“Breaking Cultural Barriers”
On
February 11th the brothers of Tau Kappa Epsilon and Alpha Phi Alpha
collaborated to throw one of the most anticipated programs of the
semester “breaking cultural barriers”. The program was put together to
surface stereotypes and racial profiling, as it exists on college
campuses and at home. The audience consisted of a mix of cultures and
races on campus. The program was audience influenced so the
participation of the audience is what made it run smooth. Topics where
stereotypes (racial, cultural, gender), racism, prejudice, and
politics. Two YouTube videos where shown which consisted of a racial
experiment done by CNN and Tim Wise: white like me. The videos stirred
up many different points of views discussed in a debate like fashion
while still having respect for the others person’s point of view.
Refreshments where served after the presentation and many feedbacks
consisted of people wanting a Part 2 to the program. It was a success
and everyone left talking about what they have experienced. A mixer was
thrown in Murphy’s after the program by TKE in celebration of
eventually changing the image and stereotypes of TKE on New Paltz
campus.
Tau
Kappa Epsilon prides itself on Love, Charity and Esteem. As brothers,
we believe that Public Relations is one of several programs a local
chapter should execute. Giving back to the community is a rewarding
experience for every brother. At the start of every semester, our TKE
philanthropy chair schedules events and programs which are aimed at
promoting a positive effect on our New Paltz Community.
Taste of New Paltz:
Taste
of New Paltz is an outdoor food festival enhanced by arts and crafts
exhibits, children's activities and live music. It takes place at the
Ulster County Fairgrounds on Sunday, September 17th from 11am to 5pm.
Every year TKE brothers assist the PBA in the production of this event.
Mostly we are involved in the children's area which includes face
painting, an inflatable bouncy-bounce, an obstacle course and slide,
appearances by costumed character s, temporary tattoos, and a 26 foot
tall coconut tree climb. We also are involved with break down of the
event.
March of Dimes:
Every
day 1 in 8 babies born in the U.S. arrives too soon. Premature birth
can happen to any pregnant woman, and no one knows why. It is a
serious, common and costly problem. The March of Dimes is leading the
campaign to reduce premature birth by supporting research and by
educating the public and health care providers. Every year TKE brothers
from New Paltz help to raise awareness of this serious condition with
donations and attending walks.
Last
semester the March of Dimes was held on February 11, 12, and 13, 2006
at the Hudson Valley Dome. Teams of varying ages competed at this
soccer tournament. All proceeds went to the March of Dimes. TKE
brothers helped in posting of team scores and well as the selling of
merchandise which benefited the March of Dimes.
Clean Sweep:
The
Regional Chamber of Commerce in New Paltz organizes this annual event
to kick off spring and give our community a fresh start. Business
owners, residents, local politicians, community organizations, schools
and fraternities all join in early in the morning, share breakfast and,
armed with rubber gloves, bags and special tee-shirts, go out into the
streets and parks and sweep the town clean. Every year, TKE brothers
lend a rubber hand in keeping New Paltz clean.
