“Another party at Alpha Tau Omega?” a student wonders. “What are they celebrating now?” Alpha Tau Omega at UCLA has a story that goes beyond parties. It reflects resilience.
Alpha Tau Omega was founded nationally on September 11 1865. Otis Allan Glazebrook Erskine Mayo Ross and Alfred Marshall established it. They aimed to spread values. Inclusion opportunity nonpartisanship and love were key. Unlike other fraternities ATO is based on Christian principles. These principles emphasize love and respect. The founders envisioned a national fraternity. They sought to unite a divided nation. ATO stands as America’s Leadership Development fraternity. It dissolves barriers. It unites men under common values. ATO knows “no North no South no East no West but to know man as man.”
But here at UCLA, the story took a turn in the 1990s. In 1995, the Los Angeles Times reported a decline in fraternity membership. Alpha Tau Omega at UCLA was feeling the pressure. Its membership dropped from 90 to 40 since 1991. The once lively courtyard became quiet.
UCLA changed. It became more academic. Students found it harder to relax. The wild parties of the 1980s faded. Restrictions on alcohol played a role. After deaths caused by hazing and binge drinking, Greek organizations formed the Fraternity Insurance Purchasing Group. This group created guidelines. Parties changed. Bartenders served beers one at a time. Security checked IDs.
Rising tuition also affected Greek life. UCLA fees increased. Students struggled to pay fraternity dues. Many saw the Greek system as elitist. Despite these challenges fraternity members emphasized the positive aspects. They valued late-night talks about life. They appreciated experiences beyond parties.
Alpha Tau Omega faced serious allegations at USC. In 2014, USC withdrew recognition of Alpha Tau Omega for five years. This followed a Title IX office investigation. The investigation found a member violated the USC Student Code of Conduct. The national CEO of Alpha Tau Omega Wynn Smiley said that USC punished an entire group. He felt they were being punished for the actions of a single student. USC stood by its procedures. They stated that misconduct impacts everyone.
Despite past challenges Alpha Tau Omega persists. It adapts. It strives to offer a positive experience. The fraternity focuses on leadership development. It promotes academic excellence. It encourages community involvement. Alpha Tau Omega enriches the lives of its members. It develops leaders. These leaders affect positive change at UCLA and beyond.