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Alpha Phi Omega revived at Clarion University

During a time with an increased emphasis upon giving to others, students at Clarion University have reactivated the Omega Mu chapter of Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity.

Alpha Phi Omega, the national service fraternity, was founded in 1925. More than 280,000 students have joined since the founding. There are over 700 chapters on college campuses across the U.S. concepts of fraternalism as a means of providing service to others while developing close bonds of friendship is the goal of the fraternity. Chapters develop and carry out projects which help the homeless survive, enable many youngsters to participate in Scouting activities, and enhance campus life.

Clarion had an active chapter from the 1970’s until approximately three years ago according to previous and current advisor, Dr. Joyce Overly, assistant professor of chemistry. She was a member of Alpha Phi Omega during her undergraduate years at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

“Last year I was contacted by the Alphi Phi Omega sectional staff,” said Overly. “They asked me if Clarion would like to reestablish its chapter. I always wanted it to return.”

Notices were placed and a group of interested students began meeting during the Spring 2005 semester to complete the Clarion University and national fraternity requirements. By Fall 2005, the fraternity had nine active brothers and on Dec. 7, 2005, initiated eight new members. The fraternity has been co-educational since the 1970s, but all members are referred to as brothers.

During the fall semester the revived chapters participated in many volunteer activities including: “Support Our Troops,” making a card for troops overseas, which were sent in Christmas care packages through the Keystone Soldiers Organization; collecting and delivering toiletry items for S.A.F.E.; selling raffle tickets for American Red Cross and ARC Center; collecting and donating toys for Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh through Stuff the Stockings; volunteering at the Civic Club Santa Store to help kids shop for presents; Saturday Service Day; Kids Come to College Day; “Ringing the Bell” at Wal-Mart for Salvation Army; Clarion Recycling Day at Clarion Park; and cheering on runners during the United Way 5K Run.

“Any student in good standing is eligible to join,” said Overly. “There is an eight week pledge period where they learn about the organization, its projects, participate in projects, and get to know the members and the other pledges. Organization meetings are held weekly.”

Co-advising Alpha Phi Omega are: Dr. John Heard, assistant professor of physics; Dr. Janet Knepper, assistant professor of English; and Diana Brush, director of Clarion University’s Community Service Learning Office.

The students who restarted Alpha Phi Omega include:

Jacquie Bahr, a senior rehabilitative science major, a daughter of Colleen Bahr of Jefferson Hills, and a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School.

Shannon Bochman, a senior early childhood education major, a daughter of Debra Irvine of Sarver, and a graduate of Plum High School.

Shannon Clark, a senior elementary education major, a daughter of Vicki Clark of Utica, and a graduate of Franklin High School.

Gretchen Gallagher, a sophomore liberal studies major, a daughter of Joseph Gallagher of Erie, and a graduate of Mercyhurst Preparatory School.

Jessica Griswold, a senior communication major, a daughter of Joe and Sherry Griswold of Franklin, and a graduate of Franklin High School.

Sara Heiman, a graduate student seeking a degree in library science, a daughter of Colleen Heiman of Beaver Falls, and a graduate of Blackhawk High School.

Danielle Lockett, a senior communication science disorders major, a daughter of Timothy Lockett of DuBois, and a graduate of DuBois Area High School.

Kristen Park, a senior elementary education major, a daughter of Christopher and Tobi Park of North Wales, and a graduate of North Penn High School.

Kelsi Wilcox, a junior secondary education/English major, a daughter of Craig Wilcox of Russell, and a graduate of Eisenhower High School.

Newly initiated members are:

Jessica Johnson, a senior psychology major, a granddaughter of Ida Johnson of Cheswick, and a graduate of Deer Lakes High School.

Heather Adams, a senior elementary education/special education major, a daughter of Shirley Adams of Sunbury, and a graduate of Line Mountain High School.

Tara Roberts, a senior library science major, a daughter of Cindy Roberts of Bridgeville, and a graduate of South Fayette High School.

Krystle Field, a junior early childhood education major, a daughter of Karen Field of Harrisburg, and a graduate of Susquehanna Township High School.

Lisa Sagan, a freshman biology major, a daughter of Steve and Beth Sagan of Erie, and a graduate of McDowell High School.

Kara Zatezalo, a senior early childhood education major, a daughter of Diane Zatezalo of Murrysville, and a graduate of Franklin Regional High School.

Jeanette Claus, a senior elementary education major, a daughter of Mark Claus of Independence, Ohio, and a graduate of Independence High School.

Stanabelle Dixon-Williams, a senior psychology major, a daughter of Mabel Dixon-Williams of East Landsdowne, and a graduate of John Bartram Motivation School.

Oliva Osche, a freshman elementary education/special education major, a granddaughter of Mary Osche of Butler, and a graduate of Butler High School.

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