TKE back at University of Central Oklahoma

[The1calledTKE]

by Audrey Dodgen - Editor in chief
August 26, 2003

After a four year hiatus, the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity has been re-recognized by the Intrafraternity Council and the University of Central Oklahoma.

The fraternity's 19 active members hope to add several new members during fall rush, said fraternity President Nate Raddatz.

"We hope to have a quality rush this fall. We're not trying to compete with the other houses but to improve our own house," Raddatz said.

Mike Wheat, the house's New Member Educator, said the emphasis for this year's rush will be on building a strong Greek system, whether the potential members choose TKE or not.

"When we improve the Greek system, we help improve UCO," he said.

Raddatz said the aim of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity was to improve young men's journeys through college by teaching community service, leadership and social skills.

"We encourage community service. Our philanthropy is the Alzheimer's Association. TKE supports it because Ronald Reagan was a member," he said.

The leadership of TKE also wants to encourage fraternity members to serve the community of Edmond.

"When we participate in community service, we reflect on UCO. When we do things well, people have a chance to see how great UCO is. We are proud to affiliate ourselves with UCO," Raddatz said.

With the improvements being made to the campus, Raddatz said he feels now, more than ever, the Greek system should contribute to the success of the university.

"We should work to improve Greek life for all fraternities and sororites. Then we should pack Wantland Stadium. Even if our team is having a losing season, we should support them. That way, we can support the university. Greeks can help do that," Raddatz said.

The Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity was given a one-year probation for low membership in 1999.

During that probation, the fraternity was suspended for a violation of UCO's alcohol policy.

"Our active membership was somewhere around eight when we were suspended," Raddatz said.

"We hope to get our numbers up and become a positive influence on the campus, and avoid some of our earlier problems."