Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Oklahoma

The Epilog page 2 A s the associate vice president for alumni and development at The University of Oklahoma, JP Audas '87 knows the important role alumni play in preserving and inspiring their chapter. Drawn by ideas of brotherhood and ample leadership opportunities, JP grew as a person through the virtue, diligence, and brotherly love he found at Oklahoma Beta. The values instilled in him through Sigma Phi Epsilon have remained a part of his alumni life. In his undergraduate years, JP attained the leadership positions of recruitment chairman, chapter secretary, and big bro/little bro chairman, and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration. He would later go on to receive his master's degree in human relations. JP's fraternity positions created a strong foundation for his future career in higher education and taught him the skills he needed to communicate effectively and persuasively. Through his University position, JP has had the opportunity to transfer the skills Oklahoma Beta gave him as an undergraduate to the students at The University of Oklahoma. He explains, "The most rewarding aspect of my career has been the opportunity to be around bright, young, motivated people on a daily basis. Working on a college campus puts me in the middle of a place full of hope, ambition, and enthusiasm. The energy is inspiring and contagious." The energy of students has greatly influenced JP and he hopes that more scholarship dollars can be raised for the University to provide more undergraduate students the opportunity to realize their full potential. Remaining at his alma mater has provided JP the unique ability to see Oklahoma Beta grow and prosper on a daily basis. JP is an extremely proud alumnus, especially since Oklahoma Beta recently received the coveted President's Trophy, which recognizes the fraternity that exemplified the highest ideals, leadership, and success throughout the school year. "They are respected on campus among men and women. They continue to move in a positive direction regarding diversity and inclusiveness. Their values are centered on the right things," JP explains. He wants to share with all Oklahoma Beta alumni that the chapter is doing great things and carrying on the tradition of excellence. JP and his wife, Ally, have three daughters. "They are the center of my universe!" JP said. When he is not spending time with family or working, JP likes to exercise, travel, landscape, and serve others. E-mail: jaudas@ou.edu N o one in the Beckham family had gone Greek, but Mike Beckham '03 felt a desire to go through recruitment. By the time he was a senior, his younger brother, Matt Beckham '05, was headed to complete the same path. Mike's favorite memory from SigEp involved hard work paying off. His freshman year, he and his big brother in the fraternity, James Kopelman '01, worked diligently on the President's Trophy application for days. Oklahoma Beta finished outside the top three that year. The next year, SigEp made a push to be the best fraternity on campus, and claimed the President's Trophy. Matt's favorite memory is a fun one—as freshmen, he and other members played a prank on the in-house members by releasing 15 live ducks in the house with air horns at 6 a.m. on the first day of Thanksgiving break. "The results were spectacular," Matt said. While their favorite memories may differ, both Beckham brothers feel their experiences at Oklahoma Beta were very similar. Being a member of the fraternity not only strengthened them as individuals, but as brothers. "It has definitely added a layer to our relationship. Just like most brothers, there was plenty of sibling rivalry growing up. Our friendship has really developed a lot since Mike started college. Being in SigEp together played a very important role in the growth of our friendship," Matt said. A f t e r g r a d u a t i o n , Matt worked in web d e v e l o p m e n t a n d Internet marketing. Mike worked for a ministry organization at OU. But in 2009, the two brothers founded QuiBids, an entertainment retail auction site. The two agree that without SigEp, a lot of their success in the business world would not have been possible. Most importantly, it helped them learn how to work with others to accomplish a goal. Mike encourages young alumni to learn about their passions and work in a variety of environments. "College and fraternity life can be a good way to learn about working with others and becoming good at the process of learning. Your early career is a great opportunity to try on a lot of different roles and learn more about yourself. When you take this approach, it makes each successful career decision easier. Having tangible skills and knowing yourself leads to being more successful and happy in your career," Mike said. Matt is now the chief executive officer of QuiBids. He and his wife, Ann, have been married for one year. Mike is the chief operating officer of QuiBids. He and his wife, Heather, have two children, Carter (3) and Kenzie (9 months). Committed to His Campus OklahOma Beta StrengthenS the BOndS Of BrOtherhOOd Mike Beckham '03 and Matt Beckham '05 Recount Undergraduate Memories and Their Journey to Success

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