Alpha Tau Omega - Georgia Institute of Technology

F or Abhi Sharma '05, joining Alpha Tau Omega at Georgia Tech was an easy decision. He sought a social and athletic outlet during the rigorous Tech experience, and Beta Iota Chapter provided just that. Abhi was impressed by the brotherhood's authenticity and diversity. Unlike the stereotypes often associated with other houses, ATO fostered an environment that felt genuine and inclusive. The chapter also introduced Abhi to lifelong friends— and even his future wife. "I met some of the most intelligent, creative, and ambitious people," he said. Abhi fondly remembers the camaraderie in the chapter house, including the spirited intramural soccer games with high school friends Ryan Ely '05 and Paul Tupper '05. "We created an ATO B-team for intramurals, but no one told us we couldn't slide tackle or body check players to the ground!" he said. Despite their aggressive style, the team ended up losing every game that season. Though family expectations influenced his choice to pursue engineering, Abhi has no regrets. "As the son of Indian parents, you were given limited choices—doctor, engineer, or lawyer," he joked. "Engineering is a practical field, and it's helped me tremendously as an entrepreneur." While attempting to start a company after graduation, Abhi realized he needed to learn how to code and proceeded to teach himself the skills needed. Abhi's professional journey has been marked by significant entrepreneurial milestones, particularly his time at Loyal, a healthcare software startup founded by fellow ATO Chad Mallory '03. "I was introduced to Chad through Charlie Warendh '03," he shared. Abhi became the chief product officer at Loyal, leading product, engineering, and design teams. "It was incredibly rewarding," he said, "and it was my first real entrepreneurship test." Looking ahead, Abhi is focused on his latest venture with Redesign Health. "Entrepreneurship is all about problem-solving and making something people are willing to pay for," he said. "Startups are a fickle friend, so it's all about the journey." Abhi credits ATO with shaping both his personal and professional life. "It's hard to find people who support you and let you be yourself," he said. "My close friends are mostly ATOs. I talk to many of them daily, and we continue to shape each other as we share stories of our lives today." The bond he formed with his brothers has endured, strengthened by regular texts, phone calls, and in-person meetups. Now living in Atlanta with his wife Katie and their three young sons—Grady (5) and identical twins Seamus and Fionn (1)—Abhi balances a busy family life with entrepreneurial ambitions. "Katie is a second-year resident physician at Emory, so we're a busy family." In their spare time, they enjoy hiking, watching movies, and spending time with friends. "Every now and then, you'll see us on campus for a Tech game." "Once you find people who support you, they become shaping mechanisms in your life." Georgia Tech If you'd like to hear more about Abhi's Beta Iota experience, you can reach him at abhisharma2@gmail.com. A Firm Foundation ABHI SHARMA '05 ON ATO'S IMPACT ALUMNI NEWS W. Larry Lacy '57 has written a three-volume defense of the Christian faith, called A Reason for the Hope. He lives in Germantown, Tenn. Email: lacy.wl@gmail.com Harry L. Middlebrooks '57 does voiceover work for new, original creations of old radio shows, which can be heard on projectaudion. com. He is also working on the completion of a book of entertainment memoirs from his home in Northridge, Calif. Email: middles5479@gmail.com Robert J. Berman Sr. '62 has his Amateur Radio W4SET Extra Class License and volunteers as a Red Cross Disaster Services technologist. He retired from owning a vending, coffee service, and bottled spring water business in 2017. Robert has four grandchildren and lives in Hixson, Tenn. Email: robert.berman@epbfi.com Johnny W. Harden Jr. '66 is still practicing dentistry. He was previously at Emory but is now in Buckhead. He resides in Atlanta, Ga. Email: jhdmd@bellsouth.net M. Bruce Kopkin '76 planned a 1975 pledge class reunion in October 2024. He lives in Marietta, Ga. Email: bkopkin@gmail.com What words come to mind when you think about Alpha Tau Omega? FRIENDSHIP FUN • BROTHERHOOD Leadership | Good Times | Special | Lifelong Home | Sanctuary | Community | Fraternity Parties | Mealtime | Trips What are some of your favorite ATO memories? "Good conversation, meals, parties with bands on the weekend, making the Wreck, and football games, especially beating Duke." –Joe E. Brown '55 "Being with men of like mind, dedication, and ambition; creating a genuine feeling of belonging to something special." –Harry L. Middlebrooks '57 "Retired military cook at the house who made large pans of cinnamon rolls for us when we came in from class." –Clarence Williams Jr. '60

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