The History of the Fraternity
Frank Reed Horton founded Alpha Phi Omega after his experiences during World War I.
Frank Horton served as an ensign in the US Navy. With his law background, he was
appointed to try court martial cases in his division. He worked with many troubled
teens. As a result of his experiences, eh decided to do two things; help people get
the right start in life by upholding a standard of manhood, and to help nations
settle their disputes in a more civilized way.
After the war, Frank Horton became a student at Lafayette College where he met Herbert Horton,
a scout executive. H. Horton helped Frank become a Deputy Scout Commissioner and
eventual scoutmaster. During his scouting experiences, he found that the Scout Oath
and Law were exactly what he had been searching for. Frank believed a College
Organization that would strengthen men's ideals and provide an opportunity for
leadership experience and service should be formed. During his senior year, he
discussed his ideas with his friends, and got positive feedback. The organization
would be based on the principles of scouting, and APO was created. In addition, the
motto, the Greek words for their meaning, and the ritual were all formed. The pin and
the coat of arms were designed by E. W. Probst. The hand clasp was suggested by Thane
Cosley and Ellsworth Dobson, and Gordon Looney helped write the bylaws and constitution.
Fourteen undergraduates signed as charter members, and the scouting advisors were Dr.
Ray Wyland and Herbert Horton. The petition for recognition was approved by the college
faculty on December 16, 1925, and APO came into being. In the first four years, APO had
spread across the nation. The fraternity has continued to expand over the past 65 years,
and has chartered more chapters than any other collegiate organization, spreading the
purpose of APO as an organization for men who helped youth movements like scouting. The
history of APO is the story of leadership, friendship, and service. More than 226,000
students have participated in the nationwide brotherhood since its founding at Lafayette
College in 1925. Starting with one chapter, this National fraternity has chartered more
than 656 chapters.
Our National President is currently Wilfred Krenek who was ellected by acclamation as
National President by the delegates at the 1994 National Convention in Dallas Texas.
Activated in 1971 into Alpha Rho chapter at the University of Texas at Austin, Wilfred
served in various chapter offices as well as chapter president. He then went on to
serve as chair of Section 42 from 1977-1980. At the 1980 National Convention, Krenek
was elected as Region VII Director and was subsequently re-elected in through 1986.
He became a member at large on the National Board of Directors at the 1988 convention
in Denver Colorado, and chaired the National Finance committee in 1990. Krenek is
employed as the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at the Bettis Corporation.
He now resides in Houston, Texas with his wife Kay.
Our National Vice President is Jack McKenzie who was Public Information Director for
Administration advancement and student affairs at Clemson University. He also served
as the chapter's corresponding secretary and Membership Vice President. Twice elected
Chapter President, he was an advisor to Gamma Lambda, founding member of Clemson's APO
Alumni Society, served as secretary-treasurer, and is currently Executive director.
At the chapter's invitation, he repledged and was reinitiated during the fall of 1993
to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his original initiation. He was section 77 chair
in 1986, Board of Directors in 1986-1992. He was a longtime member of the National
Alumni Committee, organized region IV Alumni Council, and was Region IV Alumni Voting
delegate at 2 National Conventions. He now lives in Clemson, SC, and is single.
The founding of APO in Frank Reed Horton's own words.
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This page maintained by Tom Potts.