Alpha Rho Chapter - 1957-59 Era
Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity was founded December 16, 1925 and the Alpha Rho chapter of Alpha Phi Omega was charter May 25, 1935 at the University of Texas in Austin. Our chapter was founded on the National organizational principles of the Boy Scouts -- service to others. Alpha Rho was among the first chapters to be chartered in the United States. More can be found at Alpha Rho's website located at: Alpha Phi Omega was originally for only young college men who had been in the Boy Scouts prior to entering college. However, in 1974, the organization's By-Laws were modified to allow young women into APO as well. As such, Alpha Rho was an all-men's organization that had grown about 200 members strong and was the largest chapter in the country during our years at UT. The organization provided many valuable services to the university and the students it served. And, there were many traditions that have stood the time. The organization had several sponsors, including Dean Arno Nowotny, Jack Holland - Dean of Men, and C. C. "Jitter" Nolan, director of the Student Services. Dean Nowotny was a member of the National organization and was the primary catalyst in the growth of our chapter. National Convention In 1959, Alpha Rho was the host for the National Convention of Alpha Phi Omega held in Austin. And, it was supported by other chapters in Texas. Some photos from that convention are available for viewing by clicking on the links below:
Picture 1 Traditions Alpha Rho had several traditions during the 1957-59 era: Among them were:
Elmer T. Zilch - As with Segdelp, Elmer
T. Zilch was the mascot for the
active membership and he
attended all the meetings. Pledges, too, were prone to kidnap him and the
members would try to protect and keep him at all costs. Alpha Rhozone - this was a jug
with some secret ingredients, though some thought it might be Everclear. At banquets, the jug was passed around to all
to partake. Salad on Head recognition -
At banquets, selected members would be inducted into this elite group by having
a full salad plate dumped on their head and some fine words of wisdom would
follow. Cox's Army - Ken and Keith
Cox had a place (shack, as I remember) where a group of guys would go on
occasion to indulge in fellowship. Incidentally, Keith Cox was the
chairman of the Marketing Department at the University of Houston. The Membership A list of all the members will be
listed here Email Addresses A list of all known email address
would be found here: Lets have a reunion! Maybe we can muster up enough
interest to have a 1957-59 reunion. Your Webmaster
APO National Organization
Note: Clipart and background courtesy of APO
National Office homepage. |
