For Nate Hara (Iowa, 2029), the path to the University of Iowa has been defined by leadership, community, and a deep connection to Jewish life. A freshman from Northbrook, Illinois, Nate arrived on campus determined to pursue his academic goals, continue his Jewish involvement, and take advantage of every opportunity college had to offer.

“I’ve been very involved in the Jewish community throughout high school,” Nate explained. “My whole world revolved around it.”

Growing up on Chicago’s North Shore, Hara immersed himself in Jewish life. He was active in BBYO, served as a madrich in Sunday school, and interned with StandWithUs, working on education and advocacy related to Israel and antisemitism.

When it came time to choose a college, Hara knew he wanted to stay in the Midwest and attend a Big Ten school. The University of Iowa ultimately stood out. “I knew I wanted a Big Ten school in the Midwest. I didn’t want to be too far from home, but I didn’t want to be too close,” he said. “Then I got a spot in the Honors College and an offer to cheer Division I, and that really helped narrow it down.”

At Iowa, Hara is majoring in political science with a certificate in Jewish Studies on the pre-law track, with the goal of attending law school.

Outside the classroom, however, Hara’s college experience is anything but typical. As a member of the Iowa cheer team, his schedule is packed with practices, training sessions, and appearances at athletic events across campus.

“We put in hours lifting in the morning, practicing, going to games at night, all throughout the week and on weekends,” he said. “It’s nonstop going, going, going.”

The cheer team supports seven different varsity sports — including football, basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, and volleyball — and also competes nationally. The experience has given Hara unforgettable moments in front of massive crowds.

“You look around and realize you’re part of something so much bigger than yourself,” he said. “Having 15,000 people screaming and just hearing how loud the stadium gets—it’s such a surreal experience.”

Even with that demanding schedule, Hara has made it a priority to stay deeply connected to Jewish life on campus.

Coming from Northbrook, where Jewish life is highly visible, moving to Iowa City was initially a culture shock.

“I’m used to everyone either being Jewish in my life, or at least the non-Jews still knowing the Jewish community and our culture,” he said. “Now I’m at Iowa, where I’m the first Jew a lot of people have met.”

That experience has given Nate a sense of responsibility to represent his community and educate others.

“I’m honored to be the one to sort of be that first Jew and share who we are,” he said.

The smaller Jewish population on campus has also strengthened the bonds among Jewish students.

“We’re a small community, but we’re mighty,” Hara said. “I can walk into Hillel and know every single face in the building. It feels like home.”

For Hara, Alpha Epsilon Pi quickly became another cornerstone of that community. In fact, joining AEPi had long been part of his plan. His father, Noel Hara (Illinois State, 1998) was a brother at Illinois State University, and even cheered there as well.

“I sort of grew up hearing about AEPi,” Hara said.

When he arrived at Iowa, he knew the fraternity could provide both friendship and a strong Jewish support system.

“I definitely knew going to a school with a smaller Jewish population that I wanted this community,” he said. “It’s such a big part of my life.” Although he was only initiated last semester, Hara says AEPi has already become central to his college experience.

“Even though I just joined a few short months ago, they’ve truly become my best friends,” he said. “These people are truly guys I can lean on and are my true friends here.”

Balancing AEPi with the intense demands of Division I cheerleading is not always easy, but Hara says the support of his brothers has made a huge difference.

“They’ve been amazing throughout all of it,” he said. “I see them at the games all the time. There will be a whole section of AEPi guys right there.”

For Hara, those moments mean a great deal.

“I’ll walk into the arena after a long day—lifting at eight in the morning, classes all day, studying—and then I see 20 familiar faces,” he said. “It’s so nice to have that support.”

Within the Iota Upsilon chapter, Hara has already stepped into leadership roles. He currently serves as the chapter’s philanthropy chair, helping organize events and initiatives for the chapter and broader community.

The role has also deepened his awareness of the realities Jewish students face when planning events. “As the Jewish house, there is that aspect of safety that we do need to think about that others would never even spend a split second thinking about,” he said.

Nate recently attended AEPi Chicago Antisemitism Summit, Powered by JUF, where he met students from several other chapters and shared experiences about Jewish life on campus.

“Hearing about other campuses was really eye-opening,” he said. “Everyone has different environments and different challenges.”

The experience reinforced the importance of building strong Jewish communities and supporting one another. “Not everyone knows who we are,” he said. “There’s so much misinformation and disinformation online. Having this community of people who support each other through everything is so important.”

In addition to AEPi and cheer, Hara has continued expanding his involvement across campus. He serves as the founding director of political affairs and engagement for Hawkeye PAC, the university’s AIPAC-affiliated student group, and remains highly active at Hillel.

Despite the packed schedule, he still maintains strong academic performance, earning a spot on the Dean’s List during his first semester.

For Hara, the key is embracing every opportunity that college provides.

“We only have four years here,” he said. “These are really the last four years that you can just throw yourself into anything and do it all.”

And with cheerleading, AEPi, Jewish leadership, and academic success all playing major roles in his life, Hara is making the most of every moment.

“The days are long, but the weeks are short,” he said. “And I’m just having the best time of my life.”

#ProudtobeaPi

(AEPi’s Month of Giving kicks off next Sunday with the launch of our annual Mensch Madness contest. Follow Brother Hara and his Iowa Hawkeyes or pick your favorite team with a chance to win amazing prizes and support AEPi’s philanthropic partners: Tribe of Nova, Gift of Life, and Save A Child’s Heart. During AEPi’s Month of Giving, chapters will host events, raise awareness, and engage in meaningful community service. Let’s use this month for all AEPi brothers to recommit to putting our Jewish values into action).