Alpha Phi Omega, the National Coeducational Service Fraternity, was founded on December 16, 1925 on the campus of Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania by fourteen strong men.
Based on his experiences in World War I, Frank Reed Horton resolved to do his best to "help young people get the right start in life, by holding up before them a 'standard of manhood' that would withstand the test of time!" He was inspired by Herbert G. Horton (no relation), a Boy Scout Executive, to begin a college organization that continued the ideals instilled in young people by the Scout Oath and Law.
With the Cardinal Principles of Leadership, Friendship, and Service as a guide, Alpha Phi Omega was initially considered to be a collegiate fraternity exclusively for former members of the Boy Scouts of America. Later, the Scouting requirement was dropped.
Chapters of Alpha Phi Omega were chartered on the East Coast, South, Mid-West, and West Coast by 1928, with membership growing exponentially since then.
Alpha Phi Omega went truly international when the first chapters were established in the Philippines in 1950.
Women were officially admitted into the Fraternity by the National Convention of 1976. To preserve the integrity of Alpha Phi Omega's history and traditions, all members are referred to as "Brothers" on the National level.
Alpha Phi Omega is now considered the largest fraternity, with
over 275,000 members performing service worldwide.
The purpose of this Fraternity shall be to assemble college
students in a National Service Fraternity in the fellowship of principles
derived from the Scout Oath and Law of the Boy Scouts of America; to develop
Leadership, to promote Friendship and to provide Service to humanity; and to
further freedom that is our national, educational and intellectual
heritage.
- To strengthen the presence of Alpha Phi Omegaon college campuses and among its members;
- To support the spread of the Fraternity's principles and activities on collage campuses and among its members;
- To provide opportunities for its members and college students to develop effective leadership skills;
- To promote fellowship among all people;
- To provide service to humanity; and
- To further our acknowledged freedoms.
Alpha Phi Omega will be the nation's foremost campus-based,
inclusive, service-orented, leadership development organization for university
and college students by building upon its advantages and strengths as a unique
and diverse Fraternity.
This electronic document is intended for public viewing and is solely for personal reference. It should not be considered an authoritative source nor an official publication of Alpha Phi Omega. Inquiries regarding Alpha Phi Omega and its official publications may be directed to: Alpha Phi Omega, 14901 E. 42nd Street, Independence, MO, 64055 - USA.
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Alpha Phi Omega - National
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