UAH’s Alpha Tau Omega Chapter Continues National Dominance with 2025 Awards
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (August 20, 2025) – The Theta Pi chapter of Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) is basking in the national spotlight once again. For the second consecutive year, UAH’s ATO chapter has claimed the prestigious Thomas Arkle Clark (TAC) Award, with brother Cadis Ammons named the 2025 recipient and Mark Porter honored as a TAC Fellow, a runner-up for the award. This remarkable achievement underscores the chapter’s commitment to excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service, setting a high standard for Greek organizations nationwide.
A Legacy of Excellence
The TAC Award, named after Thomas Arkle Clark, a University of Illinois professor and ATO pioneer, recognizes the fraternity’s most outstanding senior candidate for an undergraduate degree. Selected from over 125 chapters across the United States, Ammons’ win marks the second year in a row that UAH’s Theta Pi chapter has secured this honor, following brother Grant Hershbine’s 2024 victory and Garrett Willingham’s recognition as a TAC Fellow.
“This is a big deal,” said Dr. Ronnie Hebert, UAH Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. “Having UAH represented as both the honoree and a runner-up for two consecutive years is unprecedented. It speaks volumes about the caliber of our ATO members and their impact on our campus and beyond.”
Cadis Ammons: A Standout Scholar and Leader
Cadis Ammons, a mechanical engineering graduate, epitomizes the qualities celebrated by the TAC Award: scholarship, leadership, service, and integrity. Graduating summa cum laude with a perfect 4.0 GPA in December 2024, Ammons was the top scholar in UAH’s College of Engineering. Through the university’s Joint Undergraduate Master’s Program (JUMP), he began his master’s degree while still an undergraduate, showcasing his academic prowess.
Ammons’ contributions extend beyond the classroom. His research with Dr. Judith Schneider, a professor in UAH’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, played a pivotal role in securing a two-year NASA Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) contract. The project, focused on developing lunar landing pads, not only advanced space exploration but also funded Ammons’ graduate studies. “Working with NASA was my goal when I chose UAH,” Ammons said. “It’s been an incredible experience.”
Transforming Perceptions Through Brotherhood
Initially hesitant about joining a fraternity, Ammons’ perspective shifted after connecting with ATO brother Noah Gray during UAH orientation. Their shared love for Star Wars sparked a friendship that challenged Ammons’ preconceived notions about Greek life. “I realized there was more to ATO than the stereotypical fraternity,” he said. After accepting a bid, Ammons quickly embraced leadership roles, including fundraising chair, recruitment chair, and communications committee head for the Battle of the Buffalo, an annual chicken wing festival founded by Theta Pi in 2009. The event, which honors a fallen brother, raised a record-breaking $130,000 for cancer research in its latest round this year.
Ammons also dedicated time to community service, volunteering with Manna House to provide food and necessities to those in need and with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build beds for children. These efforts reflect the chapter’s commitment to making a tangible impact in Huntsville.
A Journey of Faith and Brotherhood
Ammons’ ATO experience also shaped his personal growth. After navigating a challenging semester, he found solace in the support of his brothers and deepened his faith through Bible studies and an ATO Encounter retreat. On April 23, 2023, Ammons was baptized in a Huntsville church, surrounded by his fraternity brothers and family. “That moment showed my family who my chapter was and what they had done for me,” he said. “ATO helped me realize I am loved and supported.”
Boosting Huntsville’s Reputation
The Theta Pi chapter’s back-to-back national recognition highlights UAH’s growing influence as a hub for academic and leadership excellence. As part of The University of Alabama System, UAH continues to attract top talent, with students like Ammons and Porter exemplifying the university’s mission to foster innovation and community impact. Their achievements not only elevate UAH’s reputation but also position Huntsville as a city that nurtures exceptional young leaders.
For businesses and organizations in Huntsville, the success of UAH’s ATO chapter signals a pipeline of driven, service-oriented professionals ready to contribute to the region’s growth. As the Theta Pi chapter continues to set the standard for Greek life, its members are poised to make lasting contributions to both the Rocket City and beyond.
For more information about UAH’s Theta Pi chapter or to support their community initiatives, visit ATO Theta Pi’s official website.
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