Alpha Tau Omega - Iowa State University

PAGE 2 TAU TALK A s Gary Flander '78 wrote in our spring newsletter: "While brotherhood speaks to our organization as a whole, brothership means being a good and supportive brother individually." This was Gary's introduction to Gamma Upsilon's new Brothership Award Scholarship, funded by Kyle Steiner '11. The award recognizes a Worthy Chaplain with high emotional intelligence who prioritizes mental health and offers support when a brother is in need. "Mental health has always been important to me, but it can feel like a taboo subject," Kyle said. "I've always disagreed with that notion, and I know it's hard for men to talk about it. Some are afraid of how people will perceive them and that it may make them look weak. I think talking about mental health and helping others is a sign of great strength." Kyle believes Alpha Tau Omega gave him the strength to navigate the struggles of college life and find the person he wanted to be. "ATΩ was always a solid home base, and my brothers cared about my well-being. I wanted to reciprocate that to all the new members." As much as Kyle enjoyed football games, tailgates, and other gatherings, his favorite undergraduate memories come from the challenges he surpassed with his brothers—especially his pledge class, who remain close friends to this day. "I think we have that relationship because we went through a lot together; those times really forged lifelong friendships." Gamma Upsilon helped Kyle find his passion for helping people, so it made sense to pay it back through the Brothership Award Scholarship. "Mental health is important not only to the chapter and me, but also to everyone! I believe everyone needs to listen intently, be kind, and have some grace and empathy," he said. "These qualities make for great leaders and good brothers." Kyle and his wife live in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago with their two dogs. Kyle owns a local, independent record label called Oakley Avenue Records, and in his free time enjoys playing drums and guitar, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with friends—including his pledge brothers. "The best part about seeing them is that we always feel like we saw each other the day before, like no time has passed," he said. "That's when you know you have a friend for life." You can connect with Kyle at ksteiner92@gmail.com. Listed below are the alumni brothers and friends who have donated to Gamma Upsilon since the last Tau Talk. Thank you again for your continued support of our brotherhood! Connor Ahrendt Schaumburg, Ill. Jace Bauknecht Pontiac, Ill. Kory Behm Willmar, Minn. Chase Boelling Cumming, Iowa Foster Caspers Davenport, Iowa Nick Crankshaw Parrish, Fla. Ryan Danich Eagan, Minn. Daniel Dorsey Glen Ellyn, Ill. Connor Duval Woodbury, Minn. Michael Ellingson Rochester, Minn. Keyan Gisleson North Liberty, Iowa Trent Hambleton Panora, Iowa William Hurtado Omaha, Neb. Jonathan Iverson Grimes, Iowa Keaton Jackson Grimes, Iowa Grant Kohanek Roseville, Minn. Alex Lachenmayer Eagan, Minn. Charles Luick Prior lake, Minn. Carson Mackey Ankeny, Iowa Kai Maeker Roseville, Minn. William Mason Eagan, Minn. Luke Mertes Utica, Ill. Anish Nag Overland Park, Kan. Joshua Painter St. Paul, Minn. Wyatt Peterson Champlin, Minn. Carson Renken Waukee, Iowa Colin Russell Northbrook, Ill. Zack Schmidt Prior lake, Minn. Michael Skemp Lacrosse, Wis. Sam Streetar Chaska, Minn. Alex Taylor Batavia, Ill. Dominic Wachal Arlington Heights, Ill. Trevor Warn Stilwell, Kan. Brodey Welter Champlin, Minn. Lane Wilgenbusch Martensdale, Iowa Kevin Wormer Inver Grove Heights, Minn. WELCOME, NEW BROTHERS! Thank You, Brothers! BREAKING THE MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA Kyle Steiner '11 Shares Inspiration for New Scholarship "Some are afraid of how people will perceive them and that it may make them look weak. I think talking about mental health and helping others is a sign of great strength." KYLE'S ADVICE FOR BROTHERS "The best advice I have ever received is to understand someone else is probably having a worse day than you. Reach out, offer help, and be a friend to someone in need." Thomas Healy '46 Larry Thorpe '50 Dan Molyneaux Estate '52 Dr. Dwight Coulter '54 Larrie Hindman '55 Michael Sorden '65 Bill Burke '74 Brian Mormon '74 Paul Anderson '75 Paul Kerr '78

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