social media. Social media provides every chapter an already developed audience and a free outlet for advertising.”
WINTER 2011 q THE TEKE 15
q education
Frustrated with Stagnate Recruitment? Try This.
W
hether you realize it or not, you actively build your chapter’s brand every single day. You do so every time you talk to a potential new candidate about what it’s like to be a Teke, every time you converse with a member or other Greek on campus about the culture, and each time you tell a friend or family member about your day. You build your brand with each interaction. So, how can you use social media to spread your influence of TKE’s prominence to a much larger audience? And why bother? The straight answer is—not everyone knows how great it is. By helping people understand what it’s like to be a member of the organization, you can build a pipeline of talented men who are excited to join before you’ve even started formal recruitment. This makes it easier (and less expensive) for you to find great candidates. There is a catch, however. If your chapter culture isn’t good, it will be hard to repair. It’s not impossible, but takes a bit more work. If your group is dysfunctional and isn’t a good place to interact, social branding won’t make it one. Fix
your culture first. Then think about how to create a positive presence with these tools. As with all aspects of Teke life, you’ll get out of this what you put into it. Learning how to use social media tools isn’t complicated. But it does take time and consistency. It also takes a willingness to experiment until you find out what works for you and the people you’re trying to engage (potential new members and/or alumni). So, results may vary. However, doing something is better than nothing. In addition, social mediums should never replace the other recruitment tools such as having in-person conversations with prospective members. You can create buzz and increase your exposure with this, but if it doesn’t translate into actual positive interactions, you are giving false representation. Everyone can spot a fake—don’t be the one who says everything in the chapter is perfect if it’s not.
How to Get Started So you have set up your chapter website, a chapter Twitter account, or Facebook Fan Page. How do you engage people and get them to learn more about the group? The things that make for good conversation online are the same things that make for good conversation in real life: o Ask a lot of questions o Don’t just talk about yourself o Share interesting news and useful insights (TKE’s prominent members or fun facts) Ask yourself (and the chapter): o How do you interact at a recruitment event? o What types of things get the most positive reaction? o Why are you proud to be a Teke and member of your chapter?
16 THE TEKE q WINTER 2011
q education
Here are some ideas to get you started: o A-Day-in-the-Life. What’s is it like to be in your chapter? Give people an inside glimpse. o Insights into your Culture. What makes your chapter culture unique? Are you a training and development leader? Are you an intramural powerhouse? Do you have the best grades on campus? Let people know. o Community News. What’s going on in the community where you are located? Are there events (service or philanthropy) you will be doing soon? o Ask Questions. How do they hope to become a more effective leader? What’s one thing they want to know about the chapter?
community. We all know fraternities get a bad rap because of mistakes by others, but this tool can be excellent Public Relations. Dive in, have fun, and get your chapter to reach new heights for recruitment.
Don’t Tell People. Show People. Funny people don’t talk about how funny they are. They just say and do funny things. Having a conversation about your group of guys works pretty much the same way. You can use social media to talk about some of the cool leadership opportunities and activities you do. Social media channels are like a sneak-peek into your chapter. And that’s the whole point. There are some rules that you should follow (see page 12 on social media etiquette), but this is a big opportunity to showcase yourself. When used right, this can be one of the greatest influencers for not only recruitment but also the campus and
Need some ideas or are still unsure how to get everything going: email Director of Communication Tom McAninch at tkeogc@tke.org. WINTER 2011 q THE TEKE 17
q recruitment
TOP RECRUITING GROUPS as of 2/28/11 Rank Chapter
College/University
Region
Men
1
Epsilon-Beta Colony
University of Tampa
2
58
2
Kappa-Tau
University of Arizona
4
46
3
Alpha-Theta
Whitman College
4
42
4
Nu
University of California-Berkeley
4
36
5
Alpha-Gamma
Washington State University
4
34
6
Xi-Iota
University of Central Florida
2
29
TKE Colony 865
St. Joseph’s University
1
29
Rho
West Virginia University
3
29
9
Beta-Xi
Arizona State University
4
27
Beta-Delta
University of Maryland
1
27
11
Beta-Chi
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
3
26
Chi
University of Washington
4
26
Sigma-Alpha
Florida International University
2
26
Upsilon-Delta
Saginaw Valley State University
3
26
Zeta-Mu
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
1
26
TOP 5 CHAPTERS BY SIZE Rank Chapter
College/University
1
Beta-Sigma
University of Southern California
4
120
2
Omicron
The Ohio State University
3
119
3
Alpha-Tau
Drexel University
1
114
4
Beta-Delta
University of Maryland
1
107
5
Pi-Xi
University of California, San Diego
4
100
Region
Size
q chapter news
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS UNIVERSITY, Pi-Epsilon
This semester, TKE will be hosting its first ever TKE’s Biggest Loser. It will be a competition between eight brothers to see who can lose the most weight in 90 days (January 17 – April 16). The chapter is using it as a fundraising opportunity for the Dream Factory of Memphis, which is a non profit, 100 percent volunteer organization dedicated to granting the dreams of critically and chronically ill children. In addition to raising money for them, the Tekes also hold an event at the end of the year called the “Nite of Life” where they take the children in the program, along with their families, to a family friendly attraction in Memphis, i.e. the Zoo, Children’s Museum of Memphis, etc. Then they end the day with a cook-out and presentation of the check. The chapter has a goal to beat the $7,500 they raised last year.. There are three different ways to pledge money: on a per pound basis, i.e. x dollars a pound lost (encouraged method of donating), giving a lump sum, and challenging for a total, i.e. I’ll give you x dollars if you lose 30 lbs., etc. Donations for the event will not be due until between April 17 and April 30.
Beloit University, Kappa Strength: 45 GPA: 3.2 Community Service Hours: 304 Philanthropic Dollars: $1,000 Recruitment Results: 8 Carleton University, Tau-Omega Strength: 40 GPA: 2.7 Community Service Hours: 2,936 Philanthropic Dollars: $18,125 Recruitment Results: 12 Christian Brothers University, Pi-Epsilon Strength: 48 GPA: 3.1 Community Service Hours: 2,697 Philanthropic Dollars: $2,051 Recruitment Results: 16 College of Staten Island, Upsilon-Lambda Strength: 31 GPA: 2.5 Community Service Hours: 1,970 Philanthropic Dollars: $2,990 Recruitment Results: 6
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY, Mu-Omega Alumni Association
Fraters Christopher Hall (below left) and Jake Burkett (below right), board members of the MuOmega Alumni Association, had an opportunity to meet famous celebrity and fellow Teke Paul “The Big Show” Wight during his appearance at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show February 2. He was very excited that the pair came to the meet and greet and as soon as they stepped up, he gave a commanding “TEEEEEEKE!!” with his thundering voice.
MARSHALL UNIVERSITY, Beta-Nu
On the weekend of September 10–11, 2010, the Tekes at Marshall University met for the first annual Beta-Nu Alumni Tailgate and Reunion Weekend. From this reunion came the motivation for what they hope will be the Beta-Nu Alumni Association. After being contacted by Regional Director Greg Roskopf in midNovember, the chapter has since gathered the names of nearly 40 former Beta-Nu Tekes and forwarded them to the Office of Chapter Development. After a five-year hiatus, the Beta-Nu chapter of TKE has returned to the campus of Marshall University as a colony. Pending approval, the Board of Advisors and Alumni Association intend to support these new Fraters every step of the way and in doing so, hope to provide direction and leadership for these young men and a platform for past BetaNu Tekes to reconnect with old friends.
East Carolina University, Lambda-Psi Strength: 32 GPA: 2.7 Community Service Hours: 715 Philanthropic Dollars: $350 Recruitment Results: 7 George Mason University, Mu-Omega Strength: 40 GPA: 2.7 Community Service Hours: 230 Philanthropic Dollars: $1,161 Recruitment Results: 23 Indiana University Southeast, Omicron-Sigma Strength: 32 GPA: 3.1 Community Service Hours: 1,274 Philanthropic Dollars: $3,614 Recruitment Results: 15
WINTER 2011 q THE TEKE 19
q chapter news
Johnson & Wales University, Tau-Mu Strength: 26 GPA: 2.7 Community Service Hours: 713 Philanthropic Dollars: $715 Recruitment Results: 1 Louisiana State University, Beta-Phi Strength: 26 GPA: 2.6 Community Service Hours: 70 Philanthropic Dollars: $925 Recruitment Results: 4 Marshall University, Beta-Nu Colony Strength: 20 GPA: 2.6 Community Service Hours: 60 Philanthropic Dollars: $250 Recruitment Results: 12 Miami University (Ohio), Delta-Xi Strength: 12 GPA: 2.8 Community Service Hours: 75 Philanthropic Dollars: $125 Recruitment Results: 12 Missouri State University, Beta-Omega Strength: 33 GPA: 2.9 Community Service Hours: 328 Philanthropic Dollars: $1,730 Recruitment Results: 20 Northeastern State University, Sigma-Lambda Strength: 19 GPA: 2.5 Community Service Hours: 344 Philanthropic Dollars: $957 Recruitment Results: 13 Northwest Missouri State University, Delta-Nu Strength: 57 GPA: 2.7 Community Service Hours: 2,142 Philanthropic Dollars: $1,600 Recruitment Results: 20
20 THE TEKE q WINTER 2011
NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY, Delta-Nu
As part of Homecoming 2010, Delta-Nu Tekes honored the lives of two special people close to their chapter. After an open house reception at the TKE house, the Wiles’ Bell Dedication Ceremony took place on a Saturday morning, dedicating a bell in the name of the late Frater and longtime Board of Control Chairman Richard Wiles and his wife Marcella. The bell was purchased from their estate by the Delta Nu Alumni Association and dedicated October 30 with all the Wiles children in attendance. The family was very touched and moved by the time and special detail put into the bell and ceremony, which concluded with a slide show of Dick and Marcella’s life together. It was created by Frater Hal Martens of Chugiak, AK. Special thanks to Frater Hal for his time and effort. On November 11, the active chapter held a Burger King fundraiser night and netted $170. Events such as this help raise funds, for a specified period of time, for organizations when customers purchase a meal at a local establishment. Frater Kenneth Hamilton, the current Delta-Nu Prytanis, recently won the position of IFC Vice President of Recruitment. He will be handling membership development and rush for both the spring and fall trimesters for all fraternities at Northwest.
SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY, Rho-Rho
The weekend of January 29, the Sam Houston Tekes donated more than 100 hours of community service, half of which were performed at a local fire department doing various activities such as rolling fire hoses, cleaning the bunks, and helping set up a dinner for the elderly at the station. The chapter also contributed many hours at the state park, and learned plenty during the experience. They had a great time and what mattered most was they all bonded while working together. Rho-Rho will also be holding a local auction the following week to help a Teke alumnus whose father has accumulated a lot of health bills.
University of Central Missouri, Delta-Lambda
On Wednesday, February 2, the men of the Delta-Lambda chapter took to the streets to help the members of the Warrensburg community shovel out from the recordbreaking snowfall that hit their community. Fraters Alex Garner, Shane Moorehouse and Nick Williams (pictured) were just part of the TKE team who were out shoveling to combat the 24+ inches of snow that fell on Tuesday and basically shut down the town and the university. Classes were cancelled Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and with some of the streets not clear, many folks were stuck inside.
q chapter news
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA, Epsilon-Sigma
Several notable Tekes gathered for Epsilon-Sigma’s 2011 Founders’ Day Celebration. From left to right are Maj. Gen. Marshall Scantlin; Gary Reed, TEF President/CEO; 1960 Olympic gold medalist Doug Blubaugh, Beta-Gamma, Oklahoma State; Jim Barnes, Oklahoma poet laureate, Epsilon-Theta, Southeastern Oklahoma State; and Walt Jenny, Omicron-Phi, University of Oklahoma. Doug and Jim were 2011 inductees into the TKE Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Recipients of the Mickey Toler Memorial Awards for outstanding alumni involvement in 2010 are Fraters Nate Raddatz, Darren Stormont, Brian Collins, Dave Madison and Jacob Meyer.
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS, Alpha-Phi
The Alpha-Phi chapter of TKE at the University of Kansas met some with sad news several years ago. After the lease expired on their chapter house, they were thrust into an untraditional situation on a large campus with a robust Greek life and many large, housed fraternities. Since 2008, Fraters have successfully adapted to their new circumstances and are benefiting greatly. TKE at KU is one of the top chapters in service hours per man, dollars raised per man, and GPA. By utilizing social media, university resources, and nontraditional recruiting tactics, this chapter has been able to succeed in an environment that is not very hospitable to small, non-housed chapters. This year, the Tekes even placed sixth of 20 overall in the KU Homecoming competition, which is an amazing feat considering it was the first time TKE had participated in five years, and victory is typically reserved to chapters with large financial resources. Alpha-Phi is still constantly challenging what is possible for small chapters on a campus with many large ones. By using creative tactics, and remembering the principles that TKE stands for, they have done things that no one had thought possible.
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE, Alpha-Chi
On November 14, 2010, Alpha-Chi Chapter hosted its annual Parent’s Day at the University of Louisville. This event is meant to bring together all Fraters and their families to reflect on the past year. The first part of the day consisted of a luncheon at the TKE suite and was a time to mingle and meet all the great family members. During the luncheon, Alpha-Chi was also awarded a Top TKE Chapter award—their second in three years—which goes to no more than 10 chapters all across the nation for excellence on their specific campus. The Tekes were once again recognized for their hard work on campus, in the community and for their constant endeavor to make better men. Each Frater had a role in helping the chapter win this highest award. After the award ceremony and lunch, the chapter took a trip with their families to Churchill Downs. This provided another brotherhood atmosphere which allowed them to meet each other’s family members. It proved to be a great time for all as the men of Tau Kappa Epsilon look to a bright future!
Oakland University, Upsilon-Xi Strength: 34 GPA: 2.9 Community Service Hours: 398 Philanthropic Dollars: $1,748 Recruitment Results: 13 Oregon State University, Tau Strength: 39 GPA: 3.0 Community Service Hours: 109 Philanthropic Dollars: $346 Recruitment Results: 13 Saginaw Valley State University, Upsilon-Delta Strength: 36 GPA: 2.6 Community Service Hours: 370 Philanthropic Dollars: $3,200 Recruitment Results: 20 Sam Houston State University, Rho-Rho Strength: 22 GPA: 2.5 Community Service Hours: 241 Philanthropic Dollars: $1,820 Recruitment Results: 2 Shippensburg University, Zeta-Tau Strength: 19 GPA: 2.5 Community Service Hours: 105 Philanthropic Dollars: $175 Recruitment Results: 10 Southern Connecticut State University, Tau-Eta Strength: 22 GPA: 2.7 Community Service Hours: 1,191 Philanthropic Dollars: $100 Recruitment Results: 20 Temple University, Sigma-Phi Strength: 28 GPA: 2.5 Community Service Hours: 110 Philanthropic Dollars: $850 Recruitment Results: 5
WINTER 2011 q THE TEKE 21
q chapter news
University of Central Missouri, Delta-Lambda Strength: 22 GPA: 3.1 Community Service Hours: 532 Philanthropic Dollars: $315 Recruitment Results: 7 University of Central Oklahoma, Epsilon-Sigma Strength: 15 GPA: 2.5 Community Service Hours: 105 Philanthropic Dollars: $2,000 Recruitment Results: 9 University of Kansas, Alpha-Phi Strength: 13 GPA: 2.7 Community Service Hours: 325 Philanthropic Dollars: $500 Recruitment Results: 1 University of Louisville, Alpha-Chi Strength: 71 GPA: 2.8 Community Service Hours: 7,229 Philanthropic Dollars: $3,489 Recruitment Results: 18 University of Maine, Beta-Upsilon Strength: 23 GPA: 2.6 Community Service Hours: 211 Philanthropic Dollars: $195 Recruitment Results: 10 University of Maryland, Beta-Delta Strength: 80 GPA: 3.2 Community Service Hours: 283 Philanthropic Dollars: $2,035 Recruitment Results: 9 University of Minnesota-Duluth, Upsilon-Gamma Strength: 39 GPA: 2.7 Community Service Hours: 2,215 Philanthropic Dollars: $1,569 Recruitment Results: 15
22 THE TEKE q WINTER 2011
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, Beta-Delta
Beta-Delta Chapter had an exciting week last spring as the brothers teamed up with the sisters of Alpha Omicron Pi to clean the streets of College Park in their continued TKE SWEEP. Tekes, alongside Alpha Phi, hosted the second annual “Mr. Greek” competition on April 9, 2010. Different fraternities on the University of Maryland campus sponsor a competitor and invite spectators to root for their favorite Greek candidate. On April 17, the men of Beta-Delta were pleased to have been paired with the lovely ladies of Tri-Delt for GREEK WEEK 2010. Festivities included skit competitions, games, community service events and fundraisers for charity.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA, Nu-Mu
South Alabama Fraters are in very high spirits. In the fall, nine new brothers joined the Bond, bringing the chapter up to 448 initiates. Also during the semester, Nu-Mu went above and beyond their duties in campus involvement, grades, and inter-fraternal sports with eight SGA senators, an RA, and every brother in at least three different activities/organizations. Spring grades topped out the whole IFC and the chapter was in top running for the fall, with only 28 active brothers. Two Fraters also attended the 2010 Charles R. Walgreen, Jr. TKE Leadership Academy in Colorado Springs. The Tekes and Kappa Sigma used Super Bowl Sunday to promote causes they care about. TKE hosted their benefit February 6 in honor of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Kappa Sigma supported responsible drinking. Both created Facebook events and invited anyone to attend. The spirit of Nu-Mu’s event was derived from “Game day give back,” which is a national project by St. Jude to raise money across the country for their research. Attendees were expected to contribute a minimum of $5 or $10, and donations were accepted.
q chapter news
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA, Tau-Psi
In fall 2010, the West Florida Tekes held a philanthropy event in honor of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Despite lacking previous experience with something of this magnitude, Tau-Psi put all its efforts into making it a success. Brothers were required to independently gather donations from organizations around Pensacola as well as attend the week’s activities. Events ranged from a day fair for children at the beginning of the week to a haunted house at the end of the week. Fundraising included managing a booth everyday during the week where individuals could make donations and purchase buttons and St. Jude shirts. In addition, Tau-Psi partnered with the local Chickfil-A by encouraging UWF students to grab a bite to eat at their establishment. Every dollar spent a portion of the sales would be given in support of the cause. Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, the chapter raised more than $1,000 toward increasing awareness and support for St. Jude. This year Tau-Psi teamed up with Alpha Chi Omega to compete in the homecoming float competition. With a Las Vegas theme, the float itself consisted of a “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, show girls, an Elvis Presley impersonator, gambling dice, and a sign for the Las Vegas Palms Casino Resort. Other organizations, Greek included, also took part in the parade along with fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars. Individual floats were scored based upon the organizations’ creativity and individual themes, and Tau-Psi was proud to have placed second.
WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIV., Zeta-Theta
In the spring semester, Western Illinois University’s TV news WIU-TV3 will be anchored by two Fraters, Matt Gierloff and Paul Strater. This is a great way for the chapter to go into spring after initiating 15 new members in the fall and raising their strength to 39. The new members also helped TKE win many of the events in the fall like Delta Zeta Turtle Tug and Delta Tau Delta Big Wheels.
WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, Zeta-Mu
This past fall, the sisters of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority returned to the Tekes a piece of Zeta-Mu’s history. While cleaning in their basement, the sisters found wrapped up and tucked in the rafters a TKE flag still attached to its pole. Upon closer inspection, they realized it was the very flag that had been flying during the fire that destroyed one of the TKE houses in 2005. Aware of the significance of this, on Sunday, October 10, the Alpha Gams came marching down Wachusett Street singing songs and carrying Zeta-Mu’s flag back to its rightful home. Charred, but not destroyed, the flag is just another reminder of how the chapter survived through an unfortunate disaster only to return stronger than ever. Work is currently underway to preserve and frame the flag so that it may hang on the walls and serve as a reminder of the strength of their brotherhood. Pictured (left to right): Will Powers, John Wyatt, Pat Kearney, Steve Tecce.
University of New Hampshire, Alpha-Nu Strength: 51 GPA: 2.8 Community Service Hours: 700 Philanthropic Dollars: $450 Recruitment Results: 12 University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Pi-Lambda Strength: 32 GPA: 3.1 Community Service Hours: 980 Philanthropic Dollars: $3,195 Recruitment Results: 16 University of South Alabama, Nu-Mu Strength: 29 GPA: 2.6 Community Service Hours: 1,900 Philanthropic Dollars: $1,816 Recruitment Results: 9 University of West Florida, Tau-Psi Strength: 19 GPA: 2.6 Community Service Hours: 300 Philanthropic Dollars: $200 Recruitment Results: 7 Western Illinois University, Zeta-Theta Strength: 24 GPA: 2.7 Community Service Hours: 454 Philanthropic Dollars: $305 Recruitment Results: 14 West Virginia University, Rho Strength: 60 GPA: 2.5 Community Service Hours: 70 Philanthropic Dollars: $50 Recruitment Results: 15 Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Zeta-Mu Strength: 60 Community Service Hours: 737 Philanthropic Dollars: $2,829 Recruitment Results: 26
WINTER 2011 q THE TEKE 23
q expansion
I Want My Chapter Back! Where Do I Start?
W
hen you return for homecoming or celebrate a chapter anniversary, wouldn’t it be great to visit with the next generation of Tekes? You enjoyed your collegiate experience; don’t you want even more men to share in this bond? TKE wants to get back on every campus too. The problem is we need your help. With a group of alumni as a stable force, a chapter is much more likely to re-charter and succeed well into the future. Let’s get started.
There are nine easy steps to take: Step 1: Let us know! Contact Expansion Coordinator Aaron Pattison (apattison@tke.org). Step 2: Work with TKE Headquarters Staff to form an Area Alumni Association and a Re-Colonization Board. Contact Director of Alumni Services Louie Correa (lcorrea@tke.org) for more information and visit the Alumni Section of tke.org. Step 3: TKE and the Re-Colonization Board will begin communication with school officials to schedule TKE’s return to campus (TKE will only expand to a campus if given approval by the proper school official). Step 4: Once a date for return has been scheduled, TKE Headquarters and the Re-Colonization Board will work with all stakeholders to plan an organized expansion effort. This includes identifying local Chapter Advisors and forming a Board of Advisors for the group, before the group’s conception. Step 5: Start recruiting men for the chapter who meet colonization standards (found at tke.org Expansion Page). Step 6: Upon conclusion of the expansion effort and the group reaching colony status, the group will be inducted as Candidates for Membership; begin taking part in The Blueprint, TKE’s Member Development Program, working toward the first milestone—initiation; and take part in an Officer and Group Retreat. Step 7: The colony members will be initiated and will be supported by TKE’s Regional Servicing Team and continue to work toward chartering. 24 THE TEKE q WINTER 2011
? Step 8: Once the colony has met the chartering requirements, they petition the Grand Council for recognition as an active TKE chapter. Step 9: Upon approval by the Grand Council, the chapter will hold a Chartering Ceremony to be recognized as an active TKE chapter. Both chapter and local alumni are encouraged to contact Tau Kappa Epsilon International Headquarters to join this effort. These nine steps take some time and energy. But, if followed, your chapter can be back up and running and, perhaps more importantly, help develop better men on your campus to build a better world.
For more information, please contact: Aaron Pattison Expansion Coordinator apattison@tke.org 317.872.6533
q leadership academy
Reaching the Top of the Mountain
M
any wonder what it takes to reach the top—to become the best. While we all may have different definitions of what the peak is, generally speaking the journey begins with a brief moment where it all began. For Frater Bryan Sartory (PiUpsilon, Towson University) the Charles R. Walgreen, Jr. TKE Leadership Academy was the catalyst that pushed him to join the elite. The Leadership Academy, like every TKE program, provides the tools and skills to put you in the right place at the right time when opportunity is shown. Without trying to implement these, they become useless. However, if you refine and work on each, there are no limits to what you can accomplish. “The most important thing I learned
is to ‘encourage the heart,’ ” said Frater Bryan. “No one Frater is greater than the other. Without the support and dedication of everyone in the chapter, true success cannot be realized. That’s why it is crucial to encourage and inspire those around you. By doing this, you can achieve your goals.” While being a leader is nothing new for Sartory, he began to work harder after his experience at the Leadership Academy. He was elected Prytanis of the chapter, Interfraternity Council president, served on the Council of Student Leaders, the inaugural president for Towson’s Greek Presidents Council, all of which culminated in being selected “Greek Man of the Year” for Towson. While it has been a lot of work, he encourages each Teke to get the most out of the collegiate experience.
“Perhaps the best part of being a Teke is the feeling that your chapter is like a family. If everything in TKE were just handed out, we wouldn’t have the overwhelming sense of pride when we reach the top. No matter what obstacles you may encounter, always remember that you can overcome them with the help and support of your brothers. There’s nothing that we as a fraternity can’t do—you just have to be dedicated and motivated.” If you feel like your chapter or you have reached the top, you’ve barely scratched the surface of the true potential. Applying for the TKE Leadership Academy is a simple process, but the impact it could have is endless. Join the many other Fraters who have gone on to become leaders personally, professionally, and in the TKE Nation. The possibilities are infinite, but they will never be seen if you don’t submit an application. Take the first step toward the mountaintop.
“The most important thing I learned is to ‘encourage the heart.’ “ —Bryan Sartory
WINTER 2011 q THE TEKE 25
q conclave
The Greatest Celebration of Brotherhood
E
very two years an opportunity unlike any other is presented—Conclave. Yet, Fraters continue to say ‘maybe next time’ or ‘that’s just for the old guys.’ It is time to stop with the excuses and see how great this Fraternity truly is. In 2009, Tekes converged on New Orleans and made a significant impact on the city. This time, San Antonio, Texas, (August 4–7) will be overwhelmed with what it means to be a Teke. You can be a part of history—or not. The choice is ultimately yours, but should you make the trip, the memories will last a lifetime.
Life is full of should’ve, would’ve and could’ves. Don’t make the mistake of missing out on a life-altering experience. What is included? Take a look.
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Make a Difference Each Conclave, Tekes take time out of the schedule to perform a community service project that will leave a lasting impact on the host city. In New Orleans, attendees young and old took to City Park with shovels, wheel barrels and clippers, cleaning the nation’s second biggest park. Newspapers and residents talked about the impression members made. San Antonio gives us another opportunity to showcase the influence this organization can have when this group collectively puts their efforts into a task.
Make History In no other Greek organization does the bulk of influence lie in the hands of collegiate members. Chapters are given two votes to one for alumni associations on decisions for Black Book changes. Aside from it being a requirement by the Black Book for all chapters to be in attendance, a Conclave Savings Plan is available which offsets the cost of sending members to the event. Plus, wouldn’t it be great to have every active chapter represented? If each sent at least two members, we would have nearly 600 men there. With three members each plus the average of alumni, we have the largest Conclave on record. Everywhere you turned while in the city would be a Teke.
Learn from the Best Both alumni and collegiates will participate in programming facilitated by some of the brightest minds in the TKE Nation. Leaders in industry and innovation will engage in conversations on best practices to ensure you, your chapter, and the TKE Nation is guided toward success. Plus, you can get answers to your biggest problems—immediately. At no other time is it more important to gain an edge than it is right now. This is your chance—don’t let it slip by.
Network for the Future With an expected turnout of more than a thousand Fraters, this is an ideal introduction to the vast TKE network. Whether it’s to rub elbows for professional or personal gain, there are a myriad of options to be placed in situations to meet this end. From a Life Loyal Teke reception to talking after a presentation to meeting at a local watering hole, there are several chances to meet more members.
Rekindle the TKE Name There is nothing more inspirational than seeing a ritual being performed by the Grand Council and including such a vast number of Fraters. At times during the year, a chapter can struggle with motivation; it’s okay, it happens. Conclave is a chance to recharge your TKE batteries and get set up for the next biennium. When you return to campus or settle back in as a volunteer, you will be armed with some of the latest and greatest information available. This will help you get planning and ahead of the game.
San Antonio, Texas, Facts • •
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Thriving: Third fastest-growing city in America and the seventh largest U.S. city Venerable: One of the American West’s oldest cities settled in 1731 by 16 Spanish families from the Canary Islands. San Antonio’s rich history surfaces in its architecture, neighborhoods, food, culture and traditions. The King William neighborhood is one of the oldest historical districts in Texas. Urban: Hundreds of hotels, restaurants, night spots and shops line the city’s urban core including the magical River Walk below street level. Green: Sixty-eight miles of urban hike and bike trails and more than 11,000 acres of urban parks. The U.S.’s second oldest park, San Pedro Park, is in San Antonio. Sunny: Three hundred days of sunshine annually and an average temperature of 70 degrees. Artsy: One of the top 25 cities in the country for the arts, according to American Style magazine. Travel Smart magazine ranks San Antonio as one of the most culturally fascinating cities in the U.S.
It is four days you can’t afford to miss. Everyone talks about how amazing this organization is and that we are the world’s largest—this is where you see it for yourself. Life will always get in the way of things you want to do, but making this a priority will be a decision you won’t regret. If you want to leave your footprint on this organization, attending a Conclave is a must. You invest time, energy and money into things you believe in—isn’t TKE worth it?
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Greek Life Administrator of the Quarter: Catherine Sohor
“If we want to tackle some of the tough issues and break down stereotypes, it takes a lot of courage and our members need to be committed to making those changes.”
Working in Greek Life is often a thankless job, yet many campuses across North America continue to show why these organizations are an asset to the community. Catherine Sohor, formerly of Babson College, is a professional now working at Massachusetts Institute of Technology as the assistant director for fraternities, sororities and independent living groups. She believes the Greek experience is a vital part of college. “These values based organizations are relevant to the student experience and carry out the mission of our institutions. Fraternities and sororities offer their members the opportunity to put into practice the skills that they learn in the classroom and provide an outstanding foundation unlike any other organization. We truly make men better men and women better women.” During her more than five years of working with fraternities and sororities, she has been able
to create programs on various hot topics facing the community for both undergraduate students and fraternity and sorority professionals. She has served as a facilitator for the NIC’s Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI) for the past five years and most recently volunteered as a facilitator for Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity’s Leadership Academy and Presidents Academy. “If we want to tackle some of the tough issues and break down stereotypes, it takes a lot of courage and our members need to be committed to making those changes. I have a lot of faith in our students to make those changes. I joined my fraternity, Theta Phi Alpha, as a first-year student. That decision changed not only my career path but impacted how I live my life every day. I made a commitment to advance all fraternities and sororities and I hope that through my work as a campus professional, I can do just that.”
January Volunteer of the Month: J. Mark Scott Volunteering is hard to express in words, said January 2011 Volunteer of the Month Frater J. Mark Scott (Pi-Eta, Texas A & M). When he began working with chapters, he expected showing up to events, increasing relations between university and chapter, and donating a little to their operations. He quickly learned this position was something entirely different. “What I didn’t expect was to be a sounding board and mentor for young men going through all kinds of life issues—from helping out with job interview questions to what you should wear out on a date with a special lady. My wife and I even were able to take care of one of the members after a surgery because his home was too far away. All of these have been special moments.” All of these things, he said, add up to something indescribable. He is honored to have a group of young men trust him enough that they include him in the “little” parts of their lives. Being a volunteer is so much more than just attending TKE meetings and events—it is about making a difference. “Without the ‘TKE Experience’ I received at
“To be an effective TKE volunteer, a mixture of patience, intelligence, compassion, integrity, as well as good judgment skills are required. All of these skills need to be supported by a strong backbone ....”
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Texas A&M University, I couldn’t have done half the things I’ve done in my life. This is the experience I hope to pass on through volunteering with the TKE men I work with now. In a few years or so, hopefully they will look back and realize that being a part of the TKE Nation helped mold them into the man they have become.” To be an effective TKE volunteer, he said, a mixture of patience, intelligence, compassion, integrity, as well as good judgment skills are required. All of these skills need to be supported by a strong backbone, especially for the times when you may be the only one who can see beyond the problem and need to guide the guys toward a positive outcome. Frater Scott has been that rock, solidifying our presence in Texas. Outside of his duties as Grand Province Advisor for the Fiesta Province, he is a lead volunteer for Conclave 2011 in San Antonio, Texas. He volunteers for various events benefiting The Burke Center for Youth (a treatment center for abused children), The Sculpture Challenge (raising funds for a local “no kill” animal shelter), and is president of the Artists of Dripping Springs.
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February Volunteer of the Month: Robert Smith February’s Volunteer of the Month, Frater Rob Smith (Kappa-Mu, Edinboro University), wants to ensure the next 100 years of TKE leaders are established today. This is why he volunteers and puts forth so much effort. Getting the opportunity to see men succeed professionally and personally is what keeps the passion for the organization going. “This has helped me to further challenge myself and change how I work with people,” said Frater Rob. “How can the Fraternity help create better men if the alumni will not be involved? I want every Frater to have the same chances and experiences that I have had.” Volunteering is paramount to the success of this Fraternity. He believes alumni need to take ownership in the Fraternity with time, talent and treasure. The standard that all of our men follow needs to be set and if we, the alumni, are invested, then other men coming
out of college will feel the need to be involved after graduation as well. “The most important skill is being able to listen. You also need to have a servant’s attitude because you are working for something higher than yourself. And don’t forget to have fun with it because without the joy, it is just like any other job.” Rob said there have been many memorable moments as a volunteer, too many to name. However, attending the Alumni Volunteer Academy with the simultaneous opening of the new Offices of the Grand Chapter was one of the best. In any case, there is never a dull moment as a volunteer. “Keep in mind; you have to be in it for the long term because results take time.” Frater Rob also serves as a non-denominational Christian minister when called upon and volunteers with Edinboro University.
“The most important skill is being able to listen. You also need to have a servant’s attitude because you are working for something higher than yourself.”
March Volunteer of the Month: Kirt Holmblad The volunteer experience has helped the March 2011 recipient, Frater Kirt Holmblad (Xi-Gamma, NYIT), see the Fraternity for Life become a reality. The most important attributes to be successful are the ability to listen, mediate and maintain an objective point of view. This will create a more beneficial and meaningful college career for undergraduates. “As a collegiate, I admired the volunteers that helped guide me on my path in TKE. I could always tell that these men were working with a different kind of love for TKE and that without committing myself, beyond my college years, I would never have a chance to experience it.” His favorite moment as a volunteer came on the day of chartering for the Upsilon-Mu chapter (NYIT-Manhattan). He was there from conception and is still a part of it as its Chapter Advisor. “Involvement as a volunteer in TKE has been a way for me to ensure that Fraters have a rewarding undergraduate experience. I want them
to gain significant knowledge of running a business and I hope that I am helping to mold new volunteers to perpetuate the same goals.” Frater Kirt said volunteering is important because it keeps great minds and work ethic maintaining the image of the Fraternity. In addition, he believes there would be a heavy financial burden for collegiates if there were no volunteers. With more than 280 active chapters and colonies, employing enough staff to visit, contact and advise across North America would be astronomical and raise membership fees to unbearable heights. His assessment is an accurate one and without amazing volunteers such as Kirt and the others named above, TKE would not exist. The Fraternity is volunteer-centric and much of its success is directly related to the long hours and selfless service of these men. Thanks again to these and all of our great volunteers throughout the TKE Nation.
“As a collegiate, I admired the volunteers that helped guide me on my path in TKE. I could always tell that these men were working with a different kind of love for TKE.”
To nominate a volunteer to be recognized, send an email to tkeogc@tke.org with their name, position and why they deserve the award. WINTER 2011 q THE TEKE 29
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BUILDING A BETTER FRATERNITY... One Click at a Time How our Foundation’s high-tech focus is raising awareness – and funds – for invaluable TKE programs and projects
WEBSITE AT-A-GLANCE GIVE
IT’S THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE when visiting the TKE Educational Foundation’s website: simple, yet bold red statements inviting you to GIVE, SHARE, VOLUNTEER and APPLY – four primary ways today’s Tekes are expressing their lifelong loyalty to our Fraternity. These words are more than mere hyperlinks designed to attract your eye and engage alumni: They frame an ambitious, long-range plan to take TKE to new heights using technology to fuel our growth and strengthen our organization.
Get an overview of the eight funding priorities key to our Fraternity’s future success. Learn different opportunities to give back – aligned with causes you care most about, in ways that fit your budget. Dynamic content is updated regularly to bring our most important programs and projects to life and underscore their value to our members. (See page 31.)
SHARE For every Teke, there’s a story of how our brotherhood impacted him in life-changing ways. Here’s where you can share that story so others benefit from your example!
VOLUNTEER The mighty TKE Nation is always on the lookout for alumni willing to devote time and talent to our organization. Get details on current opportunities here.
APPLY One of the many ways your gifts pay off: Collegiate Fraters go here to apply directly for multiple scholarships, as well as grants for special projects benefiting chapter housing, leadership training for members and more. 30 THE TEKE q WINTER 2011
Unprecedented impact Indeed, the Foundation’s newly redesigned website pages, as well as its growing social-media presence, are a vital part of TKE’s ongoing strategy for success, says the Foundation’s Director of Business Affairs Robert Taflinger. “What we’re doing today from a technology standpoint is not only unprecedented among interfraternal groups, it’s already having a major impact on TKE’s ability to fulfill its mission and benefit our members—notably undergrads who are preparing for leadership roles in business, our communities, even the Fraternity,” Taflinger explains. (See page 32.) Technology—and, specifically, the way our
Foundation is incorporating it into daily operations, fundraising capability, communications and goal-setting—is allowing TKE’s leaders to think not just big but bigger, well beyond what we could have ever hoped to achieve in the past, he adds. “At no other time have we seen such tremendous potential to create a strong and enduring legacy for future Tekes—and we’ve only begun to scratch the surface of what’s possible,” he adds. “This is an exciting, transformative time in our history that we’ll one day look back on and say, ‘All these incredible achievements were possible because of the high-tech investments back then.’ ”
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WHY GIVE? Here Are Eight Great Reasons THANKS TO TECHNOLOGY, it’s easier than ever before for TKE to keep you posted about the strategic priorities our Fraternity and Foundation leaders have collectively determined will take our international organization to the next level and beyond. In fact, on our new GIVE webpage, you’ll see eight key initiatives we’re working hard to fund:
GIVING HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER … REGIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES Held annually in the spring in various locations across the country, Regional Leadership Conferences promote chapter-operations excellence, leadership skills, creative problemsolving and other best practices today’s collegiate officers and volunteers can use to guide chapters to even greater success.
HEADQUARTERS TKE’s new state-of-the-art Headquarters not only upgrades and expands Fraternity and Foundation offices, but also features the latest technology and even more spaces where chapters and Fraters can gather, attend special events, explore archives and more.
SPECIAL PROJECTS For every chapter (active or inactive), there’s now a special projects account to help it and its members excel. Special projects include housing improvements and, notably, collegiate grants for TKE leadership programs—an increasingly popular use of this fund.
TECHNOLOGY TKE is committed to investing in proven technology that will keep us on the cutting-edge of fraternal excellence. Future programs can include developing online learning, providing live streaming of special events such as Conclave, and embracing the latest social media and networking tools.
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY As our premier individual leadership training program, the Charles R. Walgreen, Jr. TKE Leadership Academy is unparalleled at making Better Men for a Better World. Each summer, more and more young leaders seek grants to attend.
TKE LEADERSHIP FUND With so many worthy initiatives to invest in, the TKE Leadership Fund is a “one-stop shop” designed to support them all—through appropriate staffing, the acquisition of necessary resources, and alumni outreach endeavors.
When you’re ready to give back to the Fraternity for all it gave to you—the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood, lifelong friends, memories of great times and even invaluable career skills —you’ll find it’s easier than ever to do. Check out our new DONATIONS page—designed so you can quickly review priority initiatives and select from a wide range of giving options, determine how much or how often you’d like to give, and decide whether you’d like funds used immediately or saved for endowment (long-term) purposes.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Our most promising young Fraters increasingly seek financial support to help them pursue higher education. Each year, the Foundation distributes tens of thousands of dollars to members in good standing via chapter, regional (i.e., “area”) and international awards.
KEY LEADER TRAINING TKE recognizes the value of cultivating and training “key leaders”—alumni advisors who work with collegiates to provide the support, operational know-how and continuity that helps shape our very best chapters.
tke.org/donate
DID YOU KNOW?
Foundation gifts are up 33 percent since our new site launched in 2010!
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INITIATIVES WORTH INVESTING IN... Whether giving time, talent or treasure, here’s proof positive your efforts pay off A FRATER WHO GIVES IS ONE WHO TRULY LIVES THE TKE EXPERIENCE – experiencing for himself, either personally or vicariously, the high-quality impact of our outstanding projects and programs. That’s why TKE has begun incorporating high-tech interactive opportunities for you to experience first-hand the initiatives we need your help to fund. Whether through YouTube videos, e-newsletters or opportunities to “click through” and learn more, we’re regularly creating new, dynamic content tailored with your informational needs in mind. SEE FOR YOURSELF – To date, the Foundation has produced several short videos and placed them on the website for these priority funding initiatives: Headquarters, Leadership Academy and Key Leader Training. (Other videos are in the works.) “Our goal is to show you what we’re doing – not merely tell you,” Taflinger explains. “Dynamic content like this brings our mission to life and helps you see exactly who benefits from donors’ generous gifts.” Some specific examples include:
Regional Leadership Conferences (RLCs). Benefiting chapter officers and emerging collegiate leaders, alumni advisors, new members and program facilitators, RLCs share real-life tools for managing a chapter—teaching skills that are applicable to career success.
hold special events and collectively feel proud to know our facility is state-of-theart, one of the best in the interfraternal world. (See “Brick Campaign,” page 33.) (see video online)
Headquarters. While we relocated to our spacious, new building last year, there’s still much to fund—and much work to complete before fully settling in. Headquarters doesn’t only benefit onsite TKE staffers in their efforts to serve you, however; alumni and collegiates use our conference rooms,
Time-saving data snapshots
“A new tech feature was just made available to collegiates and volunteers, to view an instant ‘snapshot’ of how a chapter is performing in key result areas,” says Alex Baker, TKE’s technology consultant. “With just a few clicks, they’ll be able to see how they’re doing in community service, recruitment, philanthropy, attendance at leadership conferences, and more.” Contact tkeogc@tke.org.org for more details
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Special Projects. These accounts benefit your home chapter in one of two ways: 1) helping outfit chapter rooms, study areas and educational spaces (e.g., with computers and printers) and 2) providing increasing numbers of grants to collegiates who want to attend RLCs, Leadership Academy or Conclave. If you are interested in creating a special projects fund for a chapter, a region, or in your name, contact the TKE Educational Foundation.
Tech solutions to alumni outreach
“Using data from Headquarters and simple technology tools, we were able to grow our alumni association from a few advisory board members to more than 140 Fraters in just over one year,” says Brad Shelton, advisor to the DeltaNu Alumni Association (Northwest Missouri State University). “It was by no means easy, and it took a lot of personal outreach and investigation to bolster our contact lists. Today, we’re in touch with 80 percent of our members since our founding in 1954—and we’ve raised more than $15,000 to support our chapter, becoming one of the largest alumni associations internationally.” Contact tef@tke.org for details.
Technology. The future of an online “TKE University,” so to speak, resides here: online learning for collegiates and alumni key leaders, dynamic educational content (i.e., point-and-click quizzes to reinforce learning), and more. This fund also prepares us to invest in technologies that don’t yet exist, but will one day impact our ability to remain competitive and responsive to members’ needs.
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Chapter fundraising ‘portals’
“We can now create customized fundraising ‘portals’ specific to our chapters so they can perform targeted alumni outreach,” says Foundation’s Director of Business Affairs Robert Taflinger. “Portals are simple to set up —and about 30 chapters have raised significant funds this way.” Contact tef@tke.org for details.
Scholarship Program. These endowed funds benefit collegiates at the chapter, regional (i.e., “area”) and international level once a minimum threshold of $5,000 is achieved in any scholarship account. Some are topical, distributed according to fields of study or leadership experiences; others are based on academic performance. Tens of thousands of dollars are distributed annually.
Leadership Academy. Literally hundreds of members credit our signature leadership development program—benefiting undergraduates as well as the alumni who facilitate the activities and discussion groups—with bolstering their career and personal success. (see video online)
Ways to give – and leave a legacy for future generations IT’S A FOREGONE CONCLUSION that no matter what high-tech investments we make today, they’ll one day be obsolete – a fact which underscores the need for continual support by Fraters like you, who understand we can never rest on our laurels for long. However, what doesn’t change, and never will, is the lifetime commitment each of us makes to the Fraternity—and the need to support it through the generations. That’s why, for those of us who understand the value of legacy giving, the Foundation offers several ways to contribute: PLANNED GIVING Whether in the form of major gifts pledged over time, bequests or trusts, TKE planned gifts offer a variety of flexible, long-term and tax-advantaged ways to make an enduring difference to our organization. Ask us for our “Guide to Planning Giving” by e-mailing tef@tke.org.
TKE Leadership Fund. An important part of our annual fund drive benefiting Fraters of all ages, this allows us to invest in infrastructure, tech-driven communications efforts (including e-newsletters such as the Foundation’s Pearls of Wisdom) and more. Key Leader Training. Benefiting alumni board members and local volunteers, this program is an opportunity for Fraters to both learn and teach best practices that chapters can use to achieve their goals— creating even stronger chapters and benefiting the entire organization. (see video online)
PLANNING AHEAD FOR FUTURE SUCCESS
DID YOU KNOW?
The Educational Foundation publishes e-newsletters online regularly for alumni and new graduates. Sign up today! • Pearls of Wisdom – tke.org/pearls (quarterly to keep alumni and friends connected to the Fraternity) • Teke Transitions – tke.org/transitions (monthy for recent graduates over the course of one year)
To learn more about how you can help support the success of Tekes throughout the world, contact the TKE Educational Foundation at tef@tke.org.
LIFE LOYAL TEKES For Fraters wishing to support their home chapters and the international organization, enrolling in the Life Loyal Teke program is the best way to do both. A significant portion of every membership fee goes directly to chapter-dedicated funds supporting leadership training for collegiates as well as housing improvements. And Life Loyal Tekes receive a range of benefits, including lifetime communications, invitations to special events, professional networking and more. Visit tke. org/LLT for information. BRICK CAMPAIGN Add your name to the growing list of members who’ve invested in our Headquarters fund by purchasing commemorative, engraved bricks in our “Better Men for a Better World” courtyard. Consider contacting Fraters you know and arranging a block of bricks highlighting your chapter! A range of affordable options are available to suit every budget. Learn more by visiting tke.org/brick. WINTER 2011 q THE TEKE 33
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The following Fraters have entered the Chapter Eternal. The year following the name is the date of initiation. Albion College, Omega Robert W. Starnes ’44, 3/3/11. Arkansas State University, Beta-Psi Robin H. Hagaman ’51, 1/20/11. A founding member and Prytanis of his chapter, Frater Hagaman was administrator of Suburban and Prince Georges County Hospitals in Maryland before returning to Arkansas as administrator of Baptist Rehab Center in Little Rock until his retirement. Auburn University, Beta-Lambda Maj. Evan Mooldyk ’82, 1/12/11. A soldier supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, he died in Khowst province, Afghanistan, in a non-combat related incident. Drexel University, Alpha-Tau Christopher M. Budzinski ’80, 9/9/10. He was the municipal engineer for the Borough of Princeton (N.J.). Norman S. Inazu ’60, 2/22/11. A salesman and soccer coach, he died of kidney failure at the age of 69. From 1965 to 1981, he served in the Army on active duty in Korea. He was the past president of Hunter Soccer Club, where he coached for more than 30 years. Since the late 1980s, he had been a salesman for Fiduk’s Industrial Services in Wilmington, a distributor of pneumatic and electric power tools and material-handling equipment. He worked for Fiduk’s part time even after becoming ill in 2005. Previously, Frater Inazu had been coordinator of the department of surgery at Hahnemann University Hospital for 16 years and was then in sales with Byers’ Choice in Chalfont, a maker of handcrafted gifts. Glenville State College, Iota-Omega Michael L. Euler ’85, 1/7/11. He graduated in 1988 from Glenville State College with a bachelor degree in business administration and an associate in surveying. In January 1989, Mike was employed by a consulting firm, Gloeckner & Osborne, in Charlottesville, Va. After approximately three weeks, he was severely hurt in an on-the-job vehicle accident, which resulted in a traumatic brain injury, complete hearing loss, and paraplegia. Mike spent the next four and a half years in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities in several states. He 34 THE TEKE q WINTER 2011
returned to Charleston, W.Va., in 1993, and was employed by the West Virginia Division of Highways and settled into his journey to make a life for himself. For 12 years, Mike lived independently in West Virginia, while working full-time, exercising at the gym, doing his own grocery shopping, and attending church at Mt. Tabor United Methodist in Pinch, W.Va., every Sunday, where his expressed love of and faith in God were astounding. In 2005, Mike moved with his father and mother to Virginia to be closer to his sister and her family. He loved his new house and his job at Humphrey, Stump & Haynie Insurance. Illinois Wesleyan University, Alpha William R. Stoutenborough ’43, 12/25/10 Indiana State University, Gamma-Rho Bates, Frederick G. ’55, 2/9/10 Chestnut, Jack ’51, 5/23/10 Jackson, Wayne D. ’62, 8/24/08 Markle, Paul R. ’59, 11/10 McQuade, John A. ’52, 4/23/02 Stiffler, Jerry D. ’59, 11/20/10 Millikin University, Beta Robert L. Logan ’42, 2/3/11. Once home after serving aboard the USAT Sea Barb during WWII, Frater Logan saw the need for transportation and housing for the returning servicemen. He started Logan Motors on North Main Street, which he used as a steppingstone for apartment construction throughout Decatur. His dedication to improved housing later won him an award from HASC for preservation and restoration. Robert returned to Millikin to complete his degree in business administration in 1966. Millikin awarded him with the Merit Royalty Award for career achievement. While at Millikin, he served as a fundraising volunteer, a TKE alumni board member, and the 1945 Class Agent. He served on the TKE Educational Foundation Board of Directors in 1989 and was a Past Grand Officer of the Fraternity. The church was a guiding force throughout his life, having been a member of Grace
United Methodist Church for 80 years. Moorhead State University, Iota-Epsilon James A. Nordbeck ’67, 2/28/11. Jim served in the Army Reserves out of Fargo for six years and during that time was married to Mary Casler in 1968. Together they provided foster care for 22 children, taking in many teenagers. Jim also worked in construction most of his life, being employed by his own company, Nordbeck Construction, and also for Concordia College, supervising the carpentry department and Alexandria Technical College as an instructor until retiring in 2008. He was active with Habitat for Humanity and several churches. New Mexico Highlands Univ., Iota-Chi Bernard “Skip” Gillespie ’67, 1-19-09 James T. Newmeyer ’66, 2/11/11 Northern Illinois University, Delta-Eta Andreas Halle ’53, 1/8/11 Northwest Missouri State Univ., Delta-Nu Jerry R. Knauss ’64, 2/26/11. Frater Knauss remained active in the Fraternity well after his graduation in 1966. He was a member of the Delta-Nu TKE Alumni Association and was an active alumnus, heavily involved in the new house fundraising campaign and the 50th anniversary and related events in between. He was the author of the Delta-Nu history that is posted under About TKE on the chapter’s website. A memorial fund has been established, benefiting the TKE house in Jerry’s memory. He taught school for several years and later worked as quality control chemist at the former Freeman Resin. Robert Straub ’56, 12/14/10 Ohio University, Alpha-Beta Jere W. Broedling ’63, 1/6/11 Pittsburg State University, Delta-Mu Steve H. Cole ’68, 1/6/11 Rutgers University, Alpha-Eta Richard D. Ilnicki ’47, 10/8/10. Frater Ilnicki began his career as an agronomist with the U.S. Army. He was hired by
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Rutgers University in 1958 and, after 33 years, retired as research professor of weed science. He was a professor at Rutgers and taught many agronomy courses at Cook College up to and following his retirement in 1997. Southeastern Louisiana Univ., Theta-Nu Randy Paul Higgins ’06, 5/5/10. Frater Higgins, age 21, entered the Chapter Eternal as a result of an automobile accident. He was a student at SLU at the time of his death. He served as Rush Chairman and Hegemon of his chapter and worked at the Jacmel Inn restaurant in Hammond. Stephen F. Austin State University, Nu-Xi Christopher Lamb ’09, 2/13/11. Chris served as Grammateus of Nu-Xi Chapter from January to December 2010. He was 22 years old. Chapter members painted the Spirit Rock on campus and hosted a brief gathering in memory of Chris.
Students who helped paint the rock included (front left) Courtney Cox, Andrew Guzy and Travis Evans; (standing, left) Ryan Tharp, Jason Switlik and Chris Carne. Tennessee Tech University, Mu-Omicron James N. “Butch” Loggins ’77, 8/27/10 University of Illinois, Gamma Robert D. Chaney ’48, 1/5/11 University of Kansas, Alpha-Phi Clarence R. Stewart, Jr. ’56, 1/25/08 University of Miami, Gamma-Delta James Snyder Hocker ’49, 7/27/10
University of Missouri-Kansas City, Epsilon-Lambda Thomas H. Talbott ’59, 12/8/10 Wayne State University, Beta-Omicron Kaye Tertzag ’59, 2/4/09. He was a retired circuit judge of Wayne County and served as alumni association vice president of Beta-Omicron Chapter in 2005. Whitman College, Alpha-Theta Raymond H. Hughes ’47, 10/3/10 Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Zeta-Mu Stephen R. Dacri ’71, 2/12/11. Frater Dacri entered the Chapter Eternal after a long bout with colon cancer. A native of Worcester, he was well-known and highly respected as the world’s greatest close-up magician. The Boston native moved to Las Vegas in 2003, after years of commuting from Los Angeles to work at Caesars Magical Empire. Dacri and his wife, Jan, worked for most of the decade to find a workable vehicle for a niche of magic that gave him 38 years in the trade. After six years as a headliner at Caesar’s, he performed in his own one-man show, “Xtreme Close-up Magic” at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas. Also, Steve had recently completed his 30th year of performing at The Magic Castle. He was a sleight of hand utilizing small objects—playing cards, handkerchiefs and the signature foam balls he called “Martians”—rather than the large illusions that are the basis of most Las Vegas magic acts. His career has included such milestones as headline performances at Radio City Music Hall, showrooms in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Monte Carlo, and television appearances which include “The Tonight Show,” “Good Morning America,” “The Merv Griffin Show,” “That’s Incredible” and many, many others. Steve worked extensively in the trade show industry, putting his expertise to work for numerous corporations.
In addition to his performing talents, Steve was a prolific writer and director for television and film, having directed a number of TV shows, such as Emergency Call, Bounty Hunters and Magic Notebook and created many memorable TV commercials for Diet Coke, Ford, ABC and Mountain Dew, among others. He produced the very successful home video Magic Secrets, the first magic video for the general public. Steve was awarded the MERLIN, the equivalent of an Oscar in the magic world, naming him the 2008 Close-up Magician of the Year. He earned numerous awards and accolades worldwide from the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Society of American Magicians, and the National College Association of America. In 2002, he was awarded the highest honor ever bestowed in magic with the “Member of The Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star” by The Magic Circle in London. After studying acting in Hollywood for seven years, Steve enjoyed a brief acting career, with dramatic appearances on “Quincy,” “The Fall Guy,” “Cover Up” and some best forgotten plays. CORRECTION: In the fall 2010 issue of THE TEKE, Richard Hopkins (Murray State University, Zeta-Chi) was incorrectly listed as deceased. It was Frater Hopkins’ brother, Robert W. Hopkins ’63 (Murray State University, Zeta-Chi), who entered the Chapter Eternal in Richmond, Ky., on 6/3/10.
Gifts in memory/honor of a Frater or friend of TKE are accepted by the TKE Educational Foundation. A gift of a brick in the Better Men for a Better World Courtyard can serve as a permanent testimony to those who have a love for TKE. A card of acknowledgment can be sent to the immediate family of the one remembered or person honored. Please contact the TEF office (317) 872-6533, or email: tef@tke.org. WINTER 2011 q THE TEKE 35
Tau Kappa Epsilon 7439 Woodland Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46278-1765 317.872.6533 www.tke.org
JOEL E. JOHNSON Retired Investment Advisor/Stockbroker Life Loyal Teke • Past Grand Prytanis • Order of the Golden Eagle • TEF Fraternity for Life Award • Hall of Fame Award