Photo provided by Lauren Runkle/APO
By Grace Tesoro, Staff Writer
Susquehanna University’s chapter of Alpha Phi Omega (APO) offers its members opportunities in service, education and personal growth every year.
Each spring, Alpha Phi Omega hosts their recruitment week, so students can learn more about the organization and each individual member. Rush week for APO started Monday, Feb. 3rd with a general interest and information meeting about the fraternity.
Micaela Castro and Lauren Runkle became brothers of Alpha Phi Omega in the spring of 2019. This semester they joined the APO Executive Board as New Member Educators.
“As New Member Educators, Lauren and I plan all the recruitment events and we educate the new members to make sure that they have a smooth transition into our organization,” Castro said.
As a brother, it is a requirement to complete 30 hours of service work a semester. Runkle explained that ‘personal responsibility’ is one of the main qualities that a member learns through being a part of APO.
“30 hours can seem daunting but figuring out what works for you and your schedule will make it less intimidating,” Runkle said.
Castro shared that the aspect of ‘brotherhood’ is another concept that brothers of APO discover through volunteering together and participating in fellowships and events with one another
“We really try to get to know each other. This is something we want to continue this semester for the new members to make them feel more comfortable,” Castro said.
One of APO’s unique qualities is that there are several philanthropies, not just one, that the organization supports. Some of the services that APO participates in are Grayson View Bingo, Ashburn Animals, YMCA, Riverwoods, Mostly Mutts, Far Point and St. Paul’s Youth Group.
Each brother can participate in any of these projects where they serve neighboring communities and make strong connections with people who need the extra help. Whether it is working on a barn, walking dogs, watching children after school or playing bingo at an assisted living center, the simplicity of having more hands goes a long way.
“One of my favorite projects is Riverwoods. It is a retirement center and every Sunday we go assist elderly in wheelchairs to mass. I also enjoy Grayson View Bingo, playing bingo with the elderly,” Castro said.
Every Wednesday, APO holds their chapter at 10 p.m. in Faylor Hall.
Runkle and Castro are hopeful to welcome new members into APO with open arms.
“We are really passionate about community service and we want to show the new members that passion,” Runkle said.
According to the official APO website, Alpha Phi Omega was founded by Frank Reed Horton in 1925 at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania. Horton had become a Scoutmaster during his time at Lafayette.
His passion for the Scout Law and Scout Oath inspired him to gather a group of men to form the fraternity known as Alpha Phi Omega to work to create a better world through service.
Alpha Phi Omega is one of the many Greek organizations that Susquehanna has to offer. APO is Susquehanna’s only co-ed fraternity. Although the fraternity had been exclusively for men, Alpha Phi Omega started recognizing women as ‘brothers’ in 1976, according to the site.
APO holds “Leadership, Friendship, Service” as their three core values that all brothers must continue to uphold after being initiated into the fraternity. These three values help foster a friendly, service-oriented, and passionate environment.