Alpha Phi Omega (APO) is a National Service Fraternity, Melissa Stricker, section chairwoman for APO, said. 

"We are co-ed and based on the three basic principles of leadership, friendship and service," Stricker said. "There are over 300 chapters of APO all over the nation and in some foreign countries. There are nine chapters here in West Virginia and two interest groups that are forming."

Other chapters in the section include West Virginia University, Concord College, West Virginia Wesleyan, Fairmont State, Salem-Tiekyo, Alderson-Broaddus, Davis and Elkins and West Virginia Tech. Interest groups are at College of West Virginia and West Liberty.

Marshall has the oldest chapter in West Virginia, but all the members have graduated, Stricker said. 

"There are members at the other chapters in West Virginia," Stricker said. "But I am the only current member at Marshall." 

Stricker said she has spoken with the Student Affairs Office and has received the information needed to ensure good standing at Marshall. 

"One of the beauties of starting the chapter up again is that, while the tradition of Alpha Phi Omega is present, we can form our own program of leadership, friendship and service," Stricker said. 

APO is involved with several service projects. It works with bloodmobiles, Adopt-A-Highway, the Humane Society and the Boy and Girl Scouts. There are also friendship events such as movie nights, road trips and attending sporting events, Stricker said. 

Stricker says a service project and a trip to Kings Island were planned for the summer. 

The national fraternity is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year at a convention in Philadelphia. 

"Members can attend this convention," Stricker said. "They can also attend local conventions in places such as Pittsburgh, Louisville and Morgantown." 

Joining APO would benefit any student, Stricker said. 

"The students get a lot from APO," Stricker said. "They make friends with other students who share common interests, they change their community, nation, campus and fraternity for the better, they make contacts all over the United States and network for opportunities after graduation." 

To be a member of APO, a pledging period is required during which pledges are taught about the program and history of the organization. Members also pay dues of about $25. 

More information about joining is available by sending e-mail to Stricker at sunshyne@newwave.net.

Story by Courtney Ross