Epsilon Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity at Iowa State University
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1431824
Securing Epsilon's Legacy 2 T au Kappa Epsilon's capital campaign made it a mission to prioritize scholarship programming. The endowment of scholarship funds reinforces to students that their efforts and accomplishments don't go unnoticed. The Benny Scholarship awards members of TKE for their exemplary academics, character, and loyalty. Zachary T. Reese '18 E-2348 is one of the three Tekes to receive the Benny Scholarship in 2021. He always considered the inevitability of student loans, so he wanted to do everything in his power to lighten the impact. Fortunately, TKE's scholarship program gave him that opportunity to pursue his aspirations while not having to worry if those goals were unaffordable. "I'm from Grayslake, Illinois, but I knew I wanted to go to Iowa State. I told myself I would take every opportunity to set myself up for financial success," he shared. In his freshman year, Zack heard about the award at the annual scholarship banquet. "Roger C. Underwood '76 E-1239 shared the rich backstory of the Benny Scholarship; it inspired me to do something to make an impact that would outlive me," Zack said. Every spring semester, TKE's Hypophetes sends a list of scholarships to apply for. Remembering how much the Benny Scholarship stuck out to him three years prior, Zack knew which award he would apply for. Stairway to Success Benny Scholarship Recipient Zachary T. Reese '18 E-2348 Achieves His Goals Zack takes great pride in being one of TKE's philanthropy chairmen: "The position has provided me with skills that will be invaluable for my career, including time management, budgeting, communication, and management," he shared. Reflecting on his time with his Fraters, Zack said, "Aside from philanthropy or fraternal events, I really value the time with my fellow Tekes. Jordan Yaukovitz '16 E-2282, John Zegler '19 E-2374, Daniel Nelson '18 E-2334, and I decided to go out to the local Mexican restaurant, Abelardo's, one random Tuesday; we had so much fun talking about life and eating cheap tacos together we ended up making it a tradition," he explained. After considering his experiences with the Epsilon Chapter so far, Zack wrote a detailed excerpt on why he should be awarded the scholarship. As the scholarship committee reviews applications, they look for individuals with valuable character attributes and leadership abilities on and off campus; undoubtedly, Zack was awarded the scholarship for epitomizing the core values of TKEālove, charity, and esteem. So far, he is most proud of the $3,800 they raised for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at their Screams for St. Jude event. Although wrapping up his undergraduate experience is bittersweet, he is happy to have made an impact on his community, his Fraters, and his personal development. You can connect with Zack at zreese@iastate.edu. Pictured right: Members of the 1960 pledge class present a piece of the goal post from Clyde Williams Stadium. This photo was taken on November 5, 1960, following Iowa State's first victory over Oklahoma in 29 years. It would take another 60 years until the Sooners were defeated in Ames on October 3, 2020. From left: Steve Dunlap '60 E-689, John Lamb '60 E-718, Chuck Carl '60 E-690, and friends. Congratulations to our three Benny Scholarship recipients! Jack Riley '18 E-2342 Zachary Reese '18 E-2348 Jack Kruse '19 E-2377 The Benny Scholarship will soon be open for applications! If you know a Teke interested in our scholarship program, visit https://iastate.academicworks.com/opportunities.