Beta Theta Pi

Tau Sigma Alumni Association at Iowa State University

Alumni Spotlight: Larry Prohaska

September 16, 2013 | Written by Larry Prohaska, '89

I spent my time in Tau Sigma as Vice President, IFC Representative, Homecoming Chair, Veishea (helping innovate Veishea floats, along with Jim Wetterling, with electrical controls).

My favorite memory from being an active member was winning Yell-Like-Hell with my pledge brothers.  It set us up for one of the tightest pledge classes and is still tight to this day.  Beyond that, the pumpkin hunt stands out as an awesome time.

I graduated from ISU in 1989 with a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering, and I worked three years for GE as a field application engineer (factory automation control) which landed me in six states in three years. I then worked three years for Rockwell Automation as an application engineer.

I married Michelle Moine in 1993. That is TS Brother Mark Moine’s sister. Funny how he never introduced us while we were in school. Our daughter Holly was born in 1995.

We moved to Edwardsville, IL in 1996 to start ICR Engineering consulting business. I did automation controls consulting with a steel mill for five years. Our daughter Brooke was born in 1998.

We then moved to Cedar Falls, IA in 2001 to start Cetek, Inc. consulting business with three colleagues. Business has expanded to 18 employees split between consulting and the design and manufacturing of aftermarket passenger elevator controllers.

In 2002, i joined the Tau Sigma Housing Corporation, taking on on the president position in 2003 and having ridden that train to this day. As part of this journey, I was very honored having been inducted into the Tau Sigma Hall of Fame this past fall. As most know, we had some rough times over the past 10 years, but with the help of many other dedicated TS alums and undergrads we are bringing Beta back to life at ISU.

I also joined the National Exchange Club of Waterloo in 2002. This club’s four pillars are Prevention of Child Abuse, Youth Programs, Americanism and Community Service. I’m also the chair of many committees over the years including the logistics lead for hosting a Healing Field with 1,300 posted flags in 2007.  In 2008, was awarded the local club’s Exchangite of the Year.

I joined St. John Lutheran Church in 2003. Much volunteer work with youth programming including small group leader for the three-year confirmation program. I was a member of church council on a three-year term along with being on the Executive Board and chairing annual stewardship appeals.

I served as Lego Robotics Coach in 2008 and 2009 for a local team – Lego is part of the international robotics group FIRST. I assisted with tournaments as referee.

In 2011 and 2012, I was a University of Northern Iowa Adjunct Professor.

In my free time, I’m an avid boater and slalom skier, snow skier, runner, and enjoy spending time with family.

The best thing about being a Beta – Brotherhood has always been my Number 1 reason. I fell in love with the house and the brotherhood early on during my stay at the Beta house. I have a passion to see young people have opportunities to excel. I often quote the Bridge Builders Poem when asked why I continue to serve. In the poem, the old man is asked why he is building the bridge across the chasm that he already crossed, and in a complete showing of serving others says, “I am not building this for me, but for those that will come behind me.” I am a huge believer in serving others as Jesus served his disciples. It is the best mental therapy that one can get.