TKE rebuilding for future

Tau Kappa Epsilon has long been the "homeless" fraternity. Bouncing from one place to another, the members of TKE never had a permanent place to display their letters. But now, the house that never had a home can call 1440 N. Jordan Ave. its new permanent address. \nTKE was established on campus in the late 1940s. Through the years, membership dwindled. By the mid 1990s, chapter membership was low and eventually disbanded. \nNothing much was said of the fraternity until the spring of 2000, when a recruiter from the national organization came to initiate a new pledge class for the house and to help revive the long-standing chapter. A pledge class of about 50 was officially initiated in late February. With the help of their national organization, by fall of 2000 the new members had moved into the former Sigma Alpha Mu house. \nBut there was one snag.\n"Interfraternity Council Nationals never officially kicked us off of campus," said the current president of the house, junior Dan Blum. This technicality meant that having never left campus, TKE owed back dues to the Interfraternity Council.\n"It was money we just didn't have," Blum said, "and if we were able to get the money through alums and nationals, it would be a poor use of the money." \nTo make matters worse, the members of TKE found the former Sammy house in major need of cleaning and renovations. Through the next year, meetings were held between Blum and the Interfraternity Council on what the fraternity's options were. \n"TKE prides themselves on being one of the largest and strongest national chapters, and we discussed ways to get them to become a strong part of campus," said IFC president Ben Schmidt.\nIn order to do this, the fraternity had two options -- pay the fines or go through the expansion process of becoming a brand new chapter on campus. \n"The money thing got very confusing," said Blum. "We thought going through the expansion process was a good way to ease into this and introduce to everyone who we are."\nThere are three steps to the expansion process. The house and their national organization have to submit a letter to the expansion committee saying that they would like to be recognized by IU. They then have to present information about themselves and answer any questions the expansion committee and the greek community may have. The committee finally renders a decision depending on whether they need more information on the fraternity. \n"Right now, TKE is working through the expansion process and hopefully everything goes well for them," said Stan Sweeny, associate director for greek affairs. \nTKE is on the second step of the process, and if everything goes well, the fraternity could soon be an official part of IFC.\n"We all have a really strong commitment to this house and making something out of it," said Blum. \nMembers said they are looking forward to a future on campus.\n"TKE is committed to finding and building a membership that upholds the values of the chapter," said Blum.