Beta Theta Pi - University of Kansas

Michael Brown '87 on Beta Development, Estate Planning with Alpha Nu A s the son and brother of Phi Delts, Michael Brown '87 was eager for a different fraternal experience. He remains grateful for Pledge Chairman Jeff Long '85 inviting him to the Alpha Nu house in 1983, leading to life-changing Beta Theta Pi connections. Michael has chosen to honor his lifetime Beta experience by naming Alpha Nu in his estate planning. Fraternal Growth "I had a new family of 17 siblings, and I loved it," Michael said about his pledge class. He was proud to join a brotherhood with such a rich history, and he has fond pledge-year memories of bonding with brothers during simpler times. Michael's pledge experience was highlighted by conversations with upperclassmen like Jeff, Chris Korte '85, Scott Deeter '86, and others about success, integrity, professional achievements, and fraternal honor. He also learned about J. Walker Butin '44, a Beta legend who was instrumental in supporting the house through WWII. "I was involved with the Student Union Activities as travel chairman at the Kansas Union all during college and may have been one of the first Alpha Nu dishwashers to progress from the kitchen to an officer in O-Club in spring 1987." Life Beyond Alpha Nu Michael was a pre-med major like many pledge brothers, though his commitment to becoming a veterinarian led him to K-State for five years after finishing his KU undergraduate studies. He eventually moved to New York City for an internship before returning to K-State for an ophthalmology residency. For the past three decades, Michael has lived in New Jersey, where he was a founding member of the state's first specialty-only veterinary hospital. He is currently training as an ophthalmology resident with ambitions to return to the Midwest in the future. Staying Loyal to Beta In the past few years, Michael has spoken with fellow alumni about a pledge class gift for the house. Due to various challenges, he opted to instead plan for an estate gift to Alpha Nu Chapter. "After helpful counsel from Al Simmons '82, William Hanna '86, Steve Babb '87, and John Katzer '99, I decided to split my gift between the Alpha Nu Educational Foundation, the Usher Mansion Historical Foundation, and the Alpha Nu Beta Theta Pi House Association," he explained. Michael hopes the gift will allow for necessary house improvements while providing financial aid to future Alpha Nu brothers in need. Michael enjoys staying connected with Beta brothers, and he encourages them to follow his lead in giving back to the house in honor of the bonds they made during college. "I deeply appreciate the close family we became and have been all these years. It has been my honor to call these guys my best friends— truly brothers in the bond!" In his personal life, Michael often spends time hiking, biking, and enjoying live music with his 23-year-old son, Peter, a Sigma Nu alumnus at the University of Rochester. You can connect with Michael at michaelhbrowndvm@gmail.com. "We were all new to college, new to each other, and our focus was unity, structure, discipline, and achievement. Those core values struck a chord with me." 3

• Cover