[Erik P Conard]

Maybe we oughta level the playing field, perhaps quit the well-
coined "pissing contest."
There is no doubt about the recent successes of Kappa Sig and
Pike. Sig Ep not shabby, Sig Tau coming on and a few others...
They are models we might emulate, seriously, give 'em their due.
TKE has been mentioned a few times...let me fill you in a bit. I've
been on the extension committee for TKE about 40 years.
We need to consider the type of school entered, their size of the
chapters (25 average vs 100 average), the age of the system,
and several other factors. And while our pal Wilson Heller is gone,
the NIC does a fair job of reporting, but does not consider many
things in their bare bones issuing of fraternity statistics.
TKE had 5 chapters in 1915 and only 2 during WW II. We got our
100th charter in '52. Overwhelmingly the pioneer in expanding,
and not through mergers. BUT considerable risk is taken when
one enters Southern Oregon versus Willamette, for example,
one established, the other new. And in pioneering, if you are not
joined...soon...the chapter will likely die. Examples of dead or
near-dead Greek schools: Sul Ross, College of Santa Fe, Huron,
Bethel, Wm. Penn, Miami-Dade, Mesa, North Adams, Northrup,
Broward, NM Highlands, U Corpus, Salem-Teikyo, Northland, So.
Oregon, Valley City, Minot, Dickinson State, Lakeland, Black Hills
Beta, Pike, SAE, Sig, Phi Delt, Delt, Kappa Sig...et al., rarely are
the pioneer, gamble little, very discretionary...not a criticism, but
certainly a consideration in terms of success and future.
TKE had only five chapters which were at closed institutions. But
colonies, locals, interest groups...many, and some were at the
"Parsons-type"
TKE plans to charter/re-charter 15 in '04-'05 and we have about
27 recognized colonies and almost 50 in process of revival, varied
stages. Active chapters, about 260.
We have about 280,000 initiates, and only about 30,000 dead.
Living initiates vs total initiates is a significant factor. Endowment
amounts closely parallel type of school. Cleveland State is not
going to offer the same support that a DePauw will, dollar-wise
Everybody, these days, is playing musical chairs, i.e., losing a chapter, due to many things. The state of Colorado must have
at least thirty currently dormant chapters, and about five are
coming back, with a dozen on the approved list to return. And, a
chapter without an adviser or active board is destined to fail.
Housemothers may return, especially if it might cut the costs of
risk management. Manners & clean houses might even resume.