The past few months have been filled with activity and a renewed excitement for the future of Alpha Phi Omega. During the spring sectional conferences, I visited with several students and alumni who exhibited a passion for Alpha Phi Omega that has added to the kindling passion within me.
The journey of Alpha Phi Omega over the past century has been nothing short of remarkable, and it is all thanks to the unwavering support and dedication of our members. As we prepare to commemorate this historic milestone, we are reminded of the countless memories, achievements and legacies that have shaped Alpha Phi Omega into the organization it is today. I am overjoyed to get to celebrate all of this with you as one brotherhood! The upcoming Centennial Celebration will be an occasion we will never forget as we move into the next 100 years of Alpha Phi Omega.
Furthermore, I am delighted to share the news that our chapter membership numbers have started to recover from the COVID-19 Pandemic and are slowly growing! It is a testament to the enduring passion and commitment of our alumni community that more and more individuals are choosing to actively engage with their local chapters. This growth strengthens our chapters and reaffirms the impact that Alpha Phi Omega has on the lives of students and alumni alike. As we continue to expand our reach and deepen our connections, I am confident that together we will propel our fraternity to even greater heights of success and influence.
As we reflect on the past century and look toward the future, we are committed to strengthening the ties between our organization, chapters and alumni. Your continued support and involvement are invaluable in shaping the direction of Alpha Phi Omega and ensuring its continued success for generations to come.
In the spirit of our Centennial Celebration, I urge each and every one of you to join us in working towards bettering the Fraternity for the next 100 years. In doing so, we will rekindle the spirit of unity and pride that defines Alpha Phi Omega and pave the way for a bright and promising future.
In Leadership, Friendship and Service,
Melody Martin Delta Alpha ’97 National President
VISION AND MISSION STATEMENT
We create inclusive communities for a more peaceful world in which to make a life, by developing leaders, uniting members through friendship and rendering service to all.
COVER STORY
DEPARTMENTS
4
Torch Talk
Read about chapter and member accomplishments, board meeting minutes and updates regarding Fraternity operations.
10
SUMMER 2024 • VOLUME 100 • NUMBER 3
Centennial Campaign – Leading the Way
One hundred years of developing leaders continues with APO’s Leading the Way Campaign. Let’s look forward to the next 100 years of APO!
8
In Honor Of Gerald A. Schroeder
Past National President Gerald A. Schroeder, Mu Alpha ’66, passed away on December 11, 2023. Learn more about his lasting impact on Alpha Phi Omega and beyond.
14 Spring Conferences
Brothers from regions across the country gathered this spring to celebrate LFS through learning opportunities, service projects and networking with local leadership
16
Chapter Notes
Look back on what chapters have been up to this semester. From service projects and recruitment to brotherhood events and celebrating graduating seniors, they have been busy!
DIGITAL ONLY ISSUE
In an effort to save on costs while being good stewards with existing funds, this issue of the Torch & Trefoil is available digitally, and no printed copies will be distributed. This issue, as well as all previous issues of the Torch & Trefoil, are available at www.apoarchive.org
The following notes were taken at the Alpha Phi Omega Board of Directors meeting on February 17, 2024.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
• Minutes from the October 7, 2023, meeting
• Presidential appointments
a) Legal Counsel (Jen Znosko)
b) International Relations Chair (Dan Tilkin)
c) Region C Chair (Lucas Niven)
d) Region E Chair (Derek Ebel)
e) Risk Management Chair (Justin Martin)
f) Membership Chair (Brandon Douglas)
g) Extension Chair (Melissa Donndelinger)
h) Diversity Equity Inclusion Chair (James Sims)
STRATEGIC DISCUSSION
• Discussed the Fraternity’s strategic direction as well as the three goals that support the direction and what is needed to achieve success
ACTION ITEMS
• Approved reappointing Dr. Hilton Hallock for another two-year term on the Board
• Elected Brother Chris Meschuk as National Treasurer
• Elected Brother Kimberlee Castillo Yee to serve on the Executive Committee
• Approved accepting a gift annuity under the terms presented
DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION ITEMS
•An update was provided for the following items:
o Work done on Board competencies
o Potential candidates for appointment to serve on the Board with strategic implementation experience
o Fall Pledge Class Namesake Honoree selection process
o Overview of legislation passed by the 2023 National Convention
o Creation of a task force to review future conventions
o Centennial Celebration preparations
o Centennial Capital Campaign
o Membership and extension
APO SAVE THE DATE!
FEATURED EVENTS:
Region D Conference | October 26-27 | Lubbock, Texas
Region H Conference | October 25-27 | Dayton, Ohio
Regions PORQ Conference | November 1-3 | Binghamton, NY
Regions JK Conference | November 1-3 | New Orleans
Check out the full list of Alpha Phi Omega events on our website:
www.apo.org/calendar/ Scan the QR Code to learn more.
Chapter’s vice president of service goes ABOVE and BEYOND
Claudia Cheng, Beta Iota ’23, joined APO as a freshman at New York University because she wanted to continue her service journey. Claudia was proud of APO’s impact on its community, so, when the opportunity came up, she decided to run for vice president of service. Claudia took on this new role in January to help plan and lead their service events. She has planned many service events working with organizations like BoroughBreak with Animal Care Centers, Cranes for Cancer, and SPARK Flashcards.
with Rodger. They even unofficially named Rodger their “doggy brother.” The chapter plans to organize another BoroughBreak before the end of the semester, hopefully on a warm sunny day!
Another service project they did was folding countless paper cranes for a project called Cranes for Cancer. This project follows an old Japanese tradition that says folding 1,000 origami paper cranes brings good health. Cranes
One of the chapter’s memorable experiences was BoroughBreak with Animal Care Centers in Manhattan, a program that allows volunteers to take shelter dogs out for day trips. They had the opportunity to spend the day with Rodger, a one-year-old Pitbull mix. This event fulfilled the chapter’s desire to focus on animal shelter service, and it was a wonderful opportunity that members were honored to plan and participate in. Despite the heavy rain that day, everyone had a great time walking through Central Park, taking breaks in a café, and enjoying lots of snacks
for Cancer puts together boxes containing these 1,000 cranes, which are then given to cancer patients and people dealing with tough health challenges. The gesture of these cranes gives hope and cheers people up during hard times. This activity is a favorite of the chapter! Both brothers and pledges enjoy it because it’s fun and relaxing. Even small efforts from each can make a big impact on someone’s life!
Lastly, the chapter recently focused on creating SPARK Flashcards for Classroom Central. In collaboration with Classroom Central, they developed flashcard sets to teach children basic colors, shapes, arithmetic and sight words. These sets will be sent to Classroom Central and distributed to under-resourced schools, ensuring that all students have the tools they need to succeed in school, regardless of financial challenges.
Rewild Earth service project defends North Carolina ecosystems
Our crew took down this massive mulberry tree and worked together to dismantle it.
BY BROTHER SARAH DEAN, RHO ‘21
ReWild
Earth
is an organization based in the North Carolina Triangle area that is committed to helping save native plant species from extinction. Invasive species are nonnative plants without ecological competition, allowing them to have uncontrolled growth. Invasive plants destroy native ecosystems and drive native species to extinction. But there’s hope! With some time and effort, humans can have a positive impact in removing invasive species and rewilding our earth.
Rho Chapter at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill first became involved with ReWild Earth last semester through our former Vice President of Service, Maggie McIntyre, Rho `21. She first met with Steven Furstein, a ReWild Earth event leader, through another organization and fostered a connection between ReWild Earth and APO. She established a monthly service event where 10-20 members of APO met at a local park and worked diligently to remove invasive species under Steven’s guidance. Through this connection, we’ve hosted around ten workdays and were able to transform a local park, removing mass amounts of invasive species.
A typical workday consists of volunteers arriving at the park excited to get to work. Then they’re met with Steven’s enthusiasm for invasive species control! Steven explains to our members the dangers of invasives and shows us to the section of the park we’ll work on that afternoon. Then he equips us with the necessary tools including clippers, loppers, hand saws and more. He shows us what species
to clear from the area and guides us through the process. Then brothers get to spend the next two hours working together
to make a tangible change on the health of their local ecosystems. After the event ends, we reflect on the work we’ve done, then leave feeling satisfied and excited for the next workday.
This ongoing project has been impactful on our chapter in a variety of ways. First and foremost, we’re able to have a tangible impact on our community. As each event progresses, we can see the pile of removed invasive species grow. As the semester progresses, we’re able to see the community parks’ health improve. This project also holds deep-rooted value for the fact that we’re able to build and maintain lasting community relationships. We’re in our second semester of working with ReWild Earth and hope to maintain this partnership for years to come. This ongoing service project has had lasting impacts on our local community and our members have loved supporting the cause with their time, energy and commitment to service.
If you’d like to learn more about ReWild Earth, click here!
Brother Laura Wlordarczak, Rho ’24, is wielding the Katanaboy 500 to cut back invasives.
Epsilon Zeta brings back the Biggest Meme On Campus Competition
BY BROTHER SAMAEL COLLINS, EPSILON ZETA ‘21
As an Alpha Phi Omega brother, you may have asked yourself the question, “How do I combine memes and service?” Well, Epsilon Zeta Chapter at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute may have an answer for you. This year, our chapter brought back the Meanest Man on Campus competition. In this competition, candidates campaign to the RPI community that they are in fact the Biggest Meme. All the while, they are supporting the charity of their choice.
The BMOC competition has had a storied history at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Originally, it was the Meanest Man on Campus competition. Professors or other notable RPI figures would campaign to the community and prove they were in fact the meanest. These campaigns would culminate in the MMOC debates, a fun session of debates that would coincide with the serious debates of RPI’s student government. Voting occurred by students giving their pennies to our chapter in support of their favored candidate. At the end, our chapter would give the proceeds to a charity of the candidate’s choice.
In 2020, the Meanest Man on Campus competition rebranded as the Biggest Meme on Campus competition. The competition remained mostly the same, with the difference being that candidates could run as what they define to be a meme. After a hiatus, our chapter brought back the competition to 2024. There were four candidates in this year’s competition: Corey Woodcock, Garfield, The Moose, and Glump. Professor Woodcock was a participant in the 2020 competition and returned for 2024. One RPI student decided to campaign as Garfield, the lasagna-loving cat. The Moose is a figure embodied by multiple RPI students wearing a moose mask. The Moose originally entered the student government elections, but he saw the chapter’s competition and entered at the last minute. Finally, there’s Glump. Glump is a blue angry washing machine, and he is the mascot of our chapter.
He is limited to the vocabulary of “Glump”, “Glump Glump”, “Glumpy Glumpy” and “Glump Smash.”
Each candidate campaigned over the course of several weeks in a variety of ways. The campaign culminated with the BMOC debates. Each candidate answered questions given by brothers of the chapter. At the end, the candidate that proved victorious was Garfield. This year, we raised $665.52 split between the following organizations: Planned Parenthood, an organization for women’s reproductive health care, Free To Be Me, an animal rescue organization, Mount Ida Preservation Association, an organization dedicated to preserving a local neighborhood, and Unity House, a local human service agency. This year’s BMOC was a successful return and we hope that next year will be bigger and better!
Pictured from left to right: Glump, The Moose, Corey Woodcock, Garfield, Josh Youngbar, Allie Labrecque, Sarvesh Sundaram
In Honor of Gerald “Jerry” Schroeder
It is with great sadness and profound respect that Alpha Phi Omega recognizes the passing of Past National President Gerald “Jerry” Schroeder, Mu Alpha ’66. Brother Schroeder passed away December 11, 2023, at age 77.
He was initiated into Mu Alpha Chapter at Georgetown University in 1966. During his time in college, Brother Schroeder served as the chapter’s president and represented Mu Alpha as a delegate to the 1967 Constitutional Convention.
The Indianapolis native graduated from Georgetown University in 1969 and Indiana University Law School in 1972 During this time, he was also a second Lieutenant (2LT) in the U.S. Army and deferred military service until he graduated from law school in 1972. He was promoted to Captain and trained at the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General School at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
In 1977, Brother Schroeder was elected Section 84 Chair, a role he held until 1981. In 1982, Brother Schroeder was elected to the Alpha Phi Omega Board of Directors as Member-at-Large. He was then elected National Vice President in 1986 and again in 1988, serving both terms alongside then National President Stan Carpenter, Xi Omicron ’68.
Brother Schroeder was elected National President of Alpha Phi Omega in 1990 and would serve two terms in this role.
During his time as President, he focused on inclusion and sharing the gift of membership to all who wished to join Alpha Phi Omega no matter their background.
“Alpha Phi Omega as an organization must be flexible enough, sensitive enough, and innovative enough to be inviting to every student on every campus who believes in its ideals of Leadership, Friendship and Service,” Brother Schroeder proclaimed in his inaugural “Message from the National President” in the Winter/Spring 1991 Issue of Torch & Trefoil.
Over the course of his time as an elected leader of APO, Brother Schroeder deepened inter-chapter relationships, made advancements in policy development, and oversaw a variety of campaigns and recruitment growth across the
Past National President Jerry Schroeder presents the National Distinguished Service Award at the 2010 National Convention in Atlanta.
Jerry Schroeder fields questions as National President at a workshop on diversity and sensitivity at the 1992 Region VI Conference in Nashville, Tenn
Time with Jerry” at the 2016 National Convention in Pittsburg.
nation. It was during his tenure that the mortgage for the Fraternity’s first purchased National Office was paid off and the International Council of Alpha Phi Omega (ICAPO) was formed.
He continued his service to APO long after his tenure as an elected leader. Brother Schroeder remained a trusted advisor to those National Presidents who followed him, continued to support and advise Mu Alpha Chapter, and chaired and served on myriad national committees, including both the 75th Anniversary Committee and the Leaders in Service Capital Campaign. While these national roles were important to Brother Schroeder and provided much value to APO, his true passion was with the students of APO. He visited many a chapter to share his knowledge and experience and was a regular conference and National Convention presenter who engaged, encouraged and inspired attendees.
Brother Schroeder was recognized for his contributions with numerous distinctions including the Fraternity’s highest award recognition – the National Distinguished Service Award – which he received in 1996. He is a recipient of chapter, sectional and regional distinguished service keys. In 2005, he was named the Fraternity’s Fall Pledge Class Namesake Honoree.
Professionally, he held a 33-year tenure with the Department of Justice where he served in the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act Office (FOIPA), the Office of Intelligence Policy and Review (OIPR), and finally, as the Deputy Director of the Office of Security and Emergency Planning Staff (SEPS). While serving in OIPR, he was appointed as Acting Director by U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.
He is survived by his wife, Betsy; son Jeffrey and wife Kayla; daughter Leslie and husband Brendan; daughter Kathryn, Eta Phi ’05; as well as his five grandchildren.
Brother Schroeder will be remembered for years to come for his dedication to Alpha Phi Omega and the amazing mindset he carried to further the bonds of brotherhood.
Remembering Jerry…
The following are excerpts shared by Past National President Stan Carpenter during the memorial service held for Brother Schroeder earlier this spring.
Jerry Schroeder was one of a very few people who loved Alpha Phi Omega and had a dedication to its principles as much or more than anyone ever. From the time that he pledged Mu Alpha Chapter at Georgetown University, with a hiatus for law school and military service, he served his chapter and later his section, region, and ultimately, the National Fraternity with all his heart and commitment. Along the way, he gave significant contributions of his time, treasure, and undeniable talent. He made our Fraternity, his community, and our world a better place…
…I met Jerry when he first began to serve on the National Board of APO, as an at-large member in the early 1980s. His leadership skills and commitment were soon recognized by all and, by 1986, he became Vice President of the Fraternity…He taught me a lot about leadership and management of organizations, as we grappled with the issues of the day and he channeled my passions into productive directions, rather than needless confrontations. And we accomplished a lot — we led the growth of the Fraternity significantly after a period of membership decline and we conducted the first major fundraising campaign, resulting in the building of the first national headquarters building owned by the Fraternity, completed in 1989…
… He was one of the best of us and we are less without him. Personally, I never had a better friend, and I never will. We should all be consoled by his memory and try to continue to live up to his example.
In Memoriam
Brother Schroeder presents “Story
Brother Schroeder addresses the 2016 National Convention as Leaders in Service Campaign Chairman
ALPHA PHI OMEGA’S CENTENNIAL CAMPAIGN
Leading the Way in the Next Century
“THIS
CAMPAIGN FOCUSES ON FOUR PILLARS OF SUPPORT FOR THE FRATERNITY,
EACH OF WHICH IS AN INVESTMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY LEADERS –OUR MEMBERS – WHO WILL SHAPE THE NEXT 100 YEARS.”
— Bob London
As Alpha Phi Omega approaches 100 years of developing leaders, uniting members through friendship and rendering service to all - there is much to celebrate! More than 525,000 community leaders initiated, millions upon millions of hours of service provided, and 783 campuses made better as a result of one man’s dream!
The CentennialCampaign–LeadingtheWay demonstrates the Fraternity’s dedication to ensuring Frank Reed Horton’s dream of a more peaceful world continues for a second century. With your support, along with other devoted members of the Centennial Campaign, APO aims to raise $6 million to support various initiatives that will enhance leadership development opportunities, help chapters grow through improved membership recruitment, new programming and engagement with members from other chapters and alumni volunteers.
“This campaign focuses on four pillars of support for the Fraternity, each of which is an investment in the development of community leaders – our members – who will shape the next 100 years,” Bob London, Executive Director said. “The funding of each pillar creates opportunities for advancing our Cardinal Principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service for decades to come ”
LEADING THE WAY: FOUR PILLARS OF SUPPORT
APO Leadership Institute
The Alpha Phi Omega Leadership Institute, a program funded by Leading the Way, is an investment in the leadership skills of today’s APO members as well as the
next generation of leaders by way of high school students. Through the Institute, APO chapters will partner with local high schools, with an emphasis on urban areas, to share the Cardinal Principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service while simultaneously mentoring students and sharing the value of the collegiate experience.
“It’s more than just classroom leadership and it’s doing more than just community service,” Executive Director London said. “It’s the synergy of putting those two together.”
The APO Leadership Institute will utilize a near-peer model creating a two-way outlet for communication and learning for both APO members and high school students. This model will expose high school students to
the opportunities college has to offer while cultivating recruitment and the value of becoming a member of Alpha Phi Omega. As a result of the Institute, APO will increase its service impact by mentoring and serving as role models for the high school students who will one day be leaders in their communities – and potentially members of APO – and by demonstrating leadership through service to others.
“Today, where the value of higher education is sometimes
Gamma Xi Chapter at Rockhurst University pose for a photo before heading to the 1972 National Convention.
questioned, Alpha Phi Omega is committed to reinforcing the principles of leadership development and service to communities in the next generation of college students,” Executive Director London said.
Student Conference Fund
Leading the Way will provide funding through the Student Conference Fund to enable more students the opportunity to expand their APO community, strengthen their personal leadership skills and improve their chapters through conference attendance. By attending conferences, chapter members gain exposure to diverse perspectives,
“
…ALPHA PHI OMEGA IS COMMITTED TO REINFORCING THE PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICE TO COMMUNITIES IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF COLLEGE STUDENTS
. ”
— Bob London
new and innovative approaches to chapter operations, best practices and more that will significantly develop their personal growth and chapter operations.
Brother Katharine Green, Beta Sigma ’21, attended both the 2023 Leadership Summit and the 2023 National Convention.
Reflecting on her experience at the Leader’s Summit, she shared initially not realizing the value of conferences having never experienced their impact. She would learn about leadership and how many connections she would make with other brothers from across the nation. Her being able to attend the 2023 APO Leader’s Summit influenced her decision to attend the National Convention. “It was a really good precursor to Convention,” she said.
National, regional and sectional events truly demonstrate the commitment to the Cardinal Principles, developing future leaders and fostering lasting connections for years to come!
Phi Epsilon Chapter at Maine Maritime Academy celebrate initiating APO’s 150,000th brother – Ronald DeCamp (center). Ronald is joined by Douglas Gilbert and Phyllis Tenney.
Leadership Programming Endowment
The Leadership Programming Endowment, when fully funded, will generate $125,000 a year to support Alpha Phi Omega’s chapters in building leadership and educational programs.
“It’s about endowing leadership programming so we can always be as relevant as possible with our leadership programs,” Executive Director London said. “What I mean by that is we create something today — best practice may be something different in two or three years. ”
Because APO is committed to leadership development opportunities, the Endowment is dedicated to ensuring the resources needed are available and relevant for student members.
Torchbearer Fund
Sustaining the Torchbearer Fund is a cornerstone of APO’s future! The Torchbearer Fund depends on our dedicated donors whose generosity supports the operations of the Fraternity’s daily activities and initiatives. By supporting Leading the Way the Fraternity can strengthen chapter support services, enhance members resources and benefits, and invest in leadership programs. This allows the Fraternity to have a reliable source of unrestricted funds providing financial flexibility and sustainability beyond
just the major campaign initiative – the Centennial Campaign.
Through the Centennial Campaign – Leading the Way, the Fraternity is taking bold action to ensure APO offers meaningful and relevant student experiences that develop leaders, unite members through friendship and render service to all. APO is dedicated to Leading the Way for the second century of Alpha Phi Omega!
To learn more about how you can contribute to Leading the Way, email executive.director@apo.org.
Hogg Hall, formerly Brainerd Hall, is the site of the chartering of APO's first chapter. PhotocourtesyofLafayetteCollege.
Rho Gamma Chapter at California State University, Long Beach at the Kaleidoscope Carnival in 1991.
Spring Conferences
Groups across the nation held their sectional conferences this spring. Many of them went to social media to share their experiences and the new memories they made while honoring the Cardinal Principles of Alpha Phi Omega.
REGION B
Sigma Beta Chapter of the University of Redlands participated in the Section B-2 Conference. Rho Rho Chapter from University of California at Irvine hosted the conference with Pokémon as their theme for the event. The chapters participated in a variety of events including resume-building and networking workshops and study time and paddle painting.
Phi Delta Chapter of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona also attended sectionals at the B-1 Conference. Their chapter received the 2024 Friendship Award.
REGION P
Roughly 60 students and alumni gathered for the Region P Sections P-3 and P-4 Conference. The chapters participated in Leadership, Friendship and Service events, raffles, awards and more.
REGION Q
Epsilon Sigma Chapter of SUNY at Buffalo attended the Section Q-1 Conference. They participated in a banquet where the chapter received the H. Roe Bartle Chapter Award For Outstanding Achievement in Chapter Administration and Program.
Epsilon Sigma Chapter also participated in service events and LFS events while they were there.
REGION F
Gamma Sigma Chapter at the University of Chicago hosted the Section F-4 Conference. The Chapter shared how they and other participating sections went through personal growth and created new friendships.
Sigma Sigma Chapter at the University of Illinois-Chicago won the Chapter of the Year of Section F-4 for their overall program revolving around the three Cardinal Principles of APO. Their Advisor, Brother Beth Voigt, Sigma Sigma ‘08, was also recognized as Advisor of the Year and Chapter President, Brother Parrama Chouhan, Sigma Sigma ‘20, was recognized for his service to the region.
REGION N
The Section N-1 and N-2 Conference was hosted by the Epsilon Mu Chapter at the University of Maryland at College Park and supported by the D.C. Area Alumni Association. The chapters participated in learning labs and assisted with logistics. The collegians got to interact with alumni and a reception was hosted for graduating seniors and alumni.
REGION C
Section C-3 gathered to hear from a member of the Gateway Alumni Association, Brother Jim Roach, Epsilon ’97. Brother Roach discussed the future of APO and how Region C can keep the flame alive for the next several decades. He explained to chapters that their work today will affect the lives of brothers tomorrow.
Epsilon Chapter from Truman State University received the Section C-3 Service Award and the Man Mile Award.
CHAPTER NOTES
See what great Leadership, Friendship and Service projects chapters have showcased to inspire others through Instagram.
REGION A
Eta Alpha Chapter at Santa Clara University
@scuaphio: SERVICE HIGHLIGHT!
11th Annual Lam Research Heart & Soles Run
REGION D
Alpha Omicron Chapter at Southern Methodist University
@smuapo: Our last APO meeting was last Thursday. Our brothers also brought supplies for Genesis Women’s shelter too! We will miss everyone this summer, but we can’t wait to be back!
REGION G
Alpha Gamma Lambda Chapter at Albion College
@apo_agl: Info Session was a success! Thank you to all who came out and helped make Cards for Kids.
REGION B
Rho Gamma Chapter at California State University, Long Beach
@apocsulb: This past Friday we hosted our bi-annual Skid Row service event in collaboration with the ReFresh Spot at Skid Row from the Homeless Health Care Los Angeles! We would like to thank everyone who donated supplies and volunteered for this special event.
REGION E
Omicron Chapter at University of Iowa
@apo_omicron: Alpha Phi Omega just finished our Weekend Service Trip in Chicago!
REGION H
Zeta Lambda Chapter at University of Toledo
@alphaphiomegaut: Thank you @toledogrows for having us volunteer today! We learned about one of Toledo’s local gardens and got to plant some strawberries!
REGION C
Pi Chapter at Kansas State University
@apoatkstate: Thank you to everyone who donated to our food drive!!! We were able to give four boxes of food to @catscupboardksu and @flinthillsbreadbasket!!!
REGION F
Eta Epsilon Chapter at Millikin University
@millikinapo: Today Eta Epsilon used their retreat to hall clean up Rhodes France Scout Reservation! Thank you @rhodes_france_sr for allowing us to help you get ready for camp season! #alphaphiomega #millikin #scoutingbsa
REGION I
Psi Phi Chapter at Tennessee State University
@apopsiphi: A couple of our fellow brothers teamed up with @apopsiphi in volunteering at East End Prep Boys and Girls Club to support and have fun with the kids for their field day
REGION J
Alpha Theta Mu Chapter at Kennesaw State University
@ksu_apo: This past Friday our brothers spent Spring Youth Service Day volunteering with the kids of Edmonds Elementary school, we were able to donate goodie bags with summer bridge program books and writing utensils and throw an ice cream social for the kids that participated in reading with clubs!
REGION M
Mu Iota Chapter at University of Lynchburg @apo_mu_iota: Our president and alum walking in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at the Out of Darkness Walk
REGION P
Theta Alpha Chapter at Stevens Institute of Technology @stevens_apo: We had a great time last week volunteering at the Hoboken Community Center Pantry with Stevens Serves and the Powerlifting team!
REGION K
Kappa Delta Chapter at Florida A&M University
@kappadelta_aphiq: This past weekend, the brothers of the Kappa Delta Chapter along side members of the FAMU Tampa club conducted our bi-weekly street clean up. Our street clean up covered the streets of Famcee & Hampton right off of Wahnish Way.
REGION N
Theta Chi Chapter at The George Washington University
@apo.gwu: Last Saturday our brothers were gardening with the DC Bilingual School, one of our favorite service sites!!
REGION Q
Epsilon Sigma Chapter at SUNY at Buffalo
@apobuffalo:��ALPHA PHI OMEGA - SERVICE SPOTLIGHT�� Here presented are just some of the many service events that were planned this semester!
REGION L
Kappa Theta Chapter at Wake Forest University
@apowfu: Weekend clean up at the Community Care Center!!
REGION O
Xi Iota Chapter at Susquehanna University
@apo.su: Last night, we completed our Spring Youth Service Day Project! Ten of our brothers got together and made 11 tie blankets to donate to Project Linus! Project Linus provides handmade blankets to children. We are so happy to exemplify our core values of Leadership, Friendship and Service through this project!
REGION R
Alpha Theta Theta Chapter at Sacred Heart University
@shu.alphaphiomega: Last week some of our brothers painted birdhouses to donate to Habitat for Humanity!!
A Century of Service
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
As our centennial approaches, we are filled with excitement and anticipation for this historical milestone in our history – 100 years of Alpha Phi Omega exemplifying the values of Leadership, Friendship and Service, leaving an indelible impact on campuses, communities and the lives of many. This milestone is a celebration of 100 years, and a tribute to you and to those who came before us contributing their time, talent and treasure to make APO what it is today. We are excited about the possibilities that the centennial holds and the chance to celebrate together!
The centennial is an exceptional opportunity to unite our chapters and members from all corners of the world to honor and celebrate the legacy we have built.
In the spirit of celebration, we would like to share some ideas and ways in which brothers individually or chapters and alumni associations can join us in commemorating our history, our dedicated brothers and the impact we’ve made in our communities.
100 Years of Service Challenge: Chapters and alumni associations will be challenged to honor a Century of APO
Service. The service challenge will launch in fall 2024 and will run until December 16, 2025.
Centennial Alumni Receptions: The Fraternity will be hosting Centennial Alumni Receptions starting in fall 2024. Alumni associations interested in co-hosting a reception can reach out to Bob London at executive. director@apo.org. There will be criteria for selecting locations including a 75-mile radius to a donor base.
Founder’s Day of Service: On December 16, 2025, the Fraternity will invite brothers across the US and Canada to dedicate their time and talent creating a more peaceful world through service. Details to come in fall 2024.
Centennial Member Recognition: The Fraternity will recognize the contributions of our members to the success of the past century. Those brothers named Centennial Members will be recognized during the 49th Biennial Convention in Philadelphia, PA.
100 Member Chapter Challenge: APO chapters will have an opportunity to compete in growing membership
to the 100-member mark or increase membership by 100 percent or 25 members. This will begin in fall 2024 and run through fall 2025
Top 100 Recognition: The best of the best in Leadership, Friendship and Service will be recognized online and shared with academic institutions and service partners! Details to come in fall 2024.
100 Years of Memories: The Oral History Project is dedicated to commemorating your APO journey by sharing photos, stories, and memories related to APO. If you received a book, it can be shared with your chapters, and displayed at conferences and centennial events.
LifeWeb360 can also be a place to spotlight and share memories, stories, and photographs of those who came before us.
Remember to adjust these activities based on the resources, capabilities and preferences of your chapter, alumni associations, and community. Celebrating the centennial is an opportunity to reflect, inspire future leaders and continue our mission – to create inclusive communities for a more peaceful world in which to make a life, by developing leaders, uniting members through friendship and rendering service to all. Let us come together to honor our shared history, inspire each other, and lay the foundation for the next century of Alpha Phi Omega!
Stay connected with us through our website, social media channels, and newsletters for updates on the centennial events, initiatives, and ways to get involved.
