Alpha Tau Omega - University of Texas

ONWARD AND UPWARD Alpha Tau Omega Sees Success on All Fronts F ollowing a strong fall semester, Gamma Eta Chapter is poised to have another outstand- ing year in 2015. The chapter currently stands at 114 strong after initiating 33 new members and is in the hunt to win the prestigious True Merit award at Alpha Tau Omega's 150th anniversary celebration this summer. Because of successes with internal controls and recruitment, we are able to add an '80s hair metal party to our spring social calendar. I couldn't be more proud of Gamma Eta or more honored to serve as chapter president. Gamma Eta Dedicated to Scholarship Programs Carter Edwards '11, Charles Inglis '12, and Alex Garcia '13 received $500 awards through the chapter's merit-based scholarship program in recognition of their academic performance. Scholarship Chairman Austin Paalz '13 imple- mented Gamma Eta's first resume workshop and networking event. In his words, the event "served to connect alumni with current Taus, build an understanding of the job search pro- cess, and give an opportunity to network with multiple accomplished professionals in a variety of fields." Philanthropic Endeavors Yield $2,800 Philanthropy Chairmen Alex Garcia '13 and Michael Bosse '12 organized Texas Shootout, a benefit concert featuring The Damn Quails. We raised $2,800 to support families fighting childhood cancer with our charity partner, The Candlelighters. Undergraduates Active in Student Organizations We required new members to join one additional student organization in order to enrich the new member program and bolster ATΩ's presence on campus. This initiative improved our reten- tion rate, and our new members felt that getting involved helped them to adjust to the under- graduate experience. Robbie Wolf '12 completed his Newman semes- ter in the fall and is now representing Gamma Eta in Texas Cowboys, while Michael is sup- porting Bevo as a Texas Silver Spur. Andy Webber '12 concluded his executive vice presi- dent term as second-in-command with the Texas Interfraternity Council and is studying abroad in Israel this spring. German Martinez '13 was elected vice president of Texas Wakeboarding and, with his third place individual performance, led UT to an overall win at the Questoberfest Championship. Eric Melvin '11, Carl Pecka '11, Michael, and I clinched the championship in intramural flag football with a 28-0 win over the Wranglers. Alumni and Parents Always Welcome We sincerely appreciate the strong turnout at our November alumni banquet. Forty Gamma Eta alumni enjoyed craft beer and Freedmen's bar- becue alongside actives, and a brave few joined us downtown afterwards. I'd like to give special thanks to the parents of Evan Trevino '13 and Ricardo Trevino '14 for preparing a delicious pig roast at the Parents' Weekend tailgate. All in attendance were blown away. There will be more details to come on dates for Dads' Day, the alumni golf tournament, and the baseball tail- gate following our executive committee retreat. As we prepare for the semesters ahead, we are inspired by past successes and grateful for the opportunity to carry on the rich tradition of Texas Gamma Eta. Our chapter owes its current esti- mable standing to the support we receive from our parents and alumni. If you ever find yourself in the area, please stop by the chapter house and spend a moment with our active brothers. Love and Respect, Jonathan "Jack" Markman '12 Chapter President (949) 939-2887 president@texasato.com Jack Markman '12 and Michael Bosse '12 discuss goals for the semester at our executive board retreat at Salt Lick. ATW and Texas Wake members Noah Eastman '13, Wiliam Mudge '13, and German Martinez '13 hoist the Questoberfest wakeboarding competition trophy after UT Texas Wake win the overall competition. Evan Trevino '13 and his hard-working parents prepare a delicious pig roast for parents and undergraduates at our annual Parents' Weekend tailgate. Austin Paalz '13 led the chapter in our first professionalism and resume clinic with alumni present to help give real world tips and pointers. Jack Markman '12 (bottom middle), Michael Bosse '12 (bottom right), Eric Melvin '10 (bottom left), and Carl Peca '10 (top middle) played intramural flag football and shutout their opponents 28-0 to win the championship. 2 UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS

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