We are running into the Spring Semester, so want to update you on the Fall semester and start of Spring ’22 semester… lots of positive items to report!
- Murray State University’s Centennial Homecoming (yes, Murray State University is 100!) is set for October 27-30, 2022. Make plans now, they expect a large turnout and we expect the same from our brothers! Homecoming 2021 went great and had another large attendance at the house, watching the parade, and at tent city.
- The active chapter continues on their path to excellence. They finished with a cumulative Fall GPA well over 3.0, second in fraternities, closing in on number one. They just finished spring recruitment and handed out 5 bids. All 5 were accepted. Spring is always smaller in terms of rush, only 32 men joined across all Murray State fraternities. Most fraternities took 3 or less. Our chapter size is now over 50, all great young men. They have been doing great with philanthropy, sports, campus activities (president of IFC is an ATO) and are recognized as leaders.
- Our ATO Foundation Scholarship continues to grow. Tom Adams (Alpha Rho) aka “Tom Cat” has generously donated to the ATO Foundation Scholarship fund with $10,000. He joins Robbie Rudolph, Dwain Taylor, Gene Ray, and Alan Stout at the Platinum level. Many others have donated at other levels and it has made a difference. It has been key in recruitment and helping in our academic growth. Our endowment is well over $100,000 and we need to continue to grow this (4% is used towards scholarships every year). The more we grow this, the more brothers we can help. Since its inception, every brother who has applied has been granted a scholarship at least once. But as the chapter grows the need grows. Much love and respect to brother “Tom Cat” for this. Go here to see how to donate. Or, if you’re familiar, go directly to the Murray State online site (Choose other and search for ATO).
- The Housing Corp kept busy with the usual maintenance but a few much needed projects. The HVAC went out in the gameroom and had to be completely replaced (over $7k). We were finally able to replace all the exterior doors and frames with new locks. They look great and provide the security needed ($12k).
- The compressor for our sprinkler system was on its last legs and was just replaced (2.5k). This has eaten up all of our reserve (plus paying the nearly 10k in taxes at the end of the year) so we are always looking for donations to add to the rent.
- Speaking of rent, with the Chapter growth we now have 16 actives living in the house. We have rooms doubled, for the first time in a long time. This helps the housing corp with rent, and the actives. We keep the rent low to help defray the costs.
- Brother Steve Farmer continues his great work tracking down lost brothers, updating us with the sad task of Chapter Eternals. Additionally he’s working with others on the careful planning with memorial enhancement.
Will be updating the website soon, check that and facebook regularly for updates
LR
Kirby Rhines
Beta Alpha ’83