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ORDER OF THE SILVER MAPLE LEAF | LEGACY | WASHINGTON D.C.
57 Biennial Conclave
th
WASH
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D
I N GTO N
August 8-11, 2013
RECAP
THE STRENGTH IT TAKES
2013 Conclave Recap,
Washington, D.C.
T
he willingness to learn and the commitment to lead
guided the 2013 Conclave in Washington, D.C. More
than 800 Fraters, friends, and family members united
in the nation’s capitol for the 57th biennial convention.
Attendees experienced a weekend of life-changing events; Fraters
attended educational sessions at the TKE Institute, witnessed the
election of the Grand Council, participated in the on-site St. Jude
fundraising event, voted on the TKE constitution and by-laws,
received awards and recognition, learned the future direction of
our Fraternity, studied the drive of successful Tekes, and were
reminded of how to be better men for a better world. Conclave 2013
was a historical event that prepared us for another two years of
being a great Fraternity.
The beginning of Conclave was kicked off with the registration and vendor hall in the Grand Hyatt Washington. TKE apparel
and designs filled the hotel for the Fraternity’s largest celebration.
Regional meetings helped prepare and motivate the collegiate
members toward how to best lead their chapters and learn from
other Tekes across the nation.
The Chief Operating Officer, John Deckard, kicked off the
convention during the first session of the Grand Chapter. Humor
and passion inspired the men to get the most from their experience in Washington, D.C., and to always represent the Fraternity at the highest level possible. The principles of Tau Kappa
Epsilon filled the minds in the packed ballroom as Grand Prytanis
Edmund C. Moy delivered the Grand Council report. Successful
past years of TKE created a positive and inspiring message to the
attentive crowd.
Chapters were chosen to serve on the Nominations Committee for the upcoming election and legislative amendments.
The session continued as 22 chapters and 17 alumni associations
received their official charters. That evening marked a new beginning for the young men of the chartered groups. The Opening
Session concluded with formal ritual and the initiation of four
new members into our Bond.
6 THE TEKE q SUMMER 2013
Friday morning started with a breakfast and the first round of
educational sessions from the TKE Institute. Finances, Dominating
Your Campus, and Opportunity Out of Defeat were the focuses of
the morning as the future leaders of our Fraternity applied the lessons to their leadership style. The Nominations Committee began a
long day of interviews, discussion, and decisions that will impact our
Fraternity for years to come. The TKE Institute finished its morning
sessions by targeting the topics of TKE Books, Polishing Your Professionalism, Brand Evangelism, and Top TKE Chapters. The Awards
Luncheon was next as deserving Fraters received recognition for their
service, leadership, and achievements within TKE. All award recipients may be found on page 12. The educational focused component
of Conclave wrapped up as attendees learned how to be a Top Teke
Recruiter, utilize alumni, effectively use the Blueprint program, and
how to charter. Questions and discussions reminded the presenters
of when they attended a TKE educational session at an RLC or Conclave. “It was a great experience to apply what I have learned as a Teke
and share it with the men in the room. I was in their shoes two years
ago, and I wish I knew what I know now. The educational sessions at
Conclave had some great discussions; I was glad to be a part of it,”
said Region 2 Associate Regional Director Greg Halloran.
A favorite of most Conclave attendees was the TKE Educational
Foundation’s Circle of Excellence capstone event. The TEF inducted
10 Fraters into the Circle of Excellence. This year’s inductees are:
John B. Carter, Jr., Beta-Pi, Atlanta, Georgia
Joseph W. Evans, Beta-Pi, Atlanta, Georgia
Marion B. Glover, Jr., Beta-Pi, Atlanta, Georgia
Greg L. Hatcher, Zeta-Delta, Little Rock, Arkansas
Lon G. Justice, PGP, Pi-Alpha, Cupertino, California
B. D. Owens, Delta-Nu, Clearwater, Florida
Gary J. Previts, Upsilon-Alpha, Rocky River, Ohio
John A. Saxton, Beta-Mu, Lutherville, Maryland
Elmer R. Smith, Mu-Sigma, Roswell, Georgia
Donald R. Tapia, Sigma-Theta, Paradise Valley, Arizona
These men also led a Business Leaders roundtable discussion
that gave Fraters an opportunity to ask questions about their success
and TKE story. Most inductees shared great business strategies and
lessons learned while being collegiate members of TKE. Some inductees spoke about the day they chose Tau Kappa Epsilon as their
Fraternity for Life as if it were yesterday. This event reminded us all
that TKE is our foundation as leaders, and there are no limitations
to what a Teke can do in his future.
SUMMER 2013 q THE TEKE 7
8 THE TEKE q SUMMER 2013
MEMORABLE MILESTONES
Day two was not nearly completed as TKE CEO Shawn A.
Babine was about to give his State of the Fraternity. The standing
applause welcomed the 12th CEO of Tau Kappa Epsilon to the
stage as the room witnessed an electrifying moment. The Strength
It Takes became the prime lesson shared by Frater Babine. Members were filled in on the direction TKE is heading and the primary
steps we have taken toward our goals. Frater Babine announced our
new Life Loyal Teke partnerships with Men’s Wearhouse, Kaplan
Test Prep, and View You. The address provoked even more excitement as the new Tau Kappa Epsilon phone application was shared
for the very first time. The stage was then given to the legendary
Buckwheat Perry who was attending his 21st Conclave. The heart
of Frater Buckwheat was shared as he encouraged all Tekes to
practice good Fraternity. He spoke about the history of our Fraternity and the importance of today and tomorrow. Buckwheat’s fire
sparked the march to the off-site event.
Accompanied by Buckwheat Perry and the 2013 International
Sweetheart, Maria Willett, the crowd of TKE members, friends,
and family filled the sidewalks to Lucky Strike in downtown D.C.
If Washington, D.C., had not heard about Tau Kappa Epsilon by
then, they certainly knew the Fraternity now. Bowling, billiards, and
brotherhood united men from separate parts of the country during
the event. Maria Willett took pictures and signed autographs for
the hundreds in attendance. The historical day two of Conclave in
Washington, D.C., came to end.
Saturday morning was for St. Jude and our proud partnership with Frater Danny Thomas’ dream. Four professional staff
members of Tau Kappa Epsilon challenged each other in a friendly
competition during Conclave. Travis Skodack (Nu-Eta, Boise State
University), Tony Lawrence (Pi-Epsilon, Christian Brothers University), Gabe Espinosa (Beta-Xi, Arizona State University), and David
Adkins (Omicron-Tau, Columbus State University) bet their hair to
raise money for St. Jude. The live fundraising event raised more than
$2,200 and all four participants decided to shave for St. Jude.
Another regional sync-up took place as each region of TKE
set goals and recognized outstanding chapters. “The men of Tau
Kappa Epsilon are some amazing leaders. It is a great opportunity
for every Frater, including myself, to learn more about how to effectively lead the Fraternity we love. The Regional sync-ups showed us
that we are not alone and the power of the Fraternity is something
we cannot waste,” said Region 4 Regional Director H. Joe Puentes.
An extended lunch break gave attendees time to explore the
city and see the beautiful sights in Washington, D.C. The professional staff was reminded by a Teke wife of how great it is to have
such a family friendly event like Conclave.
“Conclave was a great experience for me to spend time with
my husband and our children. We all had a great time together in
supporting the Fraternity that we love, Tau Kappa Epsilon,” said
Mrs. Cindy Hickey.
SUMMER 2013 q THE TEKE 9
LEADERSHIP &
The Second Session of the Grand
Chapter took place in the afternoon of day
three and more deserving Fraters and friends
were recognized for their achievements.
Voting and discussion took place as the new
Grand Council was elected and the by-laws/
constitutional amendments were voted on.
Legislation
There were four revisions made to the
TKE legislation:
1) A clarification that the CAC chairman
will not qualify as a Chief Installing Officer for a newly chartered group;
2) A clarification that the Grand Chapter
may nominate a person for honorary
membership;
3) Allowing all Grand Council members
(not just officers) the ability to submit
legislative amendments;
4) Re-writing Chapter IX, sections 1–3,
to provide additional protection between
the Fraternity and a housing corporation.
The lengthy process carefully selected
the future leadership and expectations of our
Fraternity. Grand Grammateus Fritz Jacobi
closed the meeting with a successful Porky
the Pig impersonation, “Th-th-th-th that’s all
folks” as the room roared with laughter.
The session was set to reconvene in the
evening during the Grand Inaugural. The Order of the North and the Southern Order of
Honor proudly gave awards to their servant
leaders. TKE Leadership Academy graduates
and Foundation donors united for a festive
reception. TKELA graduates shared their
experience in Colorado and were quick to
thank all the TEF donors for their support.
10 THE TEKE q SUMMER 2013
BOB BARR (Beta-Sigma, University of Southern California)
Education: Law degree, Georgetown University; master’s degree, The
George Washington University; bachelor’s degree, University of Southern California.
Frater Barr is chairman of Liberty Guard and also serves in an “Of
Counsel” capacity with the Law Offices of Edwin Marger in Jasper, Ga.
He heads a consulting firm, Liberty Strategies, Inc. and teaches constitutional law at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.
Grand Prytanis
TKE Involvement: LLT, Grand Council
Distinction: Circle of Excellence, Triangle Award 2005, Teke Alumnus of the Year 2001
Past Grand Offices: 2011-2013, Grand Epiprytanis; 2009-2011, Grand Grammateus;
2008-2009, Grand Crysophylos; 2008, Grand Histor.
RODNEY G. TALBOT (Beta-Chi, Southern Illinois Univ.-Carbondale)
Education: Bachelor’s degree, finance, Southern Illinois University.
Frater Rod serves as president of Talbot Asset Management.
TKE Involvement: LLT, Grand Council
Distinction: Teke Alumnus of the Year 2005, Top Teke 1979, Knight
of Apollo
Past Grand Offices: 2009-2013, Grand Crysophylos; 2008-2009, Grand
Histor; 2007-2008, Grand Hypophetes; 2005-2007, Grand Hegemon.
Grand Epiprytanis
FRITZ JACOBI (Lambda-Alpha, University of South Florida)
Education: Associate of Arts in Business, University of South Florida;
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Finance, University of Wisconsin;
MBA, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Frater Jacobi is currently a facilitator and chair for the TEC/
VISTAGE Chief Executive Program, a peer advisory group.
TKE Involvement: LLT, Grand Council
Distinction: Teke Alumnus of the Year 1993, Top Teke 1976, Key
Grand Grammateus
Leader Award 1974-75
Past Grand Offices: 2011-2013, Grand Grammateus; 2009-2011, At-Large
Member.
CHRISTOPHER T. HANSON (Alpha-Pi, The George Washington
University)
Education: Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences, The George
Washington University.
Chris is a Senior Research Biologist and Project Officer in the
Laboratory of Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health.
TKE Involvement: LLT, Grand Council, TEF Heritage Society,
Northeast Ironman, Leadership Academy X grad
Grand Crysophylos
Distinction: Key Leader Award 2007, Volunteer of the Month 2005,
Order of the North
Past Grand Offices: 2011-2013, Grand Histor; 2009-2011, Grand Hypophetes; 20082009, Grand Pylortes; 2007-2008, Grand Hegemon.
& LEGISLATION
DR. JAMES HICKEY (Zeta-Alpha, Wagner College)
Education: Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Administration, and
Policy, Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education.
Frater Hickey is currently the headmaster of Austin Preparatory
School, an independent day school in Reading, Mass.
TKE Involvement: LLT, Grand Council, chairman of the Better Men
for a Better World Courtyard Campaign, TEF Ambassador
Distinction: Volunteer of the Month 2009, Top Teke 1993, TEF
Grand Histor
Ronald Reagan Leadership Award 1994, Leadership Academy IV
Past Grand Offices: 2011-2013, Grand Hypophetes; 2009-2011, Grand Pylortes.
DAVID BOHLINE (Beta-Sigma, University of Southern California)
Education: Bachelor of Arts, International Relations, University of
Southern California.
Frater Bohline is COO/owner at Apollo Interactive, Inc., a
marketing/advertising company, based in Culver City, Calif. David ran
for the California State Assembly in 1994 and has managed campaigns
for Congress.
Grand Hypophetes TKE Involvement: LLT, Grand Council
Distinction: Grand Prytanis Award 2013, Volunteer of the Month
2011, Advisory Hall of Fame 2011, Key Leader Award 1993 & 1997
BRIAN MONTGOMERY (Gamma-Upsilon, University of TexasAustin)
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, University of
Houston.
Frater Montgomery is chairman and partner at the Collingwood
Group in Washington, D.C. Prior to that (2005-2009), he was Assistant
Secretary for the Department of Housing and Urban Development
Grand Pylortes
(HUD) and Commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration
(FHA) and served the White House with President George W. Bush’s
Administration from 2001-2005.
TKE Involvement: LLT, Grand Council
Past Grand Offices: 2012-2013, Grand Hegemon; 2011-2012, At-Large Member.
The day shifted to night as the Grand
Inaugural was beginning, and Conclave was
joined by the 250,000th member of Tau
Kappa Epsilon, Frater Steve Forbes.
The 2013-2015 Grand Council was
confirmed, and the gavel was passed to our
new Grand Prytanis, Bob Barr. The convention was finished by words from Frater
Steve Forbes who discussed the leadership
style and work ethic of former Congressman Bob Barr. Frater Barr delivered his address and closed the 57th Biennial Conclave
in due form.
Conclave in Washington, D.C., was
more than the largest TKE celebration;
Conclave was a reminder that we have
a duty to lead and serve our chapters,
campuses, and communities. We have the
strength it takes to surpass expectations
and stereotypes. We have values that guide
us and a brotherhood that makes us better
every single day. Conclave sparked the reality that Tau Kappa Epsilon is the Fraternity,
for Life.
A special thanks to Fraters Ray
Franklin (Lambda-Alpha) and Mike Benson
(Grand Chapter), along with the entire stage
crew that helped make Conclave a weekend
we will not forget.
We hope to you will join us in 2015 as
Conclave makes its way to New Orleans,
Louisiana.
TONY CLEMENS (Nu-Mu, University of South Alabama)
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, University of
Notre Dame.
Frater Clemens is a senior manager, client services at International City Management Association Retirement Corporation (ICMARC) and is a two-time recipient of the ICMA-RC’s President’s High
Achievement Award.
TKE Involvement: LLT, Grand Council, TEF Ambassador, TEF
Grand Hegemon
Business Council
Distinction: Key Leader Award 2006, Volunteer of the Month 2009, Order of the North
Past Grand Offices: 2012, At-Large Member.
SUMMER 2013 q THE TEKE 11