Gamma Eta Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega at the University of Texas
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GAMMA ETA GAZETTE 3 As an undergraduate, Johnny didn't realize how influential his ATW experience would prove, but throughout the course of his life he's seen the impact it's made on himself and on the lives of countless brothers. "Once you graduate you see this huge brotherhood of guys that stand behind you," he says. "I have a much greater appreciation for the alumni's role today. We guide the chapter, give recruitment recommendations, and step up as needed to help." Whether they're doctors, lawyers, business associates, or buddies, ATW brothers surround Johnny every day. He explains what an incredible honor it is to be part of a chapter whose members thrive well beyond their college years. "Our alumni sons and grandsons, will follow us to UT and become ATWs too." That's why he says it's important to be a strong leader. You never know who you are inspiring. Johnny and his wife, Judy, who was an ATW little sister, will celebrate their 44th wedding anniversary in May. Together they reflect on a lifetime of proud family moments with their two children and grandchildren who carry on their family legacy and traditions. E-mail: josenergy@aol.com Chapter provided John o. "Johnny" Smith '67 with advantageouS Life LeSSonS (Continued from page 1) Bonded by Brotherhood Gamma Eta Today, Tomorrow, and Always for David Martin '61 F or David Martin '61, it's true that "Texas is more than a state, it is a state of mind," which is why he got to the University as quickly as he could. What he found at UT was much more than he ever fathomed. "There were 27,000 students that attended UT when I was in college." Joining a fraternity was a way to deal with the overwhelming size of the student body. After enjoying a summer of recruitment David pledged ATW and the chapter house became "home away from home," he says. "In a great big university, I found meaningful relationships and a brotherhood so close we became family. I developed close, meaningful friendships that I still enjoy today." Looking back on his college days, David is nostalgic about his Gamma Eta experiences and says if he could he would relive all the times spent with his ATW brothers. "They were the best years of my life—I tell my wife this all the time," he jokes. UT football game days, social functions, intramural baseball, and trips to Mexico are just a few of David's fondest undergraduate memories. The brotherhood didn't stop there, as David makes staying connected to the chapter an inherent part of who he is today. David has immensely enjoyed the ongoing social relationships ATW has given him and is happy to maintain them even after 45+ years. Whether it's in the workplace, through planned social gatherings or just grabbing lunch during the week, David makes a conscious effort to stay in touch with ATW brothers. For the last 40 years, David has attended almost every home game in Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium to watch the UT Horns hook 'em. David and his wife, Nancy, live in Houston and celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary last year. They have a second home in the mountains of Colorado where they spend a considerable amount of time in the summer and fall. David has been in the commercial real estate business in Houston for over 40 years. They have a daughter, Brooke, son-in-law, Andrew, two grandsons, and a third on the way. They enjoy being grandparents, spending time traveling, and David finds ample time for hunting and fishing. E-mail: david@ haleymartin.com ALUMNI UPDATE CHAPTER ETERNAL Glen R. Solomon '37 was a resident of Provincetown, Ma., when he entered Chapter Eternal. Glen lived a long and prosperous life and will be missed dearly by those who knew him. George F. Haney '44 entered Chapter Eternal on January 8, 2014. He held many fond memories from his time as an ATO. His daughter, Pam, says, "He always smiled when he talked about his brothers." ALUMNI NEWS Howard D. Moon '53 was named to the Reagan High School hall of fame in Houston, Texas, where he and his wife, Jeanette, live. E-mail: hmoon@ pdq.net Frank M. Shallene '58 works in the engineering field of helicopter propulsion and started his own company, Helicopter Engineering Technologies. Although Frank is retired he says, "I'll never stop working—I love it!" Frank and his wife, Edith, live in Fort Worth, Texas. E-mail: fmshallene@yahoo.com Richard N. Pickett '72 lives in Liberty, Texas, with his wife, Scarlett, and says he loves reading the new member list in The Gamma Eta Gazette. E-mail: atopickett@utexas.edu UNDERGRADUATE NEWS Dan Dietz '11 is on the job search for a prestigious engineering company in Austin where he can dedicate his time and energy to working his way up in the company. Dan is grateful for ATW as it has expanded his network and built friendships to last a lifetime. Michael Day '11 plans to attend law school after graduating and hopes to open his own practice after earning his degree. He says he owes his eminent success to the skills he gained as a Gamma Eta member and says, "I was able to take a lot of leadership roles and work to develop real world skills."