By KATELYN STEADMAN
Student Reporter
Sophomore Criminal Justice major Garth Tubbs, along with several other students on campus, are working to bring a fraternity organization to Northwestern.
“I want to create a bond between men that can never be broken, something larger than life itself: brotherhood,” said Tubbs.
The first and most important step in bringing a fraternity to Northwestern will be finding 20 dedicated men who are willing to be a part of the expansion process from start to finish. These men will help to establish the fraternity and will be known as the founding fathers. The fraternity’s national organization recommends the founding fathers’ GPAs be between 3.0 and 4.0.
Tau Kappa Epsilon is the organization chosen to form a fraternity on campus. After speaking to TKE headquarters, Tubbs said the expansion leader thinks Northwestern would be a great place to start a fraternity because we do not currently have any active fraternities. Once the founding father positions are filled, TKE expansion leaders will then visit the Northwestern campus, observing student life and evaluating the 20 men who have been chosen to initiate the fraternity. The expansion leaders will bring fraternity specialists with them to stay in Alva for a few days to teach the founding fathers everything they will need to know about the fraternity.
“Hazing is 100-percent not allowed in any shape or form and we, as a fraternity, will not tolerate it,” said Tubbs.
Recruitment will begin after the fraternity has been approved and all the requirements have been filled. There will be approximately 35-40 new member positions available the semester following approval. If approved, Tubbs expects the fraternity to have a huge involvement around campus, whether it is community service or hosting social events. Tubbs’ ultimate goal is to make sure that TKE is one of the most well-known organizations on campus.
TKE was founded on Jan. 10, 1899, at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Ill. It is one of the largest fraternities worldwide, with nearly 270 active chapters located throughout the U.S. and Canada.
“I believe in all of TKE’s beliefs and what they stand for. I feel as if we, the community of Alva, meet the expectations of what TKE stands for,” said Tubbs.
TKE’s purpose is to contribute to the advancement of society through the personal growth of its members and service to others. Its mission is to aid men in their mental, moral and social development for life, and its vision is to create lifelong relationships that enhance educational, interpersonal, community and professional success.
For more information on the new fraternity, contact Tubbs at 304-270-8117.