Kappa Alpha Order - University of Texas

2 OMICRON UPDATE A lthough this past year has looked different, the Omicron Chapter of Kappa Alpha Order has remained strong. I am pleased to report that our chapter has shown growth and prosperity during this challenging time. Our diligent efforts have bred success in academics, philanthropy, and leadership. Last fall, our chapter GPA ranked eighth among fraternities at the University of Texas with a 3.514. This was higher than both the university average (3.471) and the IFC average (3.474). The chapter's grades have been on an upward trend for some time now, and our new members have continued the pattern. Omicron Chapter recently partnered with the Independence Fund and is committed to raising $20,000 to fully fund a top-of-the-line track chair for a wounded veteran. If you would like to donate to this cause, please visit https://tinyurl.com/4ysb7kmz. Recruitment was very different last summer, yet we adapted and added 49 new members to our brotherhood. We plan to remain proactive this cycle and sign even more high-quality new members going into the fall. Recruitment Chairman Jay Williamson '18 said, "Recruitment has gotten off to a great start and we've had several small events that allowed us to meet many new rushees. We're looking forward to the possibility of bigger events over the summer, and we want to encourage alumni to reach out with recommendations for potential new members." One of the biggest challenges we faced this semester was the unprecedented winter storm that came through Austin. Thankfully, we never completely lost water or power, but our house director, Jeff, had us prepared. A point of pride for me is that we were able to ensure every member in the chapter had access to three meals a day. Our chefs could not make it to the house, so chapter members volunteered to cook the rations we had in the kitchen. In April, we had the pleasure of being joined by our moms for Moms Weekend. It was great to show off all of the improvements we have made as a chapter. Omicron is beyond thankful for the updates that are constantly being made to the Manor. We welcome all alumni to visit the Manor at any time to see the changes and meet the active brothers. Fraternally, Ryan Wheeler '18 Chapter President MAKING ADJUSTMENTS Omicron Chapter Navigates Winter Storm and COVID-19 Pandemic Luke Nettle '19, Colton Wheatley '20, and Huck Keenan '18 cooking meals for their brothers during the winter storm. Anand Iyer '17, our kitchen manager, set up a donation service for our leftover food. Max Menefee '18 and his mother enjoying Moms Weekend at the Fairmont. George Sayers '20 taking tempera- tures at the front door before a meal.

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