AΦΩ

Chapter History

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The Beta Rho Chapter at the University of Arkansas was founded on April 2nd, 1939. The chapter had truly been the embodiment of the Scout Oath and Law, and provided much service until it went inactive in the late 1970's. A few years later, those with a desire to do service in the spirit of Alpha Phi Omega came together and re-chartered the chapter on November 8th, 1980.

The chapter operated well for approximately seven years. Unfortunately, in 1988, the chapter's membership had dwindled, and apparently no substantial membership drive was attempted. The few remaining members of the chapter graduated. The chapter had lost sight of its purpose of service and quit reporting to the National Office. The chapter once again disbanded. Fortunately, good luck was just around the corner!

An Eagle Scout attending the U of A set out to try and reform a Chapter on our campus. In the fall semester of 1989, freshman Roger Stearns conducted a search to find Eagle Scouts interested in starting a chapter of a national service fraternity connected with the Scouting movement, Alpha Phi Omega.

The following semester, Roger Stearns, Brant Warrick, Chris Davidson, Jim Erwin, Chuck Becker, Kevin Alexander, Brian Wray, and Chad Simpson joined together to restart the Beta Rho chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, along with others who played strong roles in helping to guide the chapter's formation. Advisors Dr.Eugene Schmitz and Attorney Joe Reed played a pivotal role in helping Beta Rho become the Chapter it is today!