Nearly four decades after Muhlenberg College first opened its red doors, Greek life began on campus. Founded in 1881, Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) was Muhlenberg’s first fraternity. Since 1924, the brotherhood has occupied ATO Hillcrest House. In 1998, the release of a documentary called “Frat House” would cause controversy, with the documentary makers filming at Muhlenberg’s chapter of ATO. Fraternity members featured in the documentary claimed that the footage was staged, while the directors maintained that what they had filmed was authentic. Due to this contention, HBO would never distribute the documentary.
In 2000, ATO’s charter was revoked by the College due to hazing allegations, and after being reinstated in 2009, alcohol violations and more hazing allegations saw the chapter suspended again in 2019. ATO would return to campus shortly thereafter.
President of ATO Gabriel Seinfeld ‘27 stated, “While the reinstatement of our chapter is before my time, I can speak to the kind of chapter we are today, the brotherhood we have built and where we are headed. My goal for ATO moving forward is to continue raising the bar in every area that matters: leadership, academics, brotherhood and the impact we have on campus. Our chapter is in a very strong place right now. We have built a culture centered on accountability, personal growth and genuine brotherhood, and that is reflected in the success of our members.” Along with this mindset being enmeshed in their undergraduate experiences, Seinfeld also emphasized how Greek life impacts brothers after graduation. “Our brothers continue to pursue impressive paths after graduation, including medical school, law school, military service, finance and other competitive fields. More than anything, I hope we continue to develop men of character who leave college more prepared, more confident and better equipped for life after graduation.”…