Alpha Tau Omega - University of Florida

Summer 2023 Newsletter

Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega at the University of Florida

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the Alpha Omegan G reg Marion '83 and his brother, John IV '77, always looked up to their father, John III '51, who was a reserved and humble man. Prior to attending the University of Florida, John IV discovered that John III was a former Worthy Master of Alpha Omega. When he visited Alpha Tau Omega during recruitment, he decided it was a fit. Greg spent weekends with his brother at the Tau Mansion and was amazed by the transformation he witnessed in John. He knew ΑΤΩ was something he wanted to be a part of. "My decision was simple," Greg said. "When I arrived on campus in the fall of 1982, it was ΑΤΩ or bust. I never visited another fraternity during recruitment." Proud to Serve Greg will forever be grateful for ΑΤΩ, the journeys he's shared, and the memories he's made. When he reflects on the history of the fraternity and the Brothers who came before him, it inspires him to remain active. "I wonder if our AΩ Brothers in 1884 dreamt that our Chapter would be amongst the best ΑΤΩ chapters in the country 139 years later?" Greg is proud to give back to Alpha Omega, and over the years, he has served the brotherhood in many ways, including as a 30+ year member of the Board of Trustees, a member of the Housing Corporation Board since its inception, and the co-chairman of the Design and Construction Committee for the capital campaign. He also contributed to the campaign. Additionally, he helped with projects by managing the replacement of the front columns and sun deck, the renovation of the Carriage House, and was the construction manager for Phase I of the renovations to the Tau Mansion. Shaping Success As the founder and president of Marion Construction, Greg attributes much of his company's success to the leadership skills he learned through ΑΤΩ and his Brothers, who have helped him along the way. Marion Construction recently celebrated its 28th year in business. Greg has loyal clients and is proud that 90% of his business comes from repeat clients. He has a wide range of experience building large custom homes and historical restorations in Palm Beach as well as constructing waterfront homes throughout Palm Beach County. His company's commercial projects range from banks and shopping centers to churches, manufacturing plants, and more. They also do specialized projects, including interactive fountains, streetscapes, and beach boardwalks. Marion Construction has been the recipient of AGC's "Build Florida Awards" six times and has received the American Institute of Architects "Outstanding Craftsmanship Award" and "Builder of the Year Award" on separate occasions. To Greg, it's all about the people. "I pride myself on building relationships, not just buildings. I have forged meaningful and lasting relationships with each of our clients on a very personal level and with no exception." Family Is Everything "My life's accomplishments mean nothing without the love I have for my family," Greg shared. He is grateful for his wife, Tracie, who has allowed him to have a career and build a company. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in June. They have three wonderful children: McKynsie (23), Peyton (22), and Tabitha (13). In his free time, Greg loves boating, fishing, diving, snow skiing, and watching Gator football. You can contact him at greg@marionconstruction.com. "During our initiation ceremony, we are reminded that 'We are not Brothers by the miracle of birth, but Brothers by deliberate choice.' I'm extremely blessed. My brother, John, is not only my brother by the miracle of birth but also my Brother by deliberate choice! We lost our father 27 years ago. John has filled that void and has been the 'rock' I can always lean on for advice. I'm very grateful for the role he has played in my life and for the wonderful things he has done for ΑΤΩ and Alpha Omega throughout the years." "The bonds I have formed with my ATΩ Brothers are a true gift. I cannot imagine my life without the people I've come to know through Alpha Omega." Grateful for ATΩ GREG MARION '83 SHARES THE IMPACT OF BROTHERHOOD p. 2 Alumni Updates Chapter Eternal Glenn C. Wilson '73 – August 24, 2022 Ronald B. Hayes '75 – May 2022 James C. Hartney '08 – November 21, 2021 Alumni News Charles Milt Drake '50 shares, "Bill Vines '50 and I are probably two of the oldest members of Alpha Tau. I was born in 1930, and he is two years older. We were a part of the first coed class in 1947." Charles resides in Sebring, Fla. William D. Tenney '56 says, "I am still sailing and taking care of the 28-foot Sharpie Egret at The Barnacle State Park in Coconut Grove, Fla. My wife, Nora, and I continue to be active volunteers in the Woman's Cancer Association of the University of Miami." They reside in Miami Shores, Fla. Email: tenneywd@gmail.com John F. Daniel '60 is retired and traveling the world! One of his favorite pastimes in scuba diving. "Thank you, Alpha Omega," he says. "I would never have graduated but for the support and example of the members. God bless you all." John lives in Panama City, Fla. Email: daniel_john@bellsouth.com James R. Hipshire '61 is doing great in Temple Terrace, Fla. Get in touch with him if you'd like to plan a brotherhood event in the Tampa Bay area. Email: jhipshire5@gmail.com Matthew A. Cole '90 shares, "Recently, while visiting our daughter Morgan, I brought back to the Tau Mansion two composites that had been missing: mine (1990) and my father's (1965). They are hung in the library. My father's pledge brother Steve Spurrier '66's photo is also now back at ATO!" Matthew is living in Tampa, Fla. Email: mcole71@gmail.com Robert D. Schalow '90 was inducted into the College of Health and Human Performance Alumni Hall of Fame in 2022. He is chairman of the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute's Industry Advisory Board and adjunct lecturer in the Tourism and Hospitality master's program at UF. He resides in Corona Del Mar, Calif. Email: robert.schalow@gmail.com Douglas R. Laurie '91 is owner and president of American Heritage Schools, the largest private school system in the USA. He also owns American Learning Systems and C&L Transportation Co. He is the former chairman of the Boys and Girls Club and is on the board of the Broward Workshop with Brett Atkinson '90. Douglas lives in Davie, Fla. Email: doug.laurie@ahschool.com

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