ALPHA TAU OMEGA
ALPHA TAU OMEGA
NEW MEMBER MANUAL
THE ATO MEMBER MANUAL HISTORY
The Alpha Tau Omega New Member Manual is the official manual of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.
The first guide was The Manual of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, edited in 1911 by Claude T. Reno, Muhlenberg, and popularly known through subsequent revisions as “Reno’s Manual.”
The second edition of the guide was edited in 1956 by Warren Danford, California, and had the distinctive and symbolic name of Propylon. The third edition by the same name was edited in 1973.
The fourth edition of the guide was titled Alpha Tau Omega: The Positive Experience. It was edited in 1985 by William D. Krahling, Mount Union, and Mark F. Mullinix, Missouri.
The fifth edition of the manual was edited in 1992 by Wynn R. Smiley, Illinois and Purdue, and a committee of ATO undergraduates.
This, the sixth edition of the member education manual was edited by Wynn R. Smiley; Dave Rodriguez, Pittsburgh ’19; Jaden Brown, Indiana State ’07; Chris Smith, MTSU ’04; Levi Shearon, Austin Peay State ’11; Bryan Murray, Marrietta ’11; and Aaron Bauer, Indiana State ’06 in 2023.
The purpose of the Alpha Tau Omega New Member Manual is to strengthen students who are being acquainted with Alpha Tau Omega, to encourage undergraduate members who are being equipped by Alpha Tau Omega and to remember alumni who were or still are a vital part of Alpha Tau Omega.
Indianapolis, 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter
Chapter
Chapter
Chapter
Chapter
Chapter
APPENDIX
1WELCOME TO ALPHA TAU OMEGA
TO BIND MEN TOGETHER IN A BROTHERHOOD BASED UPON ETERNAL AND IMMUTABLE PRINCIPLES, WITH A BOND AS STRONG AS RIGHT ITSELF AND AS LASTING AS HUMANITY; TO KNOW NO NORTH, NO SOUTH, NO EAST, NO WEST, BUT TO KNOW MAN AS MAN, TO TEACH THAT TRUE MEN THE WORLD OVER SHOULD STAND TOGETHER AND CONTEND FOR SUPREMACY OF GOOD OVER EVIL; TO TEACH, NOT POLITICS, BUT MORALS; TO FOSTER, NOT PARTISANSHIP, BUT THE RECOGNITION OF TRUE MERIT WHERE FOUND; TO HAVE NO NAR ROWER LIMITS WITHIN WHICH TO WORK TOGETHER FOR THE ELEVATION OF MAN THAN THE OUTLINES OF THE WORLD: THESE WERE THE THOUGHTS AND HOPES UPPERMOST IN THE MINDS OF THE FOUNDERS OF THE ALPHA TAU OMEGA FRATERNITY.
OTIS
ALLAN GLAZEBROOK –1880
ATO LEADS
The 1860s saw this nation almost collapse. Many believed the bloodiest war ever had scarred the United States so deeply it would never heal. The Civil War had taken its toll, and the aftermath would not fade away quickly. Three men who were among this nation’s brightest and best chose to ignore what they saw around them and began building a vision of much higher purpose.
Alpha Tau Omega began in 1865 with its goal to bring men of the North and South together in peace. The vision was counterintuitive, bold and promoted by men who had little incentive to help heal the wounds of not only the country but also the men who, for the previous four years, had been their enemies. And yet, because of the Founders’ faith and belief in the power of unconditional love as exemplified by Jesus Christ, ATO became a reality.
Today, Alpha Tau Omega’s development programs for you as a college man are recognized as some of the finest and most effective collegiate programs nationwide. A growing body of research is clear that men affiliated with a fraternity are more likely to thrive in every area of their wellbeing throughout their lives far more than unaffiliated men. When practicing brotherly love the Founders built the Fraternity on, you will see that life in ATO positively impacts career, as well as social, financial and even physical wellbeing.
ATO FOR LIFE
ATO is for life. Your ATO experience does not end when you graduate, and the benefits of membership will last long into your life journey. Its alumni head some of the world’s most prestigious companies and are influential in the halls of government. They touch the lives of millions through social service, the arts, the classroom and the pulpit. However, the most energizing part of the vision is ATO’s commitment to you. Without believing that you are unique and can make the entire organization stronger, ATO would simply be a shell with no heart.
The chapter you have been invited to join is one of scores of chapters across the United States, each with brothers who throughout their lives stay connected with ATO. The National Fraternity helps keep more than 160,000 living alumni in touch with their Fraternity brothers. ATO also depends on alumni to continue building on the initial vision of the Founders, to support you as an undergraduate new member and to assist in carrying out the programs of the Fraternity.
You have begun a learning process that will continue well after you’ve become an initiated member. ATO is rich in history that has helped make this organization great. But the real impact of membership comes as you choose to be a part of the Fraternity. From now on it’s up to you to determine how much you get out of the Fraternity. What you will take away from your experience depends on how much you put in.
ALPHA TAU OMEGA
BEGAN IN 1865 WITH ITS
GOAL TO BRING MEN OF THE NORTH AND SOUTH
TOGETHER IN PEACE.
2THE HEART OF ALPHA TAU OMEGA
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN ATO?
As an aspiring member of Alpha Tau Omega, it is important you realize the significance of the Fraternity you’ve been invited to join. At the heart of ATO are principles and ideals that are unlike those of any other fraternity.
Guided by the hope of reuniting the nation’s youth in brotherhood, ATO’s founders, Otis Allan Glazebrook, Alfred Marshall and Erskine Mayo Ross, knew that Alpha Tau Omega could not be any ordinary fraternity. The substance of the Fraternity at its core had to have significant meaning. Thus, Alpha Tau Omega is Greek in name only. Whereas other fraternities base their founding and brotherhood upon Greek mythology or other precepts, Alpha Tau Omega is built on Christian principles. Glazebrook said, “it seems as if I originated Alpha Tau Omega in a dream. I should like to believe this, for then I could conclude that it was not man-made, but God-given.” ATO welcomes men into membership of any faith or no faith at all, but the ideals and principles the Founders established are eternal and are meant to promote peace in brotherly love.
EXPECTATIONS OF BROTHERHOOD
Becoming an ATO means you assume a responsibility to learn about the Fraternity you are joining and to make choices consistent with the ideals and principles of the Fraternity. If you take advantage of the opportunities ATO provides,
TO RESPECT YOUR BROTHER IS TO BE CONSIDERATE OF HIM AND HOLD HIM IN HIGH REGARD, EVEN IF THAT MEANS
DISAGREEING WITH HIM OR HOLDING HIM
ACCOUNTABLE FOR A POOR CHOICE.
the benefits you experience now will likely become even more obvious upon your graduation and throughout your life.
As someone who has accepted an invitation to join the Fraternity, it is important you understand what is expected of you as someone representing the Fraternity and the men in your chapter. You are part of a cohesive chapter. Your choices now, good or bad, not only reflect on you but also reflect on your chapter and Alpha Tau Omega as a nationally known organization.
ATO expects you to represent the Fraternity in a way that brings honor and respect to you and to your chapter. That may not always be the easy choice, but it is always the wise choice.
You should expect your chapter to encourage you in your goals and aspirations as a college man. A powerful benefit of fraternity life is the support of the brotherhood as you think about and make important life decisions during your college career.
Here is one thing you should not expect: to be hazed. Hazing is antithetical to every ideal and principle outlined in both the ATO Ritual and the Creed. Where hazing is present within a chapter, love and respect are not. The Ritual of the Fraternity promotes a deep-seated and enduring friendship among brothers.
LOVE AND RESPECT
A crucial response to the eternal and immutable principles established by the Founders is the posture of love and respect practiced between ATO members. Reflecting on the teaching of Jesus Christ that, “greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends,” this posture is one of selfsacrifice for the ultimate good of your brothers. To respect your brother is to be considerate of him and hold him in high regard, even if that means disagreeing with him or holding him accountable for a poor choice.
This value is so important to the bond of brotherhood in ATO that “Good of the Order” is a regular practice at the end of ATO chapter meetings in which brothers pass the president’s gavel and can openly share their thoughts with one another.
THE RITUAL OF ALPHA TAU OMEGA
The heart and soul of the Fraternity is the Ritual, which will be revealed to you during your initiation ceremony. It is in this ceremony that each brother will be asked to promise his faithfulness to you and to the ideals and principles of the Fraternity, and you will be asked to promise the same.
The Ritual is a deeply meaningful ceremony that should be conducted with great care and a high level of respect. There is nothing in the Initiation Ceremony contained in the Ritual that you will be asked to do that you could not do in front of your family. It is a very impressive ceremony. The Ritual is kept secret between brothers as a further expression of the bond of brotherhood.
THE CREED OF ALPHA TAU OMEGA
Fifteen years after Glazebrook, Marshall and Ross established the Fraternity, Glazebrook was asked, now as an alumnus, husband and father to write in more detail significant animating principles of Alpha Tau Omega. Glazebrook wrote “The Creed of Alpha Tau Omega,” which was formally adopted by the Fraternity in 1880. The Creed is universally recognized by ATO brothers regardless of their age.
Some of the eternal and immutable principles that originated in the minds and hearts of the Founders as expressed in the Creed are:
l A deep commitment to lasting, binding brotherhood.
l A conviction about the inherent dignity of every man.
l A belief that communal brotherhood can, together, contend for the moral good of the world.
l A commitment to a generous spirit in the brotherhood.
l An aspiration that brothers would strive for excellence in all areas of life.
l A confidence that the influence of Alpha Tau Omega will be worldwide.
ATO EXPECTS YOU TO REPRESENT THE FRATERNITY IN A WAY THAT BRINGS HONOR AND RESPECT TO YOU AND TO YOUR CHAPTER.
THAT MAY NOT ALWAYS BE THE EASY CHOICE, BUT IT IS ALWAYS THE WISE CHOICE.
THE CREED OF ALPHA TAU OMEGA
To bind men together in a brotherhood based upon eternal and immutable principles, with a bond as strong as right itself and as lasting as humanity; to know no North, no South, no East, no West, but to know man as man, to teach that true men the world over should stand together and contend for supremacy of good over evil; to teach, not politics, but morals; to foster, not partisanship, but the recognition of true merit wherever found; to have no narrower limits within which to work together for the elevation of man than the outlines of the world: these were the thoughts and hopes uppermost in the minds of the founders of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.
OTIS ALLAN GLAZEBROOK –1880
ETERNAL AND IMMUTABLE PRINCIPLES CONTAINED WITHIN THE CREED
A DEEP COMMITMENT TO LASTING, BINDING BROTHERHOOD.
A CONVICTION ABOUT THE INHERENT DIGNITY OF EVERY MAN.
A BELIEF THAT BROTHERHOOD CAN, TOGETHER, CONTEND FOR THE MORAL GOOD OF THE COUNTRY AND WORLD.
A COMMITMENT TO GENEROUS SPIRIT AMONG BROTHERS
AN ASPIRATION THAT BROTHERS WOULD STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE IN ALL AREAS OF LIFE
A CONFIDENCE THAT THE INFLUENCE OF ALPHA TAU OMEGA IS WORLDWIDE.
QUESTIONS TO THINK AND TALK ABOUT
How is becoming a member of ATO different than joining a campus club?
When you read through the Creed of Alpha Tau Omega, what words or ideas stand out to you?
Is the Creed relevant today? In what ways?
Why is it important that ATO brothers participate in Good of the Order and end what they say with “love and respect”?
Why is it important that joining ATO is a decision “for a lifetime”?
YOUR OBSERVATIONS
Write down how your impressions of fraternity have changed now from when you first came to campus.
3THE MISSION OF ALPHA TAU OMEGA
“JOINING ATO WAS THE BEST DECISION I’VE EVER MADE.”
The Creed is Alpha Tau Omega’s mission statement. It is aspirational to be sure, but it is also unambiguous about the Fraternity’s reason for being. The Ritual of Alpha Tau Omega is the foundation of the Fraternity and provides depth and context to the Creed. Whether the Creed or the Ritual, both have stood the test of time and remain amazingly relevant for today’s college man.
The Fraternity’s ongoing work is to encourage and support the development of strong life-long relationships among brothers by engaging and promoting the ideals and principles outlined in the Creed and Ritual.
Healthy relationships are the fuel for a successful and meaningful life. Of course, your academic pursuits are critically important for knowledge and better understanding of the world, but the wisdom you gain from investing in relationships makes life worth living. ATO provides opportunities and strategies based on the Fraternity’s ideals and principles that, if embraced, add incredible value to your college experience that will last a lifetime.
YOU ARE A MAN
Alpha Tau Omega was built, has been sustained and will continue to thrive as a single-sex organization. There is inherent value in building the bonds of brotherhood that is unique to a men’s-only organization. Some critics complain that fraternity life promotes toxic masculinity and an attitude of “boys will be boys.” But the Creed, Ritual and the ideals and principles of the Fraternity stand for excellence, including healthy masculinity and college men capable of acting like men, not boys.
PRACTICING COURAGE
As a college man in the 21st century, dayto-day life is challenging in different ways than it was for Glazebrook, Marshall and Ross in the mid 1800s. They developed grit through the hardships of their day, which would have included overcoming the lack of most of the creature comforts we take for granted. They acted courageously, but it did not necessarily come naturally. As challenges presented themselves, they made a decision to either weaken their resolve or “practice courage.”
Life on campus is very different today. The trials you face are no less challenging and therefore the need for ATOs to practice courage is just as important.
YOUR SUCCESS IS ATO’S SUCCESS
Leading and managing an ATO chapter is a challenge in its own right. The benefits of a well-operating chapter not only reflect a strong brotherhood but also provide opportunities for your personal development. Practicing courage within your chapter setting can offer personal development among brothers who love and respect each other.
SUCCESS IS NOT FINAL; FAILURE IS NOT FATAL: IT
IS THE COURAGE TO CONTINUE THAT COUNTS.
WINSTON CHURCHILL
The following two sections of this chapter will focus on a broad view of chapter operations and then opportunities the National Fraternity provides for personal and professional development.
THE FIVE VITALS
Your chapter is a complex organization that relies on you and your chaptermates to successfully operate. You are an important person in your chapter for a variety of reasons, not the least of which are the unique life experiences you bring to the chapter. Your ideas and insights can help make the chapter stronger. At the same time, the chapter as a whole provides you with opportunities and situations you learn from.
The National Fraternity has been in the business of chartering and supporting ATO chapters for more than 150 years. There are a number of ATO chapter operational truths and best practices that, if embraced, will help your chapter succeed.
Your chapter’s leaders make hundreds of decisions each week to keep the chapter operating. The Five Vitals helps bring focus to areas of chapter operation that are the most important and have the most influence on overall chapter health.
THE FIVE VITALS
WHO YOU RECRUIT
Your chapter’s success is directly related to the quality of your recruitment efforts. Using STUDS and Chapter Builder help make your efforts more successful. Remember, telling yourself “quality over quantity” is an excuse for poor recruiting. Your potential recruit quality goes up the more men you have in your chapter’s recruitment pool.
HOW YOU EDUCATE
As a new recruit, you don’t know a whole lot right now about the chapter you’re joining and its culture. The success and ongoing strength of your chapter depends on your ability to be educated on your chapter and why your chapter culture is the way it is (there are definable reasons). Educating new members and then reminding all members about the chapter’s culture is critical.
EMPOWERING THE JUDICIAL BOARD
Holding your brothers accountable with a respected and engaged judicial board is key to chapter health. If members are not held accountable to chapter and National Fraternity standards and guidelines, they will continue to act out. The men who adhere to the standards and guidelines are likely to become apathetic if others aren’t held accountable.
WHO YOU ELECT
As the president goes, so goes the chapter is a truism that proves itself consistently. Who the chapter elects in all leadership positions is the single most important set of decisions the chapter makes.
ENGAGING THE RITUAL
Opening and closing meetings in form and conducting the Initiation Ceremony well sets the tone and demonstrates how much respect brothers have for the Letters. Reading the Lectures and conducting the various ceremonies within the Ritual book reinforces that our Ritual sets ATO apart.
STUDS
Who You Recruit is the first of the Five Vitals. STUDS is an easy way for an individual member and the entire chapter to assess the quality of a recruit. Using quantifiable standards helps determine who to give bids to join ATO.
S SCHOLARSHIP
What is his high school or college GPA?
T TONE/TEMPERMENT
How does he engage you and others during recruitment and other chapter events? Does he want to join for stereotypical and destructive “frat life”? How does he act around and talk about women?
U USEFUL/USING
What skill sets and talents does he bring to the chapter? What opportunities does he want to get out of his membership with ATO?
D DOING/DONE
What has he accomplished, and what is he engaged in now? What are his college goals?
S STANDARDS
What are his personal standards? What is his reputation and how does he defend his integrity?
Hopefully, the brother who invited you into ATO membership told you the reasons why the chapter believes you would make a great ATO. If you were not told the “why” of your bid, the chapter missed an opportunity to provide positive feedback. Consider asking your Membership Educator for that feedback. When you are in a position to offer bids to recruits, don’t forget to tell them what the chapter sees in them.
WHEN A RECRUIT RECEIVES HIS BID, TELL HIM THE REASONS
WHY THE CHAPTER WANTS HIM TO BECOME A PART OF THE BROTHERHOOD.
NOT PROVIDING THAT FEEDBACK IS A MISSED OPPORTUNITY.
ATO IS ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS
ATO is expert at building, maintaining and strengthening relationships. That is what good brotherhood is. Starting with ATO, the fraternity and sorority chapters on your campus are your college or university’s experts on the important work of making and building mutual and lasting friendships. During your Initiation Ceremony, you will learn the key dynamics to being a strong friend.
The expectation is that you will maintain your membership for life, now as an undergraduate brother, and upon your graduation or leaving campus as an alumnus member of the Fraternity. ATO for Life is not just a slogan. It reflects the ongoing and dynamic benefits of being a brother of ATO. The likelihood is strong that you will maintain close ties to several men in your chapter for the rest of your life.
Based on years of data collection, the National Fraternity has a good idea of why men fall away from the Fraternity before initiation. New members leaving the chapter before initiation likely experienced one of three things:
l He felt like he didn’t belong.
l The ATO experience promoted during recruitment was very different from the chapter’s ATO reality (bait and switch).
l He found something else to do on campus that he believed was a better use of his time and money (see reasons #1 and #2).
The best way for you to remain engaged not only through initiation but your entire undergraduate career is to get involved in the chapter. Serve on a chapter committee, run for a chapter office, engage the chapter’s Signature Event. If you enjoy sports, get involved with the chapter’s intramurals.
ONE BENEFIT OF THE BROTHERHOOD
One of the advantages of being part of a strong ATO chapter is its ability to introduce you to campus opportunities that you would likely not be aware of as an unaffiliated student. There are likely men in your chapter who belong to various campus organizations and who may be part of student government or who have connections with the campus administration. Regardless, you have the advantage of an organized group of men supporting you for whatever you may want to pursue on campus outside of your chapter responsibilities.
ATO encourages every brother to be involved in at least one other extracurricular endeavor outside of the Fraternity. Not only will you have the opportunity to see different ways of running an organization, some of which may be helpful to incorporate at the chapter, but as an ATO you will represent Fraternity leadership.
CHAPTER LEADERSHIP
The very nature of undergraduate Fraternity membership is to develop hands-on leadership experience. Your chapter is self-governed by the undergraduate men who are members of the chapter. Self-governing means that the chapter chooses its own members, elects its own officers, determines its own budget and conducts chapter business as it sees fit according to chapter bylaws and within the guidelines set by the National Fraternity.
Your chapter succeeds or fails based on the decisions made within the chapter and how effectively you carry out the Five Vitals.
The following is a standard list of chapter officers. Your chapter may have additional committee chairmen.
PRESIDENT
Is the chief executive officer of the chapter and has general charge of its affairs. He presides at all meetings of the chapter. Furthermore, he engages with each of the chapter’s several publics, including the chapter, the board of trustees, the community, the university, parents and the National Fraternity. To be eligible for election, anyone running for chapter president must be an initiated member of the chapter for at least one calendar year.
VICE PRESIDENT
Is responsible for administrating the chapter’s internal affairs. He has charge of the committee system. He answers to and works directly with the president. He serves as chairman of the executive committee and is responsible for administering chapter rules in his capacity as chairman of the judicial committee. To be eligible for election, anyone running for chapter vice president must be an initiated member of the chapter for at least one calendar year.
CHAPLAIN
Is responsible for encouraging moral standards and proper conduct. He should be an expert on the Fraternity Ritual. The chaplain leads efforts to set up chapter brotherhood events. To be eligible for election, anyone running for chapter chaplain must be an initiated member of the chapter for at least one calendar year.
TREASURER
Is responsible for managing the solvency of the chapter, the safekeeping of its funds and its financial well being. He collects all monies due the chapter and ensures payment of all obligations. He leads in the establishment of the chapter budget, with the help of the finance committee, and follows it strictly. He is chairman of the finance committee and is responsible for accurately accounting and reporting the financial condition of the chapter on a regular basis.
MEMBERSHIP EDUCATION CHAIRMAN
Is responsible for conducting the new member education program as well as coordinating continuing education for all undergraduate members. He is responsible for the chapter’s continuing education on the Fraternity’s no-hazing policy and is empowered (as are all members) to stop any member from attempting to haze any other member. Your chapter may have a Membership Education Committee that reports to the Membership Education Chairman. By design, the committee can only be a total of up to four undergraduate members (including the Membership Education Chairman) and appointed by the chapter president.
SECRETARY
Is in charge of the chapter’s communication efforts both within and outside the chapter. He records the minutes and takes role at all meetings of the chapter. He is an expert on chapter bylaws and house rules and chairs a committee for revisions as required. He prepares all chapter correspondence and maintains a filing system for all pertinent reports and correspondence.
MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT CHAIRMAN
Is responsible for planning, scheduling, budgeting and running a year-round recruitment program involving the entire chapter. He serves as the chairman of the recruitment committee and ensures that all recruitment activities are in full compliance with the university and National Fraternity rules and regulations.
HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER
Is responsible for educating the chapter on ATO health and safety policies including proper social event policies and procedures.
HISTORIAN
Is in charge of keeping the chapters historical records. He collects and preserves information of historical interest, keeps records on all chapter initiates and maintains an accurate address list. He is responsible for completing all the various forms and reports required by the university, the board of trustees, and the National Fraternity. He also keeps all chapter awards and trophies up to date.
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
Is in charge of the chapter’s social media and public relations program. He is responsible for the good works of the chapter and discouraging activities that would detract from the chapter’s reputation. He directs the creation of the chapter alumni newsletter, maintains ATO Roadshow submissions and looks for ways to promote the chapter.
SIGNATURE EVENT CHAIRMAN
Is responsible for the chapter’s Signature Event and all other philanthropic efforts. He chairs the Signature Event or philanthropy committee that coordinates chapter and individual social service projects.
ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICER
Is responsible for coordinating the annual homecoming and ATO Founders’ Day celebrations. He works with the public relations officer to keep alumni informed of chapter activities. He helps the membership education chairman bring in alumni as guest speakers at chapter meetings.
SERGEANT AT ARMS
Is the chapter’s chief parliamentarian. He should be well versed in Roberts Rules of Order and Parliamentary Procedure. He preserves order in chapter meetings and ensures that the Ritual equipment is kept in good condition.
DOORKEEPER
Protects the secrets of the Fraternity from nonmembers. He assists the sergeant at arms in Ritual matters.
SCHOLARSHIP CHAIRMAN
Is responsible for keeping the chapter focused on the purpose of higher education. All Fraternity matters are secondary to scholarship. He develops programming to encourage academic excellence and recognizes individual achievement through scholarships and awards.
SOCIAL CHAIRMAN
Is in charge of planning, scheduling and directing a balanced program of social functions. He is responsible for encouraging social maturity. He is in charge of assisting the health and safety officer in educating and implementing the ATO Health and Safety protocols for ATO social functions.
QUESTIONS TO THINK AND TALK ABOUT
Review the Five Vitals and ask the chapter president to identify how the chapter engages each of the five.
Review the STUDS criteria and assess yourself in each category. Talk about your assessment with your pledge brothers.
What would a conversation between you and someone you’re recruiting be like using the STUDS model?
Ask the brother who gave you a bid what qualities the chapter saw in you to ask you to be a part of the brotherhood.
Talk about the reasons members leave the chapter and what ways the chapter helps prevent men from leaving.
What other opportunities on campus would you like to pursue?
YOUR OBSERVATIONS
Write down what you hope to gain from your membership in ATO.
Write down what you bring to the chapter.
4THE BEGINNING OF ALPHA TAU OMEGA
“ALPHA TAU OMEGA HOLDS BEFORE THE YOUNG MEN OF THE COUNTRY AN IDEAL AND SOMETHING GREATER THAN A MERE INTELLECTUAL IDEAL. ALPHA TAU OMEGA STANDS FOR HEART AS WELL AS HEAD. IT HAS GIVEN MEN A TRUE IDEAL OF LIFE.”
OTIS ALLAN GLAZEBROOK
BROTHERLY LOVE
Alpha Tau Omega began as an idea in the mind of a young Civil War veteran who wanted peace and reconciliation. Otis Allan Glazebrook, who had helped bury the dead of both sides, believed in a better future. He saw the bitterness and hatred that followed the silencing of the guns and knew that a true peace would come not from force of law, but rather from within the hearts of men who were willing to work to rekindle a spirit of brotherly love.
Glazebrook, deeply religious at age 19, believed that younger men like himself might be more willing to accept, forgive and reunite if motivated by Christian, brotherly love. But he needed an organization, a means of gathering and organizing like-minded people. That was why a letter caught his attention. As cadet adjutant for the VMI Cadet Corps, Glazebrook routinely handled mail addressed to the Institute’s superintendent, General Francis H. Smith. One such letter came from an official of a leading northern fraternity who wanted help in reviving his southern chapters. Fascinated, Glazebrook asked General Smith about fraternities. As General Smith explained what they were, Glazebrook knew he had found his organization.
In Richmond, Glazebrook consulted with University of Virginia alumni who furnished further information concerning fraternities. He discovered that they were not Greek in name only, but Greek throughout. Their mottoes, besides being written in Greek, reflected Greek ideals. Greek philosophy, sometimes tinged with the medieval mysteries and Masonic lore, was the cultural ideal of the fraternities.
Glazebrook had been a proficient student of Greek at Randolph-Macon College before he entered the VMI. While admiring the language, he recoiled from Greek philosophy, ideology, mythologies, ethics and morals.
Reared in a devout Christian home, confirmed at historic St. Paul’s in Richmond, Virginia, he had served as a lay reader in St. Mark’s. Essentially a religious man, typical of his time, he believed implicitly in a moral government of the universe, convinced that morals are of God, ordained by Him. He could not imagine a brotherhood devoid of love; and love, he thought and taught, in its highest and noblest manifestations is the unique and supreme gift of Jesus Christ.
Glazebrook could contemplate fraternity only in terms of Christian love. Out of his prolonged meditation emerged the concept of a fraternity Greek in name only; the Greek name, the visible symbol of a passionate conviction that peace and brotherhood could be achieved under the protection of Jesus Christ.
The name came spontaneously. As a boy and youth in St. Paul’s and St. Mark’s, Glazebrook had seen the ancient insignia of the Church, first discovered in the ancient catacombs, depicted upon their walls, ceilings or other ecclesiastical objects, the Tau cross subjoined by Alpha and Omega. “Alpha” and “Omega” signify to the Christian absolute plenitude or perfection. Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” Joined with the cross, the whole signifies that Christ is all in all, the beginning and end of salvation.
Having projected a Christian fraternity and appropriated a distinctively Christian symbol for its name, the cross naturally was its logical emblem. For it, Glazebrook selected a form he thought was the Maltese cross, though actually it is the heraldic cross pattée. In the center he inscribed a crescent, three stars, the Tau cross and clasped hands.
GLAZEBROOK COULD NOT IMAGINE
A BROTHERHOOD DEVOID OF LOVE; AND LOVE, HE THOUGHT AND TAUGHT, IN ITS HIGHEST AND NOBLEST
MANIFESTATIONS IS THE UNIQUE AND SUPREME GIFT OF JESUS CHRIST.
Upon the upper and lower vertical arms he placed the Greek letters for Alpha and Omega, and upon the horizontal arms, the Omega and Alpha letters respectively.
Reading from top to bottom, the Fraternity’s name appears, Alpha Tau Omega. Reading left to right, it becomes Omega Tau Alpha. This reverse arrangement has an esoteric significance to the initiate, but does no violence to the essential meaning of the insignia; it still indicates that in Christ the beginning and end are joined in One.
On September 11, 1865, Glazebrook invited two close friends to his home at 114 East Clay Street in Richmond, Virginia. There, in the rear parlor, he read them the constitution he had written and invited them to sign. As they did, Alpha Tau Omega was born. It was the first fraternity founded after the Civil War, and the first sign of Greek life in the South following the Civil War.
Glazebrook had chosen his cofounders well.
Alfred Marshall, a friend of Glazebrook’s from boyhood, was first captain of the VMI Cadet Corps and a popular individual. He was the spirited man of the trio, the man of action, the one most likely to attract new members. Erskine Mayo Ross, who ultimately became a federal judge, gave a sense of order to the meeting. He could curb the sometimes reckless energies of Marshall without dampening the charge of Glazebrook’s ideas. The three formed a well-balanced group.
In four distinct ways, the Founders set Alpha Tau Omega apart from other fraternities. First, they did not establish ATO in imitation of or in opposition to any existing fraternity. Second, they meant ATO to be a national fraternity, not a local or a sectional society. Third, they had a higher objective than fraternal fellowship they sought peace and brotherhood for the whole nation. Finally, they placed Jesus Christ and His teach-
OTIS ALLAN GLAZEBROOK’S CHILDHOOD HOME
114 EAST CLAY STREET, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
GLAZEBROOK, MARSHALL AND ROSS MET IN THE PARLOR OF GLAZEBROOK’S HOME AND ON SEPTEMBER 11, 1865, SIGNED THE NEWLY DRAFTED CONSTITUTION TO BEGIN THE LIFE OF ALPHA TAU OMEGA.
OTIS ALLAN GLAZEBROOK
ERSKINE MAYO ROSS
ALFRED MARSHALL
ings at its center. Alpha Tau Omega welcomes members of all faiths and administers no rituals that would conflict with their inner beliefs, but it proudly traces its heritage to the Christian concept of brotherly love.
The three Founders of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, as Virginia Military Institute cadets, participated in the Battle of New Market. Otis Allan Glazebrook served as first corporal of artillery; Alfred Marshall, second corporal of Company B; and Erskine Mayo Ross, first sergeant of Company A.
OTIS ALLAN GLAZEBROOK
Born in 1845, Glazebrook subsequently earned promotion to cadet adjutant, the highest staff position of the cadet corps, and graduated first in his class in 1866. He had planned a career in law but, within a year, his interest in church work prevailed and he enrolled at the Protestant Episcopal
FOUR WAYS THE FOUNDERS SET ATO APART FROM ALL OTHER FRATERNITIES
ATO was the first fraternity established not in imitation of or in opposition to any existing fraternity.
ATO was established as the first national fraternity.
The Founders sought peace and brotherhood for the whole nation.
The Founders placed Jesus Christ and his teachings at the center.
OTIS ALLAN GLAZEBROOK
Theological Seminary, Alexandria, Virginia. Ordained in 1869, he served a variety of pastorates until his 1885 appointment as rector of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Forty-five years in the ministry, coupled with the friendship of President Woodrow Wilson, led to Dr. Glazebrook’s 1914 appointment as U.S. Consul to Jerusalem. Soon after his appointment, World War I began and he was entrusted with the interests of eight nations in the Holy Land.
As thanks for his highly acclaimed work in the Middle East, President Wilson appointed Glazebrook Consul to Nice, France, in 1927. His appointment was expanded to include Consul to Monaco where he served until 1929, when he retired. This man of the world died April 26, 1931.
ALFRED MARSHALL
Alfred Marshall was born on Christmas Day, 1845, the son of a British tobacco grower in Richmond, Virginia. A classmate at Tighe’s Private School described how he ran away to the battlefield at Seven Pines when he was 16 years old, and “participated in the fight with the gun of a dead Confederate soldier.”
Graduating third in his class in 1866, he taught mathematics and tactics for a year at VMI and was briefly associated with the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad Co. Marshall then became assistant engineer with the Mobile & Montgomery Railroad, supervising construction of 20 miles of track from Tensaw to Mobile through a swampy malaria area. While so engaged, Alfred Marshall contracted yellow fever and died Sept. 22, 1870.
ERSKINE MAYO ROSS
Erskine Mayo Ross, born in Culpepper County, Virginia, in 1845, entered VMI in 1860 and helped to train recruits at Camp Lee for Gen. “Stonewall” Jackson, who cited Ross for bravery at the Battle of Cedar Run. He moved to California after the war, studied law at night, and was admitted to the bar in 1869.
Elected a Justice of the Supreme Court of California ten years later, he was reelected in 1882. Four years later, Ross was appointed to the Federal Bench of the U.S. Southern District of California, and to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 1895. He was the founder of the city of Glendale, California. Rossmoyne, a suburb of Glendale, perpetuates his name and fame. Judge Ross died December 10, 1928. Ross is buried in Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Los Angeles. Glazebrook and Marshall are buried in Richmond, Virginia, interestingly, also named Hollywood Cemetery.
Possessed of personal courage and strong quiet judgment, Judge Erskine Mayo Ross left his Fraternity a $5,000 bequest, which is credited as establishing the Alpha Tau Omega Foundation.
Immediately after ATO was officially signed into existence, Ross remained in Richmond while Glazebrook and Marshall returned to Lexington where they admitted more cadets to the new brotherhood. In November, Marshall installed the Fraternity’s second chapter at Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). The two chapters met together in a rented room in Lexington.
THE VMI AND WASHINGTON AND LEE CHAPTERS MET IN THE “UPPER ROOM” OF THESE LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA, BUILDINGS IN THE EARLY YEARS OF THE CHAPTERS.
As president of the Alpha Chapter, Marshall ruled the entire Fraternity. That was how fraternities were customarily governed in those days; but Glazebrook, in the Fraternity’s Constitution, had provided for a welcome departure from that system. Virginia Alpha, as the VMI Chapter was known, would give up its governing authority after five years. A “congress” convening in 1870 would accept governing authority, transferring power to all undergraduate chapters. Through this constitutional provision, ATO has claimed being the first fraternity to provide for democratic rule.
ATOs of Lexington began initiating a few old friends. These were men who had fought alongside VMI Taus, but could not afford to return to college. In honor of their old comradeship, the Fraternity established community chapters from Harrisonburg, Virginia, to Memphis, Tennessee. By 1867, six new chapters had been chartered, five of them community chapters. Unfortunately, these community chapters never got around to initiating any new members. They turned out to be dismal failures, and ATO faced the 1870s in a precarious position.
CRITICAL YEARS
It should have gone better. Alpha Tau Omega began with high ideals, strong members, and a progressive constitution. But instead of growing stronger, it gradually grew weaker. Its national officers, duly elected and vested with authority in 1870, failed to take control. Chapters grew out of touch with each other. Several ignored their financial obligations to the National Fraternity. They sent no delegates to ATO Congress. Finally, at the 1876 Congress in Raleigh, North Carolina, ATO sank to its lowest point. With 22 chapters chartered, only two showed up, Virginia Delta (University of Virginia) and North Carolina Xi (Duke University). The National President himself was not there. Those present knew they had a choice. They could find men willing to attempt a revival of ATO, with all the personal sacrifice that implied. Or they could simply go home and allow the Fraternity to die. They chose the hard path and found the right man to travel it.
JOSEPH
R. ANDERSON THE “SECOND FOUNDER”
He was not present in Raleigh, but Joseph R. Anderson, an 1870 graduate of VMI, accepted the Congressional appointment to the office of Senior Grand Chief (as the National President was then known). Of distinguished Virginia lineage, a brilliant scholar, fluent writer, devout churchman and admirable executive, Anderson was warm and exciting, with a sense of mission, great inner strength and outward polish, and a deep and abiding love for Alpha Tau Omega.
A brief survey of the Fraternity showed him its deplorable condition, but he devoted himself, his time, his money and his energy to its revival. In one year he wrote hundreds of letters, recovered lost archives, updated records and met with dozens of alumni throughout the South. Then, in 1877, he presented his findings to the Fifth Congress in Richmond, Virginia.
Alpha and Beta, the Lexington chapters, were both prospering although cut off from the general Fraternity. But aside from Virginia Delta and North Carolina Xi, every other chapter was dead. In the face of this, Anderson stood before Congress and made his recommendations: New chapters must go only to strong, growing colleges, preferably in the North and West; a Fraternity periodical must be started so that the chapters would never again be strangers to one another; the Constitution must be revised, printed and distributed; and the Laws must be codified.
This was leadership. And the Fraternity responded. The Sixth Congress met in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1878 and Alpha Tau Omega was “reconstructed.” The foundation laid during those three December days remained virtually intact for well over a century. Congress approved a revised cipher and Ritual as well as a new Constitution, and The Fraternity’s magazine was to be titled “The Palm of Alpha Tau Omega.” Congress approved the first Membership Directory and the first High Council (the High Council was a forerunner to the Fraternity Board of Directors). National and chapter officers were given their present ceremonial titles and Alpha Tau Omega was incorporated under the laws of Maryland (the first fraternity in the nation to be incorporated).
Joseph R. Anderson brought this about not by defining problems, but by working harder than anyone else to solve them. A grateful Fraternity began referring to him as the “Second Founder.” By this title he remains known, a tribute to the man who saved Alpha Tau Omega from extinction.
When Anderson first arrived at VMI, he was immediately recruited by Alpha Tau Omega but promptly declined the invitation. He had many misconceptions of what fraternity was all about. He did not know that ATO was different from other fraternities. A friend of Anderson’s, Sam Letcher, is the man who convinced Anderson to join the Fraternity.
In a memorable interview conducted by Claude T. Reno in 1915, Anderson responded to Reno’s question of why he first declined and then accepted membership in the Fraternity he was to serve so notably.
“When I came to the institute in 1866 the Fraternity was already flourishing there and I was invited to join it, but I declined because I was then opposed to the existence of a secret society in a military school. I thought it would injure the esprit de corps of the men.
“But I heard then, and heard often thereafter, that the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity had an object beyond secrecy and friendship, that it was founded, primarily, to cast new bonds between brothers of the North and the South. Why, Reno, everybody knew that. All Lexington knew it. It was no secret . . . the war had ended so lately that many people were not yet ready to forget the past, and become immediately contented.
“I had seen so much myself that it took me some time before the idea thoroughly appealed to me. But gradually I, too, became converted to that ideal, and the more I heard of it, the better I thought of the Fraternity; and when, in 1869, I was again invited to membership in the chapter, I had so far revised my opinion of it, that I accepted membership.
CLAUD T. RENO AND JOSEPH R. ANDERSON
“I am glad that you asked the question, and now that you know, make it plain that and that only, and nothing else, was in the mind of young Otis Glazebrook when he founded Alpha Tau Omega.”
Shortly before he died in 1930, Anderson concluded: “I had no reason to think in those days that I possessed any great or unusual talents, but whatever I had I gave freely and gladly to Alpha Tau Omega. I want the Fraternity to know that I thank God continually that He gave me that glorious privilege.”
It is obvious why Anderson is considered the second founder of Alpha Tau Omega. His strong leadership skills and devotion to the Fraternity helped him unite an almost shattered Fraternity. Before Anderson, the Fraternity was mostly a loose association of social groups. After Anderson’s guidance, Alpha Tau Omega became a strong, vibrant Fraternity throughout the nation. Chapters were closely united and the National Fraternity grew in strength.
EXPANSION
From 1878 to 1895 the Fraternity’s goal was chartering more chapters. ATO began flexing its muscles. During the 1880s, college admissions grew by nearly 30 percent. All fraternities were expanding rapidly. Students were enjoying new freedoms, and the fraternity system fit right in.
Glazebrook saw no need for an initiation ritual at the very beginning but after his graduation in 1866 members of the VMI Chapter wrote one based on the rites of medieval knighthood, which included a foot washing ceremony. In the fall of 1867, ATOs at VMI were challenged by a group of cadets which, organizing as the Legion of Honor, eventually became the Sigma Nu fraternity.
ATO OPENED ITS FIRST CHAPTER
NORTH OF THE MASON DIXON LINE
16 YEARS AFTER THE FRATERNITY
BEGAN.
BY 1916, THE FRATERNITY BOASTED
67 CHAPTERS COAST TO COAST.
In a letter dated October 22, 1903, J. Frank Hopkins, later the “first founder” of Sigma Nu, tells the dramatic story of his first official contact with ATO.
“The Alpha Tau Omega society at VMI was supreme in everything connected with promotion in office in the military department and their leaders recommending only their own members for promotion aroused a spirit of resistance in the ranks of those who did not belong to Alpha Tau Omega. On a certain occasion I chanced to enter the room of the Battalion Adjutant on official business and to my astonishment, surprised a number of the Alpha Tau Omegas going through some kind of foot washing ceremony. From that incident they immediately became known as ‘blackfeet.’”
Hopkins had indeed witnessed the purification rite of the original Initiation Ceremony. The “black feet” were shoes protruding from the white gowns, and for that reason, not the color of their badge, ATOs were called “Blackfeet” whereas Sigma Nus were called “Whitefeet” for the color of their badge.
Undoubtedly, the ATOs at VMI had secured the highest military honors as well as the scholastic honors. In that room into which Hopkins “chanced” and from which he was aggressively ejected, sat several VMI company captains, two future valedictorians and the first captain of the cadet corps.
The Legion of Honor gathered 50 members and on January 1, 1869, publicly announced its new Greek name as Sigma Nu and revealed its badge, the French Legion of Honor emblem, in the center of which was inscribed a coiled serpent. Recognizing that their lock on VMI cadet leadership was over, the ATOs could only say mournfully, “Lexington was Eden before the Serpent appeared there.”
For their part, Sigma Nus started whispering that the serpent’s open mouth contained a miniature Alpha Tau
Omega badge. Whether the serpent was ingesting, regurgitating or choking was never revealed, but generations of credulous ATOs have examined the Sigma Nu emblem under microscopes without discovering the dubious compliment.
Sigma Nu, after falterings and setbacks, as was the case of many other fraternities, became an outstanding national fraternity and wherever its chapters meet ATO chapters, the two are likely to become campus friends and allies.
THE LEXINGTON TRIAD
Three months after Glazebrook Marshall and Ross launched Alpha Tau Omega, students at Washington College (now Washington & Lee University), which is adjacent to VMI, started Kappa Alpha Order. With Sigma Nu’s start in 1869, the Lexington Triad was formed.
The long-standing friendships between members and leaders of the three fraternities, all starting in Lexington, Virginia, have stood the test of time and remain strong to this day.
A marker commemorating the Lexington Triad was dedicated between the campuses of VMI and Washington & Lee University.
Glazebrook was asked to revise the ATO Ritual, which was adopted in 1880. The Initiation Ceremony has retained its impressive and deeply meaningful lessons to this day.
FROM COAST TO COAST
ATO founded its first chapter north of the Mason Dixon line 16 years after the Fraternity began. Despite the Founders’ intentions to do so sooner, ATO had spent several years taking stock of itself trying to change its identification as a strictly Southern fraternity. The big step came through the welcome aid of a Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity National Officer, Dr. Edgar F. Smith, then assistant professor of chemistry and later president of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Smith read a special ATO Palm article by Joseph R. Anderson entitled “We Want Chapters in the North.” He wrote to Anderson and offered to organize the nucleus of ATO’s first collegiate chapter in the North.
Sylvanus Stokes, Virginia, a member of the High Council, was dispatched to Philadelphia and on April 7, 1881, in the old Continental Hotel, administered the ceremony making N. Wiley Thomas the first ATO collegiate initiate in the North. A few days later, Thomas initiated five more men and the Pennsylvania Tau Chapter became a reality.
Thomas went on to become Worthy Grand Chief and served on the High Council for 28 years. It was he who installed chapters at Muhlenberg College, Lehigh University, Gettysburg College, Wittenberg University, and Washington & Jefferson College. Founder Glazebrook dubbed him “the St. Paul of Alpha Tau Omega.”
Joseph Anderson said of Thomas: “It was worth all it cost in effort and tribulation if for no other reason than to get Thomas. I really don’t believe that we could have stayed long in the North if we had not secured Thomas. His work in Pennsylvania and Ohio gave us a permanent home in the North.”
All things considered, the last 20 years of the 19th century were years of great enthusiasm and optimism. When the 20th century began, ATO was 51 chapters strong.
THE FRATERNITY FINDS A HOME
It was Larkin W. Glazebrook, Mercer, 1880, who applied the brakes. The younger Glazebrook, son of the Founder, was elected Worthy Grand Chief in 1895. His goal was the consolidation of existing chapters.
The Fraternity’s oldest chapter houses date from about this time. Colleges frequently encouraged the growing ranks of alumni to build chapter houses in order to address ballooning enrollments.
The Sewanee Chapter was the first ATO chapter with a house and the first of any fraternity in the South. Actually a lodge, the building was an early University library donated to the chapter in 1880 “in recognition of service rendered to the University.”
Despite ATO’s conservative outlook, the Fraternity still granted charters to promising interest groups and by 1916 boasted 67 chapters from coast to coast.
Expansion was gratifying, but the Fraternity’s growing number of chapters presented a new problem: administration. From the Fraternity’s founding, its correspondence had been written, its treasury kept, and its archives preserved by individ ual National Fraternity officers. Records of great value were kept in officers’ homes, taken to Congress, transferred to new officers, and dumped into trunks for the trip to their new homes. The 1916 Congress appropriated a small budget for a central office and amended the Constitution to authorize the High Council to open the office and employ an Executive Secretary.
World War I forced the issue. When several key National Fraternity officers entered the service, the High Council knew the time had come to act. It hired a University of Illinois professor of English, Dr. Frank W. Scott, Illinois, to be ATO’s first, albeit part-time, Executive Secretary. Dr. Scott set up his office in Champaign and vital records began arriving from across the nation. Even those initially opposed to the expense of a central office were ready to call it the most important event in recent years. For the first time, the Fraternity had a home.
THOMAS ARKLE CLARK
Thomas Arkle Clark, spent the first 23 years of his life on a farm and clerking in a country store. He did not receive his college degree until he was 28 years old in 1890. He earned his own way through the University of Illinois, yet took full part in campus activities, being editor of the Illini, president of the Literary Society and the Christian Endeavor Society of his church, and graduating with a 97 percent average.
After teaching school a year and serving as an instructor in the University of Illinois high school academy for two years, he transferred to the University and was named head of the Department of Rhetoric in 1895. He became a full professor in 1899, a dean the next year and in 1902 America’s first Dean of Men, holding that position until his death 30 years later. Unofficially he won the title of “Keeper of the University’s Conscience” through his insistence on high ethical and moral standards for college men.
Helping organize the ATO chapter at Illinois while a faculty member, Dr. Clark immediately became a strong, constructive influence for ATO undergraduates on campus.
At the Pittsburgh Congress in 1909, Dr. Clark was elected to the High Council, which began the Clark era of his involvement with the National Fraternity, including being elected High Chancellor and Worthy Grand Chief. “It means much
THOMAS ARKLE CLARK
“KEEPER OF THE UNIVERSITY’S CONSCIENCE” AND THE NATION’S FIRST “DEAN OF MEN”
“THE MAN WHO KNOWS MOST ABOUT THE DAILY HUMAN PROBLEMS AND HUMAN NEEDS OF THE COLLEGE STUDENT IS A FIRM BELIEVER IN THE HELPFULNESS OF FRATERNITIES AND IS A STAUNCH AND LOYAL ALPHA TAU.”
From 1918 onward, ATO operated out of rented office space in Champaign, Illinois. Then, in the 1960’s, ground was broken for the first ATO headquarters building, which was dedicated on the Fraternity’s centennial, September 11, 1965.
The Fraternity’s focus is always aimed at maximizing the ATO experience, especially for undergraduate brothers. As priorities evolve, ATO has made strategic headquarters moves.
On December 13, 1995, Fraternity headquarters moved from Champaign to Indianapolis, Indiana. ATO Headquarters is at 333 North Alabama Street.
ALPHA TAU OMEGA FRATERNITY HEADQUARTERS
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
to us all,” wrote Frank Scott in 1909, “to know that the man who knows most about the daily human problems and human needs of the college student is a firm believer in the helpfulness of fraternities, and is a staunch and loyal Alpha Tau.”
In honor of Dr. Clark’s extraordinary legacy with Alpha Tau Omega and college campuses across the country, the National Fraternity awards Thomas Arkle Clark Honors to the top graduating ATO seniors. The award has been presented annually since it was first created in 1935.
STEWART D. DANIELS
An important change had taken place at the central office in Champaign. Stewart D. Daniels, Illinois, replaced Dr. Scott in 1924 as Executive Secretary of the National Fraternity. Daniels was one of the hundreds of ATOs who were greatly in fluenced by Dean Clark and known as “Tommy Arkle” men. Daniels served as the chief staff officer for 41 years. Throughout his tenure, Stew Daniels inspired confidence.
As the 1930s drew to a close and the worst of the Great Depression ended, thanks to consistent chapter recruiting and sound financial management at chapters and at the National Fraternity Headquarters the Fraternity was is good shape.
The Fraternity’s attention shifted overseas. Even in 1941, before Pearl Harbor, thousands of college men enlisted in the armed forces. As in the First World War, the Fraternity was about to be torn apart, its members scattered. A 1944 chapter report from Penn State is revealing:
“The ATO house here at State is still occupied by the Army. I am the only active left, but may get some pledges this semester. Right now I am President of the Parmi Nous Hat society and Vice President of Interfraternity Council.”
As World War II ended, thanks in large part to the G.I. Bill, initiations reached an all-time high.
A NEW ERA
The issue of restrictive membership, among virtually all Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic fraternities and sororities, including ATO, was an ongoing controversial issue beginning after WWII. It was the source of growing criticism outside the Fraternity and growing dissension within it. The subject had been debated by the High Council and Congress for more than a decade. Finally, in 1963, a special Committee on Membership was appointed and charged to not merely survey the problem, but to solve it to develop a proposal that would gain the approval of Congress.
At the 1964 Grand Bahama Congress, a successful proposal was submitted, revising both the Preamble to the Constitution and the Constitution and Laws. That giant step, coupled with continuing committee work, led to amendments at the 1966 Mackinac Island Congress whereupon the Fraternity could at last state: “Alpha Tau Omega does not discriminate in its membership requirement against any person on the basis of race, color, creed or national origin; its individual chapters are free to select members without regard to race, color, creed or national origin, and without interference on these grounds, directly or indirectly, from any source outside the local undergraduate chapter.” Thus, ATO began its second 100 years.
AMERICA’S LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FRATERNITY
Otis Allan Glazebrook had the uncommon faith in young men to create a fraternity dedicated to pursuing peace. As previously noted, Glazebrook’s vision and passion for the country to heal was extraordinary for his age and for the era.
The golden era of post-World War II fraternity growth stalled by the late 1960s as a new generation of students arrived on campus. Unrest due to protests over the Vietnam War helped create an “anti-establishment” mood that adversely affected fraternity chapters.
RESPONSIBLE LEADERS ARE ESSENTIAL TO SOLVING THE PROBLEMS
WHICH CONFRONT OUR FRATERNITY, PROFESSIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, COMMUNITIES, NATIONS AND THE WORLD.
Nevertheless, the ATO Creed remained relevant and the belief in college men that Glazebrook instilled in the Fraternity remained strong. By the 1980s, National Fraternity leaders sensed a growing need for a new approach to engage members that would not only help strengthen their chapters but also provide leadership skills that would serve them for a lifetime.
“ATO Shapes Leaders and Leaders
Shape the Future” was called the Fraternity’s “dynamic new concept for action.” The Fraternity’s ability to provide opportunities for gaining and strengthening your leadership skills will help you be a more effective leader within your chapter and on campus.
Your willingness to engage opportunities presented by your chapter, your campus and the National Fraternity can pay immeasurable dividends for the rest of your life.
Two separate Gallup studies show the remarkable lifetime difference Greek membership makes for an engaged life. Gallup focuses on five areas of what they describe as “thriving” that include career wellbeing, social wellbeing, financial wellbeing, physical wellbeing and community wellbeing. Gallup polled 10,000 college graduates across the country and found that men and women who joined a fraternity or sorority as undergraduates were dramatically stronger in all five areas of wellbeing throughout their lives.
IN WITH THE NEW
Practicing what they preached, the 1990 ATO General Assembly approved sweeping changes to the governance structure of the Fraternity that positioned ATO to lead and operate more effectively.
The High Council was replaced by the National Fraternity Board of Directors. The title of Worthy Grand Chief was changed to National President. All “worthy” titles (except for use during the ATO Ritual) including those of chapter officers were also replaced by more traditional organizational titles.
By the beginning of the new century, a growing number of fraternities and sororities were either mandating alcohol-free chapter houses and requiring third party vendors or alcohol-free social events. For ATO, a committee made up mostly of undergraduates made alcohol reform recommendations that are aggressive and that strongly discourage the misuse or abuse of alcohol.
Another change replaced single chapter advisors with chapter boards of trustees. A group of alumni, parents, faculty and community leaders makes up a local board of trustees. The board’s mission is to provide advice, wisdom and encouragement to the chapter.
On February 1, 1997, the National Fraternity Board of Directors named Wynn R. Smiley, Illinois & Purdue, chief executive officer. Smiley is the eighth full-time executive leading the Fraternity. Smiley has served in leadership for a variety of interfraternal organizations during his tenure with ATO. His journalism background and a commitment to the ideals of the Fraternity are well suited to meet the Fraternity’s needs.
On July 30, 2022, the General Assembly elected Jeff Miles as the Fraternity’s 43rd National President. Miles is an initiate of Gamma Pi, our University of Washington chapter, and has a long pedigree of service to his chapter and the National Fraternity. Miles is a successful business owner and believes strongly in the Fraternity’s ability to develop men of character.
QUESTIONS TO THINK AND TALK ABOUT
What motivated Otis Allan Glazebrook to start a fraternity? How did he envision ATO being different from other fraternities?
How is Glazebrook’s vision for ATO in 1865 still relevant today?
In what ways was “second founder” Joseph R. Anderson important to the Fraternity?
How did ATOs become nicknamed “Blackfeet” and Sigma Nus “Whitefeet”?
How do you think Thomas Arkle Clark influenced the DNA or the culture of the Fraternity?
How has ATO continued to demonstrate its innovation and leadership? How does your chapter demonstrate leadership on campus?
YOUR OBSERVATIONS
Write down the leadership characteristics that Glazebrook, Marshall, Ross, Anderson and Clark possess that you admire.
How are those characteristics relevant today for you and for your chapter?
5THE INSIGNIA OF ALPHA TAU OMEGA
OUR COMMON BOND
Your chapter is an independent, self governing entity. When the National Fraternity granted your chapter its charter, it empowered it to choose its own members, elect its own officers and operate as a fully functioning chapter of the Fraternity. Your chapter determines its destiny.
Your chapter is one of more than 140 other ATO chapters across the country. All have been granted a charter by the National Fraternity, which also means that the insignia of the Fraternity are available for your chapter’s use.
Alpha Tau Omega is rich in symbolism. As you learned in the previous chapter, the name “Alpha Tau Omega” was not randomly chosen. The same is true for a variety of insignia and marks that were designed with the ideals and principles of the Fraternity in mind.
Symbols are a part of everyday life; a universal language suggesting ideas beyond what words alone ordinarily express. Any symbol reflects its user. When you wear the “letters” of Alpha Tau Omega, people will see not only you but also the Fraternity.
The insignia and marks of the Fraternity are also powerful reminders to you and every brother about the eternal and immutable principles of the Fraternity and how, as they are embraced, lead to a more fulfilled life.
THE BADGE
Designed by Otis Allan Glazebrook in 1865, the Badge consists of a circular center field and four arms. Glazebrook, having projected a Christian fraternity and appropriated a distinctively Christian symbol for its name, the cross naturally was its logical emblem. For it Glazebrook selected a form he thought was the Maltese cross, though actually it is the heraldic cross patée. The center and the arms are black enamel and the inscription devices are gold. In the center field are inscribed, beginning at the top of the field, a crescent, three stars, the Greek letter “Tau” and two clasped hands. Upon the upper and lower vertical arms are the Greek letters “Alpha” and “Omega,” respectively, and upon the left and right horizontal arms are the letters “Omega” and “Alpha” respectively. Reading from top to bottom the Fraternity’s name appears, Alpha Tau Omega. Reading left to right it becomes Omega Tau Alpha. This reverse arrangement has an esoteric significance to the initiate but does no violence to the essential meaning of the insigne; it still indicates that in Christ the beginning and the end are joined in One.
The standard Badge, furnished to all initiates, is not jeweled and a half-inch square yet Badges with jewels and Badges of all sizes, within reason, are permitted. A pin, known as a guard or dangle, containing the Greek letter or letters representing the name of the owner’s chapter may be attached to the Badge with a gold chain.
The member wears the Badge on a shirt, sweater, or vest (never the outer coat lapel) and pinned over the heart. The Badge may be displayed on a ring but on no other form of jewelry. A miniature Badge is available which may be used as a “sweetheart” pin.
COLORS
Sky-blue and old gold have been the official colors of the Fraternity since 1892, and join with green and white to compose a quartet of symbolic colors. All four colors appear together only in floral arrangements and in certain Alpha Tau Omega ceremonies.
COAT OF ARMS
The Alpha Tau Omega Coat of Arms, or “crest” was designed and adopted by the Fraternity in 1910. Its official description:
Upon a gold field, a vertical blue panel in the center third, joined to a horizontal blue panel in the upper third bearing three five-pointed stars of gold. Crest: A golden tower bearing a small black cross.
In the days of chivalry, when coats of arms were developed, a crest indicated the status of the owner; knights usually added a helmet or their totemic animal’s head. Alpha Tau Omega, being one organization of many chapters, indicates its status by adding a castle built of many blocks. Horizontally, between the shield and the crest, titled nobility added a torse, or conventional symbol, representing the fur or silken cap worn beneath a coronet. Alpha Tau Omega added this conventional symbol to represent nobility of purpose.
The three stars in the blazonry of our Coat of Arms memorialize the three Founders of our Fraternity. To the initiated member, the symbolism of our Coat of Arms has a fuller significance.
THE GRAND SEAL
The Grand Seal was painted in 1872 by Richard N. Brooke, VMI, who was initiated while serving as the arts instructor at the Institute and later became one of America’s best know portraitists. The portrayal of esoteric symbols (The ATO Palm took its name from the central panel) in 1910 became the official corporate seal, used to stamp membership certificates, chapter charters and other official documents. The original painting now hangs in the National Headquarters lobby. A reproduction of the painting may be framed for display in a chapter house, but no other use of the Grand Seal is allowed.
THE FLAG
Adopted in 1914 as designed by William C. Smiley, Minnesota, the flag’s standard design is the Coat of Arms shield, modified as a rectangle by lengthening the field to three units of height to four in width with the top or chief nearest to the pole or hoist. The colors are sky blue and old gold, conforming to the Coat of Arms. The standard design is the official flag, but the same emblem may be displayed in ways to suit the individual and chapter. It may be square as well as rectangular; in the shape of a pennant with notched or “swallow-tailed” ends; and, when attached to a horizontal instead of a vertical support, may be displayed as a banner.
THE FLOWER
The white tea rose, adopted by the 1892 Congress as the Fraternity’s flower, was selected because of its white petals and green stalk. A bouquet of white tea roses tied with sky-blue and gold ribbons contains the Fraternity’s quartet of symbolic colors. Funeral sprays and floral Coats of Arms always contain the four colors.
THE PALM OF ALPHA TAU OMEGA
Published continuously since its founding by Joseph R. Anderson in 1880, the Palm is the Fraternity’s official magazine. There have been more than a dozen Palm editors including Otis Allan Glazebrook. The Palm is available to all ATO alumni and a hard copy of the magazine is sent to ATO Life Loyal Taus and annual donors to the ATO Foundation.
INITIATION CERTIFICATE
All ATO initiates receive an ATO Badge and an initiation certificate memorializing a brother’s membership in the Fraternity. Signed by the National Fraternity president and chief executive officer, it, along with the ATO Badge communicates you as a member of Alpha Tau Omega.
CHAPTER CHARTER
Your chapter is authorized to operate as a chapter of Alpha Tau Omega by the National Fraternity. Your chapter’s charter is granted by the National Fraternity after your chapter’s founding fathers met certain minimum requirements demonstrating the group could successfully operate as an ATO chapter. Your chapter is authorized to operate on campus as it chooses as long as the chapter meets minimum guidelines outlined in the National Fraternity Governing Documents. Of course, the expectation is that ATO chapters will excel and operate well above minimum guidelines.
Even though the chapter belongs to all members of the chapter, including ATO alumni from your chapter, the current undergraduate men making up the active chapter are
YOU ARE THE CARETAKER OF YOUR CHAPTER’S CHARTER.
the caretakers of the chapter’s charter. In other words, the responsibility to keep the chapter strong and relevant is the responsibility of you and your chaptermates.
MEDIA
In addition to the ATO Palm, the National Fraternity produces a wide variety of media for education, information and promotion. The ATO Roadshow is designed for ATO chapters, including yours to highlight the good things the chapter is doing. ATO Roadshow submissions are posted and can also be highlighted in ATO social media posts. ATO Roadshow along with a variety of other sites, including JoinATO, LifeLoyal Tau and the ATO Foundation can be found at the Fraternity’s main website address: ATO.ORG.
MUSIC
Music has been as much a part of the Fraternity’s heritage as the Badge. Traditionally, ATO Grace is sung at the beginning of each meal. Old Alpha and Our Jewels are sung during chapter meetings, Founders’ Day celebrations and many other chapter and National Fraternity functions. One of the most popular ATO songs is The Sweetheart of ATO, sung at serenades and other social events. The ATO Cheer was adopted in 1906 and has been popular ever since for expressing chapter spirit at ATO sports events and other ATO gatherings.
INSTAGRAM LINKED IN ATO.ORG
QUESTIONS TO THINK AND TALK ABOUT
What do you believe the significance is of the ATO Badge design being the same today as it was in 1865?
Assuming you become an initiated member of the Fraternity, what is the significance of the ATO Badge to you?
Your chapter is made up of pledge, undergraduate and alumni members. However, you and initiated undergraduate brothers are the current “Keepers of the Charter.” What do you think your responsibilities are to be good caretakers of the Charter? What is the responsibility of initiated members? chapter officers?
What is your responsibility when you or any brother is wearing ATO letters?
OPPORTUNITIES
Learn and practice the ATO songs.
6FRATERNITY BASICS
“IT SEEMS AS IF I ORIGINATED ALPHA TAU OMEGA IN A DREAM. I SHOULD LIKE TO BELIEVE THIS, FOR THEN I COULD CONCLUDE THAT IT WAS NOT MAN MADE BUT GOD GIVEN.”
OTIS ALLAN GLAZEBROOK
INTERFRATERNAL CONNEC TIONS
In the early days, college studies centered around Greek and Latin. Electives were unknown, and classics rather than current events dominated classroom discussion. It could be a trying time for a young man, most having been sent to college as much to acquire discipline and a “veneer of gentility” as to gain so-called book learning. The discipline was harsh and the rules for personal conduct were very strict. To add to the “misery index,” athletic and social events were few and far between.
But students wanted and needed to relax, to enjoy the friendships and fun that make life bearable, to learn those things that can’t be taught in the classroom, to put real purpose and greater perspective into a personal way of life, to belong.
At the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, the best way to do all this in the 1750s was to gather at the nearby Raleigh Tavern with some of your classmates. Eventually a group of Raleigh Tavern regulars began calling themselves the Flat Hat Club. Why that name? History doesn’t say. Nevertheless, those students had unknowingly organized the first college fraternity. Thomas Jefferson was a member of the Flat Hat Club and is among a list of 20 U.S. presidents who joined fraternities.
Other groups soon appeared but they were social only to a limited extent; they wanted faculty approval and that meant being more like a literary society; meeting to debate or critique compositions, staging oratorical contests, or engaging in campus politics with rival groups.
One such group rejected a student for membership. John Heath, the student who was turned down, was a superior Greek scholar. Young Heath decided if he couldn’t join them he’d beat them at their own game! He took three Greek letters, four friends, and, in December, 1776, held the first secret meeting of Phi Beta Kappa the first Greek-letter society, or fraternity. It was secret because the William and Mary faculty didn’t approve of its students discussing the pressing issues of the day and possibly straying too far from accepted beliefs. So Phi Beta Kappa developed secret signals of recognition as they met weekly in the Raleigh Tavern’s Apollo Room.
The secret grip, mottoes and ritual, the distinctive badge, the laws, the use of Greek letters all were first used by Phi Beta Kappa and were imitated by later fraternities. The important legacies of Phi Beta Kappa are high moral principles, scholastic achievement and friendship between brothers.
During anti-secret society movements of the 1830s, Phi Beta Kappa voluntarily revealed that its name means “Philosophy, the Guide of Life.” Since that time, the fraternity has become a scholastic honorary on more than 225 American campuses, and today recognizes undergraduate men and women who show superior academic achievement.
WOMEN ORGANIZE
Sororities had their beginnings at Wesleyan Female College, Macon, Georgia. The Adelphean Society was organized May 15, 1851, followed a year later by the Philomathean Society. They remained strictly local societies for more than 50 years
THE FRATERNITY TRIADS
UNION TRIAD
The Union Triad is a group of the three oldest existing Greek-letter social fraternities in North America that were founded at Union College in Schenectady, New York: the Kappa Alpha Society (1825) (not to be confused with Kappa Alpha Order), the Sigma Phi Society (1827) and Delta Phi (1827).
MIAMI TRIAD
The Miami Triad is made up of three fraternities founded at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio: Beta Theta Pi (1839), Phi Delta Theta (1848), and Sigma Chi (1855).
LEXINGTON TRIAD
The three fraternities founded in Lexington, Virginia: Alpha Tau Omega (1865 at VMI), Sigma Nu (1869 at VMI) and Kappa Alpha Order (1865 at Washington and Lee).
THE LEXINGTON TRIAD MARKER IN LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA
before adopting Greek names and expanding as Alpha Delta Pi and Phi Mu, respectively. Pi Beta Phi was founded in 1867 at Monmouth College in Illinois and Kappa Alpha Theta started at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana in 1870.
A NEW ERA
Responding to the need to reunite the North and the South was Alpha Tau Omega, the first fraternity founded after the Civil War in 1865. Others were quick behind: Kappa Alpha Order, 1865; Pi Kappa Alpha, 1868; Sigma Nu, 1869; and Kappa Sigma, 1869, all in Virginia.
“The country was overwhelmed by the bitterness, destruction, and tragedy of the Civil War,” Clyde Sanford Johnson wrote in “Fraternities in Our Colleges.” “Alpha Tau Omega’s prime object was to restore the Union, to unite fraternally
ATO MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN AT VMI IN HONOR OF THE FRATERNITY’S CENTENNIAL
the young men of the South with those of the North, and to foster a Christian brotherhood dedicated to the task of achieving and cherishing permanent peace.”
Each member of the Lexington Triad has its own commemorative marker in Lexington. The ATO Memorial Fountain in front of VMI’s Preston Library honors the Founders who planned the VMI chapter at ATO’s 1865 founding meeting in Richmond. Inside Washington & Lee’s Robinson Hall, which now houses the mathematics department, a marker pays tribute to the 1865 founding of Kappa Alpha Order in the building when it was a dormitory. On the edge of VMI parade grounds, a limestone outcropping is marked as the spot where Sigma Nu founders met in 1868 to plan their new society.
In the late 1890s several states adopted anti-fraternity legislation. Fraternities with strong leadership expanded rapidly and encouraged the formation of many new fraternities. By the start of the 20th Century fraternity leaders knew they needed to work together to preserve the entire system.
The North American Interfraternity Conference was organized to connect various national fraternities with the mission to preserve and strengthen the men’s Greek experience. The NIC’s first meeting was held in New York City in 1909. Alpha Tau Omega is a founding member. Your campus interfraternity council (IFC) is advised by the NIC.
KEEPING GOOD COMPANY
A quarter-million undergraduates are members of men’s general fraternities on more than 650 campuses across the United States and Canada.
Chances are good that these fraternity men will serve others tens of millions of dollars and hundreds of millions of man hours are contributed to charities and social service agencies by fraternities annually.
Students who join fraternities or sororities are much more likely to stay in college and graduate than unaffiliated students.
And chances are good that the fraternity men will succeed in a variety of endeavors, including the U.S. Presidency, which has been held by 20 members of fraternities.
College alumni who joined fraternities and sororities are much more likely to “thrive” throughout life according to Gallup polling.
Fraternity and sorority members are more likely to be leaders in a variety of general campus organizations including student government, homecoming, new student orientation and any number of specific focused interest and professional development campus groups.
ALPHA TO OMEGA
Fraternities draw heavily upon both the Greek and English languages for terminology in their designations for national organizations, individual chapters, offices, publications and special programs.
Because Greek letters are prominently used, the term “Greek” is commonly applied to members of all general college fraternities and sororities. However, a number of excellent fraternities — such as FarmHouse, Acacia and Triangle — do not use Greek letters for their names; and others, including Alpha Tau Omega, use Greek letters in their names, but are based on non-Grecian principles.
THE GREEK ALPHABET
ALPHA BETA GAMMA DELTA EPSILON
ZETA ETA
THETA IOTA KAPPA
LAMBDA MU NU XI OMICRON
PI RHO SIGMA TAU UPSILON
PHI CHI PSI OMEGA
MEN
WOMEN
SINGULAR ALUMNUS ALUMNA (ah-lum-nus) (ah-lum-nuh)
PLURAL ALUMNI ALUMNAE (ah-lum-nye) (ah-lum-nee)
MIXED GROUPS OF MEN AND WOMEN ARE ALUMNI
“IF THE FRATERNITY IS TO REACH ITS BEST DEVELOPMENT IN THE FUTURE THERE MUST BE NO DOUBT IN THE MIND OF ANYONE THAT ITS PRINCIPLES ARE BROAD, HIGH, AND DEMOCRATIC.
THE FRATERNITY MAN, BECAUSE OF HIS OPPORTUNITIES, BECAUSE OF HIS POSITION IN THE COLLEGE COMMUNITY HAS AN UNUSUAL CHANCE TO EXERCISE A STRONG FORCE IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND IN THE SPREAD OF SUCH A SPIRIT.”
THOMAS ARKLE CLARK
Adding to the peculiarity of the fraternity language is the fact that a few Greek letters (particularly Xi and Phi) have several pronunciations. Sometimes both a Greek and an English form are used in the same name because the particular group prefers it that way — Alpha Phee for Alpha Phi. Therefore, be alert to the exceptions to the rules.
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS
ATO works diligently to maintain a strong relationship with the campus administrations of all ATO chapters. Historically, ATO “host institutions” are excellent partners and support the fraternity and sorority community on their campuses. You may hear that your campus administration is against fraternities on your campus or is trying to “shut down the Greek system.” The strong likelihood is your campus administration supports the Greek system. Why? Because campus administrators, including the college or university president and other top campus leaders, almost always recognize and understand the benefits the Greek system brings to their institutions and students.
Students who affiliate with a fraternity or sorority are much more likely to graduate, get better grades and to financially donate to their alma maters, to name just three reasons. The Greek system typically provides a large percentage of student leaders for a variety of campus student organizations outside of the Greek community. Campuses with a robust fraternity community tend to be a strong recruitment tool for men choosing a campus.
On rare occasions, an ATO host institution may propose rules or regulations that infringe on students rights or the rights of an ATO chapter. The U.S. Supreme Court has made clear that your rights as a U.S. citizen “do not end at the schoolhouse door.” In fact, as someone who hopes to initiate into the Fraternity, along with all brothers, part of the responsibility of membership is to protect the rights of your chapter and your chaptermates.
ATO is one of many national fraternities and sororities working to help chapters and undergraduate members protect their association and speech rights. ATO ’s trade association, the North American Interfraternity Conference, along with other national interfraternal organizations has created, is partnered with or contracts with several organizations helping the fraternity movement defend the Greek experience.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) was established to protect college student and group rights. Your freedom of speech and freedom of association are firmly embedded in the U.S. Constitution.
Perhaps the most frequent violation of your right to freely associate with your choice of organizations is membership recruitment restrictions. Because they are agencies of government, public colleges and universities are bound by the U.S. Constitution. Private colleges and universities are not bound by the Constitution, however the code of conduct established by each private college or university almost always includes language protecting your constitutional rights.
Ironically, campus Interfraternity Councils (IFCs) impose recruitment restrictions on the fraternities making up the IFC. The justifications for such action are legion. However, more times than not, the reason an IFC puts recruitment restrictions in place is to protect the status quo.
THE NATIONAL FRATERNITY
You have seen and perhaps heard several references to the National Fraternity. You have already read that the National Fraternity granted your chapter’s charter. What else does “National” do? The short answer is that the National Fraternity engages in a variety of initiatives to provide resources and educational programming to help strengthen and support your chapter’s operations, as well as to support the wellness and growth of its individual members.
“ADHERE TO YOUR PURPOSE AND YOU WILL SOON FEEL AS WELL AS YOU EVER DID. ON THE CONTRARY, IF YOU FALTER AND GIVE UP, YOU WILL LOSE THE POWER OF KEEPING ANY RESOLUTION, AND WILL REGRET IT ALL OF YOUR LIFE.”
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Advising and educating your chapter takes a lot of time and energy. ATO staff members travel regularly to meet with chapter officers. Chances are, at some point, you will hear from your chapter’s Leadership Consultant throughout your time as an undergraduate member of the Fraternity.
The National Fraternity also develops curriculum and delivers programming for officers and members. To be able to anticipate future needs of incoming college men, the National Fraternity engages experts in a variety of fields that provide advice and direction. Staff leadership routinely connect with leadership from other national fraternities, sororities, ATO host institutions and other organizations dedicated to the success of college men and college organizations designed for men.
Much of the work conducted by the National Fraternity is behind the scenes. Working with ATO’s trade association and other organizations that promote and protect ATO’s ability to operate freely and your ability to have the opportunity to join ATO. The National Fraternity’s work includes keeping in communication with members of Congress as well as other federal and state officials and state legislatures.
The National Fraternity also has a robust communication strategy that includes traditional and social media, member communication, and alumni and parents outreach. The National Fraternity is also the cloud for ATO membership and chapter records. It is the archives for ATO history, including your chapter’s.
SETTING THE STANDARD
Among its many firsts, Alpha Tau Omega was designed by Otis Allan Glazebrook to be a national fraternity based on democracy. Prior to ATO, all national fraternities were governed by their Alpha chapters.
The ATO General Assembly is convened at the biennial Congress. It is the legislative branch of the National Fraternity. Among its responsibilities, the General Assembly elects four National Fraternity officers and Board of Directors.
The National Fraternity Board of Directors is responsible for governing the National Fraternity. The National Fraternity Board of Directors is the group that grants and revokes chapter charters.
The Board of Directors hires the chief executive officer who is responsible for carrying out the long term goals of the Fraternity set by the Board of Directors. The CEO is also responsible for hiring National Fraternity staff members who work together for the effective management and operation of the National Fraternity.
YOUR RIGHTS COME WITH RESPONSIBILITY
You are an adult. If you have celebrated your 18th birthday, in the eyes of the law, you are an adult. As an adult, you have “agency.” What is agency? There are several definitions but they all point in the same basic direction: Personal agency is being in control of your actions and the consequences they have on your life. It is the power and ability to filter out unwanted noise and advocate for yourself.
Being responsible for your own choices and advocating for yourself are very important aspects of an ATO chapter. Why? Because when members make good choices the chapter as a whole prospers.
One of the reasons being part of ATO has so many benefits that last a lifetime is that you and your chaptermates are responsible for the well-being of your chapter. There are several outside entities that offer good advice, best practices, support and minimum standards. However, those outside entities including your college or university fraternity/sorority office, the National Fraternity or your chapter’s Board of Trustees, to name three, are not in charge of your chapter. You and your chapter mates are. You are responsible for your choices and for advocating for yourself. The chapter controls its own destiny.
Your campus and the National Fraternity produce minimum guidelines individual ATOs and ATO chapters are expected to not violate. For ATO, they are included as part of the National Fraternity Governing Documents. Your chapter executive board officers have copies. Because your chapter is an independent, self-governing organization, it also has chapter bylaws that dictate how the chapter is organized and how it is to operate.
YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY
As a member, it is important you know and understand the guidelines, bylaws and rules that are in place for your chapter. The “Bs” in the National Governing Documents contain all of the “Health and Safety” guidelines for your chapter. These guidelines are virtually the same as your campus health and safety guidelines. They are also virtually identical to all other IFC fraternity chapters on your campus. It is up to you and your chapter to make choices that are within the boundaries established.
It is important that you familiarize yourself with the Health and Safety Bs. They are in Appendix A of this book. Here is a broad overview:
l Consuming alcohol underage and the use of drugs at an ATO chapter event or on an ATO property is a violation of ATO policy.
HAZING HOTLINE
888-NOT-HAZE
NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO HAZE YOU. YOU HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO REJECT AND REPORT HAZING.
If it is against the law, it is against ATO policy. Alcohol also should not be provided at any new member event.
l Hazing, whether you volunteered to participate or think its no big deal, is against ATO policy. Nothing will happen to you if you say no to hazing. Despite popular belief, you will not be black balled if you refuse to participate in hazing. If you experience any kind of hazing, call the hazing hotline.
l If someone is overly intoxicated or otherwise in distress, call 911. Do not hesitate. Don’t leave your friend lying on a couch to sleep it off.
l Don’t be a creeper. ATO does not condone sexual assault or sexual harassment. Educate yourself on what consent means and looks like.
Another leadership advantage your chapter provides is its responsibility to self-govern. Among other things, that means the chapter is responsible for holding members accountable. Peer to peer accountability is designed to be achieved by the chapter’s Judicial Board. An effective Judicial Board is one of the Five Vitals. Holding members accountable for their actions is important to the sustainability of your chapter.
Judicial Boards are comprised of the top officers and a representative from each academic class of your chapter. It is their responsibility to adjudicate violations of ATO bylaws and guidelines. The Judicial Board has the power to sanction members, including expelling them from the Fraternity.
Part of your new member education should include reviewing your chapter’s bylaws and the National Fraternity Governing Documents.
“TELL ME WHAT YOU MOST THOROUGHLY ADMIRE IN YOUR HEART, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR LIPS SAY, AND I CAN READ YOUR CHARACTER. THERE IS A FIXED CONNECTION BETWEEN WHAT A MAN ADMIRES AND WHO HE IS.”
THOMAS T. EATON
1877 ATO CONGRESS
QUESTIONS TO THINK AND TALK ABOUT
Why do you think members of fraternities and sororities graduate from college at a higher rate, tend to get better grades, are generally more involved on campus and are more committed to their alma mater after graduation than unaffiliated students?
How does your personal agency come into play as a member of your chapter?
How does being responsible for your own choices help you become a better man?
How would you intervene if you saw someone who was in distress? Why is it important that you not “look the other way”?
Why is a chapter Judicial Board important for chapter strength?
What did you learn reading through the ATO Health and Safety guidelines (the Bs) in Appendix A?
YOUR OBSERVATIONS
Why is the freedom of speech and the freedom of association so important for the strength of ATO and ATO brothers?
Why are campus or IFC recruitment restrictions inconsistent with the values of the Fraternity?
7AMERICA’S COLLEGE MAN DEVELOPMENT FRATERNITY
ATOs LEAD
Alpha Tau Omega is committed to the development of the whole man scholastically, intellectually, relationally and spiritually. ATO has established key practices and created groundbreaking programs that will help shape your leadership capacity, develop you holistically as a man, explore your spiritual interests and discover your destiny in the world.
NEW MEMBER EDUCATION
The first step in ATO’s College Man Development process is effective pledge education. The outcome of a robust membership education process both formal and informal will be strong, contributing members of the chapter. The goals of new member education include a deep ownership of the Fraternity, a clear understanding how ATO is distinctive and a buy-in to the cultures of both the chapter and National Fraternity.
ATO does not support and, in fact, prohibits any kind of “Big/Little Brother” effort or event. Why? Because experience shows that the intended outcome of an initiated member serving as a guide and friend to the pledge or new member through the pledging or new member process is not realized. Sadly, what could have been a positive mentoring experience, in many instances turned out to just be a big alcohol-fueled “celebration” when the big brother was introduced or “revealed” to his little brother.
Consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time creates a dangerous situation at reveal ceremonies. In one instance, a 19-year-old pledge was offered a handle of hard alcohol to consume during and after his reveal ceremony. Even though he was not forced or even verbally coached to drink, he did and several hours later was found dead from alcohol poisoning.
Big/Little brother programs, including the “reveal” ceremony is a very dangerous event for any fraternity chapter. There are better ways to promote brotherhood between new members and initiated brothers. COACH is ATO’s answer to keeping the beneficial parts of the Big Little brother program and getting rid of the destructive and dangerous aspects.
If you are presented with a Big brother and/or discover the chapter is conducting a “reveal” ceremony with alcohol, you should object and leave the event immediately.
COACH
COACH is an acronym for connecting pledges/new members with upperclassmen in the chapter. (COACH participants who are initiated members are restricted to upperclassmen).
Your new member educator will explain how your chapter conducts the COACH process for you and your pledge/new member class.
C
Connector—You are connected with an upperclassman who will serve as a connector to you, the chapter and campus opportunities.
O Organized—The program is organized and well run.
A Advisor—Your coach serves as an unofficial personal advisor to you.
C
Confidant—He is also a confidant, someone who is able to answer questions about the chapter and listen to how you are doing as someone just getting started with the Fraternity.
H Honorable—The COACH program is run honorably, reflecting the ideals and principles of the Fraternity.
MEN OF DESTINY
Men of Destiny is unique to Alpha Tau Omega. Men of Destiny leads ATO brothers through a process to discover their distinct contribution to the world… their calling and even their destiny. This seminar walks each member through an analysis of their life story, skill set, passions and personality ultimately pointing to a purpose or why to live for that they then can integrate with their career.
SIGNATURE EVENTS
An important part of a strong ATO chapter identity is the positive impact you and your brothers have on the community. Aligning with a local, regional or national charitable or social service organization and helping it further its mission promotes chapter unity. The stronger and longer lasting the partnership, the greater impact on the community and the people who benefit from your charitable work. Chapter philanthropic efforts are called Signature Events because over time the chapter creates a strong reputation on campus and in the community for its good work.
Signature Events are not only good for the organization benefiting from your efforts, they are also good for the chapter. Signature Events build unity and pride within the chapter. By their very nature, Signature Events are also brotherhood building events. And they can serve as a great way to recruit new brothers.
Unlike many national fraternities and sororities, ATO does not have a national philanthropy that chapters would be encouraged to contribute to. The National Fraternity believes each chapter should choose its own cause to support based on what is meaningful to the men in the chapter.
ELEVATE
Advanced leadership training benefits you personally and benefits your chapter. Elevate is designed to help you as a new ATO determine what leadership positions within the chapter you aspire to. But the Elevate experience provides solid leadership insights that will benefit you regardless of any chapter office you might like to hold.
PRESIDENTS RETREAT
As the chapter leadership goes, so goes the chapter. Your chapter is a complex organization that requires strong know-how and leadership to lead and manage it effectively. Presidents Retreat is designed for the chapter president, vice-president, and two other top chapter officers to provide the best practices, advice and insights that will help your chapter operate as a well-oiled machine.
PERSONAL WELLNESS AND DEVELOPMENT
Not to be confused with going to the gym, Personal Wellness & Development in ATO’s College Man Development lineup is designed to provide opportunities for your personal development and wellbeing. Currently, ATO makes available “Talkspace” for any member who feels he could use a professional counselor to talk with. Another program focusing on personal finances called Money Vehicle is available to all ATO undergraduate members. ATO has and will continue to offer additional third party partnerships that are designed for you.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
The Birkman Assessment, which every participant of the Presidents Retreat, Elevate and Encounter completes is a robust assessment about how you engage and operate in the world. The Birkman provides a large number of ways to utilize its results. One way is helping you look at your professional career development. An important part of your college experience should be understanding what career interests you and how you can thrive as a person pursuing your career.
THE ALPHA AND OMEGA
ATO welcomes men of any faith or no faith at all. Your personal beliefs or worldview are not an issue. At the same time, the Fraternity’s foundation is unambiguous and strongly supported. Because ATO was formed by our Founders on the basis of strong spiritual values, the Fraternity offers opportunities for brothers to explore the spiritual values held by Glazebrook, Marshall and Ross.
ENCOUNTER
Built around the parable of the Prodigal Son, Encounter is designed to promote the Gospel as it was intended: World-changing “Good News.” In fact, the word “gospel” means good news. Religion in general and Christianity in particular have, in many cases, been seen to devolve over time to anything but good news. It is the power of the Gospel that Glazebrook had in mind when he created ATO as a peace organization based on unconditional love as exemplified by Jesus.
Encounter is open to all ATOs. Brothers attending explore what unconditional love looks like and how Jesus remains the same today as when He inspired Glazebrook to start ATO nearly two centuries ago.
Participants have significant interactions with one another in a small group setting and in large group worship and prayer. Participants walk away having learned better who they are, especially in relationship to God and each other.
BIBLE STUDY LEADERS
As a spontaneous opportunity, an undergraduate brother may choose to start and lead Bible Study group in your chapter open to anyone who may be interested in attending. For brothers who are leading or thinking about leading a Bible Study, the National Fraternity provides a dedicated two-day track at Presidents Retreat.
THE ALPHA TAU OMEGA FOUNDATION
ATO for a Lifetime plays out in many ways. An important ongoing expectation of supporting ATO is through financial support to the ATO Foundation.
Erskine Mayo Ross left $5,000 to the Fraternity to start the Alpha Tau Omega Foundation. The Foundation is governed by a board made up of ATO alumni. The Foundation’s mission is to raise money to support ATO and ATOs in general leadership, education, religious, civic and other general educational endeavors.
Part or all of the programs as part of the Fraternity’s College Man Development initiative are financially supported through grants from the ATO Foundation.
THE BLUE AND GOLD CLUB
Specifically designed for ATO undergraduate brothers to begin to support the ATO Foundation, the Blue and Gold Club is an exclusive Foundation club for undergraduate brothers. An undergraduate can join the Blue and Gold Club with a gift of $25. Club membership typically comes with a gift as a Foundation Club member.
QUESTIONS TO THINK AND TALK ABOUT
In what ways do Signature Events help strengthen the chapter and the men in the chapter?
How does ATO promote overall personal development?
YOUR OBSERVATIONS
What areas in your own personal development would you like to explore? Why?
8TRUE MERIT WHEREVER FOUND
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE
The Creed of Alpha Tau Omega is aspirational and promotes excellence. Successful chapters and accomplished brothers are recognized by the National Fraternity for their excellence by various awards and honors.
The Congress of Alpha Tau Omega is held every two years. The General Assembly of Congress is the legislative session of the Fraternity.
The National Awards Celebration is held in the intervening years of Congress. Both Congress and the National Awards Celebration focus on leadership and chapter development.
The culminating event whether Congress or the National Awards Celebration is the Awards Banquet, honoring ATO excellence for the year.
NATIONAL FRATERNITY AWARDS AND HONORS
TRUE MERIT
Presented to chapters that demonstrate excellence in overall chapter operations. The silver Revere Bowls are awarded to chapters that are the best for the year.
TRUE MERIT HONORABLE MENTION
Recognizing chapters that fell just short of being named True Merit, Honorable Mention chapters demonstrate excellence in multiple areas of chapter operations.
THOMAS ARKLE CLARK HONOREES
Presented to graduating seniors who have shown exceptional leadership, scholarship and campus and community engagement.
COURAGE & HONOR AWARD
Presented to individual brothers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in ATO chapter achievement despite difficult circumstances.
ELEVATE & ROSS IMPACT AWARDS
SIGNATURE EVENTS
Presented to the chapter or chapters that demonstrate outstanding Signature Events and other service projects through their volunteer time (Elevate) and chapters that demonstrate outstanding service by the amount of charitable dollars raised (Impact).
COMMUNICATIONS & ATO ROADSHOW
The ATO Gold, Silver and Bronze Communication Awards are presented to the top three chapters demonstrating outstanding organizational communication to its various constituencies.
ATO Roadshow winner is awarded to the chapter that achieves the greatest number of qualified Roadshow points during an academic year.
TOP SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Presented to chapters with the best cumulative GPA of all ATO chapters.
EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Awarded to chapters that demonstrate outstanding achievement in specific areas of chapter operations.
QUESTIONS TO THINK AND TALK ABOUT
What awards (campus and Fraternity) did your chapter win last year?
What awards (campus and Fraternity) do you believe are worth pursuing?
YOUR OBSERVATIONS
Thomas Arkle Clark (page 54) left a legacy in higher education and Alpha Tau Omega. The Thomas Arkle Clark Honors go to graduating ATO brothers who demonstrate exceptional chapter and campus leadership, scholarship and overall personal excellence. Find out who the men are in your chapter who would qualify for TAC Honors. What specific qualities do they have as college men? What have they achieved during their ATO undergraduate tenure?
APPENDIX A
ALPHA TAU OMEGA HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES
B1. The chapter, members and guests must comply with all federal, state, provincial and local laws. No person under the legal drinking age may possess, consume, provide, sell or be provided alcoholic beverages.
B2. Alcoholic beverages must not be purchased with chapter funds or funds pooled (i.e. passing the hat or using digital payment apps, i.e., Venmo) by members or guests (e.g., admission fees, cover fees, collecting funds through digital apps, etc.).
B3. Alcoholic beverages must either be: a) Provided and sold on a per-drink basis by a licensed and insured third-party vendor (e.g., restaurant, bar, caterer, etc.); or b) Brought by individual members and guests through a bring your own beverage (“BYOB”) system in compliance with ATO guidelines.
B4. The presence of alcohol products above 15% alcohol by volume (“ABV”) is prohibited on any chapter premises or at any event, except when served by a licensed and insured third-party vendor.
B5. A chapter must not cohost or cosponsor an event with a bar, event promoter, or alcohol distributor; however, a chapter may rent a bar, restaurant or other licensed and insured thirdparty vendor to host a chapter event.
B6. A chapter must not cohost or cosponsor, or in any way participate in, an activity or event with another group or entity that purchases or provides alcohol.
B7. Any event or activity related to the new member joining process (e.g. recruitment, rush, etc.) must be substance free. No alcohol or drugs may be present if the event or activity is related to new member activities, meetings, or initiation, including but not limited to “bid night,” “big/little” events or activities, “family” events or activities, and any ritual or ceremony.
B8. Attendance by nonmembers at any event where alcohol is present must be by invitation only, and the chapter must utilize a guest list system. Attendance at events with alcohol is limited to a 3:1 maximum guest-to-member ratio, and must not exceed local fire or building code capacity of the chapter premises or host venue.
B9. The chapter, members or guests must not permit, encourage, coerce, glorify or participate in any activities involving the rapid consumption of alcohol, such as drinking games.
B10. Common sources of alcohol, including bulk quantities, which are not being served by a licensed and insured third-party vendor are prohibited (i.e. amounts of alcohol greater than what a reasonable person should consume over the duration of an event, including but not limited to kegs, boxed wine, 30-racks, alcohol punch, etc.).
B11. The chapter, members and guests must follow the federal law regarding illegal drugs and controlled substances. No person may possess, use, provide, distribute, sell, and/or manufacture illegal drugs or other controlled substances while on premises or at any activity or event sponsored or endorsed by the chapter.
B12. All chapter houses shall, prior to, during, and following occupancy, meet all local fire and health codes and standards.
B13. Chapter members should call 911 if they observe someone injured or in distress, or if they suspect a fire or other dangerous condition.
B14. No person shall possess and/or use firearms or explosive devices of any kind within the confines and premises of a chapter house.
B15. No person shall use smoking products of any kind within the confines and premises of a chapter house.
B16. Candles should not be used in chapter houses or individual rooms.
B17. Hazing is prohibited. The term “hazing” is hereby defined to mean any or all of the following: Any willful act or practice by a member or pledge, directed against a member or pledge, which, with or without intent:
(a) Is likely, with reasonable possibility, to cause bodily harm or danger, offensive physical punishment, or disturbing pain.
(b) Is likely to: (1) compromise the dignity of a member or pledge, (2) cause embarrassment or shame to a member or pledge in public, (3) cause a member or pledge to be the object of malicious amusement or ridicule, or (4) cause psychological harm or substantial emotional strain.
(c) Will, unreasonably or unusually, impair a member’s or pledge’s academic efforts including, without limitation, depriving him of normal sleep.
B18. Any requirement by a member or pledge which compels a member or pledge to participate in any activity which is illegal, which is known by the person to be contrary to a member’s or pledge’s moral or religious beliefs, or which is contrary to the rules or regulations of the member’s or pledge’s school is prohibited.
B19. Any requirement by a member or pledge which compels or encourages a member or pledge to participate in any activity, the nature of which would make such an activity offensive and/or unacceptable to, or unlikely to be engaged in by, a reasonable man is prohibited.
B20. Any requirement, activity, or action which subjects a member or pledge to degrading, demeaning, or deliberately unpleasant and offensive treatment whether physical or mental is prohibited.
B21. Permission or approval by the person being hazed is not a defense.
B22. The Fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental or emotional. This includes any actions, activities or events, whether on chapter premises or an off-site location which are demeaning to women or men, including but not limited to verbal harassment, sexual assault by individuals or sexual assault by members acting together. Strippers, exotic dancers or similar persons, whether professional or amateur, at a fraternity event are prohibited.
B23. Chapter women’s auxiliary groups, such as Little Sisters organizations, are prohibited.
B24. Each Interest Group and Nexus Group (and eventual chapter upon receiving its charter) shall be substance-free and shall remain substance-free. Substance-free means no alcohol in a chapter house or on chapter property, including all common areas and individual rooms. Individuals (members or nonmembers, undergraduates or alumni) are prohibited from entering, consuming or storing any quantity of alcohol in a chapter house or on chapter property. The definition of substance-free applies to existing chapters that have become substance-free by other means.
B25. If a member assists another person in obtaining immediate and appropriate medical care related to the use or consumption of alcohol, drugs, or to another medical emergency, then that member, as well as those who are assisted will not be subject to individual disciplinary action with respect to the incident. This is the case even if the member who is assisting was a contributing factor to that emergency. An individual may benefit from this policy more than once, though it is within the discretion of the Fraternity to take disciplinary action after evaluating the circumstances under which a member has been subject to repeated use of the policy.
B26. A chapter that seeks immediate and appropriate medical assistance for a person in need related to the use or consumption of alcohol, drugs, or to another medical emergency, may be eligible for mitigation of charges related to violations of organizational policies. To be eligible for this potential mitigation, the chapter will be required to meet in person or by telephone with a National Fraternity staff member or an alumnus volunteer designated by the National Fraternity. A chapter may benefit from this policy more than once, although it is within the discretion of the Fraternity to take disciplinary action after evaluating the circumstances under which a chapter has been subject to repeated use of the policy.
APPENDIX B
MEN’S FRATERNITIES
ACACIA - 1904
ALPHA CHI RHO - 1895
ALPHA DELTA GAMMA - 1924
ALPHA DELTA PHI - 1832
ALPHA EPSILON PI - 1913
ALPHA GAMMA RHO - 1904
ALPHA GAMMA SIGMA - 1922
ALPHA KAPPA LAMBDA - 1914
ALPHA PHI ALPHA - 1906
ALPHA PHI DELTA - 1914
ALPHA SIGMA PHI - 1845
ALPHA TAU OMEGA - 1865
BETA SIGMA PSI - 1925
BETA THETA PI - 1839
CHI PHI - 1824
CHI PSI - 1841
DELTA CHI - 1890
DELTA KAPPA EPSILON - 1844
DELTA PHI - 1827
DELTA PHI KAPPA - 1869
DELTA PSI - 1847
DELTA SIGMA PHI - 1899
DELTA TAU DELTA - 1859
DELTA UPSILON - 1834
FARM HOUSE - 1905
GAMMA ZETA ALPHA - 1987
IOTA PHI THETA - 1963
KAPPA ALPHA ORDER - 1865
KAPPA ALPHA PSI - 1911
KAPPA ALPHA SOCIETY - 1825
KAPPA DELTA RHO - 1905
KAPPA SIGMA - 1869
LAMBDA ALPHA UPSILON - 1985
LAMBDA CHI ALPHA - 1909
LAMBDA SIGMA UPSILON - 1979
LAMBDA UPSILON LAMBDA - 1982
OMEGA PSI PHI - 1911
PHI BETA SIGMA - 1914
PHI DELTA THETA - 1848
PHI GAMMA DELTA - 1848
PHI IOTA ALPHA - 1931
PHI KAPPA PSI - 1852
PHI KAPPA SIGMA - 1850
PHI KAPPA TAU - 1906
PHI KAPPA THETA - 1889
PHI LAMBDA CHI - 1925
PHI MU DELTA - 1918
PHI SIGMA EPSILON - 1910
PHI SIGMA KAPPA - 1873
PI KAPPA ALPHA - 1868
PI KAPPA PHI - 1904
PI LAMBDA PHI - 1895
PSI UPSILON - 1833
SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON - 1856
SIGMA ALPHA MU - 1909
SIGMA BETA KAPPA - 1943
SIGMA CHI - 1855
SIGMA GAMMA CHI - 1967
SIGMA NU - 1869
SIGMA PHI EPSILON - 1901
SIGMA PHI SOCIETY - 1827
SIGMA PI - 1897
SIGMA TAU GAMMA - 1920
TAU DELTA PHI - 1910
TAU KAPPA EPSILON - 1899
TAU KAPPA PHI - 1910
THETA CHI - 1856
THETA DELTA CHI - 1847
THETA XI - 1864
TRIANGLE - 1907
ZETA BETA TAU - 1898
ZETA PSI - 1847
APPENDIX C
WOMEN’S SORORITIES
ALPHA CHI OMEGA - 1885
ALPHA DELTA PI - 1851
ALPHA EPSILON PHI - 1909
ALPHA GAMMA DELTA - 1904
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA - 1908
ALPHA OMICRON PI - 1897
ALPHA PHI - 1872
ALPHA PI SIGMA - 1990
ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA - 1901
ALPHA SIGMA TAU - 1899
ALPHA XI DELTA - 1893
CHI OMEGA - 1895
CHI UPSILON SIGMA - 1980
DELTA DELTA DELTA - 1893
DELTA GAMMA - 1873
DELTA PHI EPSILON - 1917
DELTA SIGMA THETA - 1913
DELTA ZETA - 1902
GAMMA PHI BETA - 1874
GAMMA PHI OMEGA - 1991
KAPPA ALPHA THETA - 1870
KAPPA BETA GAMMA - 1917
KAPPA DELTA - 1897
KAPPA DELTA CHI - 1987
KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA - 1870
LAMBDA DELTA SIGMA - 1967
LAMBDA PI CHI - 1988
LAMBDA PI UPSILON - 1992
LAMBDA THETA NU - 1986
OMEGA PHI BETA - 1989
PHI MU - 1852
PHI SIGMA SIGMA - 1913
PI BETA PHI - 1867
SIGMA DELTA TAU - 1917
SIGMA GAMMA RHO - 1922
SIGMA IOTA ALPHA - 1990
SIGMA KAPPA - 1873
SIGMA LAMBDA UPSILON - 1987
SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA - 1898
THETA PHI ALPHA - 1912
ZETA PHI BETA - 1920
ZETA TAU ALPHA - 1898
