Tau Kappa Epsilon was founded nationally in 1899 at Illinois Wesleyan University on the principle that membership should be based on personal worth and character rather than wealth, rank or social standing.

At Alliance College, TKE’s history traces back to the local fraternity Tau Sigma Pi, established on campus in 1931. In 1959, the organization became the Zeta-Upsilon Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon, marking the beginning of nearly three decades of affiliation with the national fraternity before Alliance College closed in 1987.

The Zeta-Upsilon Chapter became an active part of Greek and student life at Alliance. Historical TKE records show chapter members participating in intramural athletics, social activities, and campus leadership. In 1968, the chapter reported 35 members, celebrated an intramural football championship, and saw brother Steve Kerrigan elected Alliance College Greek King for 1968–69.

One of the chapter’s most distinctive traditions reflected Alliance College’s Polish Catholic heritage. From the early 1960s through the mid-1970s, TKE brothers held an annual Blessed Mother procession through Cambridge Springs to the TKE Grotto in the woods behind Luter Hall. The procession honored the Blessed Mother and became a memorable part of Alliance’s history.

The Zeta-Upsilon Chapter remained part of the Alliance College community until the College closed in 1987.