For service fraternity, new start brings promise of success

Students at the University can now become a brother of Bill Clinton -- a fraternity brother, that is. The Delta Zeta chapter of Alpha Phi Omega is one of the nation's largest co-ed service fraternities, which can proclaim President Clinton as an active alum from his college years at Georgetown University. The fraternity was first established in 1945 by Frank Reed Horton, a scoutmaster who wanted to create an organization which would foster brotherhood in its members while helping the less fortunate, explained APO Historian Carlos Tang, a Wharton and Engineering junior. "Alpha Phi Omega was first chartered at the University on the 20th anniversary of the founding date," Tang said. "But due to lack of support, it folded in the eighties." The fraternity has now under gone a revival on campus. "As part of the rechartering group of 27 people, we wanted to recreate an organization that is dedicated not only to service, but to foster a strong commitment towards openness and diversity in our brothers," Tang said. The fraternity serves what members affectionately call "the four C's -- the chapter, the campus, the community and the country," said College junior Desiree Martinez. "We are not just a service group or club, but a fraternity based on a close brotherhood of people who share a common goal," Martinez said. "We've impacted the community by the work we have done with them," said College senior Riz Chavelle, one of the original members of the rechartered group. The members said they have many reasons for dedicating a certain number hours per semester towards service. "I feel that I've taken a lot from the community," Martinez said. "By being in this organization, I'm giving back some of what I've taken." Alpha Phi Omega holds rush both semesters. This semester's pledge class of 14 brings the chapter's total up to 59 members.