Tau Kappa Epsilon, 1910 - 1999

The Illinois Wesleyan chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon was the the first TKE chapter to be founded, and through our chapter's example Tau Kappa Epsilon has grown into the world's largest international fraternity. Over the years, Alpha Chapter has been an example of brotherhood and service to both, Illinois Wesleyan and the surrounding community. At Illinois Wesleyan brothers of the Alpha Chapter have the opportunity to walk the very same grounds as the founders of their fraternity. It was founded on January 10, 1899.

History (from organization website)

On the cold night of January 10, 1899, students of Illinois Wesleyan University, in the small Midwestern town of Bloomington, had just returned from the Christmas holidays when Joseph L. Settles went to the room occupied by James C. McNutt and Clarence A. Mayer at 504 East Locust Street to discuss the organization of a new society on campus. Joined immediately by Owen I. Truitt and C. Roy Atkinson, these five students created the first set of regulations for the Knights of Classic Lore, a society whose avowed purpose was "to aid college men in mental, moral, and social development."

Because of his late arrival for this meeting, James J. Love was made the first new member. Love, along with Edwin A. Palmer and George H. Thorpe became the first initiates of this new organization. Although Settles was the leader in organizing the society, Atkinson was elected President and McNutt was chosen as Secretary.

There were two fraternities already in existence at Illinois Wesleyan in 1899, both with more than 50 chapters nationally. Phi Gamma Delta had been established in 1866, while Sigma Chi had begun there in 1883. In addition, two other national fraternities, Phi Delta Theta and Delta Tau Delta, had inactive chapters at Illinois Wesleyan. The Phi Delts existed from 1878-1897 and the Delts from 1877-1880.

The Founders of the Knights of Classic Lore desired an organization different from those represented by the existing fraternities. Their desire was to establish a fraternity in which the primary requisites for membership would be the personal worth and character of the individual rather than the wealth he possessed, the honors or titles he could display, or the rank he maintained on the social ladder. The Founders of the KCL had little regard for many of the common characteristics of fraternities at that time, including their usual snobbery and disdain for persons outside of a fraternity.

"Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, organized at the Wesleyan in 1899 has recently undertaken a policy of expansion and now takes its place in the National Fraternity world. The first chap- ter to be installed was the Chi Rho Sigma fraternity of Millikin University, Decatur. This is the first fraternity at Millikin to get into a national order." -Illinois Wesleyan Argus 5-12-1909

Mission Statement:

Vision Tau Kappa Epsilon creates lifelong relationships that enhance educational, interpersonal, community and professional success.

Mission Our mission is to aid men in their mental, moral, and social development for life.

Purpose TKE contributes to the advancement of society through the personal growth of our members, and service to others

Creed

To Believe in love and loyalty to my College, my Fraternity, my Country, and my God; To Believe in the worthiness and dignity of my fellow man, and judge him solely upon his personal worth and character; To Believe with fidelity in the traditions and ideals of my Fraternity, and upon my sacred honor, to uphold them; To Believe in the constant search for truth, and through it, to seek the goal of wisdom; To Believe in the life based upon integrity, justice, sincerity, patience, moderation, culture, and challenge in order to serve as a responsible, mature member of society; To Believe in the cardinal principles of Love, Charity, and Esteem and to use them to guide my life; To Believe in my Fraternity as a brotherhood of gentlemen in perpetual quest of excellence as a way of life.