Editor's Note: This article is about the Alpha Phi Omega co-ed fraternity at the University of Alaska at Anchorage. They have done charity work through such means as helping kindergarten students and building homes through Habitat for Humanity. Ironically, the headline of the story reads, "Frat members better themselves and community" The word 'frat' brings on so many bad connotations -- binge drinking and hazing, just to name a few. We believe the word fraternity is better suited for our Greek organizations. Either way, this organization did some great charity work and deserve the recognition.
By Kaitlin Johnson/The Northern Light
Date published: 2/12/2008
Members of Alpha Phi Omega have one thing in common: an interest in participating in the community.
This coed fraternity makes service, leadership and fellowship its priorities.
The fraternity at UAA became an official chapter of Alpha Phi Omega a little over a year ago, but it has already had a huge impact on one Kincaid Elementary kindergarten class. "One of our advisers, Mandy Yan, teaches kindergarten, so we do a lot with her kids," said fraternity adviser Lois Hall.
Members and six-year-olds worked together to construct gingerbread houses out of frosting and graham crackers during the holiday season.
Alpha Phi Omega has participated in numerous other service projects including organizing a blood drive, building houses for Habitat for Humanity and setting up a clothes drive for Covenant House. The fraternity also assisted the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center by clearing branches and brush from the construction site of a fence surrounding a bison habitat. The fence provides the bison with room to roam safely.
Upcoming projects include monthly cleanups of Goose Lake, a visit to the pioneer home and perhaps another blood drive. The fraternity also expects a few spontaneous projects at Providence Children's Hospital as members think of new activities to do with the children.
Erin Koshiyama, one of five founding members of UAA's chapter, said that community service gives her a sense of bettering herself. "I did a lot of volunteer work in high school, but when I came to college I just stopped. It's more fun and easier to have a group to volunteer with. You can see what you're accomplishing easier," said the elementary education junior.
Allison Morrell is renowned for the gorgeous and massive cakes she brings to events. "I decorate cakes professionally," she explained.
Morell, a philosophy junior, recalled the most fun she's ever had at a service event. "We did this thing called mattress destruction. We used box cutters to take the mattresses apart and found spiders inside. It was this wonderful, dirty experience I'd never have wanted to do again if it weren't for the friends I made."
After destroying the mattresses, the fraternity collected the box springs to be recycled.
Morrell said that the strange and wonderful thing about being a fraternity member is that you are a member of a family with people you haven't even met. "It's like having relationship status with someone you don't have a relationship with yet," she said. "You have to build one after the fact. It's very comforting."
Chapter president Rumar Arzadon said meeting new people was one of the major benefits of being a member. He described the UAA chapter as very diverse, explaining that students from many different backgrounds each bring their own ideas to the fraternity.
Alpha Phi Omega's rush week, the time when fraternities advertise for new members, ended Feb. 9. However, an information night will be held Feb. 15 for anyone who's interested in joining, so students who missed rush week are still eligible to pledge.
Arzadon, an air traffic control senior, said any students who have enthusiasm and a genuine desire to serve their community are welcomed at Alpha Phi Omega. Members must be students, enrolled in six credits or more, and must be willing to attend the majority of events.
However, students don't need to become a member to participate in service events. Everyone is welcome to help.
Morrell said that the strange and wonderful thing about being a fraternity member is that you are a member of a family with people you haven't even met. "It's like having relationship status with someone you don't have a relationship with yet," she said. "You have to build one after the fact. It's very comforting."
Chapter president Rumar Arzadon said meeting new people was one of the major benefits of being a member. He described the UAA chapter as very diverse, explaining that students from many different backgrounds each bring their own ideas to the fraternity.
Alpha Phi Omega's rush week, the time when fraternities advertise for new members, ended Feb. 9. However, an information night will be held Feb. 15 for anyone who's interested in joining, so students who missed rush week are still eligible to pledge.
Arzadon, an air traffic control senior, said any students who have enthusiasm and a genuine desire to serve their community are welcomed at Alpha Phi Omega. Members must be students, enrolled in six credits or more, and must be willing to attend the majority of events.
However, students don't need to become a member to participate in service events. Everyone is welcome to help.
-Posted by Evan Hackler
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