WINTER 2025
THE CORNERSTONE ATO IS PART OF THE ANSWER
Pictured center is Troy University Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Sohail Agboatwala, Kappa Beta ’25. His recent initiation into the Kappa Beta Chapter reects how small, intentional choices can shape a chapter’s culture in meaningful ways.
ATOs at Troy University in Alabama recently celebrated the chapter’s 20th anniversary. The chapter has distinguished itself on campus and within the National Fraternity, earning 18 consecutive True Merit bowls and growing its Signature Event, the 128.3 mile, six-day Walk Hard into both an ATO and campus tradition. This year Walk Hard raised more than $140,000 for Jeep Sullivan’s Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures helping wounded American veterans reconnect with the healing and hope through the outdoors.
shape chapter culture. One of those moments: Initiating Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Sohail Agboatwala into the Brotherhood. It’s no accident Brother Agboatwala accepted the invitation, and Troy Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Montevallo ’15, and Vice Chancellor for Government and External Affairs William Filmore, Troy ’08, attended and praised the chapter as an inuential part of the campus community. Earning 18 True Merit honors in 20 years doesn’t just happen. That’s the fruit of culture.
This issue of The Palm focuses on the growing awareness of the headwinds boys and young men are facing today. It is no secret that I believe ATO and the eternal and immutable principles the Fraternity was founded on are more relevant today ever before. The Fraternity’s ability to intrinsically speak to core issues college men wrestle with has always been important, but today, and for the foreseeable future, ATO and our interfraternal peers are uniquely positioned to engage and afrm men in ways few, if any, other campus organizations are.
Something else that resonated with the men of Kappa Beta, hearing Chancellor Hawkins, a retired U.S. Marine Corp ofcer, proclaim what it means to be a true man and a fraternity man, afrming and reinforcing the Fraternity’s values. The technological, political and economic whirlwind today’s college men have grown up in is, in some ways, no different than any other era of American history. As the saying goes, Democracy is messy. What is different is boys and young men navigating the day-to-day churn while hearing they are “less than” just because they are boys and men. It’s a problem.
The recently introduced ATO True Men initiative is already resonating with undergraduates and alumni. Grounded in the Creed of Alpha Tau Omega, ATO True Men brings into focus a handful of the eternal and immutable principles Glazebrook, Marshall and Ross had in mind September 11, 1865.
ATO is part of the answer. Love and Respect, Wynn Smiley Chief Executive Ofcer
ATOs at Troy are demonstrating the traits of True Men in big things like Walk Hard and in day-to-day decisions that quietly
2 ATO PALM/WINTER 2025
4
INSIDE THE PALM
14
ATO TRUE MEN
20 True Merit Chapters
10
In Praise of Fraternities
29 National Fraternity
13
Recruitment Success
31
14
ATO NAC
32 ATO Roadshow
18
TAC Award Winner
4
Alumni News
ON THE COVER Men from the Kappa Beta Chapter at Troy University walk during their Signature Event, Walk Hard. This year,
32
the event raised more than $140,000 for wounded veterans. The 128.3 mile walk began in 2009.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Wynn R. Smiley
Alpha Tau Omega, ATO, the ATO Badge, the ATO Crest, the ATO Corporate Badge, STUDS, America’s Leadership Development Fraternity, College Man Development Fraternity and are registered trademarks of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. ©Alpha Tau Omega 2025.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: Aaron Bauer
Publishing continuously since 1880. The ATO Palm is the ofcial publication of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Membership: The Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity is a participating member of the North American Interfraternity Conference, the Fraternity Executives Association, the Fraternity Communications Association, HazingPrevention.org, The Fraternity Forward Coalition and the Association for Student Conduct Administration.
3 ATO PALM/WINTER 2025
ATO OFFERS MEANING, CONNECTION AND DIRECTION WHEN IT MATTERS MOST. At a time when many young men are questioning their
of guys don’t know where to go. If they’re not immediately
place in the world, grappling with identity, purpose and
connected to something meaningful, they tend to isolate.”
connection, Alpha Tau Omega is providing something rare:
Martin’s experience is not unique. According to the American Enterprise Institute’s Survey Center on Ameri-
a compass. Across college campuses, the challenges facing young
can Life, 63% of young men report having few or no close
men are growing increasingly complex. From declining
friends, a dramatic rise from just 15% in 1990. At the same
mental health to rising economic uncertainty, from waver-
time, Pew Research reports that only 41% of men ages
ing spiritual engagement to a deepening sense of isolation,
18–29 say their lives are going “very well,” the lowest of any
many undergraduates are asking big questions and too
age group or gender. And yet, for many ATO brothers, a different story is being
often, nding few answers.
written.
“I think loneliness is one of the biggest issues facing college men today,” said Jack Martin, Rose-Hulman ’22. “A lot
4 ATO PALM/WINTER 2025
Brotherhood in an Age of Isolation For William McLean, Bowling Green State ’22, the value
Challenges Facing College Men Today
of brotherhood goes far beyond friendship. “We were all going through the same things, the same fears about jobs, about purpose, about identity, and we
Loneliness and Isolation
could actually talk about it,” McLean said. “That kind of honesty isn’t easy to nd. But in ATO, I found it.”
l
McLean’s chapter instituted a weekly Bible Study that became a surprising cornerstone for connection. “It wasn’t
l
about preaching,” he said. “It was about creating space to wrestle with things together. That deepened not just my
63% of young men report having few or no close friends (AEI) 1 in 3 say they “rarely feel understood by others” (YouGov)
Job Market Anxiety
faith, but my friendships.” For Cadis Ammons, Alabama-Huntsville ’22, his frater-
l
nity experience wasn’t just supportive. It was transformative.
l
“Two years ago, I got baptized,” Ammons said. “ATO didn’t just shape me into a better man. It helped shape me
Only 36% of male grads feel condent about their career prospects (Strada) 58% believe they’ll need to take a job below their skill level
Spiritual Disconnection
into a godly man. I found a brotherhood that really lived out
l
its values.” That search for meaning is echoed in broader trends. According to Springtide Research Institute, 52% of young
l
men say they have no one to talk to about their spiritual life,
52% say they have no one to talk to about spiritual life (Springtide) 70% feel misunderstood by adults
Identity Development
and nearly 70% say they feel misunderstood by adults. The
l
desire for purpose is there, but the path forward often feels unclear. l
When some other Greek organizations have revised or
Only 31% of Gen Z men feel strongly connected to their personal identity (Gallup) 24% say they lack a strong male role model
Emotional Resilience
stopped talking about their founding ideals, ATO has consistently promoted its Judeo-Christian values. “We accept
l
men of any faith or no faith at all,” said ATO Chief Executive Ofcer Wynn Smiley, Purdue ’99. “But it would be a little
l
difcult to ignore why Glazebrook, Marshall, and Ross started the Fraternity. There is no religious test for broth-
College men are half as likely as women to seek mental health support (NCHA) 1 in 4 say they “have no one to turn to” when stressed
erhood and, at the same time, engaging college men on ATO’s values is a welcome frame of reference for today’s college man.” It’s a sentiment echoed by Ammons, who dreams of
Condence Amid Uncertainty
working with NASA on lunar infrastructure. “I don’t know if I’ll land the dream job right away,” he said. “But I know I’m
Despite growing concerns about the economy and job
not alone. The guys in my chapter are rooting for me.”
prospects, especially among Gen Z graduates, most of the
Samuel Gould, Samford ’21, a history and philosophy
ATO brothers interviewed expressed a sense of hope.
major from Samford University, offered a more philosoph-
Martin now works at Texas Instruments, thanks in part
ical take.
to an ATO alumnus who referred him for the job.
“There’s always going to be uncertainty. But what matters
“The job market is tough,” he said. “But that network?
is how you approach it,” Gould said. “ATO helped me frame
That made the difference.”
5 ATO PALM/WINTER 2025
life’s challenges not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to grow. That mindset and that support means everything.” National data supports this tension between anxiety and ambition. The Strada Education Network found that only 36% of recent male college graduates feel condent in their career paths, and 58% worry they’ll have to take jobs they’re overqualied for just to make ends meet. Yet those with strong peer or mentorship networks report signicantly higher optimism and resilience.
Building Men by Hand Not everyone’s journey follows a straight path from school to career. For Zach Reeser, Tennessee ’04, the road to purpose included stops in the corporate world, the Air Force ROTC program, and ultimately, a family business. Reeser spent more than 15 years building a successful career in corporate sales, managing multi-million dollar accounts, overseeing teams across the western United States, and ying to a new city nearly every week. But somewhere in the grind, he realized he was building someone else’s dream and missing key moments with his family. “I may have achieved one denition of success,” Reeser said. “But I was harming the others; being present, being a
Zach Reeser created the Skilled Dad Podcast after becoming disenfranchised with life as a corporate traveler. He saw the opportunity for men to come together to be their best selves, and to be the best dads and husbands they could be. Today, he runs the family business along with the podcast, which continues to provide resources for what it means to be a man today.
dad, being a husband.” He walked away from the corporate ladder and stepped into something far more personal: a family-owned upholstery business in Nashville, Cool Springs Upholstery. There, he began applying corporate systems to small business operations, bringing automation, strategy, and data-informed decisions to an industry rarely known for such things. But Reeser didn’t stop there.
“There’s a lot out there telling men what they’re doing
In 2020, he launched Skilled Dad, an initiative aimed at
wrong,” Reeser said. “But not enough showing them how
helping young fathers and men in general gain con-
to do it right and how to do it together. Brotherhood
dence, purpose, and practical wisdom. What started as a
changes that. That’s why ATO mattered then. And it still
blog and online platform has grown into a community.
matters now.”
“I want to help men become skilled, not just in tasks, but
Recapturing Identity
in life,” he said. “Skilled in how to love well. How to lead. How
College men have grown up hearing about “toxic mas-
to repair relationships. How to parent. How to show up.” Reeser’s work reects a broader cultural reckoning with
culinity” on sitcoms, they’ve watched fathers (if there is one)
masculinity. According to research from the Institute for
typically portrayed as the clueless family idiot. Healthy and
Family Studies, fewer than 1 in 4 Gen Z men say they had a
more traditional gender appropriate examples of how men
strong male mentor growing up, and only 38% say they feel
act are not only not seen in popular culture, but worse, are
prepared to lead a family one day.
denigrated as being “toxic.”
6 ATO PALM/WINTER 2025
Baylor ATOs gather for a group photo with their ATO Sweetheart. Taus at Baylor create a rich ATO experience through valuesbased traditions and activities steeped in the ATO Creed.
“I came into college with no idea who I was,” Martin said.
even when it’s awed, and committing yourself to making
“I was an individual and not really part of anything bigger.
it better.”
But ATO helped me gure out not just what I wanted to do,
Martin agreed. “To me, patriotism is about opportunity.
but who I wanted to be.”
And ATO gave me the tools to make the most of mine.”
Across conversations, a common thread emerged. Iden-
At a time when Gallup reports that young adults’ pride
tity for these men is not static. It is something shaped by
in being American has dropped to just 18%, fraternity
struggle, by values, and by others.
members, including ATOs, express a different kind of pride,
“You gure out who you are when you’re surrounded by
one rooted in responsibility, optimism, and service. Accord-
people who challenge you and support you,” Gould said.
ing to a Fraternity and Sorority Action Fund survey of more
“That’s what ATO gave me.”
than 500 afliated undergraduates, 81% are registered to vote compared to only 46% of unafliated students.
This mirrors national patterns. In a recent Gallup survey, only 31% of Gen Z men said they feel “very connected” to a
The ATO Advantage
personal sense of identity, compared to 57% of Baby Boomer men. Social connection, mentorship, and shared
Taken together, these conversations reveal something
values all correlated with stronger self-concept.
powerful. Alpha Tau Omega is not just a social organization. It is a forming ground for men of character.
A New Kind of Patriotism
“At ATO, I didn’t just nd friends,” McLean said. “I found
In a world where patriotism can shift toward politics, not
brothers who challenged me to be better, and a place that
morals, today’s ATO undergraduates are seeing patriotism
helped me become the man I was meant to be.”
as more of a civic responsibility.
It comes back to the idea of building a community of
“I believe in the American experiment,” Gould said. “Pa-
people to support you on your journey. “Guys in my chapter
triotism isn’t blind loyalty. It’s choosing to love something,
feel like they have a good safety net,” Gould said. “Even if
7 ATO PALM/WINTER 2025
Mike Millard, Kent State ’13, facilitates during ATO’s recent National Awards Celebration. A former staff member, he remains passionate about helping ATOs nd their way.
they don’t get that dream job that they want out of college,
Since then, social media, gaming, and online gambling
they still feel like they’re going to land on their feet and
have piled on. Add a growing sense that boys and men
navigate life with a good group of people, supporting them
aren’t valued, and many young men arrive on campus un-
from behind.”
sure they belong.
And in a world that is increasingly complex, where many
ATO chapters give men a place to belong. Brothers en-
young men feel overwhelmed, misunderstood or unseen,
courage each other, watch out for each other, and hold
that is no small thing.
each other accountable. Our Undergraduate Climate Sur-
For 160 years, Alpha Tau Omega has watched how col-
vey shows members feel freer to speak openly in chapter
lege men grow—and struggle. Around 2007, key mental-
than in most campus spaces. Chapters help men face real
health indicators for teens fell sharply. “My rst sense that
issues together.
young men and boys were facing new challenges surfaced
Nationally, we back that everyday growth that happens
as I was listening to a researcher talk about the major men-
as a natural part of being in a brotherhood, with clear ex-
tal-health indicators for adolescents going into free fall in
pectations and practical tools: Encounter, Men of Destiny,
2007,” said Smiley. “Dr. Jean Twenge was presenting the
and ATO True Men. These programs are built on the Fra-
research and indicated that she and her colleagues didn’t
ternity’s “eternal and immutable” principles. They help
immediately understand until they realized 2007 was the
dene what it means to be an ATO—and a man—in
year the iPhone was introduced.”
today’s world.
“
”
ATO chapters give men a place to belong. Brothers encourage each other, watch out for each other, and hold each other accountable. 8 ATO PALM/WINTER 2025
TRUE MEN KNOW WHO THEY ARE To know man as man ... We don’t chase trends, we build on truth. Our Identity is not based on how we feel but on character and conviction. TRUE MEN RESPECT EACH OTHER, INCLUDING THEMSELVES A brotherhood with a bond as strong as right itself... Love & Respect reects how we strive to live. TRUE MEN BUILD REAL BROTHERHOOD A brotherhood based upon eternal and immutable principles... We show up, stand together, and support each other.
Each year ATOs from across the country come together at various leadership and training opportunities. Each opportunity is created to help them live out the values in the ATO Creed.
TRUE MEN TAKE ACTION To contend for supremacy of good over evil... We reject passivity. We lead with purpose and courage.
“True Men is resonating,” said Director of Chapter Services Andrés Dangla, Louisiana State ’18. “Chapters use the
TRUE MEN VALUE EVERY MAN
eight points in brotherhood conversations and recruitment
The recognition of true merit wherever found... Every member matters. Every story counts. We don’t chase trends—we build on truth. Identity starts with character and conviction.
so potential members see the real value of joining ATO.” “The National Fraternity will continue to develop opportunities and programs that reinforce what we observe college men are looking for,” said Smiley. “At the same
TRUE MEN DON’T HAZE To teach, not politics, but morals...
time, ATO—along with the Fraternity Forward Coalition, the National Interfraternity Conference, and the Lexington
Strength doesn’t require shame. We build men through love and truth.
Triad—will take the offensive in educating the public about the challenges facing boys and young men and promoting the relevant, effective ways being part of a fraternity broth-
TRUE MEN DON’T LET BROTHERS DRIFT
erhood speaks directly to many of those challenges.”
To have no narrower limits within which to work... Brotherhood means not just having each other’s backs but watching out for their futures.
Written in 1880, the Creed of Alpha Tau Omega called a divided nation to higher ground. It still does. Today, its words challenge, encourage, and set expectations. You could argue the Creed is more relevant now than it was 145
TRUE MEN LIVE FOR MORE
years ago.
To work together for the elevation of man...
The promise of ATO today is not an escape from hard
We’re here to leave the world better than we found it.
things, but a place that prepares men to face them together.
9 ATO PALM/WINTER 2025
In Praise of Fraternities National Review published the following article in its October issue focusing on higher education. Written by ATO CEO Wynn Smiley, it marked the beginning of a series of additional efforts to highlight the value that college fraternities bring to today’s young men.
In addition to the article, ATO has participated in additional panel events at the National Press Club and the Symposium on Young American Men. ATO, together with interfraternal colleagues, is championing the importance of the fraternity experience.
To an alarming extent, American men are aficted with
tion Statistics, they’re signicantly more likely than fe-
loneliness. Social media, gaming, and articial intelligence
males to drop out. College administrators have only re-
have increasingly supplanted meaningful human connec-
cently acknowledged this disparity.
tions, while limitless access to gambling and pornography
For young men on campus, the social obstacles they
have deepened men’s isolation and eroded their mental
face can be daunting. The notion of “toxic masculinity,” which extends from academia to pop culture, leads many
health. Worsening matters is the loss of male friendship. A 2021
men to feel inherently inferior, as though they must do
American Perspectives survey reported that 15% of men
penance for the sin of being born male. Men-only activities
had no close friends, a vefold increase from 1990. Accord-
or clubs are often maligned as regressive or even harmful.
ing to Centers for Disease Control statistics, men are four
Educators and policymakers shouldn’t be surprised,
times more likely than women to take their own lives, ac-
then, that so many college men feel lonely, unmotivated,
counting for 80% of all suicides.
and misunderstood. And as Richard Reeves observed in
This conuence of factors paints a grim portrait of a
his book Of Boys and Men, women fare worse when men
generation of young men, many of whom are disengaged,
decline.
disconnected, and struggling to nd purpose.
Fraternities know a few things about this crisis facing
Another worrisome trend is the dwindling number of
young men. With a history going back to the nation’s ear-
men enrolled in college. Today, just 42% of undergraduates
liest colleges, fraternities have offered young men the per-
are male, and according to the National Center for Educa-
sonal and social moorings they need to thrive. Many
10 ATO PALM/WINTER 2025
teenagers seeking a place to call home on campus have
Protesters at the University of North Carolina were pre-
found it in the fraternity house. About three-quarters of a
vented from ripping down an American ag on campus
million students belong to fraternities and sororities in the
by a group of fraternity men who gained control of the ag
United States today, with alumni of the Greek system to-
and kept it from being desecrated. At Arizona State Uni-
taling approximately 9 million.
versity, fraternity men helped law enforcement clean up messes left behind by protesters.
A recent study conducted at Southeastern Conference schools conrmed that fraternities are particularly bene-
According to a 2024 study of fraternities and sororities
cial for rst-generation college students or those from
by Gary Pike and Dawn Wiese, these single sex organiza-
low-income backgrounds, helping them to achieve better
tions on campus promote pluralism and tolerance.
“learning outcomes.” The benets of brotherhood are
Instead of promoting fraternities as an asset of higher
practical—if you need help moving, you know the guys to
education, many universities have targeted Greek life with
call—and emotional—if you are experiencing hardship, you
restrictive policies, suspensions, or outright bans, relying
know the guys to call. Men desperately need this network
on what they claim are concerns for “student safety” to jus-
of reliable friends and mentors.
tify any action that administrators want to take against
Fraternities and other men’s organizations play an im-
members. In 2024, the University of Maryland banned
portant role in encouraging their members to become
Greek life after administrators received anonymous com-
good family men and teaching them the importance of
plaints about fraternities broadly. Rather than investigate
civic-mindedness and charity. Two Gallup surveys, compar-
individual claims, the university launched an indiscrimi-
ing alumni who did not go Greek with those who did,
nate investigation of thousands of students, beginning by
showed that fraternities and sororities helped their
directing Greek leaders to write down “rumors” they had
members thrive throughout their lives and become en-
heard about other fraternities and sororities. When most
gaged community members.
students declined, administrators issued a moratorium on
Fraternities are good for universities too. The same sur-
organizational activity, including a ban on all communica-
veys reported that afliated alumni recommended their
tion with recruits and new members, even siblings. They
alma mater to other students more often and were signi-
also commissioned a consulting rm to interrogate hun-
cantly more likely to make charitable contributions to their
dreds of Greek students. Several students led a federal
alma mater than were their nonafliated peers. As admin-
lawsuit; the university reversed course and began imple-
istrations worry about falling retention rates, a 2024 study
menting reforms that protect students’ rights.
using the National Survey on Student Engagement, one
In the past decade, host institutions’ antagonism toward
of the largest datasets on students and their campus in-
fraternities appears to be an attempt by a select but em-
volvement, found that members of the Greek system are
powered minority of administrators to impose their own will
signicantly more likely to graduate, and graduate on
on higher education. In May 2016, Harvard University sanc-
time, than their unafliated peers. They’re also more likely
tioned single-sex social organizations, including fraternities,
to be involved on campus, to volunteer, and to obtain in-
barring members from leadership roles, athletic cap-
ternships. Networks of older students and alumni serve as
taincies, and fellowship endorsements overstated concerns
mentors for younger fraternity brothers on life skills not
about sexual assault and exclusion standards. In response,
taught in the classroom, such as how to apply for jobs and
Greek organizations and students led lawsuits alleging
how to respond to someone in crisis.
sex-based discrimination under Title IX and Massachusetts
When violence and disruption erupted on college cam-
law. In 2020, Harvard rescinded the sanctions and settled out
puses across the country recently, fraternity members de-
of court with plaintiffs after the Supreme Court’s Bostock v.
fended decorum and demonstrated respect for others.
Clayton County decision suggested that the university’s
11 ATO PALM/WINTER 2025
policy constituted sex discrimination, afrming students’
pelled organizations to turn over condential records to
rights to free association.
administrators. Others have sanctioned entire chapters
Around that time, Stanford University administrators
for a single member’s wrongdoing. And several require
launched their own crusade against Greek life. When a
“deferred recruitment” exclusively for Greek organizations,
member of Theta Delta Chi who had a history of drug
prohibiting rst-semester or rst-year students from join-
abuse died after consuming counterfeit Percocet, the uni-
ing fraternities and sororities, in violation of their First
versity banned the chapter and seized its historical home,
Amendment rights.
despite the fraternity’s having no culpability for the young
But these attacks on fraternities aren’t the whole story.
man’s untimely death. As the cost of and demand for hous-
Many college administrators perceive the benets con-
ing in the area soar, the university has taken several frater-
ferred by Greek organizations on their campuses, viewing
nity houses, whose construction and upkeep were funded
them not as a problem but as part of the solution for
across centuries by their members and alumni, and given
young men feeling adrift. Fraternities can play a signicant
them to other campus groups in pursuit of “equity and fair-
part in addressing the crisis facing America’s young men.
ness.” If a fraternity or sorority is allowed to stay in its historic
Universities should let fraternities do what they do best:
home, it must reapply for the right every four years.
support, encourage, and challenge men.
Among other punitive actions taken against fraternities and their members, some universities have com-
Held on November 3, 2025, at the National Press Club in D.C., this inaugural gathering of policymakers, federal lawmakers, social scientists, men's organizations, activists, media and more featured seven panels of 34 experts and a special presentation from top-rated pollster Cygnal. A few key takeaways: While their suffering is undeniable, young men aren't "broken." Social systems that once provided the essential connectivity, accountability, and meaning have frayed, and restoring them would do a great deal to address the challenges these men and boys face. The heart of the problem is a lack of community, which means fewer mentors, fewer friends, fewer places to turn when times get tough. Our efforts should be primarily focused on resurrecting and strengthening these spaces for men to be themselves, grow, and nd true human connection. There are only four groups of men who reported strong social and emotional well-being in our Cygnal survey of 1,000 males ages 16 to 28: those who exercised, those who were religious (regardless of their degree of participation), those who took part in any organized activity or group, and those who were or currently are members of collegiate fraternities. Across the board, young men are spending an alarming amount of time online (50% spend ve or more hours a day online streaming, gaming, browsing, and using social media, while 27% dedicate more than six hours each day to recreational online activities). This digital xation is consistent throughout the Gen Z population, even among those who rate their mental health as good and their lives as going as they expected. The difference for those young men, however, is that they pursue lives of balance by supplementing online time with in-person socialization, exercise, group membership, and worship. In the 2025 Symposium Snapshot found at the QR Code here, you can access all the polling data, watch a full livestream of the event, and view individual panels from throughout the day. You can also see a brief overview of the media coverage we garnered for this important conversation.
12 ATO PALM/WINTER 2025
ATO Chapters Thrive in Recruitment Across the country, Alpha Tau Omega chapters are nding success by shifting how they think about recruitment, treating it not as a week of events but as an ongoing process rooted in genuine connection.
Chapters that exceeded their Fall 2025 recruitment goal: Alabama Arkansas Tech Auburn Boise State Bowling Green State Charleston Colorado Mines East Carolina Florida Florida Tech Georgia College Georgia Southern Georgia Tech Iowa State Kent State Lamar
“What we’ve seen this fall is that the chapters exceeding their goals are the ones who never treated recruitment as a string of events but as a continuous process of building relationships,” said Director of Chapter Services Andrés Dangla, Louisiana State ’18. “Their focus is on connection, and that mindset has created stronger chapters and more sustainable growth.” Rather than waiting for formal recruitment, these chapters are reaching out early, often months before classes begin. “They are reaching out over the summer, building trust, and helping those men get familiar with ATO before they ever set foot on campus,” Dangla said. “By the time those students arrive, they already have a group of friends they can rely on.”
Mississippi State Maine Mercer Mississippi North Dakota Oklahoma State Oregon Samford South Alabama Stetson Tampa Texas A & M UC-Berkeley Utah West Florida
conversations. “It allows them to track potential new members and focus on their experience,” Dangla said. “Instead of starting from scratch, they’re building on existing relationships. That makes potential members feel known and welcomed.”
That proactive, personal approach has helped chapters connect with men who might not have otherwise considered fraternity life. “By broadening their outreach beyond the guys who were already likely to join, our strongest chapters are connecting with men who never pictured themselves in Greek life and changing their college experience because of it,” Dangla said.
Ultimately, Dangla said, the reason these chapters are growing comes down to culture, not tactics. “The chapters that are thriving have adapted by focusing on people, not process,” he said. “They’ve made recruitment personal, and that’s made all the difference.”
Technology is also playing a role. Chapters that consistently use ChapterBuilder, ATO’s recruitment management tool, are nding it easier to stay organized and build on previous
13 ATO PALM/WINTER 2025
ATO NAC TRUE MERIT WHEREVER FOUND
ATO Celebrates Excellence and Brotherhood at 2025 National Awards Celebration Thirty Chapters Earn True Merit Honors; Leaders and Alumni Recognized “This year’s award recipients show the breadth of ATO’s impact,” Smiley said. “From service to scholarship, these men are setting new standards for what fraternity leadership can look like.”
Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity honored its best and brightest at the 2025 National Awards Celebration (NAC), recognizing outstanding achievement across leadership, scholarship, service, and communication. Thirty chapters earned True Merit honors —the Fraternity’s highest distinction for overall excellence— while 17 others received True Merit Honorable Mention.
The Courage and Honor Awards celebrated brothers who have demonstrated integrity and resilience in the face of adversity. The 2025 recipients were:
“Each year, we celebrate the chapters and brothers in the spirit of recognizing True Merit wherever found,” said Wynn Smiley, ATO Chief Executive Ofcer. “We get to recognize the outstanding undergraduate and alumni who embody what it means to be an ATO.”
Joseph Montez, Central Missouri ’21 Jacob Woods, Mercer ’22 Dylan Ferrell, East Carolina ’23 Jackson Kennedy, Southern Mississippi ’23 Jack Simon, Iowa State ’24
Among the top honorees, the Kappa Rho Chapter at Samford University was named the Good Samaritan Elevate Award National Winner, recognizing outstanding service and philanthropy efforts. The Theta Pi Chapter at the University of Alabama in Huntsville was named Runner-Up, while the Alpha Epsilon Chapter at Auburn University and the Epsilon Zeta Chapter at Louisiana State University earned Honorable Mention.
Cadis Ammons, Alabama-Huntsville ’22, received ATO’s most prestigious undergraduate honor, the Thomas Arkle Clark Award, given annually to a senior who best exemplies the Fraternity’s high standards of achievement and character. “It is an honor to accept the Thomas Arkle Clark Award,” Ammons said. “If you had told me four years ago I would be accepting this award, I wouldn’t have believed it. I am honored to join the history of brothers who have received this distinction.”
The Erskine Mayo Ross Impact Award, which honors excellence in philanthropic contributions, went to the Gamma Omega Chapter at Pennsylvania State University who holds its annual THON dance marathon each year. The Beta Delta Chapter at the University of Alabama was named Runner-Up while Honorable Mention honors went to the Alpha Beta Chapter at the University of Georgia and the Kappa Beta Chapter at Troy University.
Also recognized as Thomas Arkle Clark Fellows were: Mark Porter, Alabama-Huntsville ’22 William McLean, Bowling Green State ’22 Jack Martin, Rose-Hulman ’22 Nicolas Henostroza, Alabama ’22 Walker Haber, Kansas ’22 Samuel Gould, Samford ’21
Academic excellence was also on full display. The Beta Pi Chapter at Vanderbilt University received the Top Scholarship Award, while Emory University’s Alpha Theta Chapter took runner-up. In recognition of outstanding communications and engagement, the Epsilon Delta Chapter at North Dakota State University was named the 2025 Roadshow Winner. The Alpha Zeta Chapter at Mercer University took home the Gold Communications Award, followed by the Epsilon Kappa Chapter at Bowling Green State University with Silver, and the Theta Nu Chapter at Baylor University and the Kappa Beta Chapter at Troy University sharing Bronze.
Capping off the evening, Kevin Petschow, Culver-Stockton ’78, received the National President’s Award, honoring decades of leadership, mentorship, and service to the Fraternity. “I was not expecting this,” Petschow said. “This Fraternity has meant so much to me. I continue to give back—it’s the right thing to do. Love and respect to all my brothers, and thank you.”
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ATO NAC TRUE MERIT WHEREVER FOUND
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Kevin Petschow Honored With National Presidents Award Kevin Petschow, Culver-Stockton ’78, has spent nearly ve decades living out the Creed of Alpha Tau Omega. This summer, his lifelong commitment was recognized when he received the National Presidents Award at ATO’s 2025 National Awards Celebration. National President Jeff Miles, Washington ’88, introduced Petschow with words that captured his remarkable record of service. “I can’t read all of his resume because it is too long,” Miles said. “Ever since he signed his bid card he has been involved with ATO every day. He is a dear friend. It is an honor and a privilege to present him with the National Presidents Award.” Petschow was initiated at Culver-Stockton College in 1978 before transferring to Illinois State University, where he graduated. As an undergraduate, he earned recognition as the Outstanding ATO Senior in 1981 and twice won the National Fraternity Harry Bird Newsletter Award. His leadership only expanded after graduation, serving on multiple boards of trustees, including Culver-Stockton (1978 to present), Illinois State (2001–2018, chairman from 2006), Lake Forest (2014–2019, chairman in 2016), and Tampa, where he has chaired since 2020. He is also a committed ATO Foundation donor. “I was not expecting this,” Petschow said. “This is a great surprise.”
PRESIDENTS AWARD National President Jeff Miles (left) and CEO Wynn Smiley, present the National Presidents Award to Kevin Petschow.
For Petschow, ATO became the brothers he had always hoped for. An only child and a self-de-
scribed “oops” baby—his parents had been told they could not have children—he longed for siblings growing up. “When I called my parents up to tell them I was joining a fraternity, my mother said, ‘What is a fraternity?’ Petschow recalls. “I explained it to her in the easiest terms I could and she so eloquently said, ‘That’s great, son. Now you have brothers.’” That sense of brotherhood continues to drive him. Whether mentoring students, guiding chapters, or supporting the Fraternity’s foundation, Petschow remains dedicated to helping others experience the same deep connection that changed his life. “This Fraternity has meant so much to me,” he said. “I continue to give back—it’s the right thing to do. Love and respect to all my brothers, and thank you.”
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ATO NAC TRUE MERIT WHEREVER FOUND
Heart of a Leader Thomas Arkle Clark Winner has a heart for service When Cadis Ammons arrived at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, joining a fraternity wasn’t remotely on his checklist. But at freshman orientation, a chance meeting with Noah Gray, Alabama-Huntsville ’20, changed everything. What began as a casual conversation soon became a brotherhood that would shape Ammons’ college years and beyond. “I learned how different ATO was from the stereotypical fraternity, specically its emphasis on Christian values such as brotherhood and devotion to its community,” Ammons said. "I realized how much I valued the friendships I had made with the brothers in the Fraternity: having successful men to look up to was something I had missed out on during high school.” From the start, Ammons found meaning in service. At ATO’s inaugural Auto Emporium car show, he helped raise more than $10,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association, honoring his great-grandmother who battled the disease. Later, he helped lead the chapter’s signature charity, Battle of the Buffalo. In 2023, his media outreach expanded the event’s reach across Huntsville, drawing record crowds and raising $135,000—with $112,000 donated to cancer research and treatment.
TAC AWARD
Ammons’ leadership wasn’t only about big numbers. In 2022, when Fraternity brother Bill Hallum, AlabamaHuntsville, died of an overdose, Ammons transformed the chapter’s Viking Week into a memorial fundraiser. The week concluded with a candlelight vigil that drew the campus together. Ammons’ passion for service extended well beyond campus, too. He has logged more than 250 volunteer hours with Huntsville nonprots, including Manna House, a food distribution center, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds beds for children in need.
Cadis Ammons accepts the Thomas Arkle Clark Award.
“Through my journey, I have learned that my heart is the most valuable gift God has given me and is what allows me to lead, serve and care, despite the challenges of life.” — Cadis Ammons
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TAC FELLOWS Thomas Arkle Clark Fellows for 2025 in attendance at the National Awards Celebration. TAC Fellows are recognized as the most outstanding ATO seniors. L–R: Wynn Smiley; Mark Porter, Alabama-Huntsville ’22; Cadis Ammons, Alabama-Huntsville ’22; William McLean, Bowling Green State ’22; Jack Martin, Rose-Hulman ’22; Samuel Gould, Samford ’21; and Jeff Miles.
“It has been my personal goal to make those who visit Manna House leave with a smile,” he said. At Sleep in Heavenly Peace, he remembers the joy of delivering bunk beds to an immigrant family of eight.
explore his relationship with Christ, leading to his baptism in 2023. “My baptism is what I look at as the most important decision of my life, marking a clear step into my manhood,” he said. “It was the principles of virtue, truth, and love I learned from ATO that guided me to that decision.” Ammons is also serving as a mentor at his church, guiding 10th-grade boys through their high school years. “My desire to share Christ’s love is the most dening part of who I am,” Ammons said. “Learning that the Lord has always loved me has empowered me to lead with compassion and build relationships at the heart of my leadership.” Now pursuing his master’s in mechanical engineering while continuing to serve his church and community, Ammons remains committed to leading with heart.
“After putting mattresses, sheets, pillows and stuffed animals together for them, these young children were nally able to hop onto their beds,” he said. “They were so happy and thanked our team repeatedly.” Alongside service, Ammons pursued academic excellence, graduating summa cum laude in mechanical engineering with a perfect 4.0 GPA. He was named Top Scholar of the College of Engineering and quickly stepped into groundbreaking research with NASA. As part of a team, Ammons worked on a Small Business Technology Transfer project developing lunar landing pads — a crucial step in NASA’s desire to build a permanent base on the moon one day. For Ammons, leadership and service have always been tied to his faith. His Fraternity brothers encouraged him to
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ATO NAC TRUE MERIT WHEREVER FOUND
THE RECOGNITION OF
TRUE MERIT 2025 TRUE MERIT AWARD
The following chapters have displayed signicant leadership and participation in National Fraternity programs and campus organizations. They have solid nancial practices, social service programs and Health & Safety programming to enhance a positive ATO experience for all members. True Merit recipients are determined by the National Fraternity Selection Committee based on the Annual Report and knowledge of chapter operations. In addition to the following winners, 17 chapters received Honorable Mention, including Appalachian State, Auburn, Ball State, Colorado Mines, Georgia Tech, Grand Valley State, Maryland, Mercer, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina-Charlotte, North Dakota State, Northern Kentucky, Texas A&M, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and West Florida.
ALABAMA
BETA DELTA I CRIMSON TIDE Through multiple signature events, Beta Delta raised $190,000 and served more than 650 hours in their local community— making an impact both philanthropically and through service.
Beta Delta’s 21st TM Bowl
[
“It’s been a year of highs and lows, but seeing these guys push through and keep ghting both in ATO and in their own lives inspires me to be a better leader every single day.” — Jackson Martin, Alabama-Huntsville ’23
ALABAMA-HUNTSVILLE THETA PI I CHARGERS
Theta Pi’s 33rd TM Bowl
Theta Pi blended leadership and service—raising a record $130,000 in its 16th Battle of the Buffalo for cancer research and championing mental health through its ATO Mental Health Mondays program.
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]
ATO NAC TRUE MERIT WHEREVER FOUND
BAYLOR
THETA NU I BEARS
Theta Nu built authentic brotherhood through personal recruitment and service, logging over 1,000 hours and raising $62,000 for local causes while leading all IFC fraternities with a 3.42 GPA.
Theta Nu’s 18th TM Bowl
BOWLING GREEN STATE
EPSILON KAPPA I FALCONS
Epsilon Kappa was named Chapter of the Year for excellence in leadership, service, and values-based education, highlighted by a campus award for civic engagement and an improved program for Ritual education. Epsilon Kappa’s 6th TM Bowl
CENTRAL FLORIDA
ETA RHO I GOLDEN KNIGHTS Eta Rho was named Chapter of the Year after raising $10,000 for Operation 300 and uniting 52 brothers in service with Best Buddies to support individuals with disabilities.
Eta Rho’s 8th TM Bowl
CLEMSON
ETA PI I TIGERS
Eta Pi repeated as Best IFC Fraternity and raised $71,600 for veterans and military families through Viking Week, while championing men’s mental health through Mission 34.
Eta Pi’s 17th TM Bowl
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ATO NAC TRUE MERIT WHEREVER FOUND
FLORIDA TECH
KAPPA ETA I PANTHERS Kappa Eta swept major campus awards—including Chapter of the Year and Most Improved Chapter—while strengthening alumni engagement and implementing a full 365-day recruitment plan.
Kappa Eta’s 2nd TM Bowl
GEORGIA COLLEGE
KAPPA OMEGA I BOBCATS
Kappa Omega’s 3rd TM Bowl
[
Kappa Omega earned Fraternity of the Year honors after raising $18,000 through Miss Milledgeville and leading 1,000+ service hours supporting local nonprots. “We believe that we model what true ATO pride means— love and respect ...ATO has made us better men, better leaders better Christians, and better businessmen ...we truly live it.” — Justin Tyre, Georgia College ’22
]
Gamma Zeta’s 25th TM Bowl
ILLINOIS
GAMMA ZETA I FIGHTING ILLINI
Gamma Zeta packed 54,000 meals for Feed My Starving Children, launched alumni mentorship initiatives, and swept six campus awards including IFC Fraternity of the Year.
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ATO NAC TRUE MERIT WHEREVER FOUND
IOWA STATE
GAMMA UPSILON I CYCLONES
Gamma Upsilon doubled down on mentorship and career development while ranking third in GPA among 30 fraternities and raising more than $4,000 for local charities—all while recruiting 92% of new members through year-round efforts.
Gamma Upsilon’s 28th TM Bowl
KENNESAW STATE
LAMBDA EPSILON I OWLS Lambda Epsilon hosted the Alpha Tau Open Golf Tournament raising $17,000, led all Greek organizations in community service, and fostered interfraternal unity through campus collaboration. Lambda Epsilon’s 3rd TM Bowl
KENT STATE
ZETA ZETA I GOLDEN FLASHES
Zeta Zeta won top honors for Brotherhood, Philanthropy, Service, and Scholarship, exceeding recruitment goals by 150% and earning praise for embodying ATO’s core values.
Zeta Zeta’s 11th TM Bowl
LOUISIANA STATE
EPSILON ZETA I TIGERS Epsilon Zeta raised $16,000 for Team Gleason and Special Olympics Louisiana, earning IFC Chapter of the Year and recognition as a pillar of campus leadership. Epsilon Zeta’s 7th TM Bowl
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ATO NAC TRUE MERIT WHEREVER FOUND
MARIETTA
BETA RHO I PIONEERS
Beta Rho hosted a a 7-day, 24-hour Bike-A-Thon for Multiple Sclerosis, piloted a leadership development program, and earned dual honors as Chapter and Student Organization of the Year.
Beta Rho’s 6th TM Bowl
MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE ETA NU I BLUE RAIDERS
Eta Nu’s Woodstock Battle of the Bands raised $7,000 for ALS research, complemented by Women 101 and ethics workshops that advanced campus-wide leadership and respect initiatives.
Eta Nu’s 8th TM Bowl
[
“We came up with the mindset of ‘recruit or die’ ... we had that core group of guys that decided we were either going to make a difference or just let it go.” — Reese Webber, Middle Tennessee State ’23
]
MISSISSIPPI
DELTA PSI I REBELS Delta Psi advanced faith and leadership development through alumni-led Disciple Groups and guest speaker series while logging over 1,500 service hours with community partners.
Delta Psi’s 18th TM Bowl
NEBRASKA
GAMMA THETA I CORNHUSKERS
Gamma Theta’s 32nd TM Bowl
Gamma Theta raised $10,000 through Taus Against Trafcking, doubled its Bible study participation, and embodied servant leadership through disaster relief and advocacy work.
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ATO NAC TRUE MERIT WHEREVER FOUND
OKLAHOMA STATE
EPSILON OMICRON I COWBOYS Epsilon Omicron raised $28,000 for causes including Feeding America and Pete’s Pet Posse, while strengthening alumni ties and preparing members for professional success.
Epsilon Omicron’s 22nd TM Bowl
OREGON STATE
ALPHA SIGMA I BEAVERS Alpha Sigma saw 100% of brothers certied in recruitment and nancial literacy, raised $7,500 for charity, and earned praise from university leadership for modeling a values-based brotherhood.
Alpha Sigma’s 6th TM Bowl
[
“At Oregon State, we try not to be good, not to be great. but we’re striving for excellence at every facet and we’ll continue to do so.” — Sam Jewett, Oregon State ’22
]
PENN STATE
GAMMA OMEGA I NITTANY LIONS Gamma Omega continued its 30-year THON legacy by raising $529,003.57, earning multiple campus honors, and leading IFC in recruitment and academic achievement.
[
“We kind of had to reshape our chapter as a whole—instill these ATO values back in ... keep working toward it. It might not be this year, it might not be next year, but ...eventually you’ll achieve it.” — Alex Comas, Penn State ’24
]
Gamma Omega’s 8th TM Bowl
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ATO NAC TRUE MERIT WHEREVER FOUND
PEPPERDINE
KAPPA EPSILON I THE WAVE Kappa Epsilon demonstrated extraordinary brotherhood during California wildres—providing aid and prayer for displaced families—and maintained the highest academic standing among IFC chapters.
Kappa Epsilon’s 11th TM Bowl
PURDUE
GAMMA OMICRON I BOILERMAKERS Gamma Omicron achieved 100% new-member retention and raised $31,000 through Tri for Tim, honoring a late brother while leading across campus in programs like IFC, Dance Marathon, and Student Government. Gamma Omicron’s 14th TM Bowl
ROSE-HULMAN
GAMMA GAMMA I FIGHTIN’ ENGINEERS Gamma Gamma enhanced career readiness through Mentor Dinners and workshops while partnering with alumnus Thomas Reives to raise $44,000 for Rook’s Resources. Gamma Gamma’s 28th TM Bowl
SAMFORD
KAPPA RHO I BULLDOGS Kappa Rho celebrated its 10-year charter anniversary with more than 4,000 service hours and national recognition as one of just ve NIC Chapter Distinction Award winners. Kappa Rho’s 9th TM Bowl
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ATO NAC TRUE MERIT WHEREVER FOUND
Beta Alpha’s 11th TM Bowl
SIMPSON
BETA ALPHA I STORM Beta Alpha logged 1,000+ service hours, hosted the college’s rst Founders’ Day in six years, and helped reestablish the Inter-Fraternal Council—reinvigorating Greek life on campus.
SOUTH ALABAMA
KAPPA SIGMA I JAGUARS Kappa Sigma raised $58,000 for Feeding the Gulf Coast—providing more than 180,000 meals—while maintaining the top fraternity GPA and winning the Dean’s Cup for academics and involvement. Kappa Sigma’s 6th TM Bowl
TROY
KAPPA BETA I TROJANS Kappa Beta’s 128-mile Walk Hard raised $140,000 for wounded veterans, and the chapter’s leadership across campus earned admiration from students, faculty, and administrators alike.
Kappa Beta’s 18th TM Bowl
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ATO NAC TRUE MERIT WHEREVER FOUND
UNION
BETA TAU I BULLDOGS
Beta Tau served through 1,128 volunteer hours, launched its Faith in Action series, and united campus leaders in a Presidential Panel on moral leadership.
[
"I'm super thankful for the guys in our chapter, regardless of position. We just love investing in each other, trying to grow each other, and we're just doing incredible stuff." — Lucas Wilkinson, Union ’22
] Beta Tau’s 5th TM Bowl
WEST CHESTER
KAPPA CHI I GOLDEN RAMS Kappa Chi achieved 100% bid acceptance and raised $8,000 for the Travis Manion Foundation while elevating alumni engagement through professional development workshops.
Kappa Chi’s 6th TM Bowl
WILLIAM AND MARY
KAPPA KAPPA I THE TRIBE Kappa Kappa raised $25,000 for suicide prevention through its Out of the Darkness event and was praised for its academics, leadership, and values-driven culture.
Kappa Kappa’s 10th TM Bowl
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NATIONAL FRATERNITY
USC NEXUS GROUP
TEXAS NEXUS GROUP Congratulations to ATO Nexus groups (colonies) that have started at USC and Texas. By the end of this month, we will be Nexus at Michigan and UCLA. The groups will continue to grow and learn how to be a chapter. 29 ATO PALM/WINTER 2025
NATIONAL FRATERNITY SMILEY SWORN IN AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH AMERICAN INTERFRATERNITY CONFERENCE For the fourth time in the Fraternity’s history, an ATO is serving as chairman of the North American Interfraternity Conference. ATO Chief Executive Ofcer Wynn Smiley, Purdue ’99, was sworn in August 26, 2025, as the NIC’s 89th chairman. Former ATO Worthy Grand Chief Dr. Patrick I. Brown, Murray State ’62, served as NIC chairman beginning in 1988; former Worthy Grand Chief John M. MacGregor, Oregon, held the chairman post beginning in 1942. Oregon and former Chairman of the High Council Dr. Harry S. Rogers, Wyoming, served as NIC chairman beginning in 1939. “It’s an honor to serve as chairman of an organization that is vital in its support of the fraternity industry,” said Smiley. “I am in good ATO company with Pat, who I’ve known for more than 30 years and has served the NIC and ATO well; for more than 30 years and the stories of the impressive leadership of John MacGregor and Harry Rogers that live on in ATO history.”
SMILEY
The National Interfraternity Conference serves as the trade association for member fraternities promoting, protecting and defending the undergraduate fraternity experience.
ROGERS
MacGREGOR
BROWN
ATO Leadership Consultants spend the year working with chapters across the United States. This year’s consultants gathered at the National Awards Celebration to recognize True Merit Wherever Found. Row 1: Tim Falter, Mount Union ’21; Jacob Lemon, Murry State ’23; Dylan Knight, Samford ’20; Luke Rosen, Florida Atlantic ’25 Row 2: Aiden Reams, Washington and Jefferson ’23; Luke Southmayd, Florida Gulf Coast ’20; James Myers, Ohio State ’21; Mason Ralphs, Utah State ’25
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ATO LEADS ALUMNI NEWS
1
2
3
4
1. LEE CORSO RETIRES
3. MUHLENBERG 1965 INITIATES CELEBRATE
Lee Corso, Florida State ’54, is a former coach and the un-
Brothers from Alpha Iota celebrated their 60th anniversary
forgettable face of ESPN’s College GameDay. For more than
of their initiation back at the house this fall.
three decades, Corso’s energy, humor, and iconic mascot
4. SANTA ONO APPOINTED EIT GLOBAL PRESIDENT
headgear picks have made Saturdays special for college
Santa Ono, Emory, ’09, has been appointed President of
football fans nationwide. Now, as he retires in 2025, we cele-
Ellison Institute of Technology Global. A distinguished aca-
brate a career that began on the sidelines and grew into one of the most cherished broadcasting legacies in sports.
demic leader, Ono previously served as president of both the
2. SOUTH ALABAMA
building on a career in biomedical research and immunol-
University of British Columbia and the University of Michigan,
Brothers and alumni attended the chapter’s annual alumni
ogy. In his new role, he will collaborate to grow and expand
tailgate to celebrate their 10-year charter anniversary.
the institute’s science programs.
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ATO GIVES ATO ROADSHOW
1 2. CENTRAL MISSOURI
1. PITT BROTHERS CYCLE WITH TEAM FOSTER The brothers of Alpha Tau Omega at the University of Pitts-
Central Missouri brothers were honored to support the Mili-
burgh are teaming up with Team Foster for their Signature
tary & Veterans Success Center in setting up the 9/11 memo-
Event: an adrenaline-fueled, nonstop 24-hour cycling chal-
rial, remembering the lives lost and sacrices made.
lenge that’s about more than endurance—it’s about purpose.
3. FAU BROTHERS RAISE FUNDS FOR VETERANS
Riding in honor of Captain Erick Foster, who made the ultimate sacrice after an ambush in Muqdadiya, Iraq, in 2007,
Florida Atlantic chapter raised more than $22,000 for The 22
the event channels his legacy of grit, service, and selessness.
Project, a nonprot organization that supports veterans im-
Every mile cycled rallies the community to raise vital funds
pacted by traumatic brain injuries.
for accredited service dogs that provide life-saving support
The initiative served as a part of the chapter’s philanthropy
to injured and disabled Veterans. With the rallying cry of No
week. For the past two years, the Eta Mu Chapter has part-
Hero Left Behind, Team Foster and Pitt ATO are pushing
nered with the nonprot as a way to not only give back to
limits, honoring sacrice, and making a difference one pedal
veterans but also to bring together the city of Boca Raton
at a time.
and FAU students through their annual Buffalo Bash.
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ATO GIVES ATO ROADSHOW
2
3 33 ATO PALM/WINTER 2025
ATO GIVES ATO ROADSHOW
TROY
BAYLOR TROY AND BAYLOR BROTHERS PARTICIPATE IN THE 9/11 MEMORIAL STAIR CLIMB The men at Troy University and Baylor University proudly participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, paying tribute to the 343 FDNY reghters who made the ultimate sacrice on September 11, 2001. Each brother climbed the equivalent of 110 stories— the height of the World Trade Center towers—in remembrance of the fallen heroes whose bravery and selessness will never be forgotten. By completing this symbolic journey, our chapters joined reghters and community members across the nation to honor their legacy and support the National Fallen Fireghters Foundation, which provides vital programs for Fire Hero Families and the reghting community. Through this act of remembrance, we afrm our commitment to ensuring their sacrice is never forgotten.
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AN INVESTMENT INTO THE FUTURE OF ATO “I believe my gifts, in some small way, may help provide leadership training and valuable networking that are so critical in today’s world.” —Lee Pierson
My rst gift to the Foundation was inspired to do so by the Frater-
$1,000–$2,499
nity’s ongoing commitment to developing leaders and providing
FRIENDSHIP ANNUAL GIVING CLUB
a wholesome guide for chapter operations. My ongoing commitment comes from seeing rst-
$500–$999
hand the impact the Foundation has on our current active
BROTHERHOOD ANNUAL GIVING CLUB
members. I believe my gifts, in some small ship training and valuable networking that are so critical in
$2,500+
AMBASSADOR ANNUAL GIVING CLUB
a Life Loyal Tau contribution. I was
way, may help provide the leader-
TRAILBLAZER ANNUAL GIVING CLUB
$250–$499 Lee Pierson Auburn ’71
today’s world. Even though ATOs are diverse, the Foundation binds all ATOs together with common principles and ideals. This binding be-
CONNECT ANNUAL GIVING CLUB $100–$249
comes the method of empowering young ATOs to become successful and contributing members of society. There have been many moments when I felt the impact of my gifts and other alumni gifts. The best examples I have are from my attendance at national meetings like Congress and the National Awards Ceremony. I continue to be impressed by the quality of all the attendees, but really impressed by the award recipients. The ATO National Fraternity and the Foundation do good work, and you can easily see the results. These obvious results reinforce the tangible impact of giving back to the Foundation. I believe in ATO. And like other things I believe in, I am compelled to offer my support. I honestly believe I have received much more from my ATO experience than I have ever given. I encourage all alumni to give whatever they can, large or small, to the Foundation. It’s an investment in the future of ATO.
Join a giving club today! ato.org/givingclubs
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ALPHA TAU OMEGA 333 North Alabama Suite 220 Indianapolis, IN 46204