Tau Kappa Epsilon. Alpha Sigma Chapter (University of North Dakota)

Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) grew out of the Knights of Classic Lore society founded in 1899. James C. Love was made the society's first new member because he was late to the first organizational meeting. The purpose of the Knights of Classic Lore society was, to aid college men in mental, moral and social development. By 1909, the Knights of Classic Lore had changed its name to Tau Kappa Epsilon and had become a national organization. Today, Tau Kappa Epsilon is one of the largest social fraternities in the country with over 300 active chapters and colonies, over 9,000 undergraduate members, and 155,000 alumni. Alpha Sigma Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon was active on the University of North Dakota campus from 1938 to 1994. The first chartered member was law professor Olaf Thormodsgard. In the fall of 1940, Tau Kappa Epsilon combined with Phi Alpha Epsilon, another local fraternity. Membership at this time was estimated to be 45. In 1960, Tau Kappa Epsilon purchased a home at 2520 University Avenue. Membership at that time was 80. Tau Kappa Epsilon performed several charitable activities, including hospital work, assistance to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Unfortuneately, 1994 witnessed the chapter's demise. On April 16, a party at the Tau Kappa Epsilon house spilled out into the streets and the UND police were called to the scene. As a result of this incident rumors started that the TKE fraternity would lose its charter and be kicked off campus. By May 1994, a low membership consisting of only 13 active members caused financial difficulties for the chapter. By December 1994, the Tau Kappa Epsilon house had been vacated and the ownership of the house was given to the University of North Dakota Alumni Association.

From the description of Records, 1942-1990. (University of North Dakota). WorldCat record id: 49328347