The Niagara University chapter of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity was recognized for raising the most money among Greek life organizations that participated in the 2015 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.
The 25-member Nu-Alpha chapter raised $1,792 for the ninth annual fundraiser for Special Olympics New York, which was held Dec. 5 at Woodlawn Beach State Park in Hamburg, N.Y.
“The Tau Kappa Epsilon chapter at Niagara University is an organization of bright and innovative leaders,” stated Zachary J. Nutter, a senior computer and information sciences major at NU who serves as the Nu-Alpha chapter president. “We, as an organization, are committed to creating better men for a better world. I am confident that the future endeavors of this chapter will lead to the continued success of this commitment.”
Approximately 1,400 people plunged into Lake Erie – the largest number of plungers in the local event’s history – to raise more than $145,000 for Special Olympics, also a record high.
Members of Niagara University’s TKE chapter are highly involved in the community, contributing more than 1,500 hours of service annually, according to Nutter. The organization coordinates yearly fundraising activities for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and recently helped construct a playground at William Kaegebein Elementary School in Grand Island, N.Y.
Founded in 1899, the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity presently has more than 270,000 members in over 250 active chapters and colonies located throughout the United States and Canada.