Alpha Tau Omega - Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Spring 2021 Newsletter

Gamma Gamma Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

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GRATITUDE FOR GAMMA GAMMA Greg Gotwald '01 Shares Why He Supported the Building on Ron Reeves' Legacy Capital Campaign F rom recently being listed in Best Lawyers in America® – Insurance Law to receiving the 2009 Rose-Hulman Distinguished Young Alumni Award, Greg Gotwald '01 has garnered his fair share of accomplishments since graduating from Rose. Whenever Greg reflects on his career and personal achievements, he's quick to note that the Gamma Gamma Chapter has played a major role in his success. Greg will always be thankful for the values ATΩ has instilled in him and recently showed his gratitude for Gamma Gamma by contributing to the Building on Ron Reeves' Legacy capital campaign. "It's extremely important that we all pay it forward. Many people (Ron Reeves '58 is top of mind) paved the way for my wonderful experience and opportunity," Greg said. "If I can be even a small part of helping another have the same wonderful experience I had, I feel obliged to do so any way I can. To me, that includes time, talent, and treasure." Greg was surrounded by genuinely good people from the day he joined Gamma Gamma. He's honored to serve on Gamma Gamma's campaign board with other brothers who remain passionate about ATΩ's future at Rose. "There's no real debate that everyone models those they're around to some degree. My brothers are leaders," Greg said. "They're smart, hard- working, diverse, and funny. All their characteristics have influenced me tremendously. My brothers have pushed me to always work harder, experience new things, and lead a group of leaders." While Greg has cherished his ATΩ experience, he was nearly led to another fraternity when he came to Rose for his freshman year. His brother was a member of another chapter, but he went through recruitment with an open mind and was quickly drawn to the diverse group men of ATΩ. "I felt like I had a chance to disprove the old adage of you can pick your friends, but not your family," Greg said. "By joining ATΩ, I got to pick both. I consider many "brothers" just that—family." Greg has shared many thrilling memories with his Gamma Gamma brothers over the years, including weddings, vacations, and several personal achievements. He'll never forget several of his brothers chipped in and took him on a trip to Australia as a gift for graduating law school. Greg started working at Plews Shadley over the summer before graduating law school and then began working full time for the firm as a lawyer/partner after passing the bar exam. Through all of Greg's highs and lows, he's has had the full support of his wife, two daughters, and Gamma Gamma brothers. Greg wants to ensure that Gamma Gamma's collegians and future members have a similar support system and an environment they can thrive in and hopes that you will help him make that happen by giving to the capital campaign. "Remember that others laid the groundwork for us. We must do the same for the next generation," Greg said. "Our experiences at Rose and ATΩ were molded by the brothers that came before us and helped shape the fraternity into what we cherished. It's imperative that we follow the examples that people like Ron Reeves '58 set and make sure future generations can experience the special place that Gamma Gamma is." You can connect with Greg at greg.gotwald@gmail.com. To Preserve the True Merit of ATΩ Joe Haniford '80 Proud to Support Gamma Gamma W hen Joe Haniford '80 thinks of Alpha Tau Omega, he thinks of its founder, Otis Allen Glazebrook, who served in the Civil War and advocated for peace and reconciliation in the aftermath. "Our founder taught us to advocate for good over evil, to foster morals and recognition of true merit over politics and partisanship. As I reflect on society today, his message and teachings apply as much today as it did when he founded our fraternity". He also thinks of remarkable brothers like Hal McGaughey '77, who shepherded him off the football field and introduced him to the chapter house. And the late Ron Reeves '58, a larger-than-life mentor for the chapter who helped instill in Joe the values of true merit, volunteerism, helping others, and paying good deeds forward. Overall, he remembers how the Gamma Gamma Chapter shaped him and made him a better man. All this and more inspires Joe to support the chapter's capital campaign today. ATΩ strives to be the best fraternity, both on campus and in the nation. "I remember the mission and drive for excellence from the upperclassmen, which motivated me at a young age," Joe said. Through various leadership roles, Greek competitions, philanthropic endeavors, and winning the ATΩ True Merit National Award, the brotherhood inspired Joe to strive for excellence—in the fraternity, on the RHIT football team, and in all other life endeavors. This translated to career success for Joe, who has served as COO at multiple firms and is currently Senior Vice-President of Operations of a publicly traded company. He was honored to receive the Rose-Hulman Distinguished Young Alumni Award—given to RHIT graduates who achieve significant success within their first 20 years after graduating—and has enjoyed serving as a mentor to colleagues and ATΩ brothers over the years. One way Joe has continued philanthropic efforts beyond the fraternity is by sponsoring a football scholarship at the University of Tennessee. Having an impact on these young people's lives means a great deal to him, which is why he also supports the Gamma Gamma campaign. His desire to pay it forward for the fraternity comes from the legacy of Ron Reeves as well. "When I learned about the campaign, I was struck by all the memories that came flooding back," he explained. "These memories and experiences formed our brotherhood and created who we are today. It's important to update the house so future brothers can have those same great experiences." Joe resides in Lenoir City, Tenn., and he and his wife, Alison, look forward to celebrating their 41st anniversary in June. The joy of their life is their children (who had great Greek experiences of their own) and two granddaughters. Joe enjoys spending time at the lake, with family, and traveling (once that's safe again). If you'd like to connect with Joe, he can be reached at joe.haniford@gmail.com.

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