15/09/2026
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History of Alpha Phi Omega (APO)
Alpha Phi Omega (APO) was founded on December 16, 1925 at Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, USA.
The founder, Frank Reed Horton, was a World War I veteran and a member of the Boy Scouts of America.
He wanted to build an organization inside colleges that would continue the values of Leadership, Friendship, and Service — guided by the principles of Scouting.
Because of that, APO was built from the ideals of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
The first APO chapter was:
Alpha chapter – Lafayette College (1925)
During the early years, APO rapidly expanded across US universities.
By the 1950s, it had become one of the largest collegiate service fraternities in America.
APO Goes International
APO expanded outside the United States through Scouting connections.
Philippines was the first country outside the US to establish APO.
APO Philippines was founded March 2, 1950, at Far Eastern University (FEU) — Alpha chapter
Later, APO also eventually existed in other regions including Canada and Australia with alumni networks.
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Purpose & Principles
APO is not a social fraternity. It is a service fraternity.
Its 3 core principles:
Principle Meaning
Leadership Developing responsible student leaders
Friendship Building strong brotherhood/sisterhood relations
Service Serving the community, school, youth, and nation
Motto: Be a Leader. Be a Friend. Be of Service.
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Today
APO International remains one of the largest service fraternities worldwide, with:
400+ collegiate chapters in the USA
Hundreds of chapters in the Philippines
Thousands of alumni members globally
APO continues to do:
community service
youth development
environmental missions
campus outreach
humanitarian programs