‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ This age-old question is asked early on in life. At first things like doctor, astronaut, or professional athlete are said. As the years go by and college starts, the expectation is a profession will be picked with a major focus of study. By trial and error, you quickly learn what you do and don’t like. When we become members of the greatest Fraternity in the world, the word ‘Headquarters’ becomes a part of daily vocabulary but what is that? Men and women work at the International Headquarters, also referred to as the Offices of the Grand Chapter (OGC). Fraters who choose to work for Tau Kappa Epsilon become Knights of Apollo. On February 28, we celebrate the 59th anniversary of its founding and the more than 230 men who are proud members of this unique order.
The essence of being a Knight of Apollo is spelled out in Tau Kappa Epsilon’s principles and values but taken to another level. When called upon to serve the Fraternity, the knight performs duties of his position bravely and valiantly. Regardless of his successes, the knight isn’t a bragger because he serves to secure the future vitality of the organization. He doesn’t flaunt power instead employing generosity, humility and honesty. He has a magnificent obsession with taking TKE to every corner of the world and showing men what it means to be a Teke.
Upon the installation of TKE’s 100th chapter at the University of Northern Colorado, three field secretaries (now called Associate Regional Directors) issued the following proclamation:
"Be it hereby known that on this day, in the year of our Lord 1953, and on the occasion of the installation of Delta-Delta Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon; the 100th Charter Grant of our beloved fraternity, that the Order of the Knights of Apollo is hereby founded."
At the time, TKE was still a very young Fraternity and only two of the chapters had remained active during World War II. The newly instituted expansion program was in its infancy and the Fraternity had few alumni. The Field Secretary program, instituted by Dr. Ralph Chester Williams (Alpha-Pi, George Washington Univ.), the Grand Council, et al., was designed to provide the chapters with expertise in the form of regular visitations and to aid in the guidance of the many fledglings. These Knights of Apollo go out and serve the fraternity in various capacities to meet the needs of the chapters. It is one of many decisions that helped make the Fraternity what it is today – the world’s largest Fraternity.
At conferences or other special occasions, wearing a gold or silver sash designates the two levels of the Knights of Apollo. Fraters on staff, in a role at the OGC for one year, become ‘Squires of Apollo’ wearing a silver sash to events. After serving a one year period of observation, these Fraters are given a gold sash becoming a Knight of Apollo.
Each Knight seeks intrinsic as opposed to monetary compensation. While they are afforded a salary, the real reason a Frater joins the TKE staff is he wants to make a difference in the lives of others. It is also a great place to start a career in a variety of capacities from Fraternal Services to Operations to Communications & Marketing. If you think this is your calling, apply to be on the TKE Professional Staff.
We are now accepting applications for employment in the fall. Please send a cover letter and resume with references to Tau Kappa Epsilon c/o John Deckard, 7439 Woodland Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278 or by email with the subject of ‘TKE Employment Opportunity.’ You should be willing to come to Indianapolis for an in-person interview in April, if after review you are a top candidate. Please submit the required documents no later than Friday, March 23, 2012. The tentative start date will be mid-June.
Required Qualifications
- Have a bachelor’s degree (or will have one by June 2012)
- Be in Good Standing with TKE and your chapter (All dues paid for example)
- Demonstrate a track record of success in TKE and extracurricular activities
- Understand this is a full-time job based in Indianapolis, Ind.
If you have questions, please email us.
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