Alpha Tau Omega, commonly referred to as ATO, is a fraternity that has been a cornerstone of brotherhood and camaraderie in the United States since its founding in 1865. With a rich history spanning over 150 years, Alpha Tau Omega has established itself as one of the most prestigious and respected fraternities in the country. But what does Alpha Tau Omega mean, and what values does it represent?
A Brief History of Alpha Tau Omega
Alpha Tau Omega was founded on September 11, 1865, at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington, Virginia. The fraternity was established by three cadets: Otis Allan Glazebrook, Erskine Mayo Ross, and Alfred Marshall Finch. The founders were driven by a desire to create a brotherhood that would foster a sense of unity and shared values among its members.
During the American Civil War, the VMI was a hotbed of Confederate activity, and the founders of Alpha Tau Omega were deeply affected by the conflict. They sought to create an organization that would promote reconciliation and healing in the aftermath of the war. The fraternity’s early years were marked by a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to the values of brotherhood, leadership, and service.
The Meaning of Alpha Tau Omega
So, what does Alpha Tau Omega mean? The fraternity’s name is derived from the Greek alphabet, with Alpha (Α) representing the first letter, Tau (Τ) representing the 19th letter, and Omega (Ω) representing the last letter. The name is often interpreted as a symbol of the fraternity’s commitment to excellence and its pursuit of the highest ideals.
The Alpha Tau Omega crest features a distinctive design that reflects the fraternity’s values and history. The crest includes a shield with a chevron, a pair of crossed swords, and a banner with the fraternity’s motto, “Cognita Vis Et Virtus” (Knowledge and Virtue). The crest is a powerful symbol of the fraternity’s identity and its commitment to the values of knowledge, virtue, and brotherhood.
The Values of Alpha Tau Omega
Alpha Tau Omega is built on a foundation of core values that have guided the fraternity since its founding. These values include:
- Brotherhood: Alpha Tau Omega is committed to fostering a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie among its members. The fraternity believes that the bonds of brotherhood are essential to personal growth and development.
- Leadership: Alpha Tau Omega is dedicated to developing leaders who are equipped to make a positive impact in their communities. The fraternity provides its members with opportunities for leadership development and community service.
- Service: Alpha Tau Omega is committed to serving others and making a positive difference in the world. The fraternity encourages its members to engage in community service and philanthropic activities.
- Knowledge: Alpha Tau Omega values knowledge and intellectual curiosity. The fraternity encourages its members to pursue academic excellence and to cultivate a love of learning.
Alpha Tau Omega’s Mission and Vision
Alpha Tau Omega’s mission is to develop leaders who are guided by the principles of brotherhood, leadership, and service. The fraternity’s vision is to be a premier leadership development organization that fosters a sense of community and shared values among its members.
Alpha Tau Omega is committed to creating a positive and inclusive environment that supports the personal growth and development of its members. The fraternity believes that its members should be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in all aspects of life.
Alpha Tau Omega’s Impact on Society
Alpha Tau Omega has had a profound impact on society since its founding. The fraternity has produced a long list of distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions in a wide range of fields, including politics, business, education, and the arts.
Alpha Tau Omega has also been at the forefront of social and philanthropic causes. The fraternity has supported a variety of charitable organizations and has been involved in numerous community service projects.
Notable Alpha Tau Omega Alumni
Alpha Tau Omega has a long list of notable alumni who have made significant contributions in a wide range of fields. Some notable Alpha Tau Omega alumni include:
- General George S. Patton, a renowned military leader who played a key role in World War II
- President William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States
- Justice Joseph R. Lamar, a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
- General Douglas MacArthur, a renowned military leader who played a key role in World War II and the Korean War
Alpha Tau Omega’s Chapters and Membership
Alpha Tau Omega has over 140 active chapters in the United States and abroad. The fraternity has a diverse membership of over 6,500 undergraduate students and 150,000 living alumni.
Alpha Tau Omega is a member of the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and is recognized as one of the largest and most respected fraternities in the country.
Alpha Tau Omega’s Membership Benefits
Membership in Alpha Tau Omega offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- Leadership development opportunities: Alpha Tau Omega provides its members with opportunities for leadership development and community service.
- Networking opportunities: Alpha Tau Omega has a large and diverse membership that provides opportunities for networking and career advancement.
- Scholarship opportunities: Alpha Tau Omega offers a variety of scholarships to its members, including academic scholarships and leadership awards.
- Lifetime friendships: Alpha Tau Omega fosters a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie among its members, creating lifelong friendships and connections.
Conclusion
Alpha Tau Omega is a fraternity that has been a cornerstone of brotherhood and camaraderie in the United States since its founding in 1865. With a rich history and a commitment to the values of brotherhood, leadership, and service, Alpha Tau Omega has established itself as one of the most prestigious and respected fraternities in the country.
Whether you are a current member of Alpha Tau Omega or simply interested in learning more about the fraternity, this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the fraternity’s history, values, and mission. Alpha Tau Omega is a truly unique and special organization that offers its members a wide range of benefits and opportunities for personal growth and development.
What is Alpha Tau Omega, and when was it founded?
Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) is a social fraternity founded on September 11, 1865, at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington, Virginia. It was established by Otis Allan Glazebrook, Erskine Mayo Ross, and Alfred Marshall Finch, who sought to create a fraternal organization that would foster a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie among its members. ATO is one of the oldest and most respected social fraternities in the United States.
ATO’s founding principles are rooted in the values of brotherhood, leadership, and service. The fraternity’s early years were marked by a strong sense of patriotism and loyalty, as many of its founding members went on to fight in the American Civil War. Today, ATO has over 140 active chapters across the United States and has initiated more than 200,000 members since its founding.
What are the core values of Alpha Tau Omega?
The core values of Alpha Tau Omega are brotherhood, leadership, and service. These values are the foundation upon which the fraternity was built and continue to guide its members today. Brotherhood refers to the strong bonds of friendship and loyalty that exist among ATO members, who are committed to supporting and caring for one another. Leadership is also a key value, as ATO seeks to develop its members into leaders who can make a positive impact in their communities.
Service is the third core value of ATO, and it is reflected in the fraternity’s commitment to philanthropy and community service. ATO chapters across the country engage in a wide range of service projects, from volunteering at local charities to participating in national fundraising campaigns. By living out these core values, ATO members strive to become better men and to make a positive difference in the world around them.
What is the mission of Alpha Tau Omega?
The mission of Alpha Tau Omega is to develop its members into leaders who are guided by the principles of brotherhood, leadership, and service. ATO seeks to create an environment in which its members can grow and develop as individuals, while also contributing to the greater good of their communities. The fraternity’s mission is built around the idea that its members can make a positive impact in the world by living out the values of ATO.
ATO’s mission is also focused on fostering a sense of community and connection among its members. The fraternity provides a wide range of programs and resources to support its members, from leadership development initiatives to community service projects. By providing these opportunities, ATO seeks to create a lifelong network of brothers who are committed to supporting and caring for one another.
How does Alpha Tau Omega support its members?
Alpha Tau Omega supports its members in a wide range of ways, from providing leadership development opportunities to offering academic support and resources. The fraternity also offers a variety of programs and services to support the health and well-being of its members, including mental health resources and substance abuse prevention initiatives. ATO is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment in which its members can thrive.
ATO also provides its members with access to a wide range of networking opportunities, including career development resources and alumni connections. The fraternity’s alumni network is one of the largest and most active in the country, with over 200,000 members worldwide. By providing these resources and opportunities, ATO seeks to support its members throughout their lives, from their undergraduate years to their careers and beyond.
What is the Alpha Tau Omega Foundation, and what is its purpose?
The Alpha Tau Omega Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established to support the educational and charitable activities of Alpha Tau Omega. The foundation provides funding for a wide range of programs and initiatives, including leadership development programs, community service projects, and academic scholarships. The foundation also supports the fraternity’s national headquarters and provides resources to ATO chapters across the country.
The Alpha Tau Omega Foundation is governed by a board of directors that includes ATO alumni and friends of the fraternity. The foundation is supported by donations from ATO members and friends, and it provides a way for individuals to make a lasting impact on the fraternity and its members. By supporting the Alpha Tau Omega Foundation, individuals can help to ensure the long-term success and viability of the fraternity.
How can I get involved with Alpha Tau Omega?
There are several ways to get involved with Alpha Tau Omega, depending on your interests and goals. If you are a college student, you can learn more about ATO by visiting the fraternity’s national website or by contacting a local chapter. Many ATO chapters also host recruitment events and rush activities, which provide an opportunity to meet current members and learn more about the fraternity.
If you are an alumnus of Alpha Tau Omega, there are also many ways to get involved. You can join the Alpha Tau Omega Alumni Association, which provides a way to stay connected with fellow alumni and to support the fraternity’s activities. You can also volunteer to serve as a mentor or advisor to a local ATO chapter, or participate in the fraternity’s national leadership development programs. By getting involved with ATO, you can help to make a positive impact on the fraternity and its members.
What is the Alpha Tau Omega alumni network, and how can I connect with it?
The Alpha Tau Omega alumni network is a global community of over 200,000 ATO alumni who are connected through their shared experience as members of the fraternity. The network provides a way for alumni to stay connected with fellow brothers and to support the fraternity’s activities. ATO alumni can connect with the network through the fraternity’s national website, which provides a directory of alumni and a range of resources and services.
ATO alumni can also connect with the network through local alumni associations and events. Many ATO chapters host alumni events and reunions, which provide an opportunity to meet fellow alumni and to stay connected with the fraternity. The Alpha Tau Omega Alumni Association also provides a way for alumni to stay connected and to support the fraternity’s activities. By connecting with the ATO alumni network, you can expand your professional and personal network, while also staying connected with the fraternity and its members.