TauGear

Newest Greeks receive a formal welcome party
September 30, 2004 - Daily Barometer

The crowd in the LaSells Stewart Center last night resembled a photo shoot for a fashion magazine as over 1,000 members of the Oregon State Greek community participated in the fifth annual Greek Matriculation Ceremony.

"This ceremony is a formal introduction of the newest members to the ideals and values of the Greek community," said Greek Life advisor Bob Kerr. ...

There was a candle-lighting in recognition of all OSU fraternity and sorority chapters and the more than 20,000 Greek initiates in the Oregon state Greek system. Each chapter was named off in order of its founding date at OSU, starting with Alpha Tau Omega, which has been a presence on the OSU campus since 1882. ...

PSU greeks not supportive of nationwide BYOB trend
September 30, 2004 - Digital Collegian

Fraternities on college campuses across America are seeing a growing trend: the adoption of a BYOB policy for social functions.

"That's what the majority of most of the greek communities on colleges campuses are doing," said Jared Brown, assistant director of fraternity and sorority life. ...

Adam Friedman, spring 2004 recruitment chair for Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, 321 E. Fairmount Ave., said the number of interested recruits would initially drop if the BYOB policy was instituted at Penn State.

"Obviously it would decrease the numbers for the guys," Friedman said. ... "It could eventually help us, but if they kept rush the way it is now, it would only hurt it," Friedman said. ...

ATO wins national award
September 29, 2004 - Simpsonian

At the most recent Alpha Tau Omega National Congress in Atlanta, the Simpson College chapter of ATO won several awards including the prestigious True Merit Award. ...

"[The True Merit Award] means that we are among the best that ATO has to offer," said ATO President Dan Saar. "It is a great honor that our little chapter on Simpson's campus can be among the big guys." ...

City welcomes Habitat home owner
September 29, 2004 - Western Herald

Members from the community, regulars at her restaurant and a considerable amount of supporters gathered around the porch as Erin and her 8-year-old daughter received blessings and warm words of welcome at their open house and dedication ceremony.

"It's amazing. Look at what it looked like then, and look at it now," Erin said, pointing to a bulletin board full of pictures dating back to when the house was in the beginning stages.

Erin officially became the owner of the house Tuesday, after a year-long project. The house was built by Habitat for Humanity, volunteers around the community, the Western Michigan University fraternity Alpha Tau Omega and the WMU Student Centennial Committee. The fraternity raised $16,000 for the Habitat House by collecting donations at many campus camp-outs over the course of the past year. ...

ATO National Videos
September 28, 2004 - ATO National

Ole Miss: Wynn Smiley and Tyler Bier report on the Ole Miss ATO tragedy and fire safety.

Miles Speech: Dr. Miles McCall talks about near death experiences and how Good is the Enemy of GREAT!

WMU students partner up with Habitat for Humanity
September 28, 2004 - Western Harold

Over the last year, students involved with Western Michigan University's Student Centennial Committee have been raising money to make a difference. That difference will make one working mother's dream come true...

Members of the WMU chapter of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity spent time raising money by collecting donations by the flag poles on campus, Ruth Heinig said.

Approximately $16,000 was raised by the fraternity throughout their many campus camp-outs, said Ann Kilkuskie, development coordinator at Habitat for Humanity. ...

Greeks promote positive image
September 28, 2004 - The ShortHorn

With five new chapters and four suspensions in the past four years, Greek leaders say they are trying to promote a more positive image...

The Alpha Tau Omega Colony became a part of the campus Greek community for the first time in 2003.

“It’s good to have a new fraternity on campus,” Freeman said. “They are a positive addition to the Greek community.” ...

Tiny's LARGE and IN CHARGE
September 27, 2004 - Daily Texan

From Monday to Thursday, he's simply a 48-year-old husband and father. But on the weekends, Richard "Tiny" Clinton goes Greek. ...

"Tiny is somewhat of a celebrity on West Campus," said Paul Williams, Alpha Tau Omega president. He said Tiny attends events at their fraternity house every week, and will travel to the OU game with members next month. "He's a steadying hand for the whole Greek community."

Before Tiny, Alpha Tau Omega had someone who would stand guarding the door, Williams said, but it was nothing compared to what their "tiny" friend offers.

"If you go to other places [around the country], they have problems at the door, a lot of risk," he said. "We don't even have to worry about it anymore." ...

Fraternity to say goodbye to mansion
September 26, 2004 - Tribune Star

To Steve Thompson, former Terre Haute resident and member of Alpha Tau Omega's Zeta Omicron Chapter, the house has its own spirit.

The Jacksonville, Fla. resident, who pledged in 1972, joked that the next owners might find that it might have more than one. "I'd be worried about all the things coming out of the past, like poltergeists," Thompson laughed. ...

Fire experts meet with UM task force
September 24, 2004 - Daily Mississippian

Members of a university task force studying fire safety on campus and have brought in an outside expert to advise them.

The expert said the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity fire would not have been fatal if the house had an automatic sprinkler system.

"Unquestionably, you and I would not be having this conversation today if that building would have had sprinkler systems," Ed Comeau said. ...

Stylist to give free haircuts at soccer game
September 24, 2004 - Daily Mississippian

Friday's soccer game is shaping up be more than a free sporting event for students. Free haircuts will be given to anyone who wants one, and members of Alpha Tau Omega have a special invitation. ...

"Well I'm doing it, of course, because I've got bills to pay. I've got my own business to take care of. But I also wanted to do it for a reason. A lot of (the ATOs) problem is that people think they've been getting a lot, so the generosity has slowed down. But the truth is, some of them come into my shop, and they're still kind of lost."... ATO chapter advisor Al Bell said that the fraternity has received a "generous outpouring from the community" and that they are very thankful to everyone, like Urbanek, who continues to support them. ...

SGA low on discussion, high on legislation
September 24, 2004 - The Crimson White

Though there was no actual debate and little discussion at last night's SGA Senate meeting, three bills and three resolutions were passed while 11 resolutions and one bill were introduced.

Sen. Amanda Smith from C&BA authored SGA Resolution 08-04 that sent the Senate's condolences to the University of Mississippi for the students killed in a fire Aug. 27 at its Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house. ...

Fifth U.Va. president passes away
September 23, 2004 - The Cavalier Daily

Frank L. Hereford dies at 81, remembered for instituting financial growth, faculty development...

Hereford was extremely active in the University community. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the Raven Society, Omicron Delta Kappa, Sigma Xi, Alpha Tau Omega ...

Centennial Habitat house dedicated Tuesday
September 22, 2004 - WMU News

A year after the first nail was struck, Western Michigan University students and Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity will dedicate a new home built in honor of WMU's 2003 centennial. ...

As the new home's, the WMU Student Centennial Committee raised $25,000 in monetary gifts and in-kind donations of materials and services to support the build. The sum included gifts from WMU's Centennial Steering Committee, Habitat for Humanity Student Chapter and Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

ATO President Justin DeGraaf notes that the fraternity raised nearly $16,000 of the $25,000 total through its innovative Campus Camp outs in January 2003 and 2004. During these frigid fundraisers, fraternity members camped outside for 48 hours in the Michigan winter weather to draw attention to the plight of the homeless. ... ...

Violence outside UA frat houses prompts mandatory security rule
September 20, 2004 - Ledger=Enquirer

Three violent attacks involving University of Alabama fraternities over a single weekend - leaving one UA student in a coma from a stab wound to head - has prompted the university to require every UA fraternity to hire a security guard for parties.

"We don't mind that extra cost if we can prevent a tragedy," said Nick Prillaman, president of Alpha Tau Omega. ...

C-SC plans homecoming activities
September 18, 2004 - Hannibal Courier Post

Culver-Stockton College will celebrate its 2004 Homecoming Oct. 1-2 with the theme "You Should C-S Now." The college will honor the reunion classes of 1954, 1964, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1994 and host special Greek reunions.

... Greek reunions for Alpha Tau Omega... will be held. ...

Emergency responders receive college credit
September 16, 2004 - Daily Mississippian

Amid Lafayette County's growing rate of fatal accidents and medical emergencies, a team of skilled medical professionals are training future first responders to be ready to provide care to the victims of these emergencies.

When the Alpha Tau Omega house caught fire on Aug. 27, a team of skilled first responders stood by ...

Loud and Proud
September 14, 2004 - The ShortHorn

A mass of fraternity members stood in front of the center bridge waving flags, shouting and carrying Greek letters.

"I've never had an older brother," said Steven Salacar, business freshman and new Alpha Tau Omega member. "Now I have 40."

Electrical engineering freshman Mergim Neziraj, new Alpha Tau Omega member, said he received a warm reception from his fraternity. "I feel from that first moment, they've welcomed me with open arms," he said. ...

Officials, greeks to improve fire codes
September 14, 2004 - Digital Collegian

Officials and house managers for Penn State's fraternities are working to improve house fire codes and procedures in the wake of a fire that killed three students at the University of Mississippi's Alpha Tau Omega house in August.

Gary also said fraternity houses' ages and conditions make fire safety an important issue. He said the houses are not equipped to handle the amount of people who come to parties. "These houses weren't designed to be clubs, but more or less that is what they are turning into," Gary said. ...

ATO returns, minus the alcohol
September 13, 2004 - The Red & Black

Members of Alpha Tau Omega will be celebrating their initiation into the fraternity this week, but don't expect any invitations to keg parties -- the new ATO is substance-free.

Bryant Whelan, public relations chair for the fraternity, said the national organization requires all new chapters to be substance-free.

Chip Barber, president of the the new University ATO chapter said "It shows we're there for more reasons than just to party" ...

Local ceremony remembers Sept. 11
September 11, 2004 - Daily Mississippian

Residents of Oxford gathered at the Lafayette County Courthouse Saturday to remember those who were lost and those who lost loved ones on Sept. 11, 2001.

Assistant Fire Chief Mike Heil ... mentioned the Alpha Tau Omega fire on campus and how the local team of firefighters worked under such pressure. He said the New York Fire Department worked under like conditions on Sept. 11 ...

Sorensen answers tuition questions
September 10, 2004 - The Gamecock

USC President Andrew Sorensen said any implications of a political motive behind reducing tuition supplements for graduate assistants in the College of Pharmacy were "preposterous."

A member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity asked how USC would improve minority enrollment. In addition to Sorensen's list of tactics like satellite university classes taught by professors at high schools around the state, Becker mentioned recruiting minority faculty members that would aid morale and, coincidentally, retention among the minority students. ...

Men's rush kicks off
September 10, 2004 - idsnews

It's that time of year: the first couple weeks of school when male students can become actively involved in the process of "going greek." Tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. in Dunn Meadow, the greek kickoff for men's rush begins. ...

Junior Jeff Newcom, Alpha Tau Omega president, said being a brother in the greek community is a great chance to be a part of the community at IU. ...

Fraternity to host Diamond Day to benefit Angel Ranch
September 10, 2004 - Daily Mississippian

Kappa Sigma fraternity will host the Diamond Day charity baseball tournament tomorrow at Swayze Field. Proceeds from the game will go to Angel Ranch, an up-and-coming shelter in Oxford for abandoned and neglected children.

A room in the shelter will also be dedicated to the memory of Alpha Tau Omega members William Townsend, Howard Stone and Jordan Williams who perished in a fire that destroyed the ATO fraternity house Aug. 27. ...

The Coahoma County Board of Supervisor adopted a resolution this week to honor the life of William “Will” Townsend
September 9, 2004 - Clarkesdake Press Register

Chancery Clerk Ed Peacock, Townsend's godfather, read and presented the resolution to Jim and Vida Townsend, parents of the young man who perished in the fire two weeks ago at the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house on the campus of the University of Mississippi in Oxford.

"Be it resolved that this Board does hereby commemorate and commend the life, heroic actions and accomplishments of William 'Will' Moore Townsend and on behalf of the citizens of this county, the Board does express its deep sympathy on their tragic loss," Peacock read. ... ...

Greek residences face fire safety issues
September 9, 2004 - Technician

Fire safety is a growing concern on campuses across the country after three Alpha Tau Omega students were killed during a fraternity house fire at the University of Mississippi on Aug. 27. ...

"At the same time however, I don't think that all of the pressure should be put on the fire marshals. The University and Greek Life office both know the state our house is in," Decker added, "I feel that it is their responsibility as well to ensure safety in all of the houses on the court. I don't think people really understand the severity of an incident like the ATO house until it happens to them."
...

UTM ATOs recognized by national fraternity
September 8, 2004 - The Pacer

This summer, the brothers of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity were recognized at the 76th National Biennal Congress held in Atlanta, Ga.

The Zeta Pi chapter of UTM received two of the highest honors bestowed by the ATO National Fraternity, which included the IMPACT Award, for the top philanthropic project in the nation, as well as the True Merit Bowl, the highest award that an ATO chapter can receive. ...

Caffeine High is 'fun-raiser' for worthy causes
September 8, 2004 - WMU News

Western Michigan University students are sponsoring a carnival-like fund-raising event, Caffeine High, to support two worthy causes--Drive Safe Kalamazoo and American military personnel stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan or other overseas duty.

Caffeine High is sponsored by Campus Activities Board, Drive Safe Kalamazoo and WMU's chapter of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. ...

Crowd of 61,112 record for UM opener
September 5, 2004 - Clarion-Ledger

Ole Miss set a school record for attendance at a season opener when a capacity-plus crowd of 61,112 fans showed up for Saturday's game. ...

A moment of silence was observed before the start of Saturday's game in remembrance of three Ole Miss students who lost their lives last week in a fire at a campus fraternity house.

The University of Memphis' chapter of Alpha Tau Omega presented an undisclosed donation Saturday night to help members of the Ole Miss chapter of the fraternity recoup losses from a fire that destroyed the house. ...

Greeks forced to keep out flames
September 4, 2004 - Auburn Plainsman

The fire that destroyed the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house and killed three of the fraternity's members at the University of Mississippi Aug. 27 caused a surge of interest in fire safety around campuses throughout the country. Meanwhile, Auburn has been reviewing the potential problem for more than a year.

"We've taken pro-active steps to protect our fraternity students and ensure compliance with state fire regulations," said Kenny Harrison, an Auburn safety and health inspector. "We've seen it happen nationwide. We want to protect our students." ...

10 students mourned
September 3, 2004 - Clarion-Ledger

With their hands stretched toward heaven, hundreds symbolically lifted up their favorite memories of loved ones during a Thursday memorial service at the University of Mississippi. ...

Those memories and knowing that "life has changed, not ended" helps the grieving process, said the Rev. G. Comforted Keen, national chaplain of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. ...

Vandals hit Greek houses
September 3, 2004 - The ShortHorn

The Sigma Chi, Phi Gamma Delta, Pi Kappa Phi and Alpha Tau Omega fraternity houses were reportedly vandalized Tuesday. ...

"Whoever did it may have intended to start tension between the Greeks, but we've spoken to the other fraternities," said Cardenas. "Right now we're trying to find out info from potential rushees as to who may have planned these incidents."... ...

Ole Miss honors fallen students
September 3, 2004 - Sun-Herald

A memorial service was held Thursday night for the three students who died in last week's Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house fire and seven other University of Mississippi students who have died since school let out in May. ...

Ole Miss memorial service
September 2, 2004 - Clarion-Ledger

As many as 3,000 people are expected to attend a memorial service today honoring University of Mississippi students who have died since May.

The service, set for 7 p.m. in Tad Smith Coliseum, is in memory of Ole Miss students who have died since May, including the three victims of Friday's fire at the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house. ...

Service honors fire victim
September 2, 2004 - Daily Mississippian

UM student Jordan Williams was laid to rest at a memorial service in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Jordan Williams' father Jimmy Williams spoke at the service and said that his son met every expectation that he could have for a son. Tyler Bier, ATO chapter president, was moved by Williams' father's speech. "His father's speech was just wonderful," Bier said. "I think it would touch any parent that has a child around our age."

Bier said the church was filled beyond capacity. He also said the group of ATOs from Ole Miss were fed by the Georgia Tech chapter of ATO at their house on the Atlanta campus. "They invited us back for some food and tried to lighten the mood. We played pool and ate," Bier said. ...

Tragedy at Ole Miss mourned nationally
September 1, 2004 - Collegiate Times

The Virginia Tech chapter of ATO will hold fundraisers for their brothers lost in a frat house fire at the University of Mississippi.

Hiding in the shadows of tragedy and grief lies the true kindness of the human spirit. The University of Mississippi chapter of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity in Oxford, Mississippi has seen an outpouring of generosity and good will since the fire that took three brothers' lives early Friday morning.

"The support has been overwhelming," said Wynn Smiley, chief executive officer of the National Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. "The community has just been amazing."

ATO chapters around the nation have also rallied their support around the brothers at Ole Miss, Bell said. "We've had an unbelievable amount of support from ATO chapters across the country," he said. "A lot of them have been in contact with us to ask what they can do." ...

Friends, family bid emotional farewell to fraternity house fire victim
September 1, 2004 - Sun Herald

Jim Williams routinely reminded his son Jordan of two expectations so the two could one day meet in heaven: find a purpose in life and push yourself to achieve.

"I am proud to say Jordan lived up to his side of the bargain," said Williams, prompting the crowd of hundreds at his son's funeral to break down into sniffles and sobs.

Jordan Williams was one of three victims of a fire that swept through the Alpha Tau Omega house early Friday at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Miss. Authorities are still awaiting lab results to determine the cause of the fire. Williams' friends and family spoke of a 20-year-old who lived his credo - that life should be enjoyed, not endured. ...

Fire brings lifetime of sorrow Must Read
September 1, 2004 - Macon Telegraph

Of all the things Tyler Bier had planned to do this week, going to funerals was not one of them. Today will mark his third in four days. For a 21-year-old man, he has had to deal with a lifetime of sorrow in five days.

"I've been to more funerals in a week than just about my whole life," said Bier, a senior marketing major at Ole Miss and a 2001 graduate of Covenant Academy in Macon. Three friends. Three funerals. They were his band of fraternity brothers.

Then came Friday's pre-dawn fire at the Alpha Tau Omega house, where Bier is president of the 106-member fraternity. "I'm the general," said Bier, "and I feel like I lost three of my best guys." ...

Cause of fire still unknown
September 1, 2004 - Daily Mississippian

The men of Alpha Tau Omega have been faced with adversity and loss over the last six days but are making progress thanks to small miracles and support from the community. However, questions still remain as to the cause of the blaze.

The reason for the fire that claimed the lives of Will Townsend, Howard Stone and Jordan Williams has yet to be determined ... according to agents with the ATF. ...

The ATO Charter survived Friday's fire that left three students dead. The charter was written in 1927, when Ole Miss officially became home to an ATO chapter. It is a framed document recognizing the group of men who pay dues to the fraternity as actual members of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, a national organization with thousands of members. The document suffered some smoke and water damage but is still usable.

The document was presented to Wynn Smiley, CEO for Alpha Tau Omega, but he in turn presented it to ATO members as a surprise. "There is some water damage. The frame was obviously charred and the glass was broken. It was still intact and obviously readable," Smiley said.

Sparky Reardon, dean of students, commented on the charter. "I think that the charter was symbolic in that ATO is very much still here," Reardon said. "They have been an important part of this campus for close to 80 years and will be an important part of this campus for many more years." ...

Training program helps firefighters
September 1, 2004 - Daily Mississippian

The Oxford Fire Department's firefighters have been working out for the past few weeks on a cardiovascular and strength training program, a program that helped them fight weekend fires at the Alpha Tau Omega house and the Whirlpool plant. The department worked the ATO fire from 4:30 a.m. Friday...

"For many of the guys, (the ATO fire) was their first big fire where it really taxed them physically," Johnson said. ...

Fraternity house fire prompts precautions
September 1, 2004 - Clarion-Ledger

Some University of Mississippi students are taking extra precautions in the wake of a fire that killed three Alpha Tau Omega fraternity brothers. ...