Tau Kappa Epsilon Recharters the Mu Sigma Chapter with Strong Alumni Support
The Mu Sigma Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) at Morehead State University marked a historic milestone with a chartering banquet held Saturday, April 18. The event celebrated the official rechartering of the undergraduate chapter at Morehead State and reaffirmed nearly six decades of fraternity brotherhood, service, and leadership.
Founded nationally on Jan. 10, 1899, Tau Kappa Epsilon is one of the largest collegiate men’s social fraternities in North America, with more than 275,000 initiated members. The Mu Sigma Chapter of TKE was originally installed and chartered at MSU on May 31, 1969. During the founding, then-MSU President Dr. Adron Doran was honored as a special initiate. In its early years, Mu Sigma flourished, drawing members from across the United States and establishing a strong presence on campus through academic achievement, leadership, and community service.
Over the last 57 years, Mu Sigma members have made lasting contributions to the University and beyond. Notable alumni include Elmer R. Smith (Class of 1971), namesake of the College of Business, and Phil Simms (Class of 2015), who later earned Super Bowl MVP honors with the New York Giants. For many years, the chapter held a prominent position within the MSU community.
Following a period of dormancy in the early 2000s, Mu Sigma alumni reunited in 2019 to celebrate 50 years of Tau Kappa Epsilon brotherhood at Morehead State University. That gathering resulted in a renewed effort to reactivate the undergraduate chapter.
As part of the rechartering, Mu Sigma alumni established a scholarship endowment that has grown significantly since its inception and continues to increase through ongoing alumni support. The endowment, currently valued at over $150,000, was created to fund a single scholarship award. Thanks to ongoing fund growth, investment income now supports five annual scholarship awards, and alumni remain committed to growing the fund to ensure its long-term impact.
“The rechartering of Mu Sigma represents far more than the return of a chapter; it reflects the enduring strength of our brotherhood and the values that Tau Kappa Epsilon instills in young men,” said Dr. Wayne Morella (Class of 1969, 1971), president of the Mu Sigma Alumni Association. “To those undergraduates present, please remember that you are here at Morehead State University first and foremost for academics, and secondly for social engagement and leadership through student organizations. For generations, Mu Sigma has produced leaders who have served Morehead State University and their communities with distinction, and seeing this chapter renewed ensures that this legacy will continue well into the future.”
The chartering banquet featured a formal installation ceremony and reflections from fraternity, University alumni and Student Affairs leadership. University and campus remarks were delivered by MSU President Dr. Jay Morgan, along with representatives from Student Affairs and University Advancement. Alumni and advisory remarks were offered by a variety of Mu Sigma alumni, including distinguished alum, Elmer R. Smith.
“This weekend represents the culmination of years of dedication by Mu Sigma alumni who never stopped believing in the future of this chapter,” said Smith, Life Loyal Teke and chairman emeritus of the TKE Foundation. “Rechartering Mu Sigma restores an important part of Morehead State University’s fraternity community and ensures that future students will benefit from the mentorship, leadership development, and brotherhood that Tau Kappa Epsilon provides. We are proud to stand alongside the undergraduate members as they begin this new chapter.”
The installation ceremony was conducted by Venerable Grand Prytanis and Chief Installing Officer Mike McEvilly, who also presented the Certificate in Lieu of Charter on behalf of the Grand Chapter.
Through enhanced scholarship support, renewed undergraduate engagement, and active alumni involvement, Tau Kappa Epsilon continues to invest in the growth, sustainability, and success of the Mu Sigma Chapter, ensuring the fraternity’s values of charity, esteem, and love remain strong for generations to come.
For more information about Fraternity and Sorority Life at Morehead State University, contact Coordinator Chloe Marstiller (Class of 2023) at cmarstiller@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2668.
