Tau Kappa Epsilon - Iowa State University

2 Michael Beals '07 E-2051 on His Lifelong Commitment to TKE Mike with his wife, Erica, and son, Brooks, joined by Cy. Mike (left, in suit) with Epsilon undergraduates at the Chicago Regional Leadership Conference. W hile Tau Kappa Epsilon membership carries a certain level of honor, some Tekes go the extra mile to support the fraternity. Michael Beals '07 E-2051 recognized the allegiance of fellow members of Tau Kappa Epsilon, including his father, Larry Beals '76 E-1230, and he was honored to continue a legacy by joining Epsilon Chapter himself. PROUD TO SERVE "I was motivated to join TKE with the intention of bringing Epsilon Chapter back to a level of excellence my dad and other alumni could be proud of," Mike said, recognizing the tough times Epsilon Chapter faced in the early 2000s. Joining a small group alongside high school friends Brad Adams '07 E-2050 and Alex Neumann '07 E-2052, Mike shared a goal of returning Epsilon Chapter to a prominent position on campus. Their commitment and work ethic put Epsilon Chapter on track to earn a Top TKE award each year following their graduation. Mike held numerous roles as an undergraduate. He served as recruitment chairman, Grammateus, Hegemon, Epiprytanis, and Prytanis. He also represented all undergraduate Tekes as the collegiate representative on the TKE Grand Council. These experiences would serve him well in preparing for a professional career and TKE involvement long after college. CONNECTIONS BEYOND COLLEGE Mike's TKE experience reinforced his professional growth and leadership development, and it even began to open doors for him. Former Chapter Advisor Brad Williams '78 E-1287 spoke with TKE alumnus James Bucher '96 E-1806 about accounting prospects, which led to Mike's first internship. Staying involved with TKE, Mike has held numerous positions within the TKE Grand Council and recently finished his term as Grand Crysophylos. He also served as Great Plains Province advisor from 2013-17 and was on the Epsilon Board of Advisors from 2013-17 as chairman and later treasurer. TKE prioritizes mentorship, and Mike mentioned Past Grand Prytanis Dr. James Hickey, Zeta Alpha Chapter as a significant mentor in his TKE journey. "He has consistently shown care, dedication, and genuine interest in my development as a TKE member and as an individual. He has been a source of inspiration and motivation, pushing me to strive for excellence and to make a positive impact in TKE and in life." CAMPAIGN ACTIVITY Mike was honored to serve as a co-campaign chairman alongside Roger Underwood '76 E-1239 for the Securing Epsilon's Legacy campaign. Roger was another fantastic mentor for Mike, displaying an impressive level of passion and knowledge for Epsilon Chapter and its many alumni. "I am grateful for the experience and mentorship he provided. It further instilled in me the importance of relationships in life and as the heart of any fundraising." Through all his service roles for TKE, Mike has enjoyed the opportunities to learn from undergraduates as he pays it forward for future Tekes. He urges fellow alumni to take any chances they find to contribute to TKE and provide a positive atmosphere for the next generations of Fraters. Mike and his wife, Erica, enjoy creating lasting memories with their son, Brooks (3) and daughter, Kaylee (1). The Beals family can often be found spending time together with family and friends, taking trips to the zoo, cheering on "Cy-Cy," and spending hot summer days by the pool. You can connect with Mike at beals.michael@gmail.com. You can also check out an episode of The TKE Nation Podcast featuring Mike at tinyurl.com/TKENationPodcastMichaelBeals. "I have stayed involved with TKE to fulfill the commitment for being the Fraternity for Life, to invest in developing others, and to give back to something that gave, and continues to give, so much to me. There is a reason we call TKE the magnificent obsession." F R A T E R N A L P A S S I O N Mike became the sixth Epsilon TKE since 1909 to be elected to the Grand Council. He follows Elmer Kaser 1915 E-1, Oscar Davidson 1915 E-5, Donald Theophilus 1916 E-46, Don Kaser '34 E-210, and Walter Miller '43 E-344.

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