Luke Buchanan: Why College Students Should Join a Fraternity

During his time at Tulane University, Luke Buchanan belonged to the Tau Upsilon chapter of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Sigma Alpha Epsilon is one of the oldest fraternities at Tulane, having been founded in 1897. The national fraternity got its start in Alabama, way back in 1856, and today boasts more than 307,000 initiated members.

Luke Buchanan served as the President of the Tulane chapter’s 2007 Pledge Class. Luke Buchanan found that membership with a fraternity suited him well: it was a fun and fulfilling experience, and he encourages other young men to consider this option as they embark on their college careers.

One of the best reasons to join a fraternity, Luke Buchanan says, is social. It can serve as a smaller, more familiar community within the larger college or university. It is easy for first-year students to become overwhelmed by all the new people and experiences. Joining a fraternity allowed Luke Buchanan to make close connections with a group of young men who shared his values. Luke Buchanan says a fraternity affiliation is also useful for finding a mentor in the academic or professional world who can help you to navigate college and work life.

Luke Buchanan says there is a far more pragmatic reason for young men to join fraternities, and that is its network of alumni. Since graduating in 2011, Luke Buchanan has drawn on the brotherhood of Sigma Alpha Epsilon alumni for friendship and professional support. Luke Buchanan recommends always mentioning your fraternity affiliation in employment situations because of the camaraderie born of shared fraternity membership.

According to Luke Buchanan, joining a fraternity is also a powerful skill building experience, particularly when it comes to things like time management, event planning, and accounting. There is a lot to keep track of when you are among the leadership of an organization like Sigma Alpha Epsilon, explains Luke Buchanan, and the skills born of organizing both the day to day and special events will serve you well in life outside the university.