The History of Tau Epsilon Phi

This monumental book is a compilation of events, dates, photos, and the names of the men who made it all possible while capturing the history of Tau Epsilon Phi for posterity. This beautiful publication containing over 400+ pages of memories from our fraternities eminent historian is now available for your enjoyment!

Writing the history of Tau Epsilon Phi is not an easy task; in fact, given the circumstances, almost impossible. In truth, it could only be written by one person our legendary and beloved Executive Secretary, Sidney S. Suntag Sid has been the linchpin of the Fraternity, working in our National Offices for over 50 years. It is hard to imagine Tau Epsilon Phi without him. We both have had the good fortune and opportunity to have worked in the National Offices with Sid, and have been privy to his remarkable and impressive efforts. For those not privileged to know him, he is a store house of information, anecdotes, trivia, and tales about the many chapters and TEP men who have graced our roll. His recall is incredible, and it is through his recollections, many of them the result of first hand interviews with the principals and founders of every chapter, that we are able to present this fascinating account of our Fraternity's sojourn through seven and a half decades on North America's college university campuses. Because of our personal knowledge gained by living, and working with it, we are honored to have had a part in sponsoring its publication. To Sid, who has spent over five years in writing it, our sincere appreciation. To those wonderful men and active chapters who contributed as sponsors that made the publication of this history possible, our heartfelt gratitude. The dictionary defines a history as a systematic written account that records and explains past events. The "History" of Tau Epsilon Phi does just that. We hope you will enjoy it as much as all of us have enjoyed bringing it to you! 

Born in New York City, and educated in the public schools, Sidney Suntag entered Fordham University in 1931, where he was initiated into Tau Epsilon Phi. He served in every major office in the chapter, including Chancellor (President). A small chapter, Epsilon held its meetings at the Alpha house, which coincidentally housed the national offices. It was at that time that the author met many of the founders and early pioneers of the Fraternity. Upon graduating from Fordham, he entered New York University Law School, and during his first year, was elected Assistant Tribune of the Grand Council. When the Executive Secretary suddenly resigned, he was appointed Acting Executive Secretary. During the next two years, he continued and completed his studies, and was awarded his J.D., while at the same time conducting the affairs of the Fraternity. In 1937, when Irving Klepper (Tau Alpha) was appointed as full-time Executive Secretary, Sid was elected as the Fraternity'sTribune (Secretary), the youngest man ever elected to a major office. He went on to practice law until he was drafted by the U.S. Army shortly before Pearl Harbor. Drafted as a Private, he attended Officer's Candidate School at Ft. Benning, later rising to the rank of Major. As a company commander, he took part in the invasion of Europe on D-Day, and was seriously wounded in action. Among his medals were the Bronze Star for valor, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantrymen's Badge, and two battle stars. Returning home, he was seriously considering remaining in the military when then Consul A. Harold Frost induced Sid to resign his commission and serve as Executive Secretary, a post he held until his "retirement" in 1979. Since that time, he has served as Executive Director Emeritus and Consultant, and largely through his efforts, Tau Epsilon Phi has maintained an active up-to-date file and relationship with its almost 43,000 alumni. Among his literary achievements and accomplishments are the authoring of every major manual and guideline the Fraternity has used. He served as Editor of the Fraternity's magazine, the Plume, for almost a third of a century, and is credited with the now universal fraternity phrase, "Pledges are the lifeblood of the fraternity." Married since 1948 to his beloved English war bride, "Flip," they were the proud parents of daughter Avril, who has provided them with the light of their life, granddaughter Shana. He comfortably lived in Atlanta, honored with awards and citations too numerous to mention, he was a major source of inspiration and guidance to the working staff at the National Headquarters, as well as counsel to the Fraternity's Executive Officers.

Sidney S. Suntag (1914-1990)