A Brief History of Alpha Phi Omega
The fraternity of Alpha Phi Omega was founded by Frank Reed Horton, a senior at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. A veteran of WWI, F.R. Horton was involved in trying court martial cases in his naval division. After witnessing several young soldiers running wild and getting into trouble, he made a firm decision to do something to help give direction to the country's youth.
After returning from the war, he attended Lafayette College and became acquainted with another former naval officer named Herbert G. Horton (no relation). H.G. was involved with the local Boy Scouts and helped F.R. become associated with them as well, placing him as a Deputy Scout Commissioner and even as a scoutmaster.
After consulting many other men in his position, many of which had a background in scouting, F.R. decided on the formation of a new fraternity based upon the foundation of scouting. The name, Alpha Phi Omega, was created along with the Greek motto and meaning, handclasp, coat-of-arms, pin, constitution, and by-laws, by a group of F.R.'s fellow students. The petition for formation of the group was approved and on December 16, 1925, the first Ritual Initiation was conducted at Brainerd Hall, second floor, and Alpha Phi Omega was born.
VISION
To be recognized as the premier service-based leadership development organization.
MISSION
Prepare campus and community leaders through service.
VALUES
Develop leadership, promote friendship, and provide service.
OBJECTIVES
Share Grow Improve Invest