Alpha Tau Omega - University of Missouri

Enhancing the Fraternity Experience at Mizzou ALPHA TAU OMEGA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI H SPRING 2022 T he return to campus in January marked the start of the spring semester, which is a season of change across many areas. Gamma Rho welcomed the changes and, with campus life returning to pre-COVID-19 normalcy, is thriving as we head toward the end of the school year. In January, a new slate of executive and Chapter officers was sworn in along with some new Board of Trustee members. The previous slate, led by Worthy Master Zack Hilboldt '19, deserves a significant amount of recognition and praise for their leadership in a year that produced many, many challenges. While there were some downs along with the ups, this group of young men addressed them in true ΑΤΩ fashion and led the Chapter through the obstacles properly and efficiently. The Board of Trustees launched a succession plan for Chairman Chuck Linn '75, who has served in his role for the past eight years. Chuck has been instrumental in rechartering the Chapter and helping numerous executive boards navigate through growth and unforeseen obstacles. Thank you, Chuck! You'll read more details of this semester's accomplishments in this issue, but here are some of the high points for me: the initiation of 45 new members in January in an in-person ceremony held on campus; ΑΤΩ overpowering Beta 8-4 in the inaugural BeStrong hockey fundraiser held in Jefferson City; the redesign and relaunch of the Signature Event and establishing a long-term charity partnership with MISS Foundation; maintaining a GPA above 3.1; 47 Gamma Rho seniors graduating in May; and the return to pre- COVID-19 activities across campus and inside the Chapter. As always, we continue to be proud of our young men as they navigate their futures and act as leaders on campus and in the Columbia community. Fraternally, Jeff Lundal '87 Board of Trustees Chairman jefflundal1@gmail.com C iting the need for a unified voice for MU's fraternities in the face of harsh treatment by university administrators, a group of fraternity alumni took the initiative and reached out to their counterparts at several leading fraternities and founded a new organization to represent and promote the interests of the Greek system. Dubbed the Mizzou Greek Alliance Inc., the new organization was formed in late 2021 and incorporated in Missouri as a 501(c)(6) organization, akin to a local chamber of commerce. The organization has applied for 501(c)(3) status. As of this writing, 10 chapters have joined or agreed to join, including ΑΤΩ, Beta, Phi Delt, and Sigma Nu. MGA's mission statement provides that its purpose is to strengthen the level of support for fraternities and enhance the fraternity experience at the University of Missouri. This will be accomplished by establishing a forum for open dialogue among fraternity alumni and undergraduates and reviewing and adopting best practices. Additionally, MGA will be engaging in a constructive, ongoing, and collaborative working relationship with University of Missouri administration to develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure fairness and due process for fraternities and their members. These efforts will result in stronger fraternities that will benefit the entire University of Missouri community. MGA officers include President Bob Selsor, Beta Theta Pi '82, Vice President Dave Baker, Sigma Nu '81, Secretary Steve McCarten, Beta Theta Pi '92, and Treasurer Chuck Linn '75. The group has already initiated discussions with the university's administrators about reforming the way Greek organizations are managed at MU, and have likewise exchanged information about vendors, property managers, and other professional services available to the Greek community. If you are interested in supporting the new organization, reach out to Brother Chuck Linn at cjlinnkc@me.com. MGA's expected expenses will include training and education for MU Greek houses related to hazing, alcohol, and Title IX issues as well was public relations and other professional services. Welcoming Change AT Brothers Remain Leaders ATΩ Alumnus Helps Found Greek Umbrella Organization ENHANCING THE FRATERNITY EXPERIENCE AT MIZZOU

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