Alpha Tau Omega - Iowa State University

PAGE 2 TAU TALK "First, work hard, play hard was the mantra we lived by through the years. I still subscribe to that philosophy today. ATΩ provided us with the framework to have fun while growing in all aspects of our lives," he explained. "Second, take the time to get to know those you care about. Everyone has things in their past that makes them who they are. Learning about my brothers' histories during our brotherhood events gave us perspective that bonded us closer together than imaginable. "Finally, no task is insurmountable if you're willing and not too proud to ask for help. ATΩ taught me that those in your corner will answer the call." Through ATΩ, Dan also learned that mentorship is a key component of the fraternity. There are countless brothers who showed him love and respect, served as role models, and shaped him into the man he is today, including Ray O'Donnell '05, Steve Vize '03, Dan Pulley '03, Dan Olson '04, and the (late) Gene Ehlert '59. Dan remarked that Gene was the embodiment of what it means to be an ATΩ and made a positive impact on all the lives of the men who passed through Gamma Upsilon's doors during his long tenure as chapter advisor. "While ATΩ National preaches that recruitment is the lifeblood of the fraternity, I believe the true lifeblood is mentors who can foster growth," he stated. "I cannot quantify the impact being an ATΩ member has had on my life. It's great to see that Gamma Upsilon is still a leader at Iowa State—keep up the good work, guys! Love and respect to all my brothers." The relationships Dan has built in his life, including with his wife, Maggie, are his proudest achievements. He's an accomplished corporate counsel at Oil-Dri Corporation of America, having received his juris doctor in law from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2013. Dan and Maggie live in Downers Grove, Illinois. Connect with him at danporter87@gmail.com. Defining ATΩ Moments (Continued from page 1) T he spring semester has still featured a multitude of challenges for Gamma Upsilon because of COVID-19, but we've witnessed a great deal of growth. All the accomplishments we've accrued are a testament to that. After welcoming a strong fall new member class of 31 young men, we were thrilled to add a large spring class of 12 new members. Obviously, COVID-19 has been the biggest obstacle to present itself over this past semester. While these circumstances have been far from ideal, we've made a collective effort to make the most of what we have. We are still abiding by COVID-19 guidelines that include keeping a log of who enters the house and wearing a mask when on the first floor. Guidelines like these have allowed us to boast zero COVID-19 cases last fall. Along with achieving a 3.28 cumulative GPA for the fall semester, we had 69 members make the dean's list last fall. We were excited to tie for sixth among ISU fraternities for GPA last semester and are aiming for a top-five finish this spring. Our growing number of members and increased GPA demonstrate the tremendous growth that our chapter has been making. Last fall, we also featured a new philanthropy event, ATO Drive-In, which was very successful. We raised $1,550 for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. COVID-19 posed a big threat on how we could safely conduct philanthropy events, but that didn't stop us from staying committed to supporting the children's hospital. Philanthropy Chairman Ben Kreamer '19 rented a projector and a parking lot on campus so people who bought tickets could stay in their car, watch the movie, and stay socially distanced. We added to our philanthropic efforts on April 1 when we hosted our second annual Cones and Bones event. This event was so successful Left: The fall new member class. Right: Brothers celebrate their intramural baseball victory. Gamma Upsilon Experiences Growth in Many Areas Amid COVID-19 Challenges Collegians Maintain Academic and Philanthropic Excellence Members enjoy a weekend trip to the southeast Missouri foothills. last spring that we have decided to make it an annual event. We served ice cream and some members brought their dogs to raise money for the Puppy Jake Foundation. Over the course of this semester, Alumni Relations Chairman Jacob Leyden '20 has been working very hard to establish a better database of members. He has put together a committee and they will send a survey to alumni to get contact information. We want to stay in contact; so please, be on the lookout! Love and Respect, Jack Daus '19 Chapter President (847) 323-1223 jdaus@iastate.edu New executive board members Ben Kreamer '19, Ben Sloan '19, Jack Daus '19, Nick LaKose '20, and Max Merriott '19. What is the best advice you have ever received? "Your reputation is all you have in life. It takes a lifetime to build but only one second to destroy. So be true to yourself and those you care for, pick your battles, and take calculated risks, but don't burn bridges."

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