FROM THE FRATERNITY
Dear Brothers,
I hope this message finds you well and proud of the incredible legacy we share as members of Alpha Phi Omega. It is with great excitement that I invite you to join us for a once-in-a-lifetime gathering — the 2025 National Convention and Centennial Celebration, where we will commemorate 100 years of Leadership, Friendship and Service! This historic event will take place December 27-30 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and trust me, you will want to be there when we make history together.
Why should you be there? Because this is more than a Convention — it’s a celebration of YOU, of US, our brotherhood and the future we’re building together.
I still remember the very first National Convention I attended. I was a nervous, wide-eyed college student, unsure of what to expect and excited to represent my chapter What I found was a place filled with people who instantly felt like family. People who spoke the same language of service and cared about the same things I did. I left that Convention with new skills and ideas, along with friendships that have lasted to this day. In fact, some of those brothers I met way back then will be standing alongside me at this Convention — and I want you to be there too!
At this National Convention, you’ll reconnect with brothers from around the world, celebrate our rich history and be inspired by dynamic speakers and learning labs designed for the next century of service. Most importantly, you’ll be part of the once-in-a-lifetime celebration as Alpha Phi Omega marks 100 years.
Your presence matters. This is our collective milestone — and we want you there to be part of it
Register today! Spots are filling quickly, and this is one celebration you simply can’t miss. Gather your fellow alumni, chapter members and friends and make it a reunion. Bring your stories, your spirit and your APO pride as we honor the past and boldly embrace the future.
The Centennial only happens once in a lifetime. Say yes to being part of it. Trust me, you’ll leave with new friends, new stories and new reasons to be proud of being a member of Alpha Phi Omega.
I can’t wait to see you there as we celebrate 100 years of APO — and launch the next 100 together.
Yours in Leadership, Friendship and Service,
Melody A. Martin Delta Alpha ’97 National President
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Robert J. London, FASAE, CAE
WRITER/EDITOR
Emma-Marie Holstine
MAGAZINE COORDINATOR
Madeline Gilbert
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Kelly Neis
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Melody A. Martin Grand Rapids, OH
NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
Disraeli W. Smith II, MBA, MPP Orlando, FL
NATIONAL TREASURER
Chris Meschuk Louisville, CO
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jennifer R. Headman, Ph. D. Sioux Falls, SD
Susan Klusmeier, Ed. D. Kansas City, MO
Jéri L. Ogden, Ed. D. Hyattsville, MD
Candice Solomon-Strutz Savoy, IL
Bex Takacs-Britz Grand Rapids, MI
Kenneth Anthony Tinkler, Esq., B.C.S. Tampa, FL
Kimberlee Castillo Yee Stockton, CA
IMMEDIATE PAST
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Robert M. Coop, P.E. Westfield, IN
PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Fred C. Heismeyer III, Ed.D. Wichita, KS
NATIONAL LEGAL COUNSEL
Jennifer Znosko, J.D. St. Louis, MO
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Robert J. London, FASAE, CAE Kansas City, MO
COVER STORY
A Century in the Making
Join us for the celebration of a lifetime as APO marks its Centennial milestone.
FEATURES
14 Rooted in Service
Discover how our brotherhood continues to expand and thrive across new campuses.
DEPARTMENTS
16 Congratulations Class of 2025!
Celebrate the achievements of our newest graduates as they embark on their next adventures.
18 Leading the Way
Learn how you can help build APO’s future while honoring our first 100 years.
4 Torch Talk
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.
Discover important board decisions, honor a beloved brother’s legacy and learn about our exciting new partnership.
8 A Life Built on Service
Meet a brother who’s shaping young minds through the magic of children’s literature.
NATIONWIDE FRATERNITY
NOTES FROM THE JUNE BOARD MEETING
The following summarizes the actions taken at the meeting of the Alpha Phi Omega Board of Directors on June 7, 2025.
The Board approved the agenda and adopted a consent agenda which included:
• Minutes from the March 8, 2025, meeting.
PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS
• President Martin provided an update on the APO Philippine Convention.
• The Board was informed that the Canadian Alpha Chapter is not interested in continuing and can be declared null and void by the next Board meeting.
STRATEGIC DISCUSSION
• The Board discussed how to improve progress toward attaining the Fraternity’s goals. They concluded that bold new methods and tactics must be employed to continue moving in the Fraternity’s Strategic Direction.
ACTION ITEMS
• The 2025-2026 Budget was approved.
• The Board approved the committee’s recommendation for the 2025 Fall Pledge Class Namesake Honoree.
• The Board approved the Executive Director to list the leased portion of the National Office for sale.
DICSUSSION AND INFORMATION ITEMS
• Updates were provided on the upcoming Chapter President’s Academy, National Convention and new service partnerships.
• Operational updates were provided about the increase in conversion of new members to initiates, membership numbers and the upcoming fall term.
YOUR MIND MATTERS
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Hilton Hallock
Alpha Phi Omega mourns the loss of Brother Hilton Hallock, Ph.D., Alpha Zeta Chi ’10, who passed away on May 5, 2025. Her life was a clear picture of Leadership, Friendship and Service.
As a member of Alpha Phi Omega’s Board of Directors since 2021, Brother Hallock brought invaluable higher education expertise during the challenging postpandemic period. She helped the Board navigate the rapidly changing times. Her guidance helped steer Alpha Phi Omega through these unprecedented obstacles with wisdom and compassion.
“Serving on the Board with Hilton was such an honor. She always brought a breadth of knowledge from the higher education perspective,” said Brother Jéri L. Ogden, Ed.D., Zeta Phi Chapter ’07. “Her commitment to be on calls that were held very early local time in Alaska was worth admiring.”
Apart from APO, Brother Hallock held a distinguished career that included serving as Alaska Pacific University’s
provost since 2018 and acting president since 2021. Under her leadership, APU transformed into an Alaska Native university, developing innovative programs to address Alaska’s workforce needs. Her previous roles at the University of Virginia, Longwood College, New England College and the University of Pennsylvania showcased her commitment to educational excellence and legacy of transformative leadership.
Brother Hallock’s approach to leadership was rooted in service to others. She understood that being a true leader means creating opportunities for growth and building systems that benefit communities long-term. Her service through her career, and outside of it, demonstrated humility and genuine collaboration.
Brother Hallock’s compassion, determination and empathy touched countless lives. Her legacy continues through the institutions she strengthened, the students she mentored, and the countless APO members that she imparted her wisdom and guidance upon.
UNLOCK YOUR LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL
Alpha Phi Omega is thrilled to announce a partnership with Gallup’s CliftonStrengths for Leaders program, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to leadership development. Alpha Phi Omega members will have access to a discounted subscription to CliftonStrengths for Leaders through this partnership. This collaboration represents Alpha Phi Omega’s dedication to innovation and empowering our members by fostering their innate talents and guiding them to harness their strengths in impactful ways. CliftonStrengths is a game-changer in leadership circles worldwide, and by integrating this proven approach, we aim to enrich our Leadership Development Program.
The CliftonStrengths for Leaders program transformed the leadership landscape this summer at the 2025 Chapter Presidents Academy. Current and aspiring chapter presidents gathered on the Georgia Institute of Technology
campus, where they received comprehensive assessments revealing their top 10 talent themes. This experience enhanced individual leadership capabilities and empowered officers to leverage diverse strengths for greater success in their chapter operations.
By recognizing and utilizing the unique talents of each member, Alpha Phi Omega chapters will cultivate a more cohesive and dynamic organizational culture that is well-equipped to address contemporary challenges with confidence and strategic insight. We are excited to see how Alpha Phi Omega chapters integrate the CliftonStrengths for Leaders program into their operations!
The Fraternity plans to roll out the CliftonStrengths for Leaders program in the fall for all chapters and alumni associations. If you would like early access to this offer, please email registration@apo.org.
Students discuss their leadership strengths at the 2025 Chapter Presidents Academy
SUPPORT STUDENTS, EMPOWER COMMUNITIES with
Alpha Phi Omega is proud to partner with Schoolhouse. world: a free, peer-to-peer tutoring platform that is changing lives around the globe. Now, APO members can serve as volunteer tutors in the College Admissions and SAT Workshops, making the college admissions process more accessible.
This is your chance to live the Cardinal Principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service in a whole new way!
Start tutoring today and help students reach tomorrow.
Iota Rho Chapter at Flordia State University
Delta Delta Chapter at St. Louis University
Fellow officers at Chapter Presidents Academy
A Life Built on Service
Jill Eisenberg, Omicron Phi ’05, was no stranger to service when she joined Alpha Phi Omega. Growing up in the Boston suburbs, she was raised with a strong service mindset. The high school she attended reinforced this foundation with a graduation requirement for community service hours. “Not that I needed that excuse, but it was a lovely way to get students to think about organizations beyond their own campus,” she reflected. Some of the early service projects she enjoyed were river cleanups, volunteering in local schools and other community work, quickly surpassing the required service hours because of her genuine heart for service.
When Jill arrived at the University of Richmond, like many freshmen, she wanted to get involved with campus organizations. There was a large Greek life presence at the university, but she wasn’t sure if it was the place for her. However, when she discovered APO, it seemed like, “the best of both worlds, where you get a little bit of that fraternity element with a big emphasis on service,” she said. Eisenberg appreciated how, even as early as college, being a part of APO connected her to the city of Richmond, Virginia. She says, “It helped pierce that college bubble and gave bigger context to what issues are top of mind for the city of Richmond.” She describes the community of Omicron Phi Chapter as very strong, and it’s where she found some of her best friends. She sought opportunities for service with her brothers outside of the required hours, loving the way they all enjoyed serving the community.
Jill’s senior year of college finally came around, and she was trying to figure out what she wanted her future to look like. She knew she didn’t want to go immediately to graduate school or start a traditional job, so she sought an unconventional path. The leadership opportunities and service of Alpha Phi Omega helped cultivate a desire to serve others in her career. With her background in leadership and service, she was a compelling candidate for a Fulbright Fellowship, a prestigious program that funds
international study, research or teaching to promote cross-cultural exchange. Eisenberg accepted and after graduating from the University of Richmond, she flew off to Taiwan to teach English. In Taiwan, she experienced education and service in a different way than she had before. “I was blown away by the way they approach educational outcomes for students of different classes, communities and cultures,” she said. After Taiwan, she served as a teacher in San Jose, California, for Teach for America. Both experiences grew her knowledge of the education system and her desire to be involved in education long-term. When talking about her experience with both Fulbright and Teach for America, she says, “They were very grounded in service, it felt like a really natural extension of what I was building and experiencing at the University of Richmond through Alpha Phi Omega.”
Eisenberg had been using Lee & Low books, the largest children’s book publisher specializing in diversity and multiculturalism in the United States, in her classrooms long before she realized what an impact the publishing company would have on her life. She had used many of their books in lessons and shared them with other teachers. Now, she is the vice president of business development, curriculum and literacy strategy for Lee & Low. During her time at Lee & Low, she has worked to develop a literacy team that creates guides to go alongside the books they publish, at no cost to teachers. Her aim with this project has been to break down barriers between teachers and students and to increase equity and access to strong literature. “It’s so much bigger than any one of us,” Eisenberg reflects on the mission of Lee & Low.
For current students and future service leaders, Eisenberg offers practical wisdom based on her life experience. “If you are able
Lee & Low Books Eisenbergt frequently used in her classroom.
to find a job that does have a direct social impact, it’s important to stay connected to some part of that mission,” she says. However, she emphasizes that meaningful service isn’t limited to mission-driven careers. “APO is a great example of having service in your life outside of your work.”
She encourages thinking broadly about service and leadership impact, “The way you show up for your team, the way you lead, that makes a huge difference on your team and their support. Leading doesn’t mean we all have to be generals. There’s a lot of ways to quietly lead, to quietly inspire, and that can have a big impact wherever you are.” She notes that college is such a unique time to forge friendships, and encourages current students to take advantage of that.
Jill Eisenberg embodies Alpha Phi Omega’s Cardinal Principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service. Her work at Lee & Low Books reflects the same bridge-building spirit that first drew her to APO — connecting communities, cultures and classrooms while ensuring diverse stories reach students and teachers everywhere. As she reflects upon her APO experience, Eisenberg demonstrates how the Fraternity’s foundation of service can grow into a career that makes a lasting impact — one story, one student, one teacher at a time.
A Century in the making THE 2025 NATIONAL CONVENTION
As an alum of Alpha Phi Omega, you’re not just part of our history — you ARE our history. Every service project you led, every friendship you forged, every moment of leadership you demonstrated has woven itself into the tapestry of our extraordinary century-long legacy. Now, we invite you to help us write the most momentous chapter yet: Alpha Phi Omega’s Centennial Celebration at the 2025 National Convention.
This isn’t just another Convention it’s the culmination of everything we’ve built together over 100 years. You’ll witness celebrations that honor our past, and the future you helped create through your unwavering commitment to Leadership, Friendship and Service.
You are the living bridge between our founders’ vision and tomorrow’s possibilities. Your experiences carry the wisdom of decades, your stories hold the keys to our future, and your presence connects the brothers who came before with those who will carry our vision of a more peaceful world forward. You’ve spent years embodying our Cardinal Principles now come celebrate how those principles will shape the next century of service. The 2025 B National Convention isn’t complete without the alumni who built the foundation we stand on today. WE NEED YOU THERE TO PASS THE TORCH, SHARE YOUR LEGACY AND WITNESS THE INCREDIBLE FUTURE YOU’VE MADE POSSIBLE!
DECEMBER2730,2025 PHILADELPHIA,PA
WHY ATTEND?
DECEMBER2730,2025 PHILADELPHIA,PA
Connect and reconnect with brothers you haven’t seen in years while meeting new ones who share your values. Whether you’re a long-standing volunteer or an alum looking to reignite the flame, there will be programming for all aspects of the alumni journey. The bonds of brotherly love exceed time, and Convention is the perfect place to strengthen those connections.
Make a lasting impact by sharing your experience and wisdom with brothers eager to learn from your journey. You’ll have the chance to mentor the next generation while building meaningful relationships that extend far beyond Convention weekend.
Celebrate our past and future as we honor 100 years of Leadership, Friendship and Service. From time capsules to special ceremonies, you’ll participate in celebrations that will be remembered for generations The parties, discussions and commemorative experiences are designed to create memories worthy of this historic milestone.
Serve alongside brothers across all fields: to the campus, community, nation and fraternity. Whether you’re helping local Philadelphia organizations or supporting Convention operations, you’ll embody the service ideals that define our brotherhood.
Be part of APO history in a way that will resonate for generations. Fifty years from now, APO members may not know every detail of your individual impact, but they will absolutely know you were part of the 100th Celebration. You’ll have the opportunity to leave messages for future generations and ensure your place in the continuing narrative of Alpha Phi Omega You’ll share in brotherly love with hundreds of brothers from across the country, participating in what promises to be the largest Toast Song ever sung. Some moments only come once don’t let this one pass you by.
PRICING
The prices below are early bird rates and will increase at 11:59 PM CT on October 31, 2025. Payment plans are available through September 1!
•Society of Life Members: $350
•Society of Life Members Single Day (12/30): $175
• General Alumni: $375
•General Alumni Single Day (12/30):$185
Visit www.apo.org/convention for guest and student packages, late registration pricing, add-on merch and more!
CAN'T STAY? NO PROBLEM
- JOIN US FOR THE DAY!
You can still be a part of the fun if you have prior commitments holding you back from attending the entire four-day celeb!
With the single-day registration you will get: TWO chef-prepared meals at the APO through the Ages Luncheon and the Closing Celebration banquet, APO swag, all-day access to learning and events, and an invite to our 100th birthday party that evening following the banquet!
EXPERIENCES YOU CAN’T MISS
Kickoff Celebration
The Kickoff Celebration will set the stage for an unforgettable four days. Launch into Convention with an evening of live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and the buzz of hundreds of brothers reconnecting. This will be your first chance of many to catch up with old friends, meet new ones and hear exclusive announcements and updates.
APO through the Ages Panel
Our distinguished panel of Past National Presidents will share behind-the-scenes insights from pivotal moments in our fraternity’s history and unveil their bold vision for APO’s next century of service during the APO Through the Ages Panel. Experience this inspiring conversation over a chef-prepared, plated meal while dining alongside fellow brothers. Together, we’ll honor APO’s rich heritage while charting an exciting course toward our fraternity’s next 100 years.
Time Capsule
The APO Time Capsule will be an intentional bridge between generations of members, connecting us with those who will carry APO forward into its next century. Attendees will have the opportunity to contribute items that represent your unique contribution to APO. These artifacts will create a rich tapestry of our diversity and impact!
Service Opportunities
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the heart of what makes APO extraordinary SERVICE! This Convention is about celebrating our past and living our values, together. You’ll have incredible opportunities to serve alongside brothers from across the globe - in ways both big and small!
APO’s 100th Birthday Celebration
Join us after the Celebration Banquet for an unforgettable 100th birthday party that’s taking over multiple rooms with something amazing for every brother! From challenging trivia that’ll test your fraternity knowledge to cutting into a spectacular birthday cake, plus surprise activities you won’t want to miss. This once-in-a-lifetime celebration promises memories you’ll be talking about for decades don’t let this historic night pass you by!
CLICK HERE for a word from your brothers in Philly
WHERE TO STAY?
You get the chance to stay in the beautiful Philadelphia Marriott Downtown hotel. It’s located in the heart of Philadelphia, offering easy access to popular attractions and keeping you on-site so that you can get the most out of Convention.
By attending Convention, you get the exclusive room rate of $120 per night for a single, double, triple or quad room. This is a fantastic rate, as the standard rate for this hotel ranges from $400-475 per night — talk about a deal!
As we stand at the threshold of APO’s second century, your participation in this historic Convention isn’t just about celebration — it’s about continuation of legacy. The bonds you formed, the leadership skills you developed and the service heart you have cultivated have shaped who you’ve become and the ways you contribute to the Fraternity.
This Convention is YOUR opportunity to reconnect with APO and help shape our future — DON’T MISS OUT ON THE CHANCE TO MAKE YOUR MARK ON APO’S LEGACY!
Rooted in Service, Reaching New Campuses!
Alpha Phi Omega has stood as a beacon of Leadership, Friendship and Service for nearly 100 years. That light has grown brighter this school year with the chartering of three new chapters. The continuous growth of APO is a testament to the unwavering support of its members and leaders, continuously propelling the organization towards its goals. These chapters’ perseverance are not just stories of personal growth, but reflections of the power of APO’s principles in action.
Alpha Theta Pi Chapter at National
University
chartered on April 7, 2025, with 16 new members and five advisors, as Alpha Phi Omega’s first-ever fully virtual campus. Alpha Theta
Pi represents a significant milestone in APO’s history as it is a completely unique chapter structure with all members participating virtually. This group found new ways to connect with each other and hold chapter events. They held virtual “happy hours” where members could network and build friendships; they completed serviceprojects individually and then had collective debriefs to talk about their experiences. National Extension Chair, Brother Melissa Donndelinger, Nu Pi, ’06, said that she enjoyed how collaborative and invested everyone was in the success of the students as she coached them through the extension process, “My favorite thing as an alumni volunteer is watching that ‘aha’ moment happen in someone ’ s eye... when they realize that being a member of this brotherhood is bigger than simply being a member.”
Omega Chi Chapter at Jacksonville State
University rechartered on Saturday, April 19, 2025, with 34 new members. Over the course of the semester, they completed many service projects and have been a strong force for good in their community. Omega Chi’s extension coach, Brother Trey Ivory, Phi Zeta ’19,
shared his favorite part of their extension process, “The most enjoyable part of this extension process was the eagerness of the students, as well as the advisors, to be of service to their campus and community. They prided themselves on making sure they executed their service projects effectively and continuously put their best foot forward.” This commitment to excellence shines through in their continued service and dedication to Leadership, Friendship and Service.
Alpha Theta Omicron Chapter at Florida
SouthWestern State College chartered on November 22, 2024. They celebrated with 34 new members dedicated to making their community a better place. As a two-year college, Alpha Theta Omicron faced unique challenges in their chartering journey, however, they worked together to overcome those obstacles. As Alpha Theta Omicron’s extension coach, Brother Kevin
Yue, Epsilon Mu ’98, got to see the chapter work through these challenges. He said, “Seeing them gel and work togethe and watching the spark of brotherhood within them were some of the best parts of the extension process. It’s not an easy journey, but one that is well worth it.”
The growth of APO onto new campuses and to the virtual realm has an impact at the local level and beyond. These new chapters play a large role in creating more inclusive communities, developing leaders and uniting members across APO.
The continued support of alumni remains a cornerstone to the success and health of chapters. Alumni participation whether through financial contributions, mentorship or involvement with local chapters — correlates to APO’s growing footprint and the expansion of our mission.
Looking toward the future, APO remains steadfast in our commitment to growth and innovation. Always focusing on expanding our reach and increasing inclusivity, fostering peace through leadership and service. We envision a future where APO continues to lead by example, cultivating communities rich in empathy and service.
If you are interested in supporting future chapters and learning about being a coach, email chapter_services@apo.org
Omega Chi Chapter participating in an event for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Beach cleanup with Alpha Theta Omicron Chapter
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Alpha Alpha Chapter at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Omega Psi Chapter at Jackson State University
Pi Epsilon Chapter at Alabama A&M University
Phi Zeta Chapter at Fort Valley State University
Alpha Eta Rho Chapter at Ohio UniversityLancaster
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Kappa Theta Chapter at Wake Forest University
Alpha Eta Zeta Chapter at Clayton State University
Theta Theta Chapter at Centre College
Alpha Zeta Beta Chapter at the University of Hartford
Zeta Phi Chapter at Howard University
Alpha Theta Omicron Chapter at Florida
SouthWestern State College
Lambda Delta Chapter at the New Jersey Institute of Technology
Leading the Way Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
For nearly one hundred years, Alpha Phi Omega has inspired more than 525,000 members to embrace servant leadership, build inclusive communities and dedicate themselves to service. The Centennial Capital Campaign celebrates our legacy while ensuring that Frank Reed Horton’s founding vision — a more peaceful world shaped by leaders in service — continues to thrive!
The Centennial Campaign is a direct response to the evolving needs of students and chapters. Supporting the success of the next generation begins with securing the Fraternity’s financial future. To achieve this, the Fraternity launched the Leading the Way Campaign, a capital campaign designed to provide a strong financial foundation for years ahead.
Help us cross the finish line by the end of the calendar year! You can leave your legacy by participating in the Centennial Campaign, just as the members before us laid the foundation for today.
The Fraternity is currently accepting three-year pledges toward the Leading the Way Campaign. All donors will be honored with recognition included in our Centennial Time Capsule, which will be sealed at the conclusion of our 49th National Convention in Philadelphia. The Centennial Campaign embodies our Cardinal Principles — Leadership, Friendship and Service — by ensuring that every contribution creates a lasting legacy.
Your generosity and support of our mission are charting a course for strong leaders serving in our communities –— we are defining the next century of leadership and service! Visit our campaign page to learn more https://apo.org/ leadingtheway/.
Leading the Way Campaign Goals
Student Conference Fund
$750,000
Leadership Programming Endowment
$2,500,000
$2,000,000
Torchbearer Fund
$750,000
$6,000,000
2025
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1441 E. 104th St., Ste. 105 Kansas City, MO 64131
summer2007
The Summer 2007 Torch & Trefoil featured Alpha Zeta Chapter at the University of Kentucky participating in their very first “Dance Blue Marathon.” At this event, there was no sitting or sleeping for 24 hours — just music and dancing that helped raise more than $123,000 for the Pediatric Oncology Center at the University of Kentucky!