Chapter History

In the Beginning

The concept of TKE at Salisbury State originated on or about October 1986. The idea began between Kenny Forrest and Jeff Patterson. Bill Russell was approached by Kenny Forrest and decided to start TKE at Salisbury. The request for colonization was mailed by Bill Russell and Kenny Forrest at the mailbox at the corner
of Newton and Camden. They had their first interest meeting at 304 Newton Street. Winter term determined the beginning of TKE. Bill Russell organized the first Greek Night, which was the biggest party Salisbury had seen in a long time. At the first TKE house on 304 Newton Street, Dave Thompson, a frater from Frostburg, came down to help TKE at Salisbury with Avalanche class. The Tau Kappa Epsilon colony at Salisbury State University was founded on February 7, 1987. We were later received our charter on May 12,1992.

1997

Fall semester we earn recognition from TKE International for inducting 20 new members.  While other chapters may say that is nothing big, at the time we only had 25 active Brothers. We almost doubled our membership in one semester.  TKE International awarded us for our membership recruitment.

In May, we were saddened by the loss of Alumnus Keith Costigan

 1998

TKE and our Organization of the year Trophy.

In the Spring we were awarded Organization of the Year for the '97-'98 school year, the 1st and only Fraternity on campus to won the award. In that same year, Frater Jay Tringone won President of the Year. He was the president of the InterFraternity Council.  To end the school year out, we captured 1st place in the annual Greek Week games.

On December 10, 1998, tragedy struck yet again. Trever Landis, who had graduated in May of 1998, was killed in an automobile accident. He had made a big impact in TKE and at SSU in his four years here.  He exemplified what it meant to be a leader. Since he was a leader and former president of Sigma-Sigma, we renamed the Presidents Award, to the Trever Landis Memorial Award.  Later that year, Greek Council gave out the 1st annual Trever Landis Award to the Sorority Sister and Fraternity Brother who best shows leadership skills.  Salisbury State University dedicated the Undergraduate Campus Awards Show in his honor.

Spring 2000

Frater Dave "Boone" Starno set up the Tau Kappa Epsilon Educational Fundation, giving Fraters the opportunity to earn scholarships.