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The Theta Chapter at Kenyon College.
The Theta Chapter of Theta Nu Epsilon was established in 1881 and had a thriving existence for many decades. (Though it did temporarily lapse in 1886.) It was a legitimate chapter, chartered by the Alpha Chapter. At Kenyon, Theta Nu Epsilon was at an institution with a strong class society tradition. In 1887, there were two Freshman class societies, Delta Beta Phi and the intercollegiate Pi Kappa, then Theta Nu Epsilon, and a Junior society, Theta Psi. In 1915, the chapter was driven from the national because it remained true to the traditions of the society and wished to remain a class society. (1913-16 Interfraternity Conflict.) It may have lapsed during WWI. In 1937, the chapter returned, first as the Black Mask Club, which initiated at McGoogin’s Hollow. In 1940, the Theta Chapter resumed the name Theta Nu Epsilon. “There was a hiatus extending for several years during the early forties, but with the return of the students after the war, T.N.E. operations were resumed. The organization has carried on successfully, though at times in the face of strong opposition. Each semester an initiation is held in the woods, and there is a sunrise milk punch party on Dance Weekend. At the present time, (1950), there are 23 active members in the student body. ... Entrance to T.N.E. is determined entirely by merit. All members have passed the mint gin test in the Gambier Woods, which is essential to the proper understanding and enjoyment of the finer things which T.N.E. endeavors to provide. This year T.N.E. members showed their versatility by drawing a 2.63 average, somewhat better than the rest of the college managed to do.” The Theta Chapter is not known after 1953. Important research contributions to this article were made by John B. Kendrick.
The National Organization of the Alpha Chapter of Theta Nu Epsilon 1999 - 2009 © All rights reserved.
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