Alpha Phi Omega - A way to serve the community, get involved and meet new friends 

Students that join National Service Fraternities look to get highly engaged in serving the local community outside of campus. For Brandon Dagley (Sophomore; Agribusiness Management; Westfield, IN) it was a way to get involved and meet others. "I realized I was not as involved as I had hoped I would be and I had missed out on meeting new people as I lived off campus my first year. Over the summer after my first year I spent some time thinking about how I wanted to get involved, what kind of impact I wanted to make, and how to meet new people. A friend from high school heard I was looking for opportunities and reached out to me about her involvement in Alpha Phi Omega, a Greek letter organization focused on Leadership, Friendship, and Service."

  

After learning of his friend's experiences, Brandon said, "I could not wait to get back to campus to pledge the first semester of my sophomore year. Pledging was a great experience as I was able to give back to the community all while making some of my closest friends. I also held the position of pledge class secretary as well. Alpha Phi Omega gives me a sense of involvement here at Purdue which has allowed me to grow and excel as a leader while allowing me to create lifelong friendships through service to the campus and community."

  

As far as how to get involved, they have a new pledge class at the beginning of every semester. APO is often seen tabling all around campus during the first couple weeks. Some projects Brandon has enjoyed being involved with recently include PUDM, walking dogs at Natalie's Second Chance, and working with the keepers at the Colombian Park Zoo. Their events aren't really publicly advertised, so it is easier to volunteer by being in the organization, but most of the events participated in are with organizations that always seek help however they can get it. Brandon's favorite events and memories come from the overnight retreat we do every semester, "we go to a scout camp and do service for them as well as other events and games to grow. At the end of the night we have free time to go on hikes or play games. Overall some of my best memories have been made at these."