APO members gather to take a group picture at their petitioning ceremony as they began the process of becoming a chapter. Photo courtesy of APO.
BY ASHLEY BAKER, FEATURES EDITOR
During the past year, it is likely that students noticed the addition of a new Greek RSO on campus, which is quite rare for Bellarmine. The addition of Alpha Phi Omega has brought something new to campus: an international service fraternity that originated from the Boy Scouts of America. Molly Stoddart, the Vice President of Membership, describes,
“APO is an international service fraternity based on the three pillars of leadership, friendship, and service,” said Molly Stoddart, APO vice president of membership.
With goals to build leaders through service, APO members are putting time and talents into various service opportunities to create a better nation, community and campus.
Stoddart summed up what APO does: “Basically, we do service events and have a good time,” Stoddart said.
APO will officially receive its charter on Sept. 17, meaning that APO will be recognized by the organization’s national office. This allows the members to be “real” brothers in the fraternity. Active member Danielle Belvoix said the charter will allow APO to accomplish its goals and spread its message.
“This means that we become an official chapter in our section and in the nation. We also are able to do more activities as a chapter and have stronger presence on campus, meaning we can do more PR events, more service, and more recruitment opportunities,” Belvoix said.
For a Greek organization, receiving the coveted charter and becoming an official APO chapter is a massive honor, especially because that chapter is still new and in developmental stages. With this change, it is likely that the fraternity will have to make some adjustments.
Stoddart said one of the biggest adjustments for APO members will be figuring out what it’s like to be a part of a Greek organization.
“Most of us have never been a part of Greek life and are figuring out how it all works. I think getting into a rhythm on how we are running the chapter will bring change,” Stoddart said
With the new charter, members hope to continue their service projects with the goal of becoming the “go-to” RSO on campus to team up with for service work. APO hit the ground running and has planned some events throughout the fall semester to benefit several charities. These include trash pick-ups, attending the Out of Darkness walk and helping Supplies Over Seas.
“We do any project that one of our members brings forward and wants to do,” Stoddart said.
However, isn’t all about service projects. Fellowship is just as important to the new chapter. Establishing a close bond with one another is incredibly important to the group.
“We take our bonds with our brothers very seriously and make the effort to know everyone by name and something personal about them. That’s one of the things I love about APO, how personal we can be and how strong of friends you can be with everyone in the chapter,” Belvoix said.
APO is constantly working to improve the bonds within the chapter, as well as each individual’s strengths. Throughout the semester, the group will often get together and plan game nights, trips to play laser tag and other fun, team-building activities. APO leaders said they’ll even have a Brotherhood Retreat at Climb Nulu, a rock-climbing facility in downtown Louisville.
“We always have something at least once a week,” Belvoix said.
The group also hopes to get involved with other Greek RSOs by becoming involved in Greek Weekend this year, which takes place from Sept. 23 to 25. This event will not only allow APO members to grow closer through all of the events planned for the weekend, but it will also allow them to establish a closer relationship with the other Greek organizations on Bellarmine’s campus.
APO also plans to participate in service projects with the other Greek RSOs as well, but no plans have been finalized.
The fraternity wants to gain many new members during its fall rush. The group is still very new to the campus and has caught the attention of many. People, especially freshman, are constantly looking for ways to get involved. The group allows members of other Greek organizations to join theirs as well.
Rush week starts Sept. 26. Members will hold several events to allow anyone interested to get a look at what the fraternity is all about.
“APO doesn’t cut members because we believe everyone should have the opportunity to serve and lead others,” Stoddart said.
APO has a wide variety of majors and personalities, which allows them to always gain new perspectives and have more fun. Belvoix said she sees a bright future for the fraternity because of the people who make it what it is.
“I see our chapter growing significantly in size and becoming successful in the Bellarmine community,” Belvoix said. “All the charter members all have a passion for APO, and will do just about anything to make it thrive.”
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