Beta Theta Pi - University of Kansas

7 T hrough his family background, Luke Karel '26 knew fraternities and sororities could form unwavering bonds. His parents proved that with their own college memories being made in Lawrence, where Luke pledged Beta in honor of his great-grandfather (a Beta at UPenn). Even so, Luke was blown away by his new brothers' support when he got sick. In November 2022, Luke suffered a relapse of acute myeloid leukemia, a form of cancer he overcame as a child. He moved back home to Colorado for treatment, but neither his new pledge brothers nor the rest of Alpha Nu forgot about him. "I was constantly receiving texts and letters in the mail showing support," Luke said. "People I had known for just three-and-a-half months made it their mission to support me no matter what." The care packages Luke received gave him a slice of Lawrence in his hospital room, helping provide the mental motivation that would benefit his treatment. Going the Extra Mile Since Luke couldn't be in Lawrence for spring initiation, Alpha Nu decided to bring it to him. Every brother who could boarded an overnight bus to surprise him with a ceremony in Denver. Luke, who knew nothing until the day of, was speechless. "I was overwhelmed with love and connection from these men; I could never express my gratitude in words." Even some local Denver alumni joined the event (along with Alpha Nu advisors who flew in) to support Luke and his family, proving the unfaltering brotherhood of Beta Theta Pi. "I knew that every single person in Alpha Nu was in my corner for the fight that laid ahead. They had an impact on my life that I'm not sure they will ever understand." Making a Difference When Luke left in November, the Alpha Nu executive board worked to help him finish the semester at his pace. He was especially moved by Alpha Nu's Be The Match philanthropy event, which also supported the Family Resource Center of Children's Hospital Colorado, where Luke was treated. As the school year continued, Luke's pledge brothers were his first point of contact and the first to text him on important treatment days. As Luke returns to the chapter house this fall, he's excited to regain his independence and join his Alpha Nu brothers in making a difference. After college, he hopes to work in pharmaceuticals and/or healthcare, impacting others as they fight battles like his own. Luke Karel '26 (front and center, orange shirt) with his pledge class. Unwavering Brotherhood W H AT A L P H A N U D I D F O R L U K E K A R E L ' 2 6 "I can't emphasize how great a group of men this is and how lucky we are to have crossed paths," he said. "I am proud to be a part of the Alpha Nu Betas and am extremely excited to see what we can accomplish for the world." Welcome home, Luke! If you'd like to connect with Luke, you can reach him at lukebenjamin56@gmail.com.

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