TKE HISTORY

TKE Coat of Arms Gules on a bent argent.  Five equilateral triangles, bendwise of the first voided.  Crest, above a peer's helmet, a death's head three quarters profile proper.  Mantling, gules, double argent.  The crest also has a secret motto written in Greek that members learn upon their initiation.

TKE Flag The present design of the TKE flag, as adopted at the 1961 Conclave, features five voided triangles, in cherry red, on a grey bend, surmounting a red field.

TKE Flower - Red Carnation From the red carnation derives the color cherry red which is seen on the crest and the flag.  It is also one of the colors which represents Tau Kappa Epsilon.  The flower is used during rituals as well as the Red Carnation Ball, which some chapters still take part in.

TKE Colors - Cherry Red and Gray The TKE colors can be seen on just about everything.  Every fraternity and sorority have their own set of colors that make them stand apart from one another.

TKE Ideal - Apollo The Tke ideal is the Greek god of music and culture, Apollo.  Every TKE strives towards what Apollo stands for and recognizes he is one of the most important Olympian divinities.

TKE Badge The official membership badge, made of gold and three pearls, is worn by undergraduates who have been initiated.  The design of the badge has never changed since its adoption.  The meanings and connotations of the badge are revealed during initiation.

TKE Triangle The primary symbol of the fraternity is the equilateral triangle.  The first three chapters of Tau Kappa Epsilon formed an equilateral triangle in geographic location.  It also serves as a reminder to strive towards a full and equal development of mind, body and heart.  The triangle can be seen in many of our symbols and traditions.

TKE Horshoe The tradition of the horshoe began in 1921, when a charter was granted to Ohio State University.  After being voted in a member pulled out a horshoe for good luck.  Ever since then the horshoe has been handed down to new charters.

Five Founding Fathers

BACK TO HOME

The five founding fathers, Mayer, McNutt, Atkinson, Truitt and Settles, began a society named Knights of Classic Lore at the University of Illinois on January 10, 1899.  This organization would eventually become Tau Kappa Epsilon, the largest fraternity in the world.