On March 14, 2009, members of Alpha Tau Omega rallied together to support the 2009 Special Olympics. Proudly wearing their letters and flashing encouraging posters to the women basketball players, the Taus showed DePauw what true spirit is. As ATO led cheers and provided halftime pyramid entertainment, other members volunteered by making inspiring posters and the tremendous sheet banner, keeping stats or announcing the games that were held at DePauw’s indoor tennis and track facility. While the greater Greek community showed its philanthropic spirit, Alpha Tau Omega truly stood out among the rest. Above is a picture of one of our cheering groups.

Discussion with Professor Schwipps

Professor Schwipps, a creative writing professor in his 11^th year on campus, deliberated on life after ATO. The times will be different; the same people we see daily won’t be next to us and more than likely, contact will be less often. Although numerous laughs were shared throughout the discussion, the message was clear and present; do what you can now and be selfish if needed. To get the most out of ATO, DePauw University, and essentially life, we need to find a driving passion for something. Without this passion, life is somewhat incomplete. We will no longer build igloos on our front lawn or be young again. Be selfish in finding your passion and take time off to enjoy life will you still can. Professor Schwipps and his topic brought laughter among everyone present and we enjoyed his presence greatly.

We also welcomed our newly attained faculty scholarship advisor Sandro Barros. As a first year Spanish professor at DePauw, Sandro is extremely welcoming and excited to be including in the house as our adviser. His extremely diverse background and Brazilian background provided a cultural enlightenment to all who were present.

Discussion with Professor Klinger

As a former Tau, Klinger shared stories, memories, and his old letter shirt with current chapter members. Within the topic of brotherhood and the costs/benefits of being associated with Greek life on DePauw’s campus, brother Klinger discussed his a long history and his opinion of the future. Accordingly, many of his views on eradicating the negative personas of fraternities on campus were also views of the members present.

The Delta Rho chapter was successful again in 2009 on the recruitment front. We instituted a new recruitment plan, where we held certain
sophomores, juniors and seniors accountable for leading the recruitment process. This system instituted a schedule of incentives for each member to work harder on recruiting the top freshman at DePauw. This system allowed each member to lead other ATO’s in recruitment and we were fortunate to reap the benefits of this new plan. The class of 22
freshman is the second largest at DePauw and with certain revisions, future success in this endeavor will be achieved.

“This week’s snowfall provided extra opportunities for work or play, depending on one’s circumstances. Alpha Tau Omega took advantage of teh accumulated snowfall Wednesday and built and igloo (above) in front of the fraternity house on Seminary Street. It took approximately seven people and 3 1/2 hours to biuld. Sarah Price, left, Thomas Wrona, Burris Smith, Adam Smith and “Dwight the Bear” are proud of their creation. Not pictured are Matt Smoot, igloo engineer, David Moore and Cass Sisler, igloo construction workers.” –via Banner Graphic

Members of the ATO Fraternity at DePauw presented the Putnam County Humane Shelter a check for $2,500 Friday afternoon. Members took time out to pose for a photo with “Gentry,” a beagle mix that is still living at the shelter. Pictured here are Fraternity Advisor Paul Wright, Cass Sisler, Jeff Cunning, Jack Gavin, Grant Schmidt and Gentry.

Donation Puts Humane Society Over The Top

“Saturday, November 15, 2008
By MARIBETH WARD, Staff Writer

Many parents were surprised to see the Stonecroft renovations first hand and none were disappointed. It was a perfect day for tailgating for the win over Sewanee, cooking out on the new sun deck and mingling with parents– old and new. Due to the generous bids that were placed during our auction, we were able to raise the most money on record and are looking into investing the funds into a new A/V system to compliment the renovated bum room. Thank you to all who attended for a fantastic weekend and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Neighbors chip in to replace aging sidewalks

Friday, September 19, 2008
By KEVIN CRAFTON Staff Writer

New sidewalks have been installed on Seminary St. in Greencastle following a neighborhood agreement.

The sidewalk project began once Paul Wright, house director at the Alpha Tau Omega independently began curb replacement. Once neighbors Dave Murray and Neal Abraham saw this they began a campaign of their own.

“After we talked with Paul Wright, we were inspired,” said Abraham. “We first went to all our neighbors to ask them if they would be willing to chip in to fix the sidewalks in front of their homes.”

View the entire article here.

“Change We Can Believe In” written by Ted Jacobi ‘10 was printed in The Depauw’s Tuesday, September 16 edition.

Change is something we hear of often these days, and as DePauw students, it is a theme that transcends multiple layers of our identity. As Americans we are aware of a choice that, come November, will dictate the change we see in this country.

Read the entire article here.

“Freshman Jailbreak, Coming Soon” written by Jeff Cunning ‘09 was printed in The Depauw’s Tuesday, September 16 edition.

Two years of freshman student “house arrest” in the dorms will finally come to an end next month. After two years of the campus becoming less connected, greek members ending up in the wrong houses and alcohol problems being unaffected, freshman students will be allowed to have a social life both on campus and outside of the dorms, beginning after Fall Break.

Read the entire article here.