Kappa Alpha Order - University of Texas

2 OMICRON UPDATE A fter Steve Tomson '81 retired from his 37-year career in technology, he and his wife of 38 years happily returned to the vibrant city of Austin. Not only has Steve's homecoming to Austin reminded him of his love for the city, but it has also reconnected him with the Fraternity in several abundant ways. Steve explained, "Reconnecting as a chapter advisor introduced me to today's outstanding class of young men." Similar to his experience as an undergraduate, returning to his roots in Omicron has been a gift that keeps on giving. "Encountering some of the finest men and leaders, as well as befriending the fellow advisors that are 20 to 30 years younger, has been rewarding," Steve shared. "It has been truly refreshing for this old, fat man," he joked. Steve finds himself most grateful for having the opportunity through Kappa Alpha Order to get to know so many wonderful people, during his four collegiate years surely, but especially now nearly 40 years after he graduated. Those undergraduate years were formative for Steve, so much so that he recalls a recurring twinkle in his eye during the memorable moments of his membership. "Whether I was meeting brothers for the first time, attending spirited team-building events, or traveling to Texas coastline beaches during our spring and summer breaks, the Fraternity unified us in powerful ways." After graduating from the UT, Steve began work with IBM and later joined a firm leading their IPO as president. "I began spearheading the sale of that company and retired a year ago as chief sales and marketing officer of S&P 500 firm JKHY," Steve elaborated. After reflecting on all the fulfilling moments he has enjoyed, he leaves his fellow brothers with one last note: "To quote the great Joe Walsh, 'Life's been good to me, so far.'" You can connect with Steve at swtomson62@gmail.com. The Perpetual Gift of Brotherhood The Perpetual Gift of Brotherhood Steve Tomson '81 Reignites Old Friendships During His Retirement Steve Tomson '81 Reignites Old Friendships During His Retirement Steve Tomson '81 (front row, fourth from left, seated with a friend leaning on him) with a group of fellow '81 alumni. What Are What Are the Meaningful the Meaningful Aspects of Being Aspects of Being in a Fraternity? in a Fraternity? "As we know, UT is a virtual city in and of itself. Therefore, if one is not connected to a smaller, influential subgroup, the campus can devour an individual. The connection to a cohesive group of nearly 200 trusted allies becomes important and is, perhaps, best summed up by the word brotherhood. Not a passive brotherhood, but one tested through highs and lows together with a common goal of growing closer and, frankly, successfully building with each new class by outperforming any other fraternity that dares to compare themselves to us. Personally, this period was also a time for maturing into a leadership role. I was blessed to be chosen by young men I respected for a variety of leadership positions each of my four years at Kappa Alpha. That recognition created a foundation of confidence that drove me throughout my adult life and professional business career to engage, influence, empathize, respect, and lead others." –Steve Tomson '81 "Encountering some of the finest men and leaders, as well as befriending "Encountering some of the finest men and leaders, as well as befriending the fellow advisors that are 20 to 30 years younger, has been rewarding. the fellow advisors that are 20 to 30 years younger, has been rewarding. It has been truly refreshing for this old, fat man." It has been truly refreshing for this old, fat man."

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