Alpha Phi Omega (APO) is the largest co-educational intercollegiate service organization in the United States. Founded in 1925 by Frank Reed Horton, APO is committed to developing leadership, promoting friendship, and providing service to humanity. The Kappa Theta chapter at Wake Forest University was founded in 1952. Our lounge is located adjacent to Luter residence hall on the south end of campus. The purpose of Alpha Phi Omega shall be to assemble college students in a national service fraternity in the fellowship of principles derived from the Scout Oath and Law of the Boy Scouts of America; to develop leadership, to promote friendship and to provide service to humanity; and to further the freedom that is our national educational and intellectual heritage.
Project Pumpkin is just one of the many campus-wide events that APO participates in every year.
“APO has had a huge impact on my four years at Wake. It’s provided me opportunities to develop my leadership, serve my community, challenge my assumptions, and create long-lasting friendships along the way.” - Justin Dorazio ‘18
What service opportunities are available?
Service to the brotherhood, college, community, and nation are at the forefront of APO’s mission. By providing regular volunteers to participate in various service events, our 100+ members comprise Wake’s largest service organization. A weekly calendar of events--including Campus Kitchen shifts, Wake Saturdays, Campus Garden, the Forsyth Animal Shelter, El Buen Pastor tutoring, campus-wide philanthropy events, and many more--makes finding meaningful service opportunities easy. With a required 25 hours per semester, brothers take advantage of every opportunity to make a difference at Wake, the Winston-Salem community, and beyond.
Rise Against Hunger is a meal packaging event that takes place every Fall semester. APO partners with another campus organization to put on the event.
What are the requirements?
After completing a rush and pledging process, which is both very similar and different to other fraternities/sororities, a brother must obtain at least 25 service hours , 25 social hours, 4 DEI (diversity, equity, & inclusion) hours, and attend required chapter events and meetings per semester. More specific details on the rush and pledging requirements will be released before the start of each new rush period.
Some of APO's biggest events during rushing semesters include Bid Day, Initiation, Big/Little Reveal, and Induction.
Does APO do more than service?
Although service is the main aspect of Alpha Phi Omega, leadership and friendship are also crucial to the success of our chapter. Brothers can serve as officers, on the executive board, or as members of various committees during his or her time in APO. Whether you like designing t-shirts or planning service events, there is a place in APO to develop leadership skills while utilizing your talents. Major semesterly events such as formal, beach weekend, and mountain weekend allow the brotherhood to bond through fun trips and social gatherings. Whether you are grabbing a bite to eat in the pit, driving to Cookout on Wednesday night, or watching a movie in the lounge, a full schedule of smaller social events throughout the week provides ample opportunity to hang out with and meet new brothers.
Mountain Weekend, Fall 2017
“APO has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people who love service and who have taught me so much about myself and the world.” - Katheryn Tripeny ‘18
Who is in APO?
The Kappa Theta chapter of APO is comprised of Wake students of different genders, classes, backgrounds, ethnicities, majors, and campus organizations. Many brothers are even members of other fraternities and sororities in addition to APO. Although we are an organization with a wide array of individuals from many different places, a passion for service is something we all have in common.