Alpha Tau Omega - Oklahoma State University

2 OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY Q: What was the process of obtaining the House? Todd: Tom Jordan '63 had expressed to me, on several occasions, his concerns for not owning the Chapter House in a brisk real estate environment. It had become possible that some other entity could buy the house we occupied, which was dangerous. Tom: In the summer of 2014, I realized that Epsilon Omicron had a very good chance to be named as ATW's top Chapter. With that in mind, I joined the Chapter in Orlando, Florida, where they received the True Merit award. During the Orlando trip, I became aware of the ATW Management Company, Richmond Property Group, and that they may be in a position to help us purchase the Chapter House. I spoke with Todd Herndon '80 about both the university and the management company, and several weeks later Todd came to me with a plan to purchase the Chapter House and asked if I would support the effort. Kenneth: Todd Herndon '80 called me last summer and said he was looking for a few alumni to give $5,000-$10,000 gifts so the collective funds could be used as a down payment, allowing the House Corporation to purchase the Chapter House from the previous landlord. John Meinders '83 and Bart Boatright '82 took the reins as managers of the LLC to finance the Chapter House. Q: Why did you decide to help purchase the Chapter House from its original owners? David Reser.: It will help ensure the long- term presence of ATW at OSU by removing a huge unknown caused by not owning our own Chapter House. Taking Charge of ATW's Future David Ratcliff: I wanted to make sure Epsilon Omicron controlled its future. Being subject to the landlord's terms and potential sale to someone else always bothered me. We had previously purchased the house in the 1980s, but lost ownership some years later during a downturn. Our EO Chapter of ATW is so much more stable now and I wanted to help make sure our stability was assured. Q: What were your hopes in helping purchase the House? Patrick: My hope was that the Chapter would finally own the property and be in an independent situation to chart its own course for the future, while providing some security for our members knowing that ATW owned the property. Bill: Although alumni have demonstrated a lot of support for the Chapter prior to the purchase, I think it shows that the alumni are committed to the long-term viability of the Chapter. Tom: The loan company has done a lot more than make it possible to buy the property. For the first time in my 30 years as Chapter advisor, I see alumni stepping up and coming together to support the undergraduates. This is true fraternalism at its best and I can't express how blessed I feel to have been a part of it. Q: What does Epsilon Omicron mean to you? David Reser: My experience at EO was transformational, and my strongest friendships developed while in the Chapter. I can honestly say I would not be in the position I am today without Epsilon Omicron. Patrick: Epsilon Omicron has a special place in my heart as I completed my full undergraduate degree as an ATW at this Chapter. It means a lifetime of friendships and bonds with brothers Thank You, Epsilon Omicron Alumni T hank you to the following Epsilon Omicron alumni for coming together and purchasing our Chapter House. Epsilon Omicron wouldn't be where it is today without you! Bart Boatright '82 Brad Dunbar '94 Kenny Goodman '78 Todd Herndon '80 Thomas Jordan '63 Bill Kilmer '81 Mark Lane '78 Patrick Malone '87 Patrick Markey '83 Bill Maupin '84 John Meinders '83 Harris Phillips '85 David Ratcliff '83 David Reser '83 Jerry Roberts '79 Mike Roberts '80 Jim Willis '84 Joe Wang '86 that you can count on in any situation, including buying the Chapter's house. Q: Where do see the Chapter in the next few years? Patrick: I see Epsilon Omicron as a vibrant Chapter that will continue to grow and prosper, while developing young men into well-rounded, service-oriented leaders in their communities and the workforce. Todd: I hope the Chapter House will always give the membership a feeling of pride and brotherhood. Being a part of one of the oldest structures on campus allows for that, but it also requires commitment. F or more than 20 years, the Epsilon Omicron House Corporation has consisted of President Dan Oliver '78, Vice President Dan Peters '78, and Treasurer Kurt Atterberry '84. These alumni were essential in keeping Alpha Tau Omega on campus, especially during trying times in the mid-to-late-'90s when a membership review was conducted. Since then, the chapter has grown from just four members to almost 100 members that call Epsilon Omicron home today. Several years ago, the Epsilon Omicron House Corporation decided to broaden its reach to a younger generation of alumni and added Scott Robin '05, Jonathan Morris '98 and Matt Tilly '02 to its board. This group meets consistently for several years about how to propel Epsilon Omicron as a top fraternity on campus. It was through this process that Todd Herndon '80 was asked to join the board and help in purchasing our current chapter house. It was through Todd's relationship with Jerry Roberts '79 that ended up being the golden ticket. We hope you enjoy reading the history of how the chapter house was purchased by a group of loyal Epsilon Omicron alumni, as told through the eyes of Tom Jordan '63, Todd Herndon '80, David Ratcliff '83, David Reser '83, Patrick Markey '83, Kenneth Goodman '78, and Bill Kilmer '81.

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