Author Archive: Alpha Tau Omega - Gamma Zeta Chapter

ATO Chicagoland Real Estate Networking Lunch 11/14/14

Posted on by
10629574_309529332586272_9215820130088086231_n

Our expert panel with Moderator Craig Nadborne and Bill Rolander, Gerry Kostelney, Paul Lundsted and Bill Barry

On November 14, 2014 over 90 ATOs gathered at the Chicago Club to hear our expert panel including Bill Barry, Paul Lundstedt, Gerry Kostelny, Bill Rolander and Craig Nadborne share some of their 30 plus years of experience in Chicagoland Real Estate. Here’s a link to our Facebook Photo Album from the event.  Thanks to our esteemed panel and Craig Nadborne who served as moderator!  Also thanks to Cary McMillan who was our sponsor at the Chicago Club.

Frank Kulze ’75 receives his “Tau Madness” Trophy

Posted on by
Bill Barry '77 presents "Tau Madness" trophy to winner Frank Kulze '75

Bill Barry ’77 presents “Tau Madness” trophy to winner Frank Kulze ’75

Earlier this year, we conducted the First Annual “Tau Madness” NCAA Basketball Pool which raised over $600 for the Piano Restoration Fund.  Frank Kulze ’75 was our first winner.  He was presented with the massive traveling trophy which will go to the winner of this pool each year on October 25, 2014 at Homecoming.

Homecoming 2014 and BOT Meeting Update

Posted on by

1146503_10152854245399887_6239026968610510038_nHello Gamma Zeta Alumni,

We celebrated Homecoming Weekend October 24-25 and it was a most enjoyable time to be a Tau from Gamma Zeta Chapter.

Dane Luhrsen’77, Jeff McGill ’73, and Parker Pevitz ’16 organized everything from a wonderful catered brunch in our newly renovated Dining Room to a post game victory cocktail party in the West Living Room . It even included music supplied from our newly renovated baby grand piano! It even included a rare Illinois Big Ten victory!!Continue reading→

Gamma Zeta Class of 1984 /1984.5 Homecoming Recap

Posted on by
ATO 30th Reunion Oct 25 2014

Gamma Zeta 84’s and 84.5’s at Homecoming 2014

On Friday, October 24, the 84 & 84.5 Phrogues gathered in Champaign for our 30th Homecoming Reunion. We met at Stone Creek Golf Course in Urbana where we ate lunch (thanks for picking up the tab Dawg) and played 18 holes. Stone Creek is now the home course of the #1 ranked NCAA Men’s Golf Team, your Fighting Illini.

After hacking it around all afternoon, we met for dinner at Biaggi’s on South Neil in Continue reading→

Renovated historic Gamma Zeta Bechstein grand piano unveiled at Homecoming 2014

Posted on by
Mark Faber '75 and Bill Barry '77 perform at Homecoming

Mark Faber ’75 and Bill Barry ’77 perform at Homecoming

If you’ve been to the Chapter house over the last six months, you may have noticed that the grand piano was missing.  It was off at the Piano People in Champaign for a complete restoration.  It made its way back to the house for Homecoming and looks better than ever.  Considering this piano was originally built in Germany in 1902, purchased by Gamma Zeta in 1917, made it through two world Continue reading→

Gamma Zeta ’77s honored at Homecoming 2014 with “Club 77” Room

Posted on by
77's Don Armstrong, Bill Barry, Dane Luhrsen, Nobel Olsen, Steve Dalley, John Norton, Jack Klues and Rob Meyer representing their entire class are honored at Homecoming 2014

77’s Don Armstrong, Bill Barry, Dane Luhrsen, Nobel Olsen, Steve Dalley, John Norton, Jack Klues and Rob Meyer representing their entire class are honored at Homecoming 2014

At Homecoming 2014 current Gamma Zeta Worthy Master Jimmy Kowalczyk and Undergraduate Director of Alumni Relations Parker Pevitz recognized the Gamma Zeta pledge class of 1977.

They thanked the class of 77 for their generous donations of over $400,000 which led to the complete restoration of the Chapter Room/Dean Olson Room, the Study Room/JD Sinnock Room, Dining Room/EL Simmons Room and the dining room extension.Continue reading→

2014 Gamma Zeta Scholarship Winners Announced at Homecoming

Posted on by
10689832_10152854244219887_2549152814631498902_n (1)

Dane Luhrsen ’77 and Bill Barry ’77 present Gamma Zeta Scholarship certificates and checks at Homecoming 2014

Gamma Zeta alumni have created seven scholarships with an endowment of over $500,000 awarding nearly $20,000 per year to Gamma Zeta undergraduates.  Criteria include academics, community service and leadership.  We have an outstanding scholarship committee which includes:Continue reading→

Congrats Ron Henson ’60

Posted on by
Ron Henson '60

Ron Henson ’60

Congrats to Ron Henson ’60 who recently won the WI Sr Olympics for the 2nd year in a row winning both races he entered, a 10k Time Trail and a 20k Road Race. Last year he set a new State Record…this year he missed it by just 4 seconds.

This qualifies him for the National’s, in Minneapolis, July 2015. These Olympics have 22 disciplines such as track and field, archery, and weightlifting. They start at age 50 and awards are given in 5 year increments…so Ron competes with everyone, but will win (or lose) in his 75-79 age group.

Ron just started biking 11 years ago at age 65 so there’s still hope for all of us!! Thanks to Ron for the inspiration and good luck next July at Nationals!!

ATOs inducted into Illinois HS Basketball Hall of Fame

Posted on by

10345770_300230330182839_8141251094353453214_nSaturday, October 18, 2014 two Gamma Zetas, Bill Erickson ’50 and Bob “Chick” Doster ’48 were inducted into the Illinois High School Basketball Hall of Fame. They join Walt Jr. Kirk ’46, Bill Small ’63 and Bruce Brothers ’56 who were previously inducted into the Hall giving Gamma Zeta a full starting five in the Hall of Fame… Incredible!! Unfortunately only Bill Small is still around to enjoy it. Thanks to Bill Erickson’s family for sharing the pictures!