ATO’s Semester Recap

The Alpha Tau Omega fraternity was originally founded by Otis Allan Glazebrook at the Virginia Military Institute in 1865. The original mission of the organization was to facilitate brotherly love and help reunite the torn nation following the American Civil War that had concluded the same year. Since then, ATO chapters all over the nation have sought to uphold the values of the founders and live up to the organization’s motto of Love and Respect.   

The main method of such initiatives has historically come in the form of philanthropy events and social activities that seek to bring people together respected universities while also bringing together students with the local community.   

The Alpha Omicron chapter of ATO here at St. Lawrence University saw a plethora of events hosted during the 2023-24 academic year.   

On two occasions, ATO partnered with the Church and Community Program in Canton, New York. Firstly, the chapter conducted a clothing drive that encouraged students to donate to local individuals in need. More recently, ATO conducted a food drive alongside SLU’s very own Crown Royal Investment Club and the SLU Conservatives.  

On March 11, ATO provided delicious coffee and donuts to students headed to their early morning classes and midterm exams. James Walker ’26 recalls visiting the table that day. “It honestly was cool to see that morning. Donuts were great, and the coffee was good,” he said. Days later, the chapter would host a well-attended watch party for this year’s March Madness NCAA basketball tournament. Renting out the Winston Room in the Sullivan Student Center provided an ideal location for students to see their favorite teams compete.   

ATO continued to partner with student organizations such as the Campus Kitchen Project. Following this year’s Rail Jam, ATO cleaned up campus and collected cans to raise money for CKP. Keeping up with campus tradition, ATO went on to host its annual dodgeball tournament in which student organizations and teams of five competed at the Leithhead Field House on April 19. The chapter was able to raise over $300 towards the efforts of Campus Kitchens.   

Recently, the brothers hosted another chapter tradition by completing the Luke Harvey ’18 memorial hike up Azure Mountain. This hike is the chapter’s most important tradition. It serves as a reminder to appreciate everyday life and to reflect on the importance of brotherhood and friendship.   

Currently, the chapter is partnering with the MANUP? Men’s Mental Health Charity to conduct “60-Mile April.” This event consists of a challenge that asks participants to hike, walk, or run a total of 60 miles throughout the month of April. This charity event seeks to spread awareness about men’s mental health, and all funds raised go towards the initiatives of MANUP? 

Alpha Omicron President Peter Tully ’25 comments, “overall feeling good about the direction we are moving. Although the past semester was rough, not just for us but for all of campus, there has never been a doubt in my mind that St. Lawrence and ATO are special groups. The students and professors are some of the nicest and most helpful people you will meet. We need to keep striving for a campus that is united as one group of Laurentians. I hope ATO can help lead the charge to making campus feel alive again for all students. I believe in what SLU can be, and ATO will be doing all it can to uplift the community and bring some fun back to campus for all to enjoy”.   

ATO plans to continue philanthropic events and host activities that bring the campus community closer together. Be on the lookout for much more to come very soon.