Alpha Tau Omega - University of Oklahoma

5 Alpha Tau Omega Chapter Recruits Largest New Member Class and Wins Second Consecutive True Merit T he fall 2013 semester is going to be a monumental time for the Delta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega. In addition to moving into a brand new chapter house in the near future, Delta Kappa has recently brought home its second consecutive True Merit bowl, and welcomed a new pledge class through formal recruitment. We are clearly on our way to another exciting semester. This summer we said farewell to 20 senior ATΩ members, and welcomed back nearly 90 undergraduate members. Our semester quickly began in full force as the chapter pulled together for formal recruitment. This year's recruitment was record-breaking for ATΩ Delta Kappa and the Interfraternity Council in general. With an increasing number of potential new members signing up each year, fraternities across the board at the University of Oklahoma are increasing in size. ATΩ is no stranger to this trend, as we signed 51 new pledges, the highest number of pledges in a single semester since Delta Kappa Chapter was rechartered. Our new fall pledge class is comprised of promising young men. The group includes members of the President's Leadership Class, the President's Community Scholars, National Merit Scholars, the Honors College, and high school varsity athletics. They also include a high school student body president and one student council president. The fall pledge class shows intelligence, excellent social skills, and great leadership potential. They are quickly learning about the eternal brotherhood of Alpha Tau Omega and our campus traditions. The active chapter membership is enthusiastic about our potential new brothers, and we are making efforts to connect our growing chapter to each pledge by building personal relationships. Our new chapter house is making progress very quickly. The masons are putting the finishing touches on the outer brickwork, and the second and third floors are nearing completion. There is a definite buzz around campus and within the chapter about the progress of the house. You can feel the excitement and anticipation from our alumni and current active members. The Grand Opening ceremony on October 26 will be a truly historic moment for ATΩ Delta Kappa. The new Alpha Tau Omega chapter facility will be home for many future generations of ATΩ members and stand throughout the future as a reminder of all the hard work of ATΩ members past and present. Once again, on behalf of the entire chapter, thank you to all of those who have donated time, money, or effort into making the new chapter house a reality—your hard work and contri- Executive Council President Aaron Hausher '11 Tulsa, Okla. Vice President Conner Tharp '11 Oklahoma City, Okla. Chaplain Jordan Gotcher '12 Edmond, Okla. Historian Tony Montalva '11 Oklahoma City, Okla. Recruitment Chairmen Steven Grim '14 and Will Moon '14 do community service with the aid of team member Sam Rooney '16 (middle). butions will always be appreciated and never forgotten. This year is also a historic year for Delta Kappa for another reason: for the first time in our chapter history, ATΩ at the University of Oklahoma won consecutive True Merit awards. Our National Alpha Tau Omega organization has recognized our continual achievements, and we shall continue to strive for that standard of excellence. We are also pursuing other honorable awards on a local level, such as President's Trophy and recognition in several specific categories. In line with the pursuit of these goals, we are creating a new signature event, the ATΩ 5K and Spooky Sprint. The event will consist of an official fivekilometer race and a "spooky sprint" one-mile run for children and their parents. The event will have a Halloween theme and take place on November 3. We are excited to host the race and raise money benefitting the children of surrounding Norman elementary schools and members of CASP (Community After School Program). Treasurer Rafael Lemus '11 Tulsa, Okla. Secretary Andrew Roberts '12 Oklahoma City, Okla. New Member Educator Tanner Trammell '12 Seminole, Okla. Recruitment Steven Grim '11 Hulbert, Okla. grim.steven@ou.edu (405) 320-3148 Will Moon '11 Chickasha, Okla. wmoon@ou.edu (918) 798-3499 This semester we are taking concrete steps toward improving as a chapter. While continuing to grow in size and stature, we never lose sight of our founding principles and values. We welcome everyone to celebrate in our opening of the new house, as it will be a historic event for our ATΩ Delta Kappa brothers. L&R, Aaron Hausher '11 Worthy Master aaron.k.hausher-1@ou.edu Fall 2013's first formal chapter with all active members present.

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