History of Nu Xi Chaper

Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity

Stephen F. Austin State University

The history of NuXi chapter at Stephen F. Austin State University is not unlike that of Tau Kappa Epsilon’s in that it had its beginnings with a small group of men who were dissatisfied with the current Greek system and set about bringing change by starting a new fraternity on campus.

During the spring of 1969, Dave Hyink, a Teke (Theta Eta #116) who had transferred to SFA from the University of South Dakota, became the nucleus, along with several others who lived in Dorm 14, for the birth of TKE at SFA. These individuals, who wanted to enjoy the Greek system, but on their own terms and different guiding principals from what was being offered at SFA at the time, approached Dave and asked him to help lead the effort. Others soon joined the group and on March 26, 1969, the permission and charter for a TKE colony at SFA was granted.

The early days were not easy, but Teke membership grew as did recognition and respect from the other fraternities and sororities on campus. TKE was at SFA to stay. Soon after, the colony approached the SFA administration and IFC and was granted formal membership into the Greek system at SFA. At that point, the TKE colony at SFA never looked back and began growing at a rate that had never been seen at SFA before. In the subsequent months and their first full year on campus, the Tekes took some of the largest pledge classes among the existing 11 fraternities on campus. They participated in public service projects to gain favor with the locals in Nacogdoches and soon began to establish roots in student government, the IFC, intramural sports and other campus activities and organizations. It was not always work. The Tekes knew how to play as well and became known for their highly creative and successful parties, woodsies and mixers with the sororities on campus. In the spring of 1970, the Tekes captured the SFA intramural softball championship and began to place high in other intramural sports and Greek events as well.

In the fall of 1970, the Teke colony at SFA petitioned TKE International to become a chartered chapter of TKE. During this time, the colony worked hard and continued to grow by taking one of the largest pledge classes among the 11 existing fraternities. On February 13, 1971, 60 members were initiated into TKE and NuXi chapter was officially born. In addition, to the charter members, the Tekes took one of the largest pledge classes on campus during the Spring Rush, thus making Nu Xi one of the largest fraternities on campus with sixty actives and 22 pledges. During that first year as Nu Xi chapter of TKE, there were Tekes who were varsity football players, President of the Student congress, IFC leaders, varsity cheerleaders, and for several years the “Lumberjack” mascot was a Teke. Several members were selected to “Who’s Who” in American colleges and universities and others held positions as SFA class officers, student congress representatives and officers of other campus organizations. The Tekes at SFA quickly became the leading TKE chapter in the state of Texas and have been one of the most consistent chapters for many years. Today, it is still one of the leading chapters in the state.

During their history at SFA, Nu Xi Tekes have had their share of glory having displayed unprecedented growth from nothing to one of the largest fraternities on campus, having the first fraternity house on campus, intramural championships and awards, student leaders, local recognition for public service projects, outstanding social events, and awards from TKE International. Our alumni include Bill Hinds, who draws the popular comic strip “Tank McNamara” and our most famous initiate, Willie Nelson (actor, composer and singer). Other alumni have gone on to distinguish themselves in their respective professions, which include executives of Fortune 500 companies, educators, lawyers, research scientists, pharmacists, geologists, entertainers, mayors, bankers, successful business owners, airline pilots, accountants, ministers, consultants, and members of the military.

The Tekes have been a force on campus at SFA up until the early 1990’s when a series of events led the chapters Board of Trustees to take the chapter inactive for several years. In 1996, a TKE colony was revived and on May 2, 1998, Nu Xi was reinstalled as an active chapter with the initiation of fifty new members and they have continued the traditions of Nu Xi and TKE, uninterrupted, ever since. Nu Xi chapter continues to attract some of the best men attending SFASU by living and practicing the founding principals of TKE which are “Love, Charity & Esteem” which guide them in making life-long friendships.

In February of 2006, Nu Xi chapter celebrated its 35^th Anniversary with several hundred alumni and current chapter members holding a weekend of festivities. Over 80 of the first 125 initiates of Nu Xi returned along with others and among them were 6 of the original 8 officers at the time of the chapter installation. Also present was Frater Dave Hyink, the original Teke and transfer student from the University of South Dakota, with whose help and leadership fostered those early years and TKE at SFA

Tekes at SFA continue to grow and embrace the college experience. They are today active in social events, SFA activities, community service and above all, “Brotherhood in TKE”. In the fall of 2006, Nu Xi gained 28 new candidates for membership -- the largest group to join any fraternity during the Fall Rush period.

Jim Drennan
Nu Xi 65
Class of 73