FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: BERKELEY, Calif., January 30, 2012 – The TKE Nu Chapter at the University of California, Berkeley welcomes 13 new candidates for membership into its chapter after one week of recruitment events and a competitive selection process. After attending several rush events such as La Val’s Pizza in Berkeley, CA and “Broomball” at an ice-rink in Oakland, CA, these 13 men stood out to our chapter as men who embody the values and ideals of a TKE. The Nu Chapter is confident that the Upsilon Class will demonstrate the strong leadership ability of our chapter as well as our passion for helping our local and global communities.

The UC Berkeley Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon gives thanks to the relentless efforts of its 3 recruitment chairs, Andrew Trevino, Fred Hertlein, and Ryan Tabura. After weeks and countless hours of planning, organizing, and meeting with the chapter, they were able to execute a successful rush. This semester’s recruitment week, according to rush chair Ryan Tabura, “was successful only because of the hard work and support of our Fraters who went out of their way to come to rush events and keep in contact with the guys who they saw fit to be TKE’s.”

The Nu Chapter is both pleased and excited to see the Upsilon Class take part in the pledge process which is led by Junior, Alex Morris. Similarly to the Tau Class, the Upsilon class will be asked to demonstrate their leadership potential and show the Nu Chapter that they embody the TKE values of love, charity, and esteem, by taking part in our pledge process which consists of several team-building and motivational exercises.

Contact:
Michael Rigg
MRigg (at) TKENu (dot) com
TKE Nu Chapter
2725 Channing Way,
Berkeley, California 94704
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: On the evening of Friday November 18, Nu Chapter held its most recent initiation in which we welcomed 9 new Fraters into our Bond. The Tau class worked very hard throughout the semester, participating in events that demonstrated to them TKE’s core values of love, charity and esteem. The Tau class is a diverse bunch, with Fraters from all over California as well as Oregon and Washington.
“I’m thrilled to have crossed,” says Alex McLean, who is among the newly initiated. “Pledging was exciting and fulfilling, but I’m excited to explore other aspects of the brotherhood.” Indeed, the Taus have much to look forward to as they take their first steps into our rich Bond on social, academic, philanthropic and professional fronts. As the semester winds down, Nu chapter continues to celebrate its new initiates, and we are certain that they will prove themselves successful, contributing members of our community.

Contact:
Eric Foard

efoard (at) TKENu (dot) com

TKE Nu Chapter

2725 Channing Way,
Berkeley, California 94704

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: This past weekend, October 28th to 30th, nearly all of Nu chapter made the trek south to Los Angeles to support Cal in the game against UCLA. TKE Nu chapter, along with many other UC Berkeley fraternities, travels annually to southern California to watch the Golden Bears play, alternating each year between games at USC and UCLA.
The trip, organized by fraters Drew Flood and Jon Myers, took a substantial amount of planning for which the two, a senior and a sophomore respectively, should be commended. A number of RV’s were rented in order to accommodate the high level of interest from many brothers and in order to have space for their guests. It should be noted that the families of fraters Walker Dove, Ben DeShetler and Jack Cambou generously opened their homes to the traveling Tekes, allowing them to stay in their homes. Further, thanks should be given to fraters Dan Wait, Jack Cambou, Camden Andrews and Prytanis Curtis Hendrickson who took on the difficult task of driving the RV’s, which were affectionately called “Bagos” throughout the trip.
Arriving at the Rose Bowl midmorning, Nu chapter started a bustling tailgate in preparation for the game. Because of a recent fight that left much of the UCLA starting line-up ineligible to play in the game against the Golden Bears, Cal fans were expecting an easy win. Many Tekes would likely agree that the most worthwhile part of the game was seeing our own frater David Herschorn snapping photos on the field. “The game was a little disappointing, but we didn’t let it get us down,” says frater Zach Contreras. “Ultimately the trip was a great bonding experience, and I think we made a lot of awesome memories.”

Contact:
Eric Foard

efoard (at) TKENu (dot) com

TKE Nu Chapter

2725 Channing Way,
Berkeley, California 94704

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: On Saturday, October 15th, Nu chapter headed to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco for its semi-annual retreat. With roughly two-thirds of the chapter in attendance, the retreat, organized by Hypophetes Doug Wreden, was a great success. The fraters arrived between 10 and 11AM, at which time a humorous relay race set the precedent for a fun, relaxing day.

After a lunch generously provided by the chapter, the Fraters split into small groups, at which time they shared with one another the state of their lives and affairs. The serenity of beautiful Golden Gate Park was the perfect setting for this interlocution, inspiring a refreshing candor among the Fraters. “While we love Berkeley, it can be a stressful place at times,” said Christian Handley of the Xi class. “Retreat is a great opportunity to relax for a few hours off-campus and have some quality bonding time with your brothers.”

For many, this relaxation took the form of simply hanging out, enjoying the sunshine and good company. For others it meant a rousing game of football, and for still others a lengthy rollerblade down the many winding paths of the massive park. While coordinating the trip to Golden Gate Park was certainly a difficult task for Doug Wreden, his efforts did not go unnoticed and he received many thanks at the end of the day. Of all the sentiments one might take from this experience, perhaps the most important is that while the fulfillment of responsibilities is critical, it is also important to recall that friendship and brotherhood are key in the life of a successful frater. Nu chapter returned to Berkeley recharged and ready to tackle the remainder of an academically challenging semester.

Contact:
Eric Foard

efoard (at) TKENu (dot) com

TKE Nu Chapter

2725 Channing Way,
Berkeley, California 94704

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: On September 9, TKE Nu Chapter participated in a party safe seminar designed to give fraters the tools to intervene in the case of an unsavory party-related incident. Titled T.I.P.S., or Training for Intervention ProcedureS, the program lasted roughly 2 hours and covered many topics including California state law relevant to fraternity sponsored events, how to approach a tenuous party situation in which someone’s health may be at risk and how to spot a false state-issued identification card. Over 80 percent of Nu chapter was in attendance, along with Tekes from Reno, Sonoma, and Cal State East Bay. The presenter was a representative from TKE nationals, and expressed an infectious, genuine concern about the topics presented.
The program’s website declares, “proven effective by third-party studies, TIPS is a skills-based…responsible alcohol training and certification program that is designed to prevent intoxication, underage drinking, and drunk driving by enhancing the fundamental ‘people skills’ of servers, sellers and consumers of alcohol.” Indeed, the presentation included skits and videos that not only demonstrated the concepts presented, but gave fraters in attendance an idea of how to put them into practice. “I learned a few choice things that I think will come in handy,” says Tyler Wade of the Sigma Class. “Some of it I already knew, but it was worth it to have a refresher.”
After issuing a short exam to ensure that the fraters had retained the information presented, the presenter donned a lighter mood and the discussion shifted to a dialogue about effective recruitment strategies. After passing the exam, fraters will receive a certificate by mail, certifying they have completed this comprehensive training program.

Contact:

Eric Foard
efoard (at) TKENu (dot) com
TKE Nu Chapter
2725 Channing Way,
Berkeley, California 94704

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: TKE Nu Chapter recently welcomed 11 prospective members into its ranks after nearly a week of recruitment events and a difficult selection process. Out of the many young men that attended TKE Nu’s Fall 2011 Rush events, which included a trip to La Val’s Pizza and a night of Broomballing played at an Oakland ice rink, these 11 stood out because of their embodiment of TKE ideals, including our ideological touchstones of love, charity, and esteem. Together they make up the Tau class, following the 19-member Sigma class of last spring.
This successful recruitment period was made possible by the tireless efforts of Rush Chairs Andy Henning, Barrett Glasauer and Eric Tye, who put together this fall’s recruitment events, as well as last spring’s. Though their efforts were key in the success of this semester’s Rush, it is also important to acknowledge the many brothers who were also dedicated to a fruitful recruitment season, exhausting much time and energy in the careful selection of a new pledge class. “Rush was beneficial for both prospectives and brothers,” says Frater Ryan Tan of the Sigma class. “It’s exciting for the prospectives because they get a chance to see what TKE is all about, and exciting for brothers because we get to select new members, dictating the direction the house will take in the future.”
As Hegemon, Frater Michael Rigg is responsible for the education of the Tau pledge class, as he was for the Sigma class. The Taus are early in their pledge semester, but already show promise as a successful group. They will be tasked with a number of responsibilities that will hone their leadership and academic abilities, as well as give back to the community in the form of community service. These responsibilities are designed to help them grow into successful, responsible young men that uphold the values of our Bond.

Contact:

Eric Foard
efoard (at) TKENu (dot) com
TKE Nu Chapter
2725 Channing Way,
Berkeley, California 94704

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: On the evening of Friday April 22^nd, 2011 TKE Nu initiated 19 new fraters. The gentlemen of the Sigma pledge class hale from all across California and from Washington state. Over the course of the semester these new members exhibited exceptional interpersonal skills and developed both as leaders and contributing members of the Nu Chapter.

TKE Nu initiated 16 fraters in the fall semester and is proud to have another strong class this spring. We look forward to welcoming these new fraters in their transition into the chapter and look forward to working with these new individuals during next semester’s rush period.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16th, 2011- The Nu Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon opened its chapter doors and welcomed the parents and family members of its brothers and new members for an evening of reflection and celebration. The Nu Chapter has had an incredibly successful year thus far and is pleased to celebrate its progress among fraters and family members. Approximately one 80 guests attended the event that took place Saturday evening at the chapter house on Channing Way in Berkeley, CA.

The Nu Chapter understands that its success is largely attributed to the support and guidance provided by our loyal family members and friends, and would like to thank them for their continued support and care. TKE Nu would also like to thank our chef, Ray Robinson, for his hospitality and service, as well as the fraters who volunteered to serve food and ensure the efficiency of the dinner service.

This dinner marks the impending culmination of the spring semester. Our chapter looks forward to initiating 19 new members in the upcoming weeks. We are confident that each of the new gentlemen will contribute to the prestigious reputation and over all success of the Nu Chapter through their leadership abilities and strong work ethic. We look forward to celebrating their initiation and look forward to rejoining their families and friends at the Parents’ Dinner in the following semester.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 20^th—Fifteen Tau Kappa Epsilon fraters helped move woodchips and restore egret habitat at the Berkeley shoreline with the Aquatic Park EGRET organization. EGRET is the stewardship group for the tidal wetlands of Berkeley’s largest city park, according to egretpark.org. Volunteers with the organization help tend to the shoreline habitats, improving the quality of life for a multitude of migratory birds that reside near the coastline.

Under Mark Liolios’s leadership, the EGRET group has helped restore and maintain healthy habitats for herons, egrets, and other wildlife for more than one decade. TKE Nu first began volunteering with Mark in the fall semester of 2010, when the Rho Pledge Class’s Secretary, freshman Nik Crain, organized for his pledge class to volunteer at the aquatic park, a grassy area surrounding the lagoon off the Eastshore Freeway between Berkeley and Emeryville. The city park, full of bike paths and a disc-golf course, is a prime location to combine an enthusiasm for the outdoors with an opportunity to restore and protect Berkeley’s pristine natural features. “Volunteering at Aquatic Park EGRET has been an invaluable experience. Not only has it been educational by teaching us how to protect and preserve the natural habitat of migratory birds, but it has also allowed us to strengthen our appreciation for the local beauty of Berkeley and the surrounding Bay Area,” said frater Nik Crain at the event on Sunday.

This Sunday marks the second time that TKE Nu has served with this group and dedicated its time to preserve Berkeley’s coastline. TKE Nu would like to thank Mark Liolios for his hospitality and enthusiasm, and looks forward to continuing its involvement with Aquatic Park EGRET in the future.

For more information, please visit egretpark.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 11th-12th—Approximately twenty Nu Chapter fraters attended the Greg and Cay Woodson Regional Leadership Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Burlingame, California. The Regional Leadership Conference (RLC) is an opportunity for Tekes from across North America to congregate and further their understanding of the fraternal experience and celebrate their membership in Tau Kappa Epsilon. According to the Tau Kappa Epsilon website, “collegiates participate in educational sessions that help prepare them for success in college and the business world, network and build relationships with other collegiates and alumni, and strengthen their understanding of TKE’s ideals and principles.” Nu Chapter Fraters attended workshops on important fraternity issues including membership recruitment, candidate education, and how to effectively fundraise and volunteer in the community. The UC Berkeley chapter looks forward to internalizing the guidance provided at RLC and implementing it to sustain a healthy, cooperative, and growing chapter.

Nu Chapter’s current executive board was also given the prestigious opportunity to lead the conference’s ritual ceremony for approximately 170 fraters from at least a dozen chapters from as far away as Colorado, Washington, and Arizona, and is very honored to have been given that important role. “The most exhilarating part of the whole experience was being able to run ritual with the Grand Council, and I believe that it is something that I will always pick to remember in my time as a Teke,” said Curtis Hendrickson, Nu Chapter’s Prytanis.

At the closing ceremony of the conference, Nu Chapter received the Top Teke award for the 2009-2010 year. This prestigious award is based on administrative and academic success, as well as exceptional performance in the membership and service areas. Presented by Senior Regional Director Todd Farmer (Xi-Theta Chapter, University of West Georgia), the Top Teke award is a testament to the Nu Chapter’s dedication to the fraternal values and commitments that represent Tau Kappa Epsilon. This is the 4^th consecutive Top Teke award for the Nu Chapter at the University of California at Berkeley.

The Nu Chapter would like to thank the volunteers and staff members of the Regional Leadership Conference for their commitment to providing TKE fraters around the country with the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and to further their understanding of TKE’s ideals.