By LeighAnn Wolle | Echo
There are many things that probably come to mind when hearing the word Broho. Most of those thoughts have to do with the crazy pranks and unique traditions of the floor. While Broho is a fun, rambunctious place, there is more to the Brotherhood than what campus often thinks.
Some of the floor's traditions are a secret, but there are many that are well known. Most of these stem from the Triumvirate. "The Triumvirate is the public face of a private enterprise," junior PA Noah Nemni said. The Triumvirate consists of three roles: the Pope, the Phubs and the Snake.
Right now, the role of the Pope is held by Caleb Mackintosh. The Pope-or McPope, for Macintosh-is a two-year role, and he is responsible for making sure all of the traditions happen. He is also the "atoner to campus," asking for forgiveness for the sins of the Brotherhood. At the beginning of the year, letters were posted around campus with a forewarning and an apology for whatever the floor would do this year.
Current Phu9bs, sophomore Caleb Harlan, is the ninth man to hold this position. "The first Phubs was named because he just looked like a Phubs," Harlan said. "The third 'B' is who really made (the role) what it is today."
For Harlan, the name is spelled either with nine Bs or Phu9bs with the number and capital B. The role of Phubs is to be the maker of mischief, King of Samuel Morris Hall and chief includer. The Phubs has a lot of flexibility in the role, as each Phubs is able to make the role what they want it to be. "It's kind of cool because everyone knows me, so it opens up a door for me to meet other people," Harlan said.
The role of Snake is currently held by freshman Jason Hiegel. The Snake is named as a freshman and is a four-year role. They are celebrated by the floor with frequent chants. "We chose the current one because of his leadership attributes," Harlan said. Hiegel also has a very solid sleep schedule, going to bed at 9:30 p.m. every night, which is very snake-like according to the other two members of the Triumvirate.
These three are not the only ones on Broho with nicknames. The upperclassmen carefully select each freshman's nickname, which are tailored to each resident's personality. "Your nickname on Broho is a badge of honor," Macintosh said. A great way to start a conversation with guys from Broho is to ask what the story behind their name is.
Broho is probably best known for their activities, from pranks to elaborate floor dinners. One of the best known traditions is "Skipping the Loop," where the men on the floor go to each of the women's dorms and sing. This is their way of introducing the freshman to campus and the time they announce the new roles. Another favorite is Wengatz Appreciation Day. This tradition stems from when Samuel Morris was considered the old dorm and Wengatz was new and nice. Dorm conditions have evened out since those days, so Broho dress up in typical early-2000s men's fashion. Another noticeable Broho tradition is "call outs." One guy can call out another if they have "beef," or a lighthearted arguments, with one another. They will go behind the DC and wrestle. "Call outs" usually occur during dinner.
The Brotherhood is much more than fun and games. The men take time every Tuesday night to have BroChurch, at which they hear a message from someone around campus or a testimony from one of the guys on the floor. They also bring in panels to learn more about topics or events such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Sexuality and the Body week.
"Campus doesn't realize how much they reinforce our stereotype," Nemni said. Broho members feel like people want Broho to be crazy and wild. Harlan wishes campus would realize that guys on Broho are people too. The men of Broho make mistakes and want people to understand they need grace. People are quick to judge them because of their reputation.
The foundation of Broho is "love the Brotherhood," based on 1 Peter 2:17, which says, "Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." The goal of Brotherhood is to love others.
This year, the floor's theme is "Home." The floor is meant to be a home base for these men. They should engage in the Taylor community while knowing that the floor is their safe place where they are able to speak and be loved.
