Now here's a story for the fail blog: On the North Alabama campus 10 years ago, members of another fraternity would make jokes at the expense of the ATO chapter because of its' substance-free status. Those insults sparked the landmark alcohol-free signature event, "Caffeine High," which maintains the title of biggest party on campus.
"It's the biggest party on campus," said Will Hodges, North Alabama '05. "Caffeine High delivers… it has anything you may want from the band to the DJ, if you're into dancing or if you like party bands, it's for you."
"It's been phenomenal for years," said greek advisor Deante Smith. "Faculty and staff feel comfortable coming out there and having a good time interacting with students soberly."
Now in its 9th year, Caffeine High has entertained 7,000 guests, raised $20,000 for charity, and become instantly visible to potential recruits. "We sell t-shirts, non-alcoholic mixed drinks, we have a raffle drawing and all of that goes to Big Brothers Big Sisters," said special events chair Chase Hoagland, North Alabama '08.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters partnership seemed natural for the chapter. "We chose them because they needed a source of male role models," said Chapter President Thomas Corum, North Alabama '07. "It helps you become better leaders and helps you put things into perspective."
As part of Caffeine High, this year’s raffle included high profile autographed items from Josh Turner, Jake Owen, Chris Young, Diamond Rio, Martina McBride and Carrie Underwood.
The Taus of North Alabama are no longer the butt of any jokes.