Service fraternity looks to increase members

The co-ed service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega is hoping to nearly double its membership during this week’s spring recruitment period, Alpha Phi Omega President Violet Ricker said. Recruitment for the organization began Wednesday.

Some of the events planned for this year’s spring rush include making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the homeless, volunteering at a local soup kitchen for men called Charlie’s Place and playing bingo with senior citizens.

Alpha Phi Omega has 40 male and female members and plans to add 20 to 30 new members this semester. New member classes have included about 12 students in the past, Ricker said.

Alpha Phi Omega was founded as a national male service fraternity in 1925 and began admitting female members in 1976.

-Jessica Calefati