Alpha Tau Omega - University of Nebraska-Linocln

3 Alpha Tau Omega www.atonebraska.org I write to you to give you an update on the renovations at Gamma Theta Chapter to make a plea for your donation to this capital campaign today! ATW Gamma Theta moved back into the house the first week of January, and brothers lived with ongoing construction until March 3. The house was given an occupancy permit in January, with limitations, but all members were very understanding and extremely excited to be united again under one roof. The look of the new stack and the eye-catching ATW sign on the illuminated stairway really sets our house apart—a nice touch thanks to Jon Carlson '77. Highlights of the renovation include: H A brand-new kitchen H New basement living room H New study area H New executive boardroom for house meetings and corporation board meetings H A commons area for a mung session or watching TV H An additional laundry area on the third floor One alumnus was generous enough to donate 75 new mattresses to the cause! All rooms have matching beds, desks, and wardrobes. This renovation will no doubt set us apart and help us remain competitive during summer recruitment. There is still a wish list from the undergraduate brothers for a pool table, ping pong table, and patio furniture. If anyone is willing to help out with these items, please contact Matt Olson '02 at mattolson4@hotmail.com. Union Bank & Trust is our lender and has done a great job monitoring payments and cash needs as the construction progressed. The construction budget was on target, and Leuder Construction was within budget. All funds available by Union Bank & Trust have been exhausted, and now the payment plan starts. We still need to raise $1.2 million for the house mortgage and to fund our scholarship. If you have the capacity to pay your pledge early, we will save on interest. As a corporation board member, I can confidently tell you that the board meets monthly with the ATW undergraduate members, the house director, and the executive board to train, guide, and teach necessary leadership skills. Bob O'Neal '71 and Kyle Bruss '97 give freely of their time to stay in touch with IFC and UNL to ensure ATW is a success at UNL. There are risks in all things today, but the board is doing its best to minimize risks associated with this investment. There is no time like the present to give back to Gamma Theta Chapter. I tell you as a fact, purely from frustration, that I have pledged and paid my donation. I was one of five who signed a personal guarantee of $50,000 for a cause that made a difference in my life. I hope if you are reading the A-Tau Observer that ATW has made a difference in your life and that you've made a donation or consider making one today. Is there an ATW out there willing to make a capstone pledge or challenge gift to raise the bar for Gamma Theta and help us reach our goal? Love and Respect, Bob Dudley '79 A Letter to My Brothers… W hen James Panzer, M.D. '59 joined Gamma Theta, he was following in the footsteps of a close friend from high school. After not showing up for class regularly, Jim realized his friend, with whom he had joined ATW, had decided to take another path. He left the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and ATW to move home. But Jim had already begun to form friendships and great relationships through his time in Gamma Theta, and he wasn't going to leave this great group of guys behind. Over the years, Jim stuck with the Gamma Theta brotherhood. He served as president of the chapter his junior year, from 1960-61. Jim worked hard as an undergraduate and truly enjoyed the time he spent living in the house, with some of his favorite memories coming from Woodsies, parties at East Hills, and help week. He graduated from UNL in 1962 with a bachelor's degree and one year of medical school under his belt. Jim went on to earn his M.D. from the University of Nebraska Medical Center three years later. Jim's career as a doctor was strongly influenced by his family; his father, mother, uncle, and grandfather also spent their careers as medical professionals. Learning leadership as chapter president of ATW served him well as he began his medical career as a general surgeon. His time as a leader in Gamma Theta motivated Jim to give back to the chapter and support the Building on a Tradition of Excellence campaign. "I felt as a former leader of the chapter I should support the good cause," Jim stated. He has high hopes for the future of Gamma Theta and wants the undergraduate brothers to receive the chance to learn leadership and be shaped in the same way he was more than 50 years ago. Contributing to the campaign means securing the future of excellence for the chapter and continued growth for the men involved. "You cannot stay the same by staying the same." Living in Gordon, Neb., for the majority of the year, Jim has spent 25 summers in Alaska, where he enjoys hunting and fishing. If you'd like to connect with him, you can reach him at jmpanzer@gpcom.net. Alumnus James Panzer, M.D. '59 Shares About His Time with ATW A SHAPING EXPERIENCE

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