Alpha Phi Omega

1925

On December 16, Frank Reed Horton establishes the Alpha chapter of Alpha Phi Omega at Lafayette College in Easton, PA.

1927

On October 17, the founders of the Epsilon chapter present a petition for a charter to the Faculty Council of Northeast Missouri State Teacher's College and to the national organization of Alpha Phi Omega.
On December 13, the 10 Founding Fathers are initiated as brothers of Alpha Phi Omega in the then-new Kirk Auditorium; the members elect Orval B. Craig as the first chapter president.

1934-1939

Epsilon is not active, most likely due to the prevailing economic conditions that limited the number of men able to attend college.

1936

The Alpha Omega chapter of Alpha Phi Omega is founded on May 17 at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.

1939

Epsilon is reactivated in the spring; the president is George Friedmeyer.

1941

Epsilon sponsors the first recorded drive at the college for the American Red Cross on Nov. 11; $1,210 is donated.

1944-1946

Epsilon is again no longer active, apparently because of the lack of men on campus due to serving in World War II.

1946

Epsilon is re-activated as a chapter in the spring; the president is Arthur S. Huff.

1947

Arthur Harrington joins the Epsilon chapter as a faculty advisor.

1946-1967

Epsilon conducts several service projects. In Walter H. Ryle's History of the Teacher's College, there are several projects listed including "helping in campus beautification at Christmas-time by decorating the lighting one of the evergreen trees on the campus; helping the administration each quarter during registration; working with the bloodmobile; helping Blue Key to line up floats for the homecoming parade; directing traffic at football games; ushering at assemblies and intercollegiate athletic games; helping in Red Cross drives; conducting fingerprinting projects on campus; sponsoring a fall camporee for the Boy Scouts of the Thousand Hills District; acting to provide guides on Parent's Day." Ryle also adds that Epsilon "stands ready at all times to lend a helping hand."

1957

Epsilon hosts the first Ugly Man on Campus competition at the college.

1958

Epsilon presents a clock to the college that will be used in Kirk Auditorium.

1962

Epsilon begins a lengthy service as the publisher and editor of the Truman Homecoming programs; this is a job that Epsilon fulfills well into the 1970's.

1967

The name of the school changes to the Northeast Missouri State College.
Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity undergoes significant structural changes at its constitutional convention.

1972

The school's name changes from Northeast Missouri State College to Northeast Missouri State University.

1973

Epsilon installs squirrel boxes on the University Quad, and is therefore responsible for the overpopulation of squirrels on the University campus. This also leads to a new breed of man-eating squirrels.

1976

Epsilon visits Camp Thunderbird near Moberly, MO for the first time. The camp is owned by the Boy Scouts of America.
At the National Convention in Atlanta, GA, Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity votes to extend full active membership to females.
A Little Sister program is started at Epsilon, with three females in the first pledge class.

1977

Epsilon opens its membership to females, and Mary Ann Wolf is initiated as the first female member of Epsilon, and serves as president of her pledge class.
The Epsilon Chapter celebrates its 50th anniversary on Dec. 10, 1977. Alpha Phi Omega National Leadership Development Chair Clark Israel was the keynote speaker for the banquet. Epsilon Founding Father Russell Murfin also spoke during the banquet.
The chapter placed a headstone in the University's Quad to commemorate the members of Epsilon from 1927-1977.
Advisor Arthur Harrington celebrates his 30^th anniversary as an Epsilon advisor.

1979

The Family Flower concept is begun at Epsilon as the University encourages organizations on campus to "start some new traditions." The family flower heads are Randall Cupp, Yellow Roses; Gary Pagliai, Pink Carnations; Steven Wolf, Red Carnations; Jennifer Gardiner, Red Roses; Dariush Eghbali, White Carnations; Denise Brandt, White Roses. The White Roses died out and became the flower for the advisors.
Denise Brandt serves as the first female president of Epsilon.
Epsilon Founding Father Otho Barnett dies on Sept. 5 in Kirksville.

1981

The first Blue and Gold chapter newsletter appears in October and serves to the present day in that function at Epsilon.

1982

National Executive Director Warren Spoon speaks at Epsilon's annual formal on April 23, located at the Hungry Peddler's Restaurant. The event concluded with a dance at Theta Psi's dance hall.
Epsilon awards its first chapter Distinguished Service Key to active brother Randall Cupp at its spring formal.
Epsilon assists in hosting the National Convention in Kansas City, MO.
Epsilon extends honorary fraternity membership to past University President Walter Ryle for his long support of Epsilon's program of service.

1983

Epsilon extends honorary fraternity membership to Susan Murfin, wife of Epsilon Founding Father Russell Murfin.

1985

Northeast Missouri State University changes its mission from a regional school to the only statewide liberal arts public university in Missouri.
Section 49 Chair Eddie Mackie begins and awards the first Gold Sashes at the 'Golden Eagle Banquet,' Epsilon's formal on April 13. The first recipients were actives Chuck Caverly, Joy Jenkins, Jodi Miezio, Jim Mossop, Mark Rash, Steve Rodgers, Ruth Rogers, and alumnus Randall Cupp.

1986

Linda "Mom" Caraway joins the Epsilon chapter as an advisor.
Epsilon hosts the "Spring Into Brotherhood" Section 49 Conference, welcoming Alpha Phi Omega National Executive Director Pat Burke as the keynote speaker.

1987

Epsilon celebrates its 60^th anniversary.

1989

Epsilon extends honorary fraternity membership to Steve Brown and John Rowe.

1990

Epsilon conducts its first Chapter Program Planning Conference (CPPC).
Epsilon extends honorary fraternity membership to Thomas Smotherman.

1991

To better handle the growing demand for its service, Epsilon amends its bylaws to split its Vice President of Service position into two positions (First Vice President of Large Service Projects, and First Vice President of Regular Service Projects). This occurred after much chapter debate.

1992

Ken Carter joins the Epsilon chapter as an advisor.

1994

Epsilon brings 50 new prospective brothers into pledge membership, its largest pledge class to date.
Epsilon hosts the Section 49 Conference.
Epsilon Founding Father and first chapter president, Orval B. Craig, dies.

1995

The last surviving Founding Father of Epsilon, Russell Murfin, dies (Oct. 15, 1906 – Sept. 30, 1995), and is interred at Sabbath Home Cemetery in Adair County.

1996

Northeast Missouri State University changes its name to Truman State University.
The paddle wars take on new meaning, as the spring pledge class gives a second paddle to Epsilon.
Epsilon wins Outstanding Large Organization of the Year Award.
Alpha Phi Omega adopts a risk management policy at its National Convention in Phoenix, and directs chapters to develop specific chapter policies as well.

1997

In the spring, the pledging program undergoes significant reformation to better reflect national fraternity standards.
Epsilon reaches the 150-member mark.
Due to its growing size, Epsilon can no longer meet in Science Hall 274, and relocates to Benton Elementary School (at the southeast corner of First and Patterson streets) for its regular chapter meetings. The chapter would regularly meet there until spring 1999.
Epsilon approves more than 150 bylaw amendments.
Epsilon runs a record-setting Truman Blood Drive.
The chapter participates in a limited fashion in its first National Service Week.
Epsilon wins Truman's Outstanding Organization of the Year award.

1998

Epsilon is awarded the Region VIII Best Service Project Award for Camp Thunderbird.
Epsilon brothers vote to approve a chapter risk management policy.
Epsilon begins Campuswide Service Week begins at Truman.
Epsilon wins Outstanding Large Organization of the Year Award.
Epsilon reaches the 200-member mark.
Epsilon hosts the Section 49 Conference on April 3-5.
Epsilon establishes its chapter Web site for the first time.
Truman President Jack Magruder personally recruits Epsilon to provide large service projects for the campus.

1999

The "Old Couple" tradition begins with Epsilon's spring pledge class. Brothers Kelli Kamp and Dan Horst serve as the first actives to voluntarily re-complete the pledge requirements with the pledges.
At the Section 49 Conference, hosted by Delta Delta chapter, Epsilon wins the Man-Mile Award, the Spirit Award, the Service Award, and the Roll Call Award.
Epsilon, along with national service sorority Alpha Sigma Gamma, sponsors 'Eating Disorders Week' for Truman State University students.
On April 17, Epsilon hosts a Boy Scout Merit Badge Day on campus.
Epsilon is awarded Outstanding Large Organization of the Year.
Epsilon sponsors an Ugly Man on Campus competition; Truman President Jack Magruder wins the competition with a hilarious photo of himself.
Epsilon begins meeting in the newly-renovated Violette Hall 1000.
Fall 1999 Epsilon President Anne Chopin receives Truman's Outstanding Organization President of the Year Award.
In a week devoted to service, Epsilon prompted Truman President Jack Magruder to declare National Service Week campus-wide.
To recognize her support of Epsilon's endeavors, Epsilon grants honorary membership to Kathy Rieck, the University's Director of Admissions.

2000

At the Region VIII Conference in Norman, OK, Epsilon receives the Man Mile Award.
The spring pledge class travels to Columbia, MO for the first "Destination Unknown," a day where pledges travel to a location unknown to them to foster brotherhood and pledge class unity. This event has since become a staple of Epsilon pledge classes.
Brother Steve Schnurbusch is crowned as the first "Mr. Epsilon" at the inaugural male beauty pageant at Camp Thunderbird.
In fall 2000, Epsilon endures a risk management crisis involving an off-campus incident that prompts an investigation by the University as well as the national fraternity. Epsilon President Vicki Ahn sets an exemplary leadership example by helping steer Epsilon through the crisis and helping protect Epsilon's charter.
Gene Owens, longtime friend to Epsilon and Camp Thunderbird ranger, dies on Dec. 18.
At the National Convention in Philadelphia, Epsilon wins the bid to host the next Region VIII Conference

2001

Epsilon sponsors and organizes the first "Big Event," a day of service that brings campus organizations together to give back to the community.
Epsilon welcomes members of the UM-St. Louis petitioning group (later the Sigma Alpha chapter) to Camp Thunderbird.

2002

Epsilon hosts the Region VIII Conference on Jan. 18-20, with almost 500 brothers attending.
Epsilon alumnus Jim Roach is elected Section 49 Chair at the Section 49 Conference hosted by Alpha Phi chapter; he is the first Epsilon brother to serve in that position.
Representatives from Epsilon travel to St. Louis for the re-chartering ceremony of the Sigma Alpha chapter (UM-St. Louis) on April 21.
Recent Epsilon alumna Amy Metzger, who was training to become a pilot, dies in a plane crash near St. Louis on April 23, 2002. Epsilon conducts an Alpha Phi Omega Memorial Ceremony in her memory on Truman's campus in front of Kirk Memorial. Amy's younger sister Diane Metzger, an active in the Delta Delta chapter, delivers the keynote address at Smoker the following semester. The fall 2002 pledge class is named after Amy Metzger.
Pam Ryan joins the Epsilon chapter as an advisor.
Epsilon attends Camp Jo-Ota near Clarence, MO, for the first time on Nov. 1.
Epsilon as presented with the "Good Neighbor" award from the American Red Cross for excellence in the blood drives.
Epsilon wins the "Man Mile Award" as well as the Josiah Frank National Historian's Award at the National Convention in New Orleans. This makes Epsilon a national award-winning chapter for the first time.

2003

Epsilon hosts its 75^th anniversary reunion on March 28-29, coinciding with formal. Alpha Phi Omega National President Bobby Hainline is the keynote speaker, and more than 100 Epsilon alumni return to Kirksville. Nine of the chapter's Distinguished Service Key recipients are also present for the weekend festivities. This event is highlighted in the fall issue of the fraternity's Torch & Trefoil publication.
Epsilon sponsors an Ugly Man on Campus competition.
Epsilon grants retiring University President Jack Magruder honorary membership for his long support of Alpha Phi Omega on the campus of Truman State University.
Brother Gabe Kennon is crowned Truman Homecoming King; he was sponsored by Epsilon. The chapter also participates in a weeklong array of Homecoming competitions, including volleyball, Scavenger Hunt, Banner, Street Graffiti, Philanthropy, Spirit, Flag Football, Trivial Pursuit, and Ultimate Frisbee competitions. Epsilon won 2^nd place Outstanding Organization overall, while winning numerous awards.
Epsilon grants honorary membership to Allen Caraway, spouse of advisor Linda "Mom" Caraway.

2004

Epsilon wins the Most Spirited Chapter Award at the Region VIII Conference in Omaha.
Epsilon spearheads a "Trading Spaces" style service project on Truman's campus, redecorating several residence hall rooms free of charge. This is prominently covered in the Index.
At the Section 49 Conference hosted by the Beta Psi chapter in Cape Girardeau, MO, Epsilon wins the Man Mile Award and the Road Warriors Award.
Also at the Section 49 Conference, brothers Nick Harbison and Kristina Sis are Epsilon's first recipients of the new Section 49 Railroaders Award.
Epsilon wins the Section 49 Fellowship Challenge paddle from the Sigma Alpha chapter.
Advisor Linda "Mom" Caraway receives the Phyllis C. Tenney Excellence in Advising Award at the National Convention in Denver. This national fraternity award is given to advisors who provide service to chapters of an exemplary nature for an extended period of time. Many Epsilon alumni and actives submitted nominations on her behalf.

2005

Epsilon hosts the Section 49 Conference on April 8-9.
Stephen Hadwiger joins Epsilon as a scouting advisor.
Revisions were made to the chapter risk management policy and related bylaws.
Epsilon wins the Man Mile Award at the Region VIII Conference in St. Louis.

2006

Representatives from Epsilon travel to St. Charles, MO for the re-chartering ceremony of the Alpha Delta Sigma chapter (Lindenwood University).
Epsilon receives the Alpha Phi Omega Chapter of Excellence Award at the National Convention in Louisville, KY.

2007

Epsilon receives the Alpha Phi Omega Chapter of Excellence Award.
Epsilon celebrates its 80^th anniversary with a weekend of activities on March 23-24.
Alumnus Randall Cupp (fall 1978) creates the chapter Distinguished Alumni Key at Epsilon's 80^th anniversary formal. Jim Roach (spring 1997) is the first recipient.
Epsilon hosts a successful Ugly Man on Campus competition to raise money for the re-building of the Newman Center, which was destroyed by fire.