Alpha Phi Omega is a National Service Fraternity—college students gathered together in an
organization based on fraternalism and founded on the principles of the Boy Scouts of America.
Our purpose is to develop leadership, promote friendship, and provide service to humanity.
OVERVIEW
Alpha Phi Omega is the single most represented co-educational intercollegiate service organization in the United States and is the only national fraternity devoted to volunteerism. Since 1925, more than 470,000 students on 375 college campuses have chosen Alpha Phi Omega, making it the nation’s largest Greek letter fraternity. We continue to provide more service on more campuses than any other collegiate service organization. Founded on the cardinal principles of leadership, friendship and service, Alpha Phi Omega provides its members the opportunity to develop leadership skills as they volunteer on their campus, in their community, to the nation, and to the organization.
Leadership
Alpha Phi Omega develops the leadership skills of its members through shared leadership. Leaders are the architects of their own ambitions and have the opportunity to develop themselves. Members have the opportunity to serve as executive officers or committee chairs by planning and executing any number of volunteer projects and social programs. The Fraternity has several leadership development programs to help brothers become better leaders by developing their own personal skills as well as learning more about chapter operations.
Friendship
Alpha Phi Omega is a fraternal organization. Shared experiences provide a basis for our brotherhood. The goal of our fellowship program is to strengthen the chapter by bringing all members closer together and forming lifelong friendships. Fellowship activities range from structured events, such as membership retreats and alumni banquets, to informal gatherings in our office between classes or on Campus Corner after chapter meetings.
Service
As a National Service Fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega is the only national fraternity with service as its primary mission. Our chapter service program provides many opportunities for the development of social awareness, friendships, and leadership skills. Participation in our service program helps make Alpha Phi Omega the unique fraternal organization that it is. Members have the opportunity to offer ideas for projects and to see them implemented. Alpha Phi Omega’s service program is directed to four areas: campus, community, nation, and members.
FRATERNITY SYMBOLS
In the early days of Alpha Phi Omega, the founders chose recognizable objects that would represent the spirit of the cardinal principles of leadership, friendship, and service. They selected items of historical and traditional value and notability. The meaning and definitions of these symbols have not changed and likely never will.
Coat of Arms
The ideals of Alpha Phi Omega are embodied in our coat of arms. As everyone who has passed through the ritual knows, the symbolism of the coat of arms stands for the very purpose of our brotherhood.
Fraternity Torch
Our logo features a torch, the symbol of higher education, with a bowl in the shape of one of the Fraternity pin’s triangular sides. The single flame rising from the bowl has three parts, representing the Fraternity’s unified expression of the three cardinal principles of leadership, friendship, and service.
Diamond
The Fraternity jewel is the diamond. The most precious of all gemstones representing brilliance, luster, always increasing in value, and an expression of the greatest gift of love when given.
Forget-me-Not
The official flower of APO is the Forget-me-Not. A perennial flower with royal blue blossoms. It is everlasting, always remembered.
Royal Blue
The color of blue is a royal blue color. It is elegant, a sign of pure deed and thought. A color in the Nation’s flag.
Service Pin
This badge, worn by thousands of brothers of Alpha Phi Omega,
is the “Emblem of Campus Service.” Students and faculty alike recognize and respect the activities for which it stands.
Golden Eagle
The 1976 National Convention declared the golden eagle as a Fraternity symbol. The golden eagle symbolizes strength, gracefulness, keenness of vision, and endurance.
Oak Tree
Everyone has probably heard from a parent or mentor at least once the story of the sturdy oak that grew from a small acorn. The oak is stately, sturdy, and sheltering.
Old Glory Gold
The color of gold is called old glory gold. A color also found in the National flag (fringe and tassels). It represents high value, respect, royalty, and a sign of love.
OUR CHAPTER
The University of Oklahoma chapter of Alpha Phi Omega is known as Delta Beta. Founded in 1942, we believe in promoting community amongst our members by carrying out service projects together, hosting social events, and participating in mentoring programs. Interested in joining our brotherhood of passionate students? We hold recruitment for new members at the beginning of each semester.