Alpha Tau Omega - University of Texas

Chapter provided John o. "Johnny" Smith '67 with advantageouS Life LeSSonS A nyone living in Texas knows the impact that the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has on Texas, the Houston community and, in particular, its youth. Since its beginning in 1932 this charity has supported Texas education through the contribution of nearly $375 million in scholarships, research, and endowments. This event is bigger than the Super Bowl. It's bigger than you—even bigger than the 2 million people in attendance last year. When you find an organization that's riveting and influential in the lives of others, you support it in every way possible. This is why Houston oilman John O. "Johnny" Smith '67 has dedicated 43 years to this cause and why he's served as a chairman of the board and executive committee member for the last 23 years. He shares a similar sentiment for his ATW involvement and makes it a priority to stay connected to his Gamma Eta roots. A PUB L IC A TIO N O F THE G A MMA ETA C HA PTER O F A L PHA TA U O MEG A UNIV ER S ITY O F TEXA S s S PR ING 2015 Gamma Eta Connections Stronger Than Ever Undergraduates Thrive with Alumni Support F or those of you who may be reading this newslet- ter for the first time, this bi-annual newsletter is published as part of the annual alumni relations program and is intended to keep you abreast of alumni news, undergraduate activities, and upcoming events. As part of our ongoing commitment to facilitating involvement and familiarity with Gamma Eta after leaving the Forty Acres, the Board of Trustees has been working with a company that specializes in fraternity communications to ensure that we have the most up-to-date records avail- able. Thanks to these efforts we were able to locate many "lost" brothers and have added more than 200 alumni to our mailing list. NEW UNDERGRADUATE EXECUTIVE TEAM BUILDS ON SUCCESS At the conclusion of every fall semester, annual elections are held to determine new leaders for the undergraduate's executive council. It is with this that we congratulate Jack Markman '12 as the new worthy master of the Gamma Eta Chapter and thank Austin Saathoff '11 for a successful year as he transitions into the professional world. This is just one of the several changes in leader- ship that will help ensure Gamma Eta's continued com- petitiveness on the University of Texas campus. Last semester the chapter welcomed 33 men to join the ranks of the Texas ΑΤΩ brotherhood. Along with our newly initiated members, the chapter looks to build on their success as they transition leadership. The primary focus will be to continue efforts reconnecting with fellow Gamma Etas, as with years past. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED— JOIN THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND BE A LEADER In last semester's newsletter, I announced that I will be stepping down as chairman of the board. Due to some favorable circumstances, I will be able to remain in the position for another semester to ensure a smooth transi- tion. As mentioned in the previous newsletter, active involvement by our alumni is necessary to maintain our position as one of the top fraternities on campus. We are always looking for additional leaders on the Board of Trustees. Alumni volunteers from the Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Midland/Odessa areas would be a huge asset to the board. If you are interested in contributing your time and talents to Gamma Eta, please contact me directly at gerp@utexas.edu. Thank you for your support. If you have any sugges- tions, alumni news, or ideas for articles, please e-mail them to Alumni Relations Chairman Craig Chick '94 at craigchick@hotmail.com or mail them to Alpha Tau Omega – Gamma Eta Chapter; P.O. Box 5593, Austin, TX 78763. Love and Respect, Greg Erp '07 Chairman, Board of Trustees (512) 658-3173 gerp@utexas.edu (Continued on page 3)

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