Beta Theta Pi - University of Kansas

3 "I didn't want to lose the bond. I didn't want to miss out on the brotherhood." Alpha Nu was one of the primary things on the mind of Tom Babb '19 as he sat in the hospital shortly aer becoming paralyzed in the winter of 2015. Tom's father and grandfather were Betas at the University of Illinois, and Tom had his eyes set on Beta eta Pi wherever he chose to go to college. While touring KU, Tom met the O'Grady family and was introduced to their two sons in Alpha Nu. He toured the house soon aer and knew it was the place for him. "Alpha Nu changed my life in the best possible way," Tom said. "Coming out of high school, I was immature and looking for an excuse to not focus on school and to socialize and party instead. Within the first couple of months of pledgeship, my priorities shied to my education and future well-being." Everything changed aer Tom's accident—but not the impact of the brotherhood. He wanted to return to KU but didn't know how it would be possible; however, he didn't need to worry, because the brothers of Alpha Nu were there for him. e chapter's alumni, especially the Ward family, stepped in and funded a house renovation, making it accessible to Tom. As a quadriplegic, Usher Mansion could not have been a better place for Tom; there were brothers in every room willing to help him out. "It was a special experience for me because I was able to build deep connections with a variety of the guys in the house—something I don't think would have happened if I didn't get paralyzed," Tom said. "e group effort to help support me was magical, and I believe something that only the Alpha Nu Chapter could take on successfully." anks to the encouragement of his brothers and the drive to outperform his peers, Tom landed a job at Mobility Designed, a seven- person medical device startup in Kansas City. He leads direct-to-consumer initiatives and is happy to work alongside John Arnspiger '21. "My time at Usher Mansion helped me develop many of the so skills that assist me in navigating the world of business and relationships," Tom said. "It also helped me learn the importance of continuous learning and curiosity." In November, Tom was accepted into the Venture for America Fellowship, a competitive two-year program that provides extensive training to prepare for the unique challenges of working at a high-growth startup. He has sharpened his hard and so skills through extensive online modules and looks forward to attending an in-person training camp this summer before taking a position at a fast- growing startup. Tom is proud of his many accomplishments, including leading DTC efforts at Mobility Designed as they navigate the ever-changing post-pandemic world of international and domestic business. Additionally, he helped start and grow an organization that counsels people living with spinal cord injuries. He is also excited to have his hands in many different growing projects. Looking ahead, Tom hopes to build and lead his own company that has an impact on millions of lives. In his journey, he hopes to continue to cultivate persistence and adaptability. Tom's family, which extends beyond his parents and siblings, is most important to him. In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time with them, watching KU basketball, playing online chess, and mouth painting, which he hopes to build a brand around. Tom is grateful for the role that Al Simmons '82 has played in his journey, and he appreciates the many opportunities Al has given him. Tom is also proud of his father for taking on the executive director role at Alpha Nu; "anks, Dad, for stepping up and for enabling the leadership of Alpha Nu on campus," he said. You can learn more about Tom's story by reaching out to him at tbabb02@gmail.com. Tom with Alpha Nu brothers Tom O'Hara '19 (le) and Austin Wolfe '19 in the living room in Usher Mansion during graduation. Tom was not artistic before his accident and would never have considered mouth painting if Tanner Magid '20 had not encouraged him. Here is Tom's favorite painting he's created of a Jayhawk. Tom Babb '19 and his brother, Adam '21, on the patio of e Wheel during Homecoming 2021. Alpha Nu Changed My Life in the Best Way Tom Babb '19 Shares His Beta Theta Pi Story and Beyond "I was able to return to college just eight months aer being paralyzed from the shoulders down. e men of the house inspired me to find a way to graduate on time." Advice from Tom: "I'm a big believer that everyone you meet will teach you something you don't know. It's important to push yourself out of your comfort zone and get to know your fellow students and professors. Some of the most important people in my life today came from a random conversation started on the Hill."

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