TKE Smokes Up Their New Members!

Frostburg State University's very own Tau Kappa Epsilon chapter hosted their semesterly Smoker on the 17th of this month. Smoker is the official bid dinner for which caps off a week of recruitment events. It not only offers potential new members an invitation to be a candidate for membership into Tau Kappa Epsilon but it also celebrates the efforts towards a successful recruitment week. Smoker got it's name because at the dinner, the potential new members who accept their bids receive cigars to smoke. Tau Kappa Epsilon chapters at other institutions share this practice. However, some call the event "Cigar Night". This is event dates back to when Tau Kappa Epsilon was rechartered at Frostburg State University in 2003.

Smoker was held at The Draft Sports Bar & Grille. The event was made invite only by the brothers of Tau Kappa Epsilon. The brothers of TKE as well as potential new members were there in badge attire with their dates. Badge attire is formal wear with a pin or badge on. Since this was a bid / induction ceremony the potential new members had not received their candidates badge nor members. The event began as most dining experiences begin. The waiting staff took everyone's order and brought out drinks and entrees. Brothers and potential new members mingled and got to know each other. After dinner had been settled it was time to hand out official bids and cigars. The cigars and bid cards were handed out by Neil Epstein (President) and myself (Vice-President). The six men who were inducted were said to, "Have excellent quality and character." by Neil. The men who received a bid to join Tau Kappa Epsilon are Clyde Burke-Coursey, Samuel Groat, Shaech Magona, Rashaan Rhoden, Thomas Sadler, and Charles Williams. Ryan Adamski is the hegemon of Tau Kappa Epsilon. Clyde Burke-Coursey said this about accepting a bid to became a candidate for membership, "Alot of my friends are Towson and WV Teke's so I checked TKE out here and I really liked everyone so I wanted to become a part of their group.". This means that it is his sole responsibility to educate and bond with these six men throughout their new member education process. He had this to say about Smoker, "This is a pretty cool event and gives me a chance to know the guys I'm going to be with for the next six weeks.".

Smoker also seems like a great business opportunity. The manager of The Draft Sports Bar & Grille Vince, is always willing to accommodate Tau Kappa Epsilon for this event. It is a way to introduce many potential new customers to The Draft. The Draft is also a great location for Tau Kappa Epsilon to have this event because they make seating and pricing arrangements. They also arrange for a podium to be in front of the tables of Neil and myself to give out bid cards and cigars.

After Smoker the new members will begin their six week candidacy process with Ryan Adamski.