Alpha Tau Omega - Oklahoma State University

T I M E T O R E B U I L D ATW House Corporation Explores Renovation Options EPSILON OMICRON NEWS A PUB L IC A TIO N O F A L PHA TA U O MEG A F R A TER NITY O K L A HO MA S TA TE UNIV ER S ITY s S PR ING 2018 "A Chapter House that fosters growth, academic suc- cess, and fellowship." If you read your fall 2017 newsletter, this was the goal of the Epsilon Omi- cron Task Force on Strategic Planning. This goal and the others referenced were authored by alumni and actives last spring. As promised, information and updates on this goal will be shared as appropriate based on a strategic timeline. If you have visited campus in the last five years, you have proba- bly noticed what I have referred to as the "Greek arms race." By my count, of the 22 IFC-recognized fraternities with a chapter house on campus, 11 have either rebuilt or remodeled their house or are in the process of doing so. The alumni leadership, recogniz- ing the fast-changing landscape of the Greek community at Okla- homa State University, hired Pennington & Company to conduct a pre-campaign feasibility study to determine the potential for a capital campaign to fund an expansion of our chapter house or con- struct a new one entirely. During the fall of 2017, a group of alumni were interviewed by Pennington & Company. Some key findings: Epsilon Omicron alumni responded "very positively" when asked about their ATW experience. Upon review of two potential projects (rebuild or remodel), EO alumni see these projects as "significant" and un- derstand the importance to provide "competitive housing" in response to the aforementioned "Greek arms race." Ninety-eight percent of interviewees feel the potential projects are "important" or "very im- portant." When asked if other alumni would support a campaign, 78% of interviewees replied "Yes"; 22% responded "Maybe." This is an above-average level of support for a campaign compared to other Pen- nington studies, including other OSU and OU fraternities. The major- ity of interviewees (61%) stated they are in favor of construction of a new house vs. remodel. And finally, 91% indicated "Yes," EO should proceed with a fundraising campaign. Please contact me if you are interested in seeing a summary of the feasibility study report. The EO alumni leadership recognizes we must make an investment in the ΑΤΩ Chapter House for the long-term viability of our fraternity. In the coming months, we will work to implement the recommenda- tions from the Feasibility study as we look toward the future of ΑΤΩ at Oklahoma State. We will keep you informed of any plans as they develop. As always, we welcome your feedback, questions, concerns, and most of all your participation. Love and Respect, Dan Oliver '78 House Corporation President osuollie@hotmail.com / (405) 740-2628 F or most, starting college is a big life transition. You move away from home for the first time, build new friendships, and discover your passions, all in a new and sometimes unfamiliar place. For Jim Phillips '66, moving from his small hometown of Pawhuska to Stillwater was "getting into the big world" as he put it. Once at college he wanted to be a part of fraternity and connect with others. "I found that connection with ATW," he said. As a member of Epsilon Omicron, Jim was heavily involved in planning the Chapter's social events. "What I really remember was serving as social chairman. The position fit me well," he said. While in the Chapter he fond- ly remembers his time living in the annex, Lake Blackwell, and the scavenger hunt during initiation. Being an involved member of the Chapter taught Jim a lot about diversity, acceptance, and working hard. He was driven by his brothers, who he says, like him, also had goals and ambitions. "You learn how to interact with other people and get to know others," Jim stated. "It was also a great time to learn diversity." Through the lessons Jim learned from his ATW brothers and by sur- rounding himself with fellow go-getters, Jim went on to pursue a ca- reer in the Air Force with the intent of working for the FBI. While the FBI dream did not become a reality, Jim became a well-versed pilot for the Air Force, taking his talents across the world. He wrote the war plans for the Air Force's Strategic Forces for Desert Shield and was an Arabic speaker. Jim also served with the 17th Air Division during the War and was awarded the Bronze Star. During his military career, he also had the distinct honor of commissioning his pledge son, Fred Brooks '68, into the Navy as an officer. "It was a special opportunity that I will never forget," Jim said. From Small Town Kid to Well-Decorated Air Force Pilot Jim PhilliPs '66 Discusses the imPortance of BrotherhooD (Continued on page 4)

• Cover