Courtesy of Tau Kappa Epsilon-Mu Lambda Brothers of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity have been preparing for their 55-year reunion, which will be hosted in Houghton.

The Mu Lambda Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) at Michigan Technological University will be hosting its 55th Anniversary Reunion this coming Fall, beginning Sept. 19. The reunion is expected to bring hundreds of alumni and brothers to Houghton and will be hosted at the historic Ransom B. Shelden House.

The Mu Lambda chapter of TKE was founded on May 3, 1969, and has initiated over 600 members since its beginning. Michigan Tech’s chapter of the TKE fraternity is a huge part of an even bigger international brotherhood, with 200-plus chapters throughout North America. The upcoming reunion marks over half a century of brotherhood, leadership and community involvement.

The reunion will be hosted at the Ransom B. Shelden House in Houghton, which now serves as the home of several of the TKE brothers. It was originally owned by the son of the founder of the City of Houghton. The house was completed in 1896 and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. This protects the house from demolition and allows for future generations of brothers to enjoy the house and learn about its historical significance.

“The Mu Lambda Chapter prides itself on over 55 years of involvement with the university and the greater Houghton community,” the organization wrote in a Sept. 1 press release. “This reunion serves not only as a celebration of the chapter’s past but also as an opportunity to look forward to its future.”

In order to prepare for the reunion, the brothers of the fraternity have put time and effort into renovating the house, including redoing the floors and refurbishing the house’s beautiful stained glass windows.

The fraternity, which currently has over thirty active members, is one of the largest and most well-established on Michigan Tech’s campus. They regularly participate in acts of community service, such as events with Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, the Copper Country Humane Society, Winter Carnival and Adopt-A-Highway cleanups. The fraternity also supports St. Jude Children’s Research hospital, and hosts several benefits for them throughout the year.

The organization is highly decorated, and has won awards in the recruitment, community involvement, community service, academic success and alumni relations categories. According to the organization’s website, their mission is to “aid men in their mental, moral and social development for life.” They hold the six key principles of scholarship, character, leadership, teamwork, service and brotherhood.