September 12, 2017
Quinita Thomas
Community service can help students become leaders and give them a purpose in helping others. Alpha Phi Omega has and will allow students to do just that.
Alpha Phi Omega is a national and coeducational service fraternity on campus that spends most of its time giving back to the Colorado Springs community. The academic organization, which does not define itself as a part of Greek life, requires leadership and service.
The fraternity is currently hosting their Rush Week, themed Share and Care, which started yesterday. The fraternity will write letters to nursing homes and U.S. soldiers, according to Brittany Kowalski, president of Alpha Phi Omega.
Following rush, Alpha Phi Omega will host two services events: one at the Salvation Army at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 15 and one at Care and Share at 1 p.m. on Sept. 16.
This year, the fraternity has 22 active members. The fraternity, which was founded in spring 2012, works with various organizations, including the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Habitat For Humanity.
Kowalski, a senior mechanical engineering major, said the fraternity has made an impacts helping those in need. Nationwide, the fraternity raised $3.5 million, excluding fundraisers members have done in support of organizations such as Race for the Cure.
“We try to broadcast our events to as many channels as possible and will always welcome students who want to help, even if they are not members,” she said.
One of Alpha Phi Omega’s most successful events was during freshmen move-in during the week of Aug. 15.
“We had eight or nine members who came out and helped. Six of them were actually there all day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., moving probably about 25 mini fridges up and down the dorm stairs,” said Kowalski.
Junior mechanical engineering major Ben Freid, has been a part of Alpha Phi Omega since the spring of 2016. His uncle, who was also in the fraternity, encouraged him to join.
Freid believes that participating in community service is important because it helps the community physically.
According to Freid, the ultimate goal for Alpha Phi Omega is to build a brotherhood and/or sisterhood for UCCS students. They host events such as bowling or going to the movies to help foster the sense of community within their group.
At their meetings, Alpha Phi Omega focuses on improving their member’s leadership skills and friendship relations by conducting small activities in which members can interact with one another.
Alpha Phi Omega member Kayla Prior, a senior psychology and criminal justice major, said that ever since she was little, she has always had a passion for assisting those in her community.
“I have always wanted to help where I could since I was little. It really warms my heart to be able to help others and impact their lives. What we do really makes a difference,” said Prior.
Prior explains that joining clubs and service organizations is a great opportunity to meet people who share your passion for helping others and wanting to see their community prosper.
“Always try to get involved with whatever club or organization you are passionate about because you will have the chance to be with people who care just as much as you do and want to make an impact on their community,” said Prior.
For more information on Alpha Phi Omega, visit apoonline.org/uccs/calendar.