Stepping into the crisp December air of Philadelphia, we felt an electric buzz that had nothing to do with the winter chill. This was not just any trip. It was a pilgrimage. Along with hundreds of fraternity brothers from across the nation and the Philippines, we had arrived in the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ for the 2025 National Convention of Alpha Phi Omega (APO), a national co-ed community service fraternity founded on three cardinal principles: leadership, friendship and service. But this was no ordinary convention. We were here to celebrate the grand culmination of a century of purpose: APO’s 100th birthday. We were about to become a part of a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, an event that would honor an incredible legacy while helping to shape the fraternity’s future. Over the next four days, we would witness our cardinal principles of Leadership, Friendship, and Service come to life in the most powerful ways imaginable. This is the narration of that legendary celebration.
Day 1: An Unforgettable Kickoff
Every activity on December 27th was designed to unite hundreds of individuals from different chapters into a single, unified brotherhood. At the convention, there was a regular schedule that included thought-provoking Learning Labs for everyone, including guests, alumni, and active brothers. We welcomed the growth offered through these interactive sessions, an investment of materials and a branching of knowledge that we hoped to bring back to our home chapter, Mu Lambda. Notably during the Kickoff Celebration and Ice Cream Social, we were immersed in the roar of voices from every territory, a sea of chapter letters and one-of-a-kind merchandise. From sharing a scoop of ice cream with a brother from California, we were struck by how effortlessly APO erases distance.
Day 2: Governance and Procedure
Day 2 highlighted the importance of democratic processes and Leadership in Alpha Phi Omega. As Voting Delegates in representation of the Mu Lambda Chapter at the University of Rochester, we faced the formal, solemn responsibility of the Legislative Session, where the future of the fraternity is actively forged. As first-time delegates, it was transformative to be in the room where it happens, where chapters from across the country conduct official business, elect the National Board of Directors, and vote on proposals that will guide APO for years to come. Reflecting on having spent 12 hours on parliamentary procedure, this was a day of intense focus and obligation on shaping the fraternity’s future. We were truly living the full spectrum of APO leadership.
Day 3: The Heart of APO
Day 3 was unique as there were designated segments in our itinerary dedicated to Service, the foundational pillar of Alpha Phi Omega. We had the wonderful opportunity to work alongside brothers on impactful service projects with esteemed partners such as Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Additionally, there was an on-site blood drive to donate to the American Red Cross, and opportunities through Special Olympics, as well as Gift of Life. The premise of community building continued into the evening with the Swag Exchange and Community Reception. The concept is simple: bring a piece of APO merchandise from your chapter and trade it with someone else. Looking back, this simple act of exchange is a celebration of our diverse chapter identities and a fun, sustainable way to build connections.
Day 4: Centennial Celebration
December 30th had finally arrived. This was the day we had all been waiting for, the grand culmination of the entire event: Alpha Phi Omega’s 100th birthday. This was not just the final day of a convention, but a once-in-a-century celebration, and we all knew we were part of something truly special. What was incredibly memorable was the “APO through the Ages Luncheon.” Seated in a grand hall, we listened, as a panel of Past National Presidents shared behind-the-scenes stories and revelations in our fraternity’s history. As evening fell, the excitement escalated with the Celebration Banquet. The pride in the room was prominent as chapters and individuals were recognized with national awards, and we officially welcomed the newly elected National Board of Directors who would lead us into our second century. But the moment that will stick with us forever was the Toast Song. Standing side-by-side around the perimeter of the space, you could feel the collective breath before the first note. In that moment, we were not just hundreds of members, we were one voice. During the Birthday Party, a cake was unveiled, and we all joined in the loudest, most heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” we have ever heard. It felt special to be present at the moment APO officially stepped into its next 100 years.
Looking back on those four impactful days in Philadelphia, it is clear that the Centennial Convention was so much more than a milestone. It was a living, breathing demonstration of our cardinal principles. This convention was a powerful reaffirmation of the values that have guided Alpha Phi Omega for a century.
As we departed Philadelphia, we felt a renewed sense of purpose. We, the active members, are the torchbearers for APO’s next 100 years. Back in Rochester, we are carrying this momentum into action, through our ongoing service work to the community, new local outreach initiatives and sustained partnerships. We are also preparing to host our upcoming tri-sectionals conference in March, bringing together brothers from across the region together, just as we were united in Philadelphia. The Centennial Convention is a reminder that our work is not yet done, and APO’s legacy is not only maintained at the national level, but built within our local chapter as well. It is now our turn to carry the spirit of that Centennial Celebration in our hearts, to continue pushing the boundaries of Leadership, Friendship, and Service, and to make our own mark on this fraternity’s history.
written by Madison Zeng & Sree Chatterjee, members of Alpha Phi Omega, co-ed national service fraternity