The Epsilon Gamma Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega was established at the University of Maryland in 1930. The farm house built in 1918 that was located on 4611 College Avenue was purchased at that time to serve as the chapter’s house. The first chapter president was Harry Hasslinger. The chapter did well until WWII, when almost every Tau went off to war. With only a couple of men left, the sorority Sigma Kappa took over the house until the ATOs could return and get their numbers back up. The mirror on the second floor was an addition given to ATO by Sigma Kappa. In the early 1990s alumnus James W. Shaw purchased the chapter house. However, in 1994 the chapter had spiraled out of control and the chapter was removed from the house. Delta Chi rented the house during ATO’s time off campus and during that period much of the chapter’s history was lost. At one point every initiated member of the Epsilon Gamma chapter had signed the wall of the boiler room, but that was painted over. The only surviving pieces of history were an array of awards, an assortment of pictures, and the grandfather clock.

Jim Shaw did not sell the house to Delta Chi and started looking for a new start in 1999. Mr. Shaw sent out a letter to the leader of every student group on campus in hopes to find founding fathers. After initially throwing away the letter, Joshua Jones, the president and founder of Club Baseball, was persuaded by a floor mate to go and get the free dinner. After attending, Josh became a founding father and the driving force to get Alpha Tau Omega back at the University of Maryland. A resident of Denton Hall, Josh recruited many people from his hall and the first meetings were held in Deton’s basement. The Epsilon Gamma chapter was officially recolonized on May 6, 2000. The chapter house’s residents were once again Taus. In order to prove the Epsilon Gamma chapter was dedicated to the values of Alpha Tau Omega, the chapter house was declared an substance-free house when the chapter came back. With approximately 20 founding fathers, the Alpha & Beta pledge class brought the total to 30 men. The Interfraternity Council once again recognized the Epsilon Gamma chapter when they were rechartered on May 6, 2001. The founding fathers and beginning pledge class sacrificed a lot and were very dedicated to restoring the chapter.
By focusing on a close-knit brotherhood the chapter was able to excel in Homecoming & Greek Week and athletics.

Thanks to the efforts of Geoff Brower and Justin Fine, the Epsilon Gamma Chapter received its first award since recolonization in the spring of 2001. It was the Chapter Communication award given by the national office. 3 years later the house had to purchase a trophy case to fit all its plaques and trophies. In 2003 the chapter was recognized as the Outstanding Chapter at the University of Maryland, which is something they would repeat for three more years. By 2005, the Epsilon Gamma chapter had climbed the ranks and was recognized as the National Runner-Up for Alpha Tau Omega's Top Chapter and was recognized by the North-American Interfraternity Council as one of America's best chapters. An April 2005 Diamondback included an article about Epsilon Gamma'a success [Click here to see the article]. In 2006 the Epsilon Gamma chapter reached the pinnacle as they were recognized as Alpha Tau Omega's Top Chapter. Continuing in its tradtion of excellence, the Epsilon Gamma chapter maintains its work ethic and continues to be a positive experience for all the men who are selected to become brothers.

By working hard, being innovative, emphasizing brotherhood, and keeping the values of Alpha Tau Omega in mind, the Epsilon Gamma chapter has expanded to a nationally recognized house of over 80 men. The men of the Epsilon Gamma chapter would like to thank everyone who has helped the chapter on its journey and would like to challenge any interested Maryland students to become a part of one of the top chapters of America’s Leadership Development Fraternity.