Alpha Tau Omega - University of Florida

A t ATW's 82nd Biennial Congress in Charlotte, N.C., in August, Board Chairman John B. Marion IV '77 was honored by 40th ATW National President Jeffrey Busch with the prestigious National President Award for 2016. The National President Award honors a fraternity member who has made an extraordinary and consistent dedication to ATW at the Chapter or national level, which has helped the fraternity achieve extraordinary results. The recipient each year is unilaterally selected by the ATW National President. In acknowledging John Marion with the award, President Busch stated: "John Marion is the kind of Tau who is invaluable to his chapter, Alpha Omega at the University of Florida, and to Alpha Tau Omega as a whole. He is a role model for young ATWs who are just learning what it means to be a member of our Brotherhood. John demonstrates the importance of serving something greater than yourself and sticking with that service even when times get tough. He is the reason that hundreds of University of Florida men had and continue to have the opportunity to join the Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega, providing a quality fraternity experience that adds value to their overall college education." As chairman of the Alpha Omega Board of Trustees, John's persistent efforts to reform chapter operations, rehabilitate chapter culture, and rebuild the Chapter House have been instrumental in the Chapter's overall revival, which helped Alpha Omega gain recognition as UF's top chapter on campus in the 2015-16 academic year. In accepting the award at the ATW Congress, John stated: "I'm humbled and proud to be a part of this organization. We changed the culture of our Chapter, and we are very proud of that. Our board and members of our Chapter deserve this award, too. I am thankful for the honor. All of the volunteers in this organization do it because they love this fraternity, and I want to thank all of them as well. It really does make a difference." At Alpha Omega, John's extraordinary commitment has been a driving force that inspires other Brothers, active and alumni alike, to be a part of building the Chapter's future at the University of Florida. For this edition of the Alpha Omegan, Brothers and Board members shared reflections of working with John during his leadership of the Chapter's Board of Trustees. "Throughout my time as Worthy Master, John has continuously been an extraordinary mentor and friend to me. After leading the Chapter for almost a year now, it is clear to me that the great state that Alpha Omega is in can be attributed to the vision and guidance he provides to the active Chapter. On behalf of the active Chapter, we thank you, John, for everything you have done for us." -Austin Haines '14, Worthy Master "John was always there for us. He is one of the Chapter's most significant advocates to the university, the national fraternity, and the alumni, even when the Chapter was not deserving of his help. John shows his love for past, present and future ATWs." -Smith Meyers '13, former Worthy Master "I was fortunate to work very closely with John during a critical time in our Chapter's history. I appreciated how, from very early on, he treated me as an equal and was always available to take my input or offer his to me. There was never a time, day or night, when I could not call him and he pick up the phone." -Brody Dawkins '11, former Worthy Master "History will reflect that John's selfless commitment to Alpha Omega was a saving turning point." -Howe Q. Wallace Jr. '74, Board of Trustees member "During the lowest period of time at our Chapter, I made a phone call to John and explained certain ongoing, troubling issues at the Chapter. Without hesitation, John responded with the conviction and fall 2016 ALPHA OMEGAN the A L P H A T A U O M E G A F R A T E R N I T Y A T T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F F L O R I D A Board Chairman John Marion '77 Honored by ATW National President Brothers and Board Members Reflect on Impact of His Service John Marion '77 at the ATW Congress podium. (Continued on page 2) View John accept the ATW National President Award: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8_jj_LrKKs

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