HISTORY OF ATO
The Alpha Theta chapter of Alpha Tau Omega was founded on Emory University’s
Oxford Campus in 1881. In 1937-38, the main portion of the current ATO house was built
on Fraternity Row on Emory’s main campus with a gift of $15,000 from Mr. Howard Dobbs
covering the majority of the construction costs. The chapter has been successful for more than
90 years, recruiting high-achieving men and maintaining financial soundness.
During the early 1990s, ATO underwent re-colonization. In 1995, an alumni advisory board
devised a three-point standard expected of members, including high levels of academic
achievement, community service, and participation in other campus organizations.
Emory’s ATO chapter has been recognized in nine of the past 10 years as one of the top ATO
chapters in the country. In 2007, Emory’s chapter was recognized as the Top ATO chapter in
the country among 133 total chapters. In 2008, the chapter was awarded the North American
Inter-Fraternity Conference Award of Distinction as the top chapter among the organization’s
5,500 fraternity and sorority chapters.
“At Emory, our Greek system is based largely on the spirit of competition.
We all compete for the Dean’s Cup, we all want to win all-row, and
we’re all largely looking out for number one. But ATO brothers are of a
different breed. They will lend you a helping hand when you need one,
and do all they can to strengthen the community of the University, not
their own brotherhood. I find that this disposition encapsulates the very
meaning of brotherhood, and more importantly, a good Samaritan.”
— Eric Stein 08C, 2007 President of the Emory Interfraternity Council
“I have had the good fortune of getting to know the brothers of Emory’s ATO
chapter in a variety of venues. This is an impressive group of young men
who emphasize academic excellence and are involved deeply in outreach and
philanthropic activities. … Emory is proud of this chapter of ATO. The chapter
always sets a high standard for itself and for Greek Life programs in general,
and then works ably to meet that standard.”
— James. W. Wagner, President of Emory University
ATO HONORS
- True Merit Award — 9 out of the past 10 years
- Dean’s Cup — 8 out of the past 10 years
- Top Chapter — 2 out of the past 3 years
ATO SCHOLARS AND AWARD RECIPIENTS
- Bobby Jones Scholars — 5
- Emory Medal — 11
- Phi Beta Kappa — 76
- Marion Luther Brittain Award — 5
- Rhodes Scholar — 1
- Emory Sports Hall of Fame — 9
- Turman Award — 3