National History

This is the story behind the creation of Alpha Phi Omega. It is also the beginning of the first chapter - the Alpha Chapter - at Lafayette College. It is also the story of the formation of the first national organization of the Fraternity. Above all, it is about the dreams of one man for an organization through which men might better the conditions of other men, as well as themselves. This man is FRANK REED HORTON.

"During the first world war, I served as an ensign in the US Navy aboard a minesweeper in the North Sea. Our ship and its partner exploded more than 1,000 magnetic mines. My law school background at Boston University led to my appointment to try courtmartial cases in our Division. When we reached ports, some of the sailors ran wild. I saw young boys in their teens getting into trouble.

Because of these experiences, I made a firm resolution with myself that if I returned alive I would try to do things and do them with all my power: first to do my best to help young people get the right start in life, by holding up before them a "standard of manhood" that would withstand the test of time! Second, and just as important, I want to help the nations of the world settle their disputes in a more sensible and legal manner than by war.

After the war I became a student at Lafayette College, Easton Pennsylvania. One evening, while attending an American Legion banquet during my sophomore year, I sat next to an inspiring man named Herbert G. Horton. We were not related but became fast friends. He too had been a navel officer but was now serving as the local Scout Executive. He helped me to become a Deputy Scout Commissioner. One of the troops needed a leader, so I became a Scoutmaster as well.

Through these experiences I found that the Scout Oath and Law were what I had been seeking - a standard of manhood that would withstand the test of time and the codes of ideas created and accepted by some of the greatest leaders the world has ever known.

The summer of my senior year was spent as an Associate Camp Director at the Easton Scout Reservation. Here I was impressed with the religious tolerance in the hearts of the boys. This I have not found so easily among older people. Scouts of the Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant faiths worked together in everything at the camp, and everyone had an opportunity to worship on his Sabbath in his own way.

My brothers at Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity house, where I lived, who were known for their for high ideals and clean living, were all former Scouts. I felt a college organization should be formed that would strengthen men in these ideas, and give them the opportunity for Leadership experience and for Services to others.

As a senior at Lafayette College, I talked to some of the men with scouting background and the response was good. These men would join an organization based on the ideals of Scouting. I created the name Alpha Phi Omega, the motto and the Greek words and their meaning wrote the Ritual. Everett W. Probst designed the pin and drew the Coat-of-Arms. Thane S. Cooley suggested the handclasp. Ellsworth S. Dobsom and Gorgon M. Loony helped write the Constitution and Bylaws.

Fourteen undergraduates singed as charter members. Scouting advisors were Dr. Ray O. Wyland and Herbert G. Horton. The Lafayette College Faculty approved the petition for recognition. On December 16, 1925, I conducted the Ritual initiation at Brainerd Hall, second floor, and Alpha Phi Omega was born.

My purpose was to make Alpha Phi Omega an organization for college men who cooperated with all youth movements, especially Scouting. I also anticipated that our Service program would expand to help people in need everywhere and to do service on the campus of each chapter.

As Scouting is worldwide, so should Alpha Phi Omega be worldwide, gradually in the colleges and universities of all the nations. Alpha Phi Omega can help bring about more nearly, through the future statesmen of the world, that standard of manhood and international understanding and Friendship that will lead to a better, more peaceful world in which to live and in which to make a living and a life."

This page comes directly from APO's national pledge manual.

ΚΦ Chapter History

The Kappa Phi Chapter was founded at St. Lawrence University on March 8, 1953. The chapter has gone through several periods of high activity and at-risk activity. Recently, after a period of relative dormancy, a revitalization occurred in 2002-2003 and the chapter almost went inactive again in 2005. Currently, Kappa Phi is rebuilding itself yet again in the 2007-2008 academic year. The Fall 2007 Pledge Class is 26 Pledges strong and we are on our way to once again becoming a highly active chapter.