AC fraternity Theta-Omicron receives two national awards
Posted Thursday, July 29, 2021
Author: Mickey Alvarado
Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE), one of the largest collegiate men’s social fraternities in North America, recently had its Offices of the Grand Chapter announce the organization’s 2020-2021 award winners and Adrian College’s chapter, Theta-Omicron, received two national awards.
The Offices of the Grand Chapter recognized fraters and groups that made a significant impact in the TKE Nation last year. Theta-Omicron’s awards were for Excellence in Involvement – Community Service, and Excellence in Achievement – St. Jude.
“On behalf of the International Headquarters of Tau Kappa Epsilon, I want to congratulate all of our 2020-2021 award winners,” Chief Executive Officer Donald E. Aldrich said in an announcement. “We are proud of your tireless dedication to the Expectation of Excellence this past year. These chapters and individual fraters faced the challenge of uncertain times with confidence in the values of TKE and diligence to succeed where others did not. Their dedication to superior performance fosters a positive impact on their campuses and in their communities. Thank you to the alumni, volunteers, and advisors who worked tirelessly and gave selflessly to make these honors a reality. Tau Kappa Epsilon has a bright future due to groups such as these that advance our mission!”
Adrian College’s chapter was founded in 1961. The TKE Reeves house, in memory of Ronald L. Reeves (1942-2016, Class of 1964), is located at 1215 Michigan Ave. (across from Feeman Hall).
“Our chapter believes in helping those in need and actively doing what is morally right,” Theta-Omicron President Tyler Sullivan (Class of 2022) said.
To be nominated for the awards, Theta-Omicron submitted its community service hours and philanthropy efforts. The group’s community involvement consisted of helping the city of Adrian organize community events, as well as lending a hand to various citizens of Adrian when they reached out for help.
“What we are most proud of, for two years now, we have helped at the center of town unloading and placing trees for the Christmas lights display,” Sullivan said. “We are incredibly proud to say we had a helping hand in securing the record for most Christmas trees simultaneously lit in one area for the city of Adrian.”
Sullivan said Theta-Omicron received the Excellence in Achievement – St. Jude award for the chapter’s efforts in its “St. Jude Sprint,” an event the group holds every year in the fall where members run from Adrian College to Chelsea with the goal of raising money.
“Last year, we were able to raise over $5,000 for the charity benefitting St. Jude Research Hospital to help fight childhood cancer,” Sullivan said. “Although the amount we raised may have been less than other chapters across the US, considering the size of our chapter (30 men), we punched well above our weight.”
Sullivan said the person the fraternity has to thank most for the effort is Tim Pier (Adrian College, ‘21).
“Tim, at the time, was our philanthropy chair and oversaw organizing the event and motivating our chapter to go above and beyond,” Sullivan said. “We are incredibly thankful for Tim and his leadership ability and hope to continue his strong efforts this coming fall when we run again.”
Adrian College alumnus Bruce Pfister has offered to cover the cost for one Theta-Omicron member’s airfare to attend the 2022 TKE Conclave in Texas.
Founded on January 10, 1899, at Illinois Wesleyan University, TKE’s mission is to aid men in their mental, moral and social development for life. TKE has more than 291,000 initiated members and 225 active chapters and colonies. Tau Kappa Epsilon contributes to the advancement of society through the personal growth of its members and service to others. TKE’s motto is “Better Men for a Better World.”
For more information about Adrian College’s fraternities, visit adrian.edu.
