By Laurel Bennett, Features Editor
As Gettysburg College continues to evolve, the commitment students have to meaningful service activities remains constant. Whether this service be through the Center for Public Service, through student organizations or through a co-ed service fraternity such as Alpha Phi Omega (APO), students are making positive differences.
The Iota Omicron chapter of APO is one of the oldest organizations on campus that specifically centers around service activities. In addition to its focus on service to the nation, campus, community and brotherhood, a central component of APO is fellowship activities amongst members to promote a sense of community. Through study sessions, weekly meals at Servo and fun themes for chapter meetings, members develop impactful friendships within the organization.
Since APO is not involved with Greek life, students of all class years have the opportunity to become a member. This makes the organization especially appealing to first-year students who are looking to bolster their social connections on campus while still making meaningful changes both on-campus and off-campus.
The fall of ’23 group of new members exclusively consists of first-years and sophomores, which marks the fact that students on campus are continuing to remain interested in service. With the incoming group of members, APO nearly doubled in size, and this will undoubtedly have beneficial impacts on Gettysburg as a whole.
Madison Maier ’26 serves as one of the Service Vice Presidents of the organization. She has an influential role in organizing work sessions at the Painted Turtle Farm and the Campus Kitchen and helps at the local cat shelter, Forever Love Rescue, by donating hand-tied fleece blankets. APO also encourages donations to Hera’s Closet and the Mosaic Cupboard as well.
Maier shared how her interest in APO goes beyond the service activities.
“APO has enriched my life for the better,” Maier said. “The brothers have a special place in my heart and have become my lifelong family.”
Kate Sallee ’25 is the Membership Vice President of APO and feels that co-ed service fraternity has improved her experience at Gettysburg College.
“I love APO because it gives me a chance to get involved in service projects. As students, we are involved in so many different activities, and we can easily forget about community service,” she said. “APO brings together a close-knit group of people who want to better our community.”
Ultimately, APO fuses the importance of both helping others and developing worthwhile relationships with other students. Regardless of whether it is donating blood, registering to vote or running a charity 5k, APO members value the importance of remaining committed to service.
Editor’s Note: The author of this article is a member of Alpha Phi Omega.
