Once upon a time, in an enchanted place called Deland, two noble knights entered the kingdom of Stetson University. They had a a dream of recreating a colony that had long since been lost to the ages. You see, many decades ago, they were a great race; strong warriors with traditions that ran deep. And now, returning to the land they once called home, a sense of nostalgia and pride washed over them. They began making plans in December for their new colony and now, February, they are ready to move forward as Deland and Stetson welcomes back the ATO fraternity.
Yes princesses! It’s true, ATO is back and ready to take on the Greek world at Stetson. As all of you sororitywomen know, Greek life is a huge part of our lives and we would do anything to defend our letters: this statement also holds true in the eyes of ATO representatives John Towle and Grant Lyon. Towle explains “before I initially joined ATO back in college, I had no idea how passionate they were, but the way members spoke about the fraternity and ATO really stuck in my mind. Once I received more information I saw the opportunity to create something new and fresh on campus and really make it my own. I took that “leap of faith” by going out to information sessions and meeting the men involved, and since then the rest is history.”
But not just anyone can be an ATO, they have to have “prince charming” characteristics. Well ladies, look no further! Grant Lyon insists that the men of ATO are nothing other than enchanting. Lyon describes his ATO ideals as being respectful and caring. “I feel as if treating women with respect is a true characteristic of an ATO member. I always tell myself that I’m too nice, and sometimes it comes back to bite me, but 9 times out of 10, it works out in my favor. As the saying goes ‘you look for women that are most like your mother’, and I have to say, I find that it holds true today.” WOW ladies. . . could the ATO men be any more charming? YES.
The true nature of an ATO man isn’t just about being respectful and caring, but is also focuses largely on being selfless. Towle explains “the one quality that I personally look for in a man for this organization is selflessness, above all. Does he care more about his family, friends and brothers and their well-being? If so, I firmly believe that he is a good fit for this this fraternity because he will do what is right for those around him, not just himself. Hopefully we can find men with these qualities who will put the organization in the forefront and not themselves, and by focusing on the little things along the way, the bigger picture will begin to form.”
As you can see, these men could quite possibly change the face of Greek life at Stetson and the common term we all use to describe the common fraternity man “frat boy”. ATO isn’t just a group of guys ready to throw the biggest keg party on campus, these men are more focused on creating good in the world as well as developing themselves through hard work, dedication, and also forms of meditation. Did you know that ATO has there own spiritual programs set up for their members? Woody Woodcock, Phired Up Representative also known as the “Southern Shepherd”, enlightened many individuals with a remarkable presentation which was ‘o so necessary for the good of Stetson Greek Life. Woodcock spoke primarily about the difference between genuine conversation and small talk, and gave conversation pointers to affiliated students on campus. “Members can’t be scared to get go into the deep zone of a conversation. . . you have to truly get to know someone before you can recruit them.” Woodcock explained. “These ideals are held with high regard to the ATO fraternity, as well as many other organizations nationwide that I coach and mentor. “
So Campus Queens, Do it all Duchesses and “Pencil me In” Princesses, lets take some time out of our busy schedules to help promote this wonderful organization and the many noble knights that stand as the founding fathers of Stetson University’s ATO fraternity. The Her Campus Team and the women of Stetson wish you luck on your many endeavors! We hope to see the end of ATO”s fairy tale ending with . .
… And they lived happily ever after.