This summer, four student members of Alpha Tau Omega received scholarships for attending leadership seminars sponsored by their national fraternity.

Brothers Brent Simpson, Matt Sturdivant and Richard Hines attended the 2003 Noah’s Ark leadership seminar.

This small-group leadership development program focuses on issues of character, integrity and faith.

This year’s Noah’s Ark experience was a five-day backpacking trip in the Rocky Mountains of Buena Vista, Colo., where small groups of ATOs from across the nation teamed up to discuss ways of improving their chapters while becoming more self-confident leaders.

“It was a spiritual and enlightening experience,” Hines said. “I was able to get away from everyday life and find out who I am.” Simpson, Sturdivant and Hines each received $300 in scholarship funds for their participation in the program.

Hines is also the recipient of this year’s $500 scholarship award sponsored by the local Zeta Pi Chapter Alumni Association.

Hines received this award for having the highest grade point average.

ATO brother Matt Ragan also attended a leadership program this summer. Ragan attended the LeaderShape Institution’s weeklong leadership development experience in Champaign, Ill. The ATO national fraternity also sponsors this program.

“It was an enriching and eye-opening week that gave me a different perspective on people and their views,” Ragan said. The LeaderShape program places a strong emphasis on communication, ethics, vision and teamwork.

The goal, said LeaderShape President Paul Pyrz, is to teach students that integrity is not an option for effective leaders, but rather a requirement.

Ragan received $1,200 in scholarship money for his participation in the LeaderShape program.