Elijah Dixon's final journalism project

Tau Kappa Epsilon builds community for students at Cal State Long Beach

LONG BEACH, Calif. On a commuter-heavy campus like California State University, Long Beach, where many students leave shortly after class, organizations such as Tau Kappa Epsilon are working to create a sense of connection.

Tau Kappa Epsilon, commonly known as TKE, is a national fraternity founded in 1899 at Illinois Wesleyan University. At CSULB, the chapter has about 25 active members and, according to members, offers one of the lowest joining costs among fraternities on campus at approximately $550. Members say the organization focuses on mentorship, academics and service, in addition to social life.

For new member Mathew Suarez, the decision to join came down to the people.

“What made me join was how cool and laid back the guys were,” Suarez said. “It basically felt like having another family.”

Suarez said the relationships he has built through the fraternity have been one of the most valuable parts of his experience.

“I’ve made friendships that will definitely last a lifetime,” he said. “I’m not 100% sure if it’ll benefit me career-wise, but definitely for my overall well-being.”

New members in TKE are paired with mentors, often referred to as “big brothers,” who help guide them through college life. Members say the structure helps students adjust to academic and personal challenges while building long-term connections.

That sense of belonging is echoed by other members. Daniel Luna said the bond within the fraternity played a key role in his experience.

“The brotherhood and bond they made me feel welcomed,” Luna said.

Service is also a central focus. The chapter participates in philanthropy events, including fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“I mean, it always feels good to donate or raise money for a good cause,” Suarez said.

Alumni say the organization’s impact often extends beyond the college experience. Adrian Vasquez, a TKE alumnus, said he joined during the COVID-19 pandemic after being introduced by a friend.

“It was mid-COVID, and I wanted to get myself out there,” Vasquez said. “A friend from high school invited me to a Zoom event, and I met a bunch of chill guys. The rest was history.”

Vasquez said he explored other fraternities but ultimately felt TKE stood out.

“Some felt forceful or desperate,” he said. “Others were chill, but TKE just had the best balance.”

While Vasquez initially joined through a friend who later left the organization, he said the connections he made encouraged him to stay.

“Through him, I met a lot of cool personalities and people I wanted to stick around for,” he said. “It kind of became a sense of family.”

Vasquez said he stepped away for a period during college but eventually returned and remained involved through graduation.

“I didn’t think I’d come back, but I got pulled back in,” he said. “I stayed through graduation, and to this day, I’m still around.”

For some members, the decision to join was intentional from the start. Henry Nguyen said he entered college planning to join a fraternity to build connections and a social life.

“I wanted a group of friends I could hang out with outside of class,” Nguyen said. “TKE stood out because the guys were genuine. They created a fun, social environment that still felt respectful and balanced.”

Nguyen said that balance influenced his decision to stay.

“After joining, I found a strong sense of brotherhood and meaningful connections,” he said. “Those connections turned into close friendships, and I felt supported both socially and academically.”

Nguyen said the long-term benefit of TKE goes beyond college.

“The biggest benefit is being part of a family,” he said. “It’s a group of people who support you, push you to grow and are there for you in both good and difficult times.”

Fraternities continue to face criticism related to cost, exclusivity and stereotypes. Members of TKE acknowledged those concerns but said their goal is to challenge those perceptions through involvement and transparency. They pointed to their lower cost compared to other fraternities on campus as one way they aim to remain accessible to a wider range of students.

On a campus where students often balance school, work and commuting, members say organizations like TKE provide a reason to stay connected.

“College can feel isolating,” Vasquez said. “This gives people a place where they feel like they belong.”

For many members, the experience is defined by that sense of belonging, both during and after college.

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Video of Tau Kappa Epsilon 

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