About Us: Mu Nu History

May 15, 1965...
Phi Delta Chi was formed May 15, 1965 in the Wilgus Hall dorm room of Tom Wurtz.  This organization was the forerunner to Mu Nu chapter of TKE. The motto of the fraternity was “Progress through Challenge,” with the colors of the group being burgundy and gold.  There were twelve charter members with Tom Wurtz serving as the first president.
On April 25, 1966 the members voted to approach Phi Sigma Epsilon about national affiliation, but tabled the action until later.  On October 9, 1967, George Olson sent letters to national fraternities asking about national affiliation.  By November 20, 1967 only Tau Kappa Epsilon and Sigma Tau Gamma replied to Phi Delta Chi. A vote on December 14, 1967 unanimously approved national affiliation with Tau Kappa Epsilon.
March 14, 1968 saw approval of the members to rent a house from Dr. Glenn Bestor, at 80 S. Elm Street.  The fraternity stayed in the house for just over a year when, due to a large increase in rental costs, the fraternity purchased a house at 160 N. Hickory Street.  The Hickory street house was sold in March of 1974 with the deal closed on May 20, 1974 and occurring on June 1, 1974.  The chapter moved between several houses for years, and then with national support, the board of trustees was able to purchase a permanent house at 455 W. Main Street.

From Phi Delta Chi to Tau Kappa Epsilon

70's and 80's...
We are gathering more information at this point. If you were from either era and would like to share your stories and accomplishments, please email us or submit a contact us form! Any information would be welcomed and appreciated!

Thank you!

90's...
At the 1991 Conclave in New Orleans, chapter Sweetheart Sue Borowitz was chosen TKE International Sweetheart. As a chapter we won Homecoming in the fall of 1995 and we also won Greek week in the spring of 1996.  In the summer of 1997, Frater Chad Hendrickson was one of 25 members across the country to be selected to go to the TKE leadership academy.  

In the spring of 1999, on April 24, we celebrated our 30th Anniversary here in Platteville.  In fall of 1999, Frater Andrew “Fife” Saloun was made a member of the TKE all-academic team; only a hand full of Fraters get this honor.  We also had long time Chapter Advisor Dennis “Doc” Hanson who retired after 15 years of holding the position.  In the spring of 2000 we received the “Lucky 13, Horse Shoe Rush Award,” for the highest rush numbers in 1999. 

00's...
In the summer of 2002 Frater David “Pyle” Wittig became a graduate of TKE Leadership Academy XVI. In the spring of 2003, Frater Mark Graczykowski was made a member of the TKE all academic team.  

At the biannual Conclave in the summer of 2005 at New Orleans, Mu Nu was voted to receive the “Most Improved Chapter” award. This award is presented to chapters who make significant progress in many of the seven award categories from the previous year. Mu Nu was also awarded the “Top Chapter” in the State of Wisconsin at the Province Educational Conference (PEC) in the fall of 2005.  Also in the fall of 2005 Frater Scott “Noodal” Anderson became Homecoming King.

In the summer of 2006 Frater Andrew “Beavis” Schultz became a graduate of TKE Leadership Academy XX. Frater David “Pyle” Wittig was also named the Grand Province Advisor for the Horseshoe Province in the fall of 2006.  At the semi-annual banquet during the fall 2006 semester, Dennis “Doc” Hanson celebrated his 25th anniversary in the Fraternity and we initiated Lucas Schuchart as an honorary member of the Mu Nu Chapter.

During Homecoming week in 2007, Frater Travis Droessler was voted as the UWP Homecoming King.  This is the second time in three years that the Mu Nu Chapter has been honored with this achievement.  Also during the same semester, our chapter witnessed the largest new pledge class in 10 years.  Gamma Theta consisted of 12 members and brought the number of initiated members to 528 since 1969.

10's...
In fall 2010 we initiated our newest Honorary Member Sgt. Todd Kasper.  In spring 2014 the chapter received international awards for excellence in achievement for extracurricular activities, excellence in involvement with alumni relations and community service, and excellence in recruitment for chapter size and results.

To Our Future...
We have not gotten to this point alone. We have have had countless contributions of time and money from members, alumnus, and their families. However, we want to make a better fraternity for tomorrows generations. So please take a look at our Special Projects page, we would enjoy any expertise, time, or donations to our cause.

Thank you! 

Mu Nu Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon - "Better Men for a Better World"