Beta Rho is the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville chapter of Alpha Phi Omega. It is a coed service fraternity dedicated to the principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service.

Founding

The Beta Rho chapter was founded on April 2, 1939. It went inactive in the late 1970's and was rechartered on November 8, 1980. In 1988 the chapter once again disbanded due to dwindling numbers and a lack of reports to the National Office. 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. <br>
The following semester, Roger Stearns, Brant Warrick, Chris Davidson, Jim Erwin, Chuck Becker, Kevin Alexander, Brian Wray, and Chad Simpson, known as Pledge Class #1, reestablished the Beta Rho chapter. Sectional Chairman James Porter and advisors Dr. Eugene Schmitz and Attorney Joe Reed helped guide the new chapter and Matt Starost, a brother from Alpha Beta Xi chapter and a graduate student, served as pledgemaster.

Officers

Elected

President - Jennifer Field<br>
VP Membership - Doug Nelson<br>
VP Service - Alex Byers<br>
Pledge Trainer - Peggy Sue Williams<br>
Treasurer - Kent Walker<br>
Secretary - Natalie Lawrence<br>
Historian - Tyler Goldammer<br>

President Appointed

AD/PR Chair - Clark Smith<br>
Technology Co-chairs - Alex Byers and Daniel Worthy

Service Chairs

Scouting Univesity Co-chairs - Jeff Rieske and Mellisa Webb<br>
Coke Tab Drive Co-chairs - Daniel Worthy and Peggy Sue Williams

Awards

At the end of each semester the Beta Rho chapter holds an awards banquet in which brothers and non-brothers alike are recognized for their achievements and dedication.

Outstanding Active

This award is presented to the Active who shows exceptional understanding of the Cardinal Principals and dedication to this organization. Nominations are taken from chapter and decided upon by the Awards Committee. It was created in the fall semester of 1991 and is awarded semesterly.

Outstanding Pledge

This award is presented to the Pledge who shows exceptional understanding of the Cardinal Principals and dedication to this organization. The decision is made by the pledge class and Pledge Trainer, with the Awards Committee breaking ties. It was created in the fall semester of 1991 and is awarded semesterly.

Outstanding Service Hours (Active)

=Outstanding Service Hours (Pledge)=

Outstanding Big Brother

=Chapter Distinguished Service Key=

Golden Sash

=E. Fay Jones Service to Scouting=

Outstanding Alumni Award

=Honorary Membership=

Service Projects

Every semester the Beta Rho chapter attempts to compose a service program based on the needs of the community and the interests and capabilities of the chapter. In a normal semester, there will be a larger service project offered almost every weekend, with smaller ones during the weekdays to accommodate all schedule types. Our members easily average service hours in the 50's. There are, however, a few projects that have become a regular tradition.

Scouting University

This project is held the first weekend in March every year. Girl and Boy Scouts of the area come onto campus to learn interest patches and merit badges in a day.

Trick or Treat for Cans

Brothers dress up in costumes and collect cans for the local food bank on Halloween. Neighborhoods are flyered before hand and given bags for us to pick up the cans in.

Coke Tab Drive

Tabs of of canned food and drinks are collected for donation to the Ronald McDonald House. Collection containers are distributed in the University dormitories and around the community and tabs are collected throughout the semester.

External Links

Alpha Phi Omega national website <br>
Beta Rho chapter website