Service fraternity celebrates 50 years

When Benjamin Franklin founded the University of Pennsylvania, he made community service one of its top priorities, according to Director of the Center for Community Partnerships Ira Harkavy. And last Friday one campus organization celebrated that commitment, as Alpha Phi Omega, a national co-ed service fraternity, commemorated its 50th anniversary at a banquet in the Gold Standard. The University's Delta Zeta chapter of APO was founded in 1945. It folded in 1971, but was rechartered in 1992 with the help of Riz Shavelle, a College senior and Daily Pennsylvanian photographer, and Michael Beyer, a professional staffer for APO. Harkavy, also an Urban Studies professor, said community service should definitely remain a top priority for the fraternity. Harkavy focused on "academically based community service" during his speech. He noted that Penn students learn from their experiences and contributions, while keeping strong relations between the University and Philadelphia. Harkavy acknowledged College senior Chamari Wijesinha as a perfect example of what Penn students can do to help the community. Wijesinha works for the Philadelphia Urban Resources Partnership and helps out the West Philadelphia Improvement Corps, which sponsors events such as building community gardens and environmental education programs. "It really makes a big difference to go out there and help the community," Wijesinha said. "It makes our neighborhood a better place to live. This is the objective of Delta Zeta." Approximately 25 members of the fraternity -- hailing from Penn and Drexel University -- attended Friday's celebration, which included dinner, speeches and dancing.