High level of alumni engagement catapults
Iowa Beta Alumni Association to elite status
With a surge in membership over the last few months, the Iowa Beta Alumni Association is now one of the largest and most-successful SAE alumni organizations in the country, ranking in the top tier in size with more than 200 brothers.
"The momentum is just getting going," said Director and Chairman Member Services Brian Kingery (IABE '91). "This compares to 16 members in 2012."
“The Iowa Beta Alumni Association has gone from zero to 60 in nothing flat," said Deran Abernathy (TXCH ’04), Associate Executive Director of Alumni and Chapter Services at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity’s national office. "We are so pleased with the progress that the Iowa Beta alumni are making! This chapter will soon return to campus and the tremendous level of support from alumni is the foundation needed for a highly successful chapter. We are very proud of Iowa Beta.”
By any measure, 2013 has been a great year for Iowa Beta.The foundation for long-term success is being laid, the chapter house is financially positive and the chapter has experienced the highest level of alumni engagement in many years.
After a tumultuous turn of events in 2012, the Alumni Association used 2013 as a rebuilding year. And during this time, the chapter rallied together and accomplished many tasks.
Here is a list of some goals achieved:
♦ Created ongoing communications to keep alumni better informed of important Iowa Beta developments.
“During 2013, Iowa Beta alumni have really begun to rally," said Iowa Beta Communications Director Marc Rosenow (IABE '86). "We have seen unparalleled levels of engagement and we are grateful for all of those brothers whose fraternal passions have been rekindled by recent events. We will continue to reach out to our alumni as we plan for the Chapter’s return to campus.Our goal is to always keep everyone proud of Iowa Beta.”
“It was crucial for us to rent the Chapter House until Iowa Beta returns,” said Randy Iskowitz (IABE ’88), president of the house corporation. “The physical structure is in reasonably good shape because of recent improvements made to the premises. But the house was built in 1926, so there are always repairs needed. The main thing is we saved the house for our kids when they return to campus in 2016.”
The Alumni Association needs your help to continue the momentum. If you would like to get more actively involved, please contact Rosenow at: marc.rosenow@iowabetasae.org
Mentor and author Metzler says SAE has been a guiding force
Mike Metzler sits at his desk in Rochester, New York, where he wrote his newly published book.
Iowa Beta’s Mike Metzler (IABE '84) said one of the themes of his new book, Carpe College!, also is a reflection and lesson from his personal life; that no matter what comes your way, you have to keep on, keepin’ on.
Metzler, who teaches on the collegiate level, wanted the book to be completed last spring, but his 17-year-old daughter, Hannah, was diagnosed with brain cancer forcing the Metzler family to make many adjustments. They decided that Mike would take a year off from teaching to be able to take care of Hannah and finish the book.
After a roller-coaster undergraduate experience, a couple of masters degrees and an in his words "an uninspiring" advertising career, Metzler ventured into teaching, where he has found his bliss and earned praise from every corner. Now, having taught nearly two decades of high school and college combined, his book details some of the challenging transitions from high school to college life.
Metzler’s career and personal life began with an SAE foundation. He met his wife, Nancy, when she was a freshman and Mike was a junior in Slater Hall. He was a resident assistant in the building doing rounds and Nancy's roommate invited him in to check out their Christmas decorations. Nancy gave Mike’s heart the holiday spark and their first date was the SAE Re-Installation Day Dinner on Feb. 5, 1983. That was the official event that formally recognized Iowa Beta as a returning active chapter on campus after it had experienced hardships in the 1970s.
Nancy was impressed with the chapter and became a little sister. Because Mike graduated first, their relationship had to endure long distances but by 1988, the two united in Chicago and they got married in September of 1991 at Millar Chapel in Evanston, Ill.
“We had a brief cake and champagne reception at the Levere Memorial Temple next door,” Metzler said. "The SAE brothers serenaded Nancy at the wedding reception, which included a rousing rendition of Violets.
The name, Carpe College!, resulted from Metzler’s habit of writing his students a short letter before each class as a way of getting him and the students in the right mindset. In college, he began to say “carpe college” in the letters as a way of telling them to get the most out of their experience.
“Heading into college, I thought I was a jack of all trades and the master of none,” he said. “I changed majors twice and my father died of a heart attack before my sophomore year. I then became an RA in the dorms and joined SAE my junior year when the chapter was emerging.
“I saw (the SAE experience) as agreat opportunity to get on the ground floor of something special and to pick up some leadership skills and, of course, enjoy the social component. I was able to serve as the Emminent Deputy Archon and played quarterback on the intramural football team. All those experiences... I would not trade for the world. I had so many guys in the house to lean on.”
Metzler said The True Gentleman has guided his life and he posts it on the wall where he teaches because it “is a great model to follow.”
“The words, ‘whose self control is equal to all emergencies’ is very pertinent. My family is going through an emergency right now. I am walking around half the time mad at the world and half the time amazed at how generous, compassionate and kind people can be and that they are supportive. I am hearing from SAEs all over the country, who are reaching out to me to say ‘hey, we’re feeling your pain.’
“I really feel strongly about the bonds we formed during the 1980s when we were rekindling the chapter,” he said. “The True Gentleman, which was our anchor in the 80s, should be the anchor now as we work to get the chapter ready for students in a few years. This is something that historically was good and we want it to be good again.”
Metzler said he got incredible satisfaction recently when three of his former students contacted him and told him that they were so inspired by him, that they wanted to change their career path into becoming a teacher.
In September, the Alumni Association announced a Virtual Big Brother mentor program aimed at helping brothers help other brothers regarding life events, career advice and networking. Metzler read about this program and has volunteered to become a Life Coach because he feels helping a young person discover their full potential is the best way to give something back.
"If my story and my life experiences can help another brother find their way quicker, then count me in."
Hannah’s life-threatening disease has been a journey that has shown his family that you can never stop learning and living.
Last fall, Hannah was the goalie on the field hockey team and she was putting on her helmet and felt dizzy and fell down to one knee. A short while later, she got a little faint. Later, in chemistry class, she fainted.
“We thought that being a teen, she was working too hard and not eating and hydrating properly,” he said. “But eventually it got worse. We had her tested and the doctors found a tumor in her cerebellum the size of a walnut. She’s been through chemotherapy and radiation in the last year. It has been torturous for Hannah.”
While in the hospital, people reached out to her and came to visit.
Metzler's son is in an a capella group, The YellowJackets, and they wanted to come and serenade Hannah. She asked if the singers and they hospital if they could serenade all the patients and all agreed.
“It showed me right off the bat how mature she is; that she was thinking of others and not herself,” Metzler said. “We were so proud of her.”
Having all the attention and people wanting to help her, she saw that others struggling with cancer could use some help as well. In April, Hannah organized an a capella concert and sold out the auditorium. She doubled the money with a silent auction and in total, raised $18,000 that she gave to some charities.
“She has shown us the way to behave,” Metzler said, “And she is going to organize another concert to raise more money. This helps her to be involved in something other than her own suffering. She is genuinely a nice person and it shows when everyone from local and far reaches come out in droves to support her. This concert is a way for kids to become involved and work at the concert and show they care.
So that’s where we’ve been lately, working with Hannah and finishing this book.”
To order the book, you can go to you can go into any major book store. If it is not stocked, you can ask to order it there or order it at CarpeCollege.comor amazon.com. To contact Metzler, email him at mike@carpecollege.com or at metzler@rochester.rr.com.
If you would like to follow Hannah’s journey, you can go to
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahmetzler/access/password and enter the password “goalie.”
Here is a recent video where Fairport High School shows its love for Hannah http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tOz_etNqmY.
Hawk watch Chi-town style!
Iowa Beta SAEs gathered on Dec. 3 at Stocks and Blondes Bar and Grille in Chicago to watch Iowa defeat Notre Dame in basketball, 98-93. Among those who gathered were (front row from left) Ben Colwell, Joey Diaz, Ricky Gutierrez, Don Souhrada and Bill Stelter. Back row from left are Howard Fisher, Marc Rosenow, Derek Schmitt and Justin Lane. Not pictured is John Clayton.
As 2013 comes to a close, we remember who we lost this year
It is the duty of the Iowa Beta Alumni Association to honor those brothers who have entered the Chapter Eternal during the course of the past year. We believe this list to be complete and accurate.
As we recall them, let us remember the words from the ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon:
"May the memory of their good deeds and the examples oftheir noble lives ever abide with us as a lasting heritage throughout all succeeding generations.”
Please let us know if there are any errors or omissions. In order of their passing, the 2013 Chapter Eternal members are:
Dr. Charles Krause (IABE ’59)
April 21, 1937 – February 7, 2013
Dr. Charles (“Chuck”) Joseph Krause, was a recognized leader in the field of otolaryngology, whose contributions to medicine affected the lives of millions of people globally. He entered the Chapter Eternal on February 7, 2013 as he died in Naples, Fla.
Krause, was born in Slater, Iowa, to William Henry Krause and Ruby Irene Hitz. Krause attended the University of Iowa and was initiated into the Iowa Beta chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon on December 3, 1956. He received SAE badge number 96388. He was active in the fraternity and was a brilliant student. After his graduation in 1959, brother Krause attended medical school at the University of Iowa. He received his medical degree in 1962 and joined the Iowa faculty after completing his residency in otolaryngology.
In 1977, he was recruited by the University of Michigan and served as the chair of the UM's Medical School’s Department of Otolaryngology from 1977 until 1992. At Michigan, Dr. Krause transformed the department into a premier position among academic institutions internationally. He later served as chief of clinical affairs, senior associate dean, and senior associate hospital director at Michigan. He remained active on the faculty until 2000, and served in leadership positions in the hospitals and health centers and medical school.
On a national level, Krause served as president of several prestigious organizations such as the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery; the American Society of Head and Neck Surgery; the American Board of Otolaryngology; and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
A medical visionary, gifted surgeon and mentor to others, Dr. Krause dedicated himself to the highest standardsof professionalism, academic research and patient care.
William Otto, Sr. (IABE’64)
December 29, 1942 – February 19, 2013
William R. "Bill" Otto, Sr. a noted pharmacist and owner of Otto Dental Supply Co. in Conway, Arkansas, entered the Chapter Eternal on February 19, 2013.
Otto was born in Iowa City, Iowa, to Max R. and Esther C. Otto. He attended the University of Iowa and was initiated by the Iowa Beta chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon on October 23, 1962. He received SAE active badge number 115265. Bill served the chapter in a variety of roles while in college and was beloved by his fraternity brothers.
A kind man with a great sense of humor, Otto loved his family, friends and his fraternity. When he was not working, Bill could be found at his family farm or duck hunting with his sons.
William A. Krause (IABE ’57)
January 13, 1935 – June 19, 2013
WilliamA. (“Bill”) Krause, a giant among Iowa business leaders and a true legend of SAE, entered into the Chapter Eternal on June 19, 2013.
Krause was born on April 13, 1935, near Hampton, Iowa. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1957. While at Iowa, Krause pledged the Iowa Beta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and was initiated into the fraternity on March 28,1954. He received SAE active badge number 88869. He often credited his days in SAE as formative, helping develop a passion to succeed but always maintaining the highest standards of ethics and integrity. While a student, he served the chapter in many ways but subsequently became one of its most famous alumni and generous supporters.
In 1959, Krause pioneered the convenience store concept by founding Kum & Go in Hampton, Iowa. Today, Kum & Go is the fifth largest privately-owned convenient food store chain in the country with more than 400 locations. The company donates 10 percent of its profits annually to charitable and educational causes.
He was also exceedingly generous personally. Krause regularly supported the University of Iowa, including a recent donation of $5 million to help renovate Kinnick Stadium. In 1998, he established the Krause Fund, which provides Iowa business students the opportunity to learn about managing an equity portfolio. He was a long-time supporter of the Iowa Beta Chapter, donating tens of thousands of dollars over the years.
Brother Bill Krause remained a loyal SAE member throughout his life, supporting Iowa Beta even during challenging times. An amazing entrepreneur and business pioneer, he also will be remembered as a loving husband, wonderful father and devoted grandfather. To those that knew him, Krause was the consummate professional and the epitome of The True Gentleman.
Dale R. Gidel (IABE ’45)
October 20, 1922 – December 2, 2013
Dale Gidel, veteran of World War II, entered the Chapter Eternal on December 2, 2013. He lived in Rockwell City, Iowa.
Born on October 20, 1922 at Lake City, Iowa, Gidel graduated from Rockwell City High School in 1941 and attended the University of Iowa. He was initiated into the Iowa Beta Chapter of SAE on February 15, 1942 and received SAE badge number 55313. He was active in the fraternity and served as Eminent Treasurer.
Shortly after World War II broke out, Gidel enlisted in the U.S. Navy Air Force and received his pilot wings at Texas Naval Base in Corpus Christi. In 1944, he married Harriet Schlachter in Rockwell City.
Following the War, Gidel started in the insurance business in Dallas, while remaining in the Naval Reserve for 15 years. In 1947 he returned to Rockwell City and with his brother, Wayne, opened the Gidel Insurance Agency.
In 1995, Gidel moved to Ankeny, Iowa where he participated in the construction and operation of Briarwood Golf Course. In 1998, the Gidels retired and moved to Banning, Calif. and then to Sun City West, Arizona. In 2004, they moved "back home" to Rockwell City.
Throughout his life, Gidel was involved with many community projects. He was a longtime member of AmVets, St. Francis Catholic Church, and loved his duties as a football and local parade announcer. Together with Cotton Knapp and other volunteers, he was instrumental in the building of the first Rockwell City Swimming Pool. He also served on the Board of Directors responsible for the building of Sunnyview Independent Living.
The Record comes to Washington, Ill. to interview Keeley
Last month, we told you of the tragedy of the tornado that ripped through Washington, Ill. and destroyed the house of Don Keeley (IABE '88).
SAE's national publication, The Record, heard about Keeley and decided to pay him a visit to chronicle the event.
In the next issue of The Record, be looking for Rising from the Ashes: A Heartwarming Story of Triumph after Tragedy written by Brandon E. Weghorst, the publication's Associate Executive Director.
"Weghorst did a good job of conveying my exact thoughts," said Keeley. "I'm planning a new, improved house. I lost all my fishing equipment though. Nothing that a trip to Bass Pro can't fix!"
How is the Alumni Association doing? We want your feedback
The Iowa Beta Alumni Association and the house corporation have been working very hard to keep proud of Iowa Beta and help you connect with the brothers in your fraternity. We would like to hear from you.
What do you think of Association's progress so far? What can it do better? Are you satisfied with the frequency and content of communications?
We are here to serve you. Please send your comments and suggestions to: marc.rosenow@iowabetasae.org.
Thank you, happy holidays and Phi Alpha!
