To those who are curious and seeking to join Alpha Phi Omega,

I would like to be the first to welcome you.  Your interest in Alpha Phi Omega, and especially Delta Chapter, humbles me.  You had other choices that you could have made, but you didn’t.  You chose to learn more about AphiO, and that means a lot to me as a Brother of this fraternity.  Who am I?  I am David Self, the President of Delta Chapter- the oldest continuously active chapter of the largest Greek letter organization in the world.

My association with AphiO began a long time-ago.  When I first came to Auburn, I was young and with eyes wide-open.  Never before had I been in a place so large, so unfamiliar, and so different from the world I was used to.  Auburn University was a large, confusing, and complex place.  It was easy to feel out of place and lost in this new ocean I found myself trying to navigate.  One day, a day much like today in fact, I came across a group of people standing on the Concourse next to a display board and a golden eagle named Tiger.  On this display board was a Boy Scout shirt.  The sight of that shirt, something so familiar in a sea of the unfamiliar, opened the door for me to walk over and talk to these guys and an irate looking bird of prey.  As I talked with them, I learned that AphiO is based on the principles of the Scout Oath and Law of the Boy Scouts of America.  I learned that AphiO is dedicated to developing Leadership, promoting Friendship, and providing Service to humanity- ideals and principles that I love and cherish deeply.  Ideals that lead me towards one of the most remarkable and meaningful experiences I have had the privilege of undertaking.

Right now, you’re asking “who or what is AphiO?”  Alpha Phi Omega is a unique group.  There is no simple definition.  They are men and women bound together by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law of the Boy Scouts of America.  They are men and women who are bound together by a desire to serve their campus and their community- the towns and cities that they call home and fair Auburn, the loveliest village on the plains.  They are men and women who are united in their efforts to develop their leadership abilities, to promote friendships, and their commitment to provide service to their fellow man.

Who is Alpha Phi Omega?  Alpha Phi Omega is the largest service fraternity in the world with chapters at more than 300 colleges and universities in the United States, chapters at colleges and universities in The Philippines, New Zealand, and Australia.  Here at Auburn, the oldest continuously active chapter in the entire fraternity maintains a proud tradition of service to the campus, the community, and the region. 

So what is Alpha Phi Omega?  Talk to the members and participate in the Rush events to find out.  Join us in a service project or two this week.  Join us in fellowship and activities.  Talk to our members.  Ask them about why they joined.  Most importantly, ask yourself if you can afford not to join Alpha Phi Omega.  The opportunity of a lifetime awaits you.

In Service,

Kyle McInnis, ∆1291
President