Chapter History
The origins of the Xi chapter of TKE as Washington University began on
April 1, 1919 when George Nobbe and Lyle Allen met about forming a
Fraternity. Henry Hoeffer (president of the Senior Law Class), Edward
Selden (Frosh), and Clemens Nichlaus (a Junior architect) soon joined them.
They agreed on the Fraternity, and named it Phi Omega.
The first Phi Omega officers were:
- Archon: Clemens Nicklaus
- Tamias: Edward Selden
- Symposiarchon: Henry Stoutz
- Hyparchos: Sidney Kollme
- Grapheus: Bryan Williams
On May 19th and 20th, 1919, the Deans of the University held a meeting to
look at their constitution.
Phi Omega petitioned to TKE at at the 12th conclave in Minneapolis on
April 23, 1920. Washburn Shipton of Zeta chapter became the first advisor.
September 17-18 of 1920, TKE was installed under Grand Prytanis Tex Flint.
The first housing we had was 3 rooms in Section D of Tower Hall. The
15th Conclave was held in St. Louis on October 24 to 26, 1923. Speaker
included Major Henry Kiel. The St. Louis Alumni Chapter began with Clemens
Nicklaud as President.
In 1924, Xi was the first to raise $20,000 to put down on a house on the
row. James Logan (Xi 195) was Grand Prytanis. Under him, the National Housing
fund was established.