AFW History and Traditions

1. AFWHistory and Traditions Fall 2001

2. Overview • Relevance to Pledge Program • Founding of Alpha Phi Omega • Fraternity Purpose and Philosophy • Fraternity Symbols • Fraternity Insignia • Toast Song History and Traditions

3. Relevance to Pledge Program “Alpha Phi Omega is much more than an extracurricular activity. It is the belief that within each of us there lies the potential to make our campuses, our communities and our world better places in which to live. Alpha Phi Omega begins as a college experience, but it becomes a lifetime commitment to turning that noble ideal into a practical reality.” Jack A. McKenzie, APO National President In order to exemplify the principles of Alpha Phi Omega one must understand what Alpha Phi Omega is and the foundation upon which it was built. PM Inside Cover History and Traditions

4. Founding of Alpha Phi Omega • Founded by Frank Reed Horton on December 16, 1925 at Lafayette College, Easton Pennsylvania • Based on the “standard of manhood that would withstand the test of time” in the Scout Oath and Law • Frank Reed Horton created the name, motto, Greek words and their meaning, and wrote the Ritual • Everett W. Probst designed the pin and drew the Coat-of-Arms • Thane S. Cooley suggested the handclasp • Ellsworth S. Dobson and Gordon M. Looney helped write the Constitution and Bylaws PM Pg. 6 History and Traditions

5. Founding of APO (Cont.) • Founding Members Frank Reed Horton William T. Wood Herbert Heinrich Everett W. Probst Donald H. Fritts Lewis B. Blair Thane S. Cooley Donald L. Terwilliger E. M. Detwiler Ellsworth S. Dobson William T. Highberger Robert J. Green Gordon M. Looney George A. Olsen • Founding Advisors Ray O. Wyland Herbert G. Horton D. Arthur Hatch Donald. B. Prentice John McCracken Harry T. Spengler PM Pg. 7-9 History and Traditions

6. Founding of APO (Cont.) • Frank Reed Horton served as the Fraternity’s first National President from 1925-1931 • Dr. H. Roe Bartle served as the Fraternity’s second National President from 1931-1946 • H. Roe Bartle (who served two terms as Mayor of Kansas City, MO) was affectionately known as “The Chief” • “The Chief” led the Fraternity in nationwide growth from 18 chapters in 1931 to 109 chapters in 1946 PM Pg. 26-30 History and Traditions

7. Fraternity Philosophy and Purpose • Cardinal Principles Leadership Friendship Service • Fraternity Motto • Be a Leader, • Be a Friend, • Be of Service • Fraternity Purpose “The purpose of this Fraternity 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.” PM Pg. 4, 43 History and Traditions

8. Fraternity Symbols • Jewel = Diamond • The most precious of all gemstones representing brilliance, luster, always increasing in value, and an expression of the greatest gift of love when given. • Flower = Forget-Me-Not • A perennial flower with royal blue blossoms. It is everlasting, always remembered. • Tree = Oak • We have all heard from a parent or mentor at least once in our lives the story of the sturdy oak tree that grew from a small acorn. The oak is stately, sturdy, and sheltering. PM Pg. 45 History and Traditions

9. Fraternity Symbols (cont.) • Colors = Blue and Gold • Blue - Our color of blue is a royal blue color. It is elegant, a sign of pure deed and thought. A color in our nation’s flag. • Gold - Our color of gold is called “old glory” gold. A color also found in the nation’s flag (fringe & tassels). It represents high value, respect, royalty, and a sign of love. • Bird = Golden Eagle • At the 1976 National Convention the delegates choose another symbol to further the richness of our history and traditions. They declared the golden eagle as a new Fraternity symbol. An eagle is often found as a standard or as a part of the seal of a nation. The golden eagle symbolizes strength, gracefulness, keenness of vision, and endurance. PM Pg. 45 History and Traditions

10. Fraternity Insignia This badge, worn by thousands of brothers of APO, is the "Emblem of Campus Service." Students and faculty alike recognize and respect the activities for which it stands. • The ideals of Alpha Phi Omega are embodied in our coat-of-arms. As everyone who has passed through the ritual knows, the symbolism of the coat-of-arms stands for the very purpose of our brotherhood. • The official Fraternity jeweler is J.O. Pollack • With the exception of the Pledge pin and the Petitioning pin, only initiated Brothers may order and wear Fraternity insignia PM Pg. 46 History and Traditions

11. Toast Song • Official Fraternity song • Traditionally sung at closing of chapter meetings, ceremonies, and banquets • Sung to the tune of “Alma Mater” • Sung while in the fellowship circle • 1st verse arms are around neighbors’ shoulders • 2nd verse arms are crossed right over left while holding hands • While chapters may have their own ‘spin’ on its performance, the version printed in the Pledge Manual is used at conferences PM Pg. 44 History and Traditions

12. Toast Song (cont.) Here’s to Alpha Phi Omega, loyal Brothers we, True to self and to each other, firm in loyalty. Daily working, daily striving, ever more to be, Men of Alpha Phi Omega, our Fraternity. Brothers clasp the hands of Brothers, strong the circle we, Ever mindful ever serving, all humanity. Now we raise our grateful voices, in our song to thee, Men of Alpha Phi Omega, may we always be. PM Pg. 44 History and Traditions