Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity was founded on January 10, 1899 at Illinois Wesleyan College. Our founders were focused on building a fraternity in which the criteria for membership had nothing to do with a person’s wealth, his rank on the social ladder, or any honors bestowed upon him. Over 100 years, 300 chapters, and 300,000 members later, it is safe to say that they have succeeded. Tau Kappa Epsilon is now the world’s largest and most successful Fraternity, boasting members such as Ronald Reagan, Charles Walgreen, Conrad Hilton, and Terry Bradshaw.
The Pi Delta chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon was founded at the University of Alabama at Birmingham on May 19, 1979. The chapter quickly grew and became the premiere Fraternity on campus. Large membership and involvement were keystones of the success of the chapter. In the early 1990’s the chapter’s success came to a quick halt as it lost its charter and was kicked off of the UAB campus due to the results of a large party. The chapter never left, however; Pi Delta stayed at UAB as an underground and non-chartered chapter for several years. Recruitment stayed strong as the legacy of the best Fraternity on campus lived on powerfully. When Pi Delta finally reemerged on campus in 2002 the other chapters on campus had grown strong. After a few years of fighting and working hard, we have finally regained our hold on the campus.
The current Executive Council of the chapter worked hard with the tools left for us by previous officers and took the Fraternity to the next level. Once again we are enjoying the best membership in several years, high amounts of involvement on campus, and far exceeding standards in service to the community and the University. The greatest part is what lies behind it all. Great men – great brothers – who would do anything for each other and who exemplify the six pillars of Tau Kappa Epsilon – scholarship, character, leadership, teamwork, service, and brotherhood. These principles drive us to be better men and create success now and later in life. The Pi Delta chapter maintains good Greek relations with other organizations, including NPHC organizations. The Pi Delta chapter has been nicknamed The Asylum – a reference to our zealous devotion to our chapter and to one another. We are proud to boast the most diverse chapter on campus. But we are also proud that our bond as brothers and the crazy things we have been through together as men will be there for the rest of our lives. Many fraternities function as social clubs while you are in school. THE Fraternity is the Fraternity for Life.
My brothers will be there at my side at my wedding. They will be there at my side as Godparents to my children at a hospital on the other side of the country. And they will be there at my side carrying me to rest in the Chapter Eternal. THAT is good Fraternity.
James Warren
Pi Delta Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon
Pi Delta 411
Knight of Classic Lore
Life Loyal Teke
