chapter Academics

“The biggest thing that Alpha Tau Omega has brought to me are massive improvements in my study habits. Having a minimum GPA requirement added the needed structure I wasn’t getting outside of ATO. There’s always competition against myself and my brothers to have the highest GPA I can at the end of the semester. I finished this last fall with an all-time personal high GPA and made the Dean’s list (3.5 or above). I attribute this to the older members promoting the use of the house’s scholarship room as much as possible, as well as their prioritization of academics above all other distractions that the college life and fraternities can bring. My academic career wouldn’t be anything close to what it has become if it wasn’t for Alpha Tau Omega” -Maxwell Merriott

Academics are a key pillar to the success of Alpha Tau Omega at Iowa State. Providing the young men of ATO with financial support through scholarships and investing in educational/technological infrastructure within the chapter house are two ways our alumni can assist with sustaining this success.

In 1991, a small group of forward thinking ATO alumni established a long-term plan to create and fund a sustainable academic support program. Through the foresight and financial contributions of many Iowa State ATO alumni, we have succeeded in building endowments above $1.2 M which are used to fund our undergraduate scholarships and support the chapter house’s educational infrastructure.

Undergraduate brothers qualify for ATO scholarships based on a defined set of requirements, including achieving a GPA at or above the Iowa State ‘All IFC Fraternity GPA’. An additional consideration is given for chapter/campus involvement and financial need. Scholarships are awarded each semester and typically range from $500-$1800 per scholarship.

We are proud to have one of the largest scholarship programs in the Iowa State Greek system and to give our ATO undergraduate brothers the opportunity to stay focused on their academics while providing financial assistance during their quest to obtain a quality education and rewarding college experience.

Chapter GPA and Achievements

Our Spring 2024 semester ended with a chapter GPA average of 3.30; ranking ATO as the 5th highest average GPA amongst all of the Iowa State Fraternities. Along with this, 53 brothers made the Dean’s List by attaining a GPA of 3.50 or higher. The hard work and outstanding efforts from our brothers continues to be reflected in constant academic excellence for our chapter. Academics is something we take very seriously and is solidified as the number one priority for every brother.

Scholarship Awards

The scholarships that are available to Iowa State ATO undergraduates would not be possible without the support of our generous ATO alumni and friends. In recognition of their support, the following named scholarships were created to thank alumni and friends who have provided $25k or more in financial support and/or invaluable time and energy to the chapter.

Byron Anderson Scholar - Recognizes academic excellence, chapter leadership and campus involvement
Scott A Braucht Leadership Award - Recognizes achievements in leadership within the chapter and/or campus through involvement in organizations, clubs, committees, offices, etc., while maintaining excellence in scholastic pursuits
Chris Diaguila Strive for Achievement Award - Recognizes a brother with a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher, with preference to a chapter officer who has improved the office and is involved in a campus organization
Gene Ehlert Scholar - Recognizes brothers who have a financial need, demonstrate academic excellence and campus/chapter involvement
Gary & Maureen Flander Excellence Scholarship - Recognizes brothers who achieve academic success and support the chapter through hard work, leadership and dedication to the success of ATO
Bill Gardiner Scholar - Recognizes academic accomplishments of a freshman or sophomore in good standing, living in the ATO chapter house, with financial need
Bill Gardiner Distinguished Scholar - Recognizes brothers who have distinguished themselves through academic excellence and the pursuit of true merit in the brotherhood of ATO
Bill & Babs Gardiner Scholar - Recognizes achievement in leadership within the chapter and/or campus while maintaining excellence in scholastic pursuits
Bill Gardiner Man of Merit Scholar - Recognizes previous achievements in academics and leadership while providing financial support for continued excellence
Bill Gardiner Man of Merit Distinguished Scholar - Recognizes brothers who have distinguished themselves through academic excellence and the pursuit of true merit in the brotherhood of ATO
Bill Grundmann Scholar - Recognizes the pursuit of academic excellence, chapter leadership and campus involvement
Edwin Hill Man of Merit Scholar - Recognizes previous achievements in academics and leadership while providing financial support for continued excellence
Michael Kelly House Director Scholar - Recognizes an undergraduate brother for their academic achievements and campus or chapter involvement
Doug Kirk Scholar - Recognizes a brother with a GPA of 3.0 or higher with a financial need. Preference may be given to brothers majoring in Electrical or Aeronautical Engineering.
Karl Kullander Scholar - Recognizes the pursuit of academic excellence, chapter leadership and campus involvement
Robert Marshall Leadership Scholar - Supports brothers participating in leadership development programs that move them to serve and defend the spirit of true brotherhood in our fraternity and life
John Maxheim Scholar - Recognizes academic achievement with preference given to a brother studying engineering while also maintaining a balance between scholastics, athletics, and campus leadership within the framework of our brotherhood
Dan Molyneaux Scholar – Recognizes a brother modeling brotherhood within the chapter while maintaining excellence in scholastic pursuits
Josh Novak Scholar - Recognizes support within the chapter and/or campus while maintaining excellence in scholastic pursuits
Ron Sley Scholar - Recognizes the pursuit of academic excellence, chapter leadership and/or campus involvement
John VanderLinden Scholar - Recognizes academic achievement with preference given to brothers studying architecture, business or finance while maintaining a balance between scholastics, chapter involvement with financial needs
Dale and Verlene Weber in Honor of Payton A Leyden Scholarship - Recognizes an ATO Freshman or Sophomore in good standing with the fraternity and Iowa State, with preference given to members with financial need who also demonstrate leadership potential and good citizenship
Dale K Weber Achievement Award - Recognizes a brother with a financial need who displays strong leadership and good citizenship
Verlene Vaughn Weber Scholar - Recognizes the true merit found through overcoming hardships by dedicating oneself to the pursuit of a goal
The Brothership Award (sponsored by Kyle Steiner '11) - Recognizes the current or prior Worthy Chaplain who demonstrates empathy, leadership and Love & Respect towards others. While Brotherhood speaks to our organization as a whole, Brothership means being a good and supportive brother individually.
Alpha Tau Omega Campus Leadership Award - Recognizes brothers involved in the chapter and/or ISU organizations who have also held key leadership positions in campus events and organizations.
Order of Omega Scholar - Recognizes a brother’s achievements in their scholastic pursuit, leadership and support of the ATO brotherhood
Smith-Putnam Scholar - Recognizes a brother’s commitment to chapter service and the spirit of true brotherhood in their fraternity life
Gamma Upsilon Loyalty Scholarship - Recognizes out-of-house junior or senior brothers who remain involved with the undergraduate members, serve as a role model/mentor and participate in chapter events/activities