West Virginia University
10/14/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/13/2024 22:15
WVU students rebuild fraternity focused on values, helping others
Tau Kappa Epsilon members Aidan Priest, Andrew Solt, Scott Grim, Tanner Powers and Aidan Hart, shown here at the Conclave, TKE's annual conference - with the official charter establishing the Rho Chapter at WVU. (Submitted Photo)
Andrew Solt and Aidan Priest had no intention of joining Greek life as undergraduate students at West Virginia University, let alone building a fraternity from the ground up; however, a few conversations with Paul "PJ" Malafronte, the former director of expansion for the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, changed the trajectory of their lives.
"When PJ came to campus a little over two years ago to talk to a small group of us about rechartering the TKE fraternity at WVU, none of us were interested in being a part of Greek life," said Solt, a graduate student in the master of science in journalism program and founding president of the Rho Chapter from Lancaster, Ohio.
Solt, who played a crucial role in rechartering the fraternity as well as reshaping its direction, was recently honored for his significant contributions as the recipient of the Top TKE Award.
Beginning in 2017, the TKE fraternity was no longer recognized at WVU due to members not following the rules set by the University and the Interfraternity Council.
"Eventually, it hit us that rechartering could be a great opportunity for students coming out of the pandemic to build community," said Priest, a founding member from Baldwinsville, New York, who now serves as program coordinator for University recruitment events and outreach projects. "From that point on, we set out to build a strong fraternity chapter by focusing on a positive environment that rejects traditional Greek life culture."
Tanner Powers, Aidan Priest, PJ Malafronte, Scott, Grim and Aidan Hart enjoy a lasting connection as Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity brothers. (Submitted Photo)
Priest, who graduated in May with degrees in accounting and finance, has served in various fraternity leadership roles, including treasurer and rechartering chairman.
Driven by strategic recruitment and a strong emphasis on community engagement and academic success, the rechartered Rho Chapter has grown to nearly 120 members in just two years, making it the largest fraternity on campus.
In addition to numerous other accolades, the fraternity received the Top TKE Chapter Award in 2024 in recognition of its outstanding efforts to foster a safe and healthy environment on campus and in the community.
The TKE fraternity also won the 2023-24 Arista Cup, the highest honor given by the Center for Fraternal Values and Leadership for excellence academic achievement, leadership development and risk management.
"The achievements of the Rho Chapter are some of my most proud moments. Every member has helped move Rho forward to the next level and top chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon," Solt said. "Many have worked behind the scenes, and they deserve to be recognized for their efforts, including Scott Grim."
Shortly after the chapter took off, Solt was elected to the TKE International Board of Directors, leaving the Rho Chapter without a president; however, Grim stepped up and successfully guided the fraternity by driving philanthropic giving and academic standards, growing its membership and more.
Grim graduated in May with bachelor degrees in global supply chain management and finance and is currently pursuing his MBA at WVU.
Members have raised more than $70,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, making them one of the top chapters in the country, while maintaining a 3.3 cumulative GPA.
Taking an opportunity to witness the impact of their philanthropy firsthand, some have traveled to the St. Jude Research Campus in Memphis, Tennessee, to visit pediatric patients, tour the facility and meet with Richard C. Shadyac Jr.,president and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for the hospital.
Several members have completed the Nolan Burch Greek Leadership Academy, created to honor the memory of Burch who died in 2014 due to an alcohol related hazing ritual in an unrecognized fraternity. The program is designed to empower Greek students to intervene in times of need.
The fraternity was also awarded grants from the Student Government Association to help send more than 25 members to the Regional Leadership Conferences, while five members were selected to attend the national TKE Leadership Academy.
"Tau Kappa Epsilon has changed my life, and I will forever be grateful. The experiences, friendships and achievements have helped me develop personally. I would not be the person I am today without it," Solt said.
These "champions of change" say they are a social fraternity; therefore, they do host sanctioned events while closely monitoring the safety of all guests.
"Greek life has a great purpose, but it takes hard work and good leadership to allow it to serve its function and students properly. The work we have all done to build this chapter from the ground up has been a life-changing experience. The friendships and memories will last a lifetime and I hope others follow our lead," Priest said.
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