Christian Mansfield- Contributor
On a crisp Tuesday evening, members of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, TKE, presented their philanthropic efforts towards St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. President of TKE and studio art major Colin Pedersen, a senior, believed this event would highlight the amazing philanthropic works of St. Jude’s.
“Our organization, TKE Fraternity, is committed to helping charitable organizations both near and far,” Pedersen said. “St. Jude’s is our primary philanthropy, and we hope this event will shed light on St. Jude’s amazing work with childhood cancer research and the values our fraternity is built on.”
Brotherhood and service to those in need are the values that shape this fraternal organization.
This was the first time this specific event was held, but TKE fraternity keeps the philanthropic spirit throughout the year. They have held a pumpkin smash, bake sales and many more events with all proceeds going to charitable causes.
Pedersen was thrilled with the excitement surrounding this event.
“I am very happy with the outcome and am so grateful so many SCSU students came out to support such a great cause,” Pedersen said.
Political science major Christopher Sheehy, a junior and chaplain of TKE, shared his immense appreciation towards this event.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to promote awareness of such a wonderful organization that saves millions of lives every year,” Sheehy said. “A St. Jude patient once told me, ‘Every day is not a good day, but there is good in every day.’”
Art education major Carlin Kestenbaum, a junior, attended Tuesday’s meeting, curious to learn about what the fraternity’s fundraisers support. Kestenbaum said he was impressed to learn of their dedication to St. Jude.
Marketing major Henry Roush, a junior and member of TKE, said he was proud to be involved in such a benevolent organization.
“In our fraternity, we are dedicated to St. Jude’s and the work they do,” Roush said. “They perform miracles every day, and we’re happy to support them and promote their efforts.”
Offering advice to students who may be looking to give back, Roush spoke passionately about the fraternity’s commitment to the university’s mission of service.
“I would encourage anyone at SCSU to get involved as much as possible and be a part of such rewarding work and live out the legacy of the founder of St. Jude’s, Danny Thomas, an alumnus of TKE,” Roush said.
Tuesday’s event was praised by students visiting the university as well.
“I’m honored to see my SCSU classmates giving back to such a selfless organization. Events like this make me proud to be an owl,” Kestenbaum said.
Kestenbaum said he encourages all students to always check OwlConnect and hopes more people will attend events like these.
Childhood cancer, once a death sentence, now holds a 94% survival rate thanks to the donors of St. Jude’s.
The Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity is inspired by their alumni brother and his promise that we will not stop until no child dies of cancer.
Through the help from Greek life organizations like this and other generous donors, St Jude’s has been able to move toward their mission. St. Jude’s accepts donations on their website stjude.org.
