Tau Kappa Epsilon - Iowa State University

5 D uring the 2020-21 academic year, Epsilon faced many unprecedented challenges. With the advent of COVID-19, Epsilon was left in a position with an uncertain future. However, it is my pleasure to reassure you that throughout this last year, Epsilon Chapter has thrived as a collection of the best and brightest young men on campus. Although Homecoming 2020 was canceled because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, our men were still able to secure a third-place ranking overall in Greek Week led by Zach Gerlach '18 E-2346 and TJ Bartlett '18 E-2355 alongside Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. FOCUSED ON PHILANTHROPY DESPITE PANDEMIC CHALLENGES In terms of philanthropy, we weren't able to host our usual fall philanthropic event, Screams for St. Jude, due to the obstacles of COVID-19 and the ongoing renovation of the house. However, Philanthropy Chairmen Jack Kruse '19 E-2377 and Trae Ketcham '18 E-2350 worked with the women of Tri Delta sorority to host our philanthropic event, Mack Attack, which raised nearly $3,000 for St. Jude. The men of Epsilon have also continued support of St. Jude Up 'til Dawn on campus, with 13 of our men holding positions on the board for 2020-21. COMMITTED TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Since COVID-19 originally put us into online classes last spring, the nature of academic life has changed extensively from what we once knew. Yet our men have proven they could adapt to this change by earning a GPA of 3.18 in fall 2020 and a 3.6 this spring. Furthermore, Iowa State University has made it clear that the fall 2021 semester will return to in-person classes, and Epsilon is standing poised to help transition our men back into the classroom with ease. To help celebrate the academic success of our chapter, Epsilon has drastically increased our scholarship fund to ensure we have the largest educational endowment on campus, with $83,500 being awarded at our scholarship banquet this spring. CHAPTER HOUSE UPDATES AND HAPPENINGS Alongside this expansion of our scholarship fund is an expansion of the TKE house itself, as we have been undergoing renovations this entire academic year. The expansion includes renovating our kitchen, libraries, and housemother's living room. It will also provide a new Apollo Club and new rooms for our men to live in. The undergraduate Fraters are eager to live in the new house once construction is done, and we thank all alumni donors for their support of Epsilon Chapter. This year we have also unfortunately had to say goodbye to our beloved housemother of 29 years, Sandy Clem. At first, Sandy was moving out temporarily due to safety concerns around COVID-19, but her departure was eventually made permanent once she moved into a retirement home. Our men still miss her greatly and keep in touch. Interviews and hiring are still in process for a new house director. GRATEFUL FOR EPSILON ALUMNI As always, thank you for your steadfast support of the TKE brotherhood at Iowa State! We can't wait for you to meet the young men at Epsilon following in your footsteps. Until then, we wish you and yours health and happiness as we slowly but surely return to a level of normalcy. Yours in the Bond, Jack Riley '18 E-2342 Chapter President jackriley2000@icloud.com (630) 818-0495 Tekes Thriving at ISU Despite Adversity During 2020-21 Academic Year Philanthropy, Academics, and Brotherhood Remain Epsilon's Guideposts at ISU Epsilon Chapter Experiences Significant Growth in 2020-21 Scholarship Program T his year, we awarded $85,500 in scholarships to 33 gentlemen at Epsilon Chapter, which is an increase in awards by nearly $20,000 since last year. The highest amount awarded to a single applicant was $8,000, with the average amount awarded per winner totaling close to $2,600. It's been an incredibly strong year for our scholarship program at Epsilon Chapter, and we are thrilled to be able to provide this support for our brothers who need a little extra help! Unfortunately, there wasn't a formal scholarship banquet in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, but brothers enjoyed a formal dinner this spring. Although the ongoing pandemic prevented family from attending, it was still a memorable evening for our Epsilon brothers. Fraters Thankful for Alumni Loyalty, Support of Epsilon Chapter Renovation "I believe the newly renovated house, thanks to the generosity of our alumni, will mark the start of a new era in Epsilon Chapter's story." Patrick Albrecht '18 E-2356 "I'm looking forward to moving back to the house, because while it's nice to live in an apartment, never again in my life am I going to have the opportunity to live with 50 of my brothers." Zach Trochlil '16 E-2285 "With the renovations at the house, I'm excited to see more guys living-in and really getting that atmosphere of brotherhood. Plus, the more guys who live-in, the more random memorable experiences." Preston Greiner '21 E-2403 "I'm very excited to get the full fraternity experience in living with my pledge brothers in our newly renovated chapter facility. The future is bright for Epsilon, and I cannot thank our alumni enough for their continued contributions and support." Zach Duren '21 E-2407

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