How the Scholarship Endowment Began
At the ATO Housing Corporation meeting during Homecoming 2009, Brother Alan Stout proposed the idea of creating a Scholarship Fund to support active Zeta Lambda brothers at Murray State. He took the initiative to research the most effective way to establish, promote, and manage such a fund.
A year later, on October 9, 2010, the Housing Corporation unanimously approved the creation of the scholarship, to be administered by the Murray State University Foundation—an organization already managing similar funds for other Greek organizations on campus.
Why a Scholarship Endowment Matters
- Rush Advantage: Most major fraternities offer scholarships, making it a key recruitment tool.
- Post-Graduation Support: Helps reduce student debt, giving brothers a stronger financial start.
- Academic Reputation: Demonstrates our commitment to academic excellence to the university, students, and parents.
- University Partnership: Contributions to Murray State will be directed specifically to benefit ATO members, with the MSU Foundation actively promoting the fund.
It’s simply the right thing to do.
By the end of a special meeting on November 23, 2010, $30,000 had been raised. Special thanks go to Alan Stout, Dwain Taylor, and Robbie Rudolph for their generous contributions of $10,000 each.
This initiative aligns with Murray State’s “Hold Thy Banner High” capital campaign, allowing donors to support both the university and our brotherhood. With the MSU Foundation’s backing, this endowment is truly a win-win.
How can you help…
Scholarship Criteria and Other Information:
- Awarded to active members of ATO Chapter enrolled as full time students at Murray State University
- Administered by MSU Foundation in Consultation with the Scholarship Committee appointed by the Murray ATO Housing Corporation/Alumni Chapter
- Initial Criteria includes a GPA that is required to be an active ATO with consideration for other campus activities, ATO involvement and need
- Additional criteria to be established by the Scholarship Committee in consolation with MSU foundation
- If ATO chapter ceases to exist at MSU then Scholarships to be awarded to descendants of ATO members
- If not practical, then to the general scholarship fund of MSU
- If for any reason the MSU Foundation no longer administers the scholarship fund, it shall be turned over to the ATO National Fraternity to be administered
Where Do We Stand Now
Related Updates
Previous Winners
- 2011-2012: Gavin Wanstreet $500
- 2013-2014: Joe Bunch, Ethan Koehler $500
- 2014-2015: Nick Anderson, Caleb Basham, Ethan Shaw, Aran Coughlan, Blake Johnson, Keegan Rhines $500
- 2016-2017: Keegan Camron, Keegan Rhines, Chance Roberts, Ethan Shaw, Steven Werderman $500
- 2017-2018: Austin “Noah” Wilson, Kurt Miller, Nathan Doss, Dylan Green, Trace Colson $500
- 2018-2019: Kolbe Mattingly, Nathan Doss, Dylan Green, Trace Colson, Jonathon Jones $1000, Alex Bellamey a December graduate $500
- 2019-2020: Nick Bohannon, Jack Buechlein, Forest Clark, Braxton Embry, Roman Graves, Nate Humphrey, Will Mayhew, Ryan Schmitz $500
- 2020-2021: Carver Bundren, Caleb Debold, Heath Ernest, Charles Hiter, Justin Hutchison, Austyn Pivoras, Brendon Schettler, Griffen Sheridan $500
- 2021-2022: Levi Allen, Brady Bilyeu, Gabriel Cowles, Riley Drone, Cade Napier, Chase Napier, Jacob Payne, Cobie Pyle, Andrew Richardson, Austin Wick $500
- 2022-2023: Andrew Sisson, Zachary Hudson, Chase O’Daniel, Miles Tichenor, Travis Cline, William Blane, Connor Hawkins, Ryder Balentine, Jarod Roby, William Wagner, Chandler Andrews $500
Supporters —
Platinum – $10,000+
Gold – $5,000 – $9,999
Bronze – $1,000 – $4,999
Associate – up to $1,000