The Observer, September 19, 2008
Volume XLI, Issue 4
Have you heard about APO?
Alpha Phi Omega is one of the most diverse fraternities on campus because it's not really Greek. That means that the members of this undergraduate coed fraternity are also brothers and sisters of other Greek organizations. APO is a fraternity focused on community service.
The Case organization, the Theta Upsilon chapter, was established at the Case Institute of Technology in 1950. Back then, membership was restricted to former members of the Boy Scouts of America. The organization volunteered in various ways on campus until 1972, when they became inactive.
Since returning in 1992, APO has only been getting stronger and more diverse since the removal of previous restrictions. The tradition of inclusion has continued, and now any student who rushes will be accepted, as APO is proud to never turn any student away. They have also continued their tradition of excellence, as is seen by their National Service Awards (2002 – 2004), and they were the only non-Marfan affiliated organization to receive an award from the National Marfan Association.
APO can be seen running volunteer efforts in many places and for many purposes, ranging from Rainbow Babies to the Botanical Gardens to events for tutoring neighborhood children. However, they have also sponsored rather interesting philanthropy events like the Jail and Bail fundraiser in the spring. This is a fun treat for the students because APO locks multiple professors in a cage and donators buy their chosen professor's freedom. The professor who raises the most money chooses the charity to receive the earnings. The members of APO also have a hand in March for Marfan, Halloween at the Farm, and the biannual Study Over.
Their giving nature is summarized in their cardinal principals: leadership, friendship, service. APO, however, is not just a community service organization; it is a coed fraternity, and the "brothers" of APO take measures to promote friendship and unity among their family. They hold weekly fellowship events and service projects in which brothers may choose to participate. The service requirement for the semester is 20 hours, and there are a great variety of events and service opportunities.
APO will also be holding a tutoring event Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Covenant.Visit apo.case.edu for more information about the organization including fees, links, calendars, and more.
