After finishing his first year at Kean, transfer student, Michael Beyer, a junior double major in mathematical science and psychology, has found himself in a position with big shoes to fill: future president of the Human Rights Club (HRC
Though, Beyer seems up to the challenge. In fact, prior to establishing membership with HRCThe Love Movement. "I want to create a place, a forum, where people can come [and] talk about the seemingly most important thing in life: love," says Beyer. "I want a place where we learn to create
real community."
Beyer researched clubs on campus in an effort to further his engagement; and what he wound was HRC - a group whose mission embodied the fundamentals of The Love Movement. Now, Beyer has the opportunity to transition the architecture of his creation onto a well positioned platform. Some of his initiatives include 'Be a Kid Again Day', which promotes a nostalgic visit to the games of childhood in an outdoors, on-campus format, and pajama apparel; and the creation of a "love scholarship", where the criterion for the recipient is having "spread the most love" around campus during that respective year.
Additional plans for the HRC include a series of declamation speeches staged at the campus-iconic clock tower, where group members will have the opportunity to recite famed words of human rights activists and leaders. Beyer would also plans to revisit past HRC events, with intentions to develop their execution.
Wasting no time getting involved on campus, Beyer participated in a Habitat for Humanity community service during the Fall 2011 Welcome Week. Since, he has continued to make as many Habitat Saturday-service trips as he can align in his schedule. Building houses for those can eventually call them call home seems to be a calling for the non-traditional student. Beyer admits he foresees a continual commitment to Saturdays with Habitat throughout his life; and may even build himself a home someday.
"I love Colorado. I would love to move there someday and build myself a home from the ground up - to enjoy space around me," beams Beyer.
Beyer attributes his humanitarian drive to a love-filled upbringing and pivotal moments in his life. One of those moments was spending time with his grandfather, Arty, just before his passing. Jesting about a then four-year old Beyer's fumbling of toy blocks, his grandfather quipped, "Michael, we'll never be able to make a builder out of you." In this moment of love, confusion, fear, and loss, Beyer finds his final moments with his grandfather a blessing from God.
Today, Beyer builds; and not just homes through Habitat.
"The thoughts of creating [The Love Movement] have been with me my whole life," says Beyer. "We build skyscrapers. We build computers. We build businesses. We build toys. These are all tangible, physical objects that we can feel with our hands and sense with our five senses. Why not create communities with the building blocks of love, joy, encouragement, trustworthiness...the same principles apply and I think some very real progress can be done; and I want to be a part of it. This is the kind of builder I want to be in life - a builder using intangible materials."
Since his impromptu meeting of the past two HRC presidents, Beyer has been thankful for their work and connection to the group. The future service group leader states thankfully, "I only have the opportunity to serve as president because I stand on their shoulders. I am immensely grateful to them and all the past and current members who make it possible for me to be anything in this club."
