Greetings,
Welcome to the webpage of the Alpha Theta chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at Emory University. For the past several years, the Alpha Theta chapter has continued towards a high point. Recently, we have enjoyed enormous success, from repeatedly receiving Emory’s highest fraternity honor, the Dean’s Cup, to being recognized as the top ATO chapter in 2007. We were also fortunate enough to be selected as the recipient of the National Interfraternity Conference Award of Distinction this past year, beating out over 5,500 chapters in the U.S. and Canada.
We now plan on capitalizing on this momentum. The chapter has engaged upon an exceptional service project to jumpstart the ATO Leadership Development Fund. Brothers are working energetically alongside alumni to raise the funds for initial support from the Howard Dobbs Jr. Foundation. To meet the terms of the challenge grant, a $150,000 campaign must be completed by December 2010 in order to receive a like amount. The resulting $300,000 corpus would then be provided to benefit and sustain brothers under financial stress, allowing deserving men to experience the ATO brotherhood regardless of financial status.
This semester, the chapter has seen 100 percent commitment from all active brothers and the Board of Trustees. Keeping in mind the current economic condition, the brothers have not taken lightly the responsibility of establishing this fund. Thanks to your involvement, we are confident that we will match the Dobbs gift, thus securing financial assistance for future deserving Alpha Taus.
To provide a brief update, I am delighted to announce that our chapter welcomed 17 men as lifelong members of our brotherhood this spring semester. With this, Alpha Theta has ushered in a new generation whose excitement and initiative fosters an atmosphere that continues to motivate the house. With interests ranging from breakdancing to music composition and rock-climbing, these young men bring strong character and talent to the fraternity.
We have several upcoming events, the first of which is Dooley Presents. On March 19th, the Spring Pledge Class of 2009 will be working with Volunteer Emory to host our second annual signature event. This charity event brings together all of the major singing, dancing, and entertainment organizations at Emory for one all-star show. All profits earned will go to the Samuel L. Jones Boys and Girls Club of Atlanta, an organization that aims to promote a positive learning and growing environment for young, underprivileged children, and a long-time partner of Alpha Theta. In addition, our Faculty and Alumni Dinner is set for April 15th. We have always treasured this event as it allows us a chance to dine and interact with our distinguished professors and past brothers. Our keynote speaker for the night will be Dr. George Armelegos, the Chair of Anthropology Department, winner of the 2008 Franz Boas Award for Exemplary Service to Anthropology, and the most recent recipient of the Charles R. Darwin Lifetime Achievement Award.
Once again, we hope to maintain a high level of achievement and to continue the legacy of a concentrated effort in leadership, scholarship, service, and brotherhood. I look forward to another dynamic year here at ATO and want to thank you for your ongoing support.
Love and Respect,
Michael Turgeon