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Serving the Nation
Past and present service projects that serve our nation.
(Ordered Alphabetically)
*currently a service project in 2013
Charity
Zeta Beta has actively participated in an abundance of national charity drives. During the 1953-54 school year, ZB brothers broadened their national service record by assisting on a nationwide survey under the direction of the Boy Scouts of America, for the Institute of Social Research of the University of Michigan. Brothers interviewed some fifty Scoutmasters, and a fee of $2 each, plus expenses, was donated to the chapter. The 1954-55 academic year saw Alpha Phi Omega helping with the Campus Aid Drive, the proceeds of which were donated to the American Cancer Society, Heart Association, Infantile Paralysis Association, Tuberculosis Association, and the World Student Service.
During the 1961-62 year, the chapter adopted 11-year-old Rafael Q. Armania of the Philippines through the Foster Parents Plan, Inc., and pledged $15 monthly for his support. ZB continued their international service program in 1962-63 by making a donation to the Pusan (Korea) Children's Charity Hospital. During the 1969-70 academic year, the brothers sponsored the "What's Right With America" program on the VPI campus. A pledge class project in 1970-71 involved passing out literature for the Peace Corps. In 1971-72, ZB manned voting booths, donated to the World University Service Fund, and contributed money towards the support of a Navajo Indian.
From 1982 to 1983, the brothers sponsored the "Happening on the Green" festival to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis and organized a scavenger hunt to benefit Lou Gehrig's Disease. Brothers also participated in a Rockathon which raised $80 to benefit the American Heart Association (Chairs Claudia Eanes). During the 1983-84 academic year, the fraternity raised its regular contribution to the American Cancer Society from $333.83 to $400. A Handicap Awareness Day was held in October of 1983, and during December of the same year ZB made an effort to keep stamps from Christmas cards to donate to charity. During April of 1984, ZB began sponsoring a foster child from India named Bhyghama. The year concluded with the chapter donating $100 to Students Against Drunk Driving in May.
The 1986-1987 academic year was a particularly active year in Zeta Beta's national service campaign. During February of 1987, brothers participated in the "Dance for Heart", an aerobics fund-raiser. In March, Chuck Gary chaired ZB's involvement in MTV's national campaign for Students against Multiple Sclerosis. Anthony Migliore participated in a lip sync contest, and brothers sold T-shirts and balloons to raise money. In 1989, brothers participated in a Volleyball Tournament which raised $700 for the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad. On Halloween, brothers collected $403.15 for UNICEF by going door-to-door in the major apartment complexes.
Hunger Hike
In 1983 many brothers walked in the Hunger Hike to aid the efforts of Church World Service. During the 1984-85 school year it was decided to replace the Yard Sale and Musical Chairs with redoubled efforts of the brothers on the Hunger Hike project. Dawn Stewart chaired this successful event which included a brunch for brothers and Advisors before the walk. In 1987, many of the brothers received prizes for the amount of money they raised.
Lego League
FIRST Lego League is an annual competition in the fall held around the country and in Canada for children ages 9 to 14. Teams work together to create and solve challenges using Lego’s. Brothers of Zeta Beta have the opportunity to aid in judging, administrative tasks and by being team guides. Because Lego League is held all over the country, opportunities are not just available at Virginia Tech, and many Brothers also go to their hometowns where they continue to help with this enjoyable event.
Musical Chairs
During the 1982-83 year, ZB held a Musical Chairs competition to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The theme of the project was "Sit Your Way to Fame." Zeta Beta worked with Pi Beta Phi sorority and Theta Chi fraternity to raise a total of $3500, and 3441 persons participated.
The Musical Chairs project was held in again in May 1984 to benefit MDA. Though the turnout for this event was disappointing, K92 radio station DJ's noted that "Alpha Phi Omega had a super showing."
National Service Day*
Alpha Phi Omega's National Service Day began in 1979 through the efforts of National Service Chairman, Dr. Stan Carpenter. His goal was a massive outpouring of service across the country and a way of letting others know what Alpha Phi Omega is all about. A National Program of Emphasis was established to encourage chapters to plan a project to suit their needs, united around a common cause. The National Board of Directors selected the first Saturday of November to be "Service Day 1979—A Celebration of Service."
Zeta Beta has participated in National Service Day every year since its beginning. In 1996, in order to allow more flexibility, it was changed to National Service Week, which takes place the first week in November and the theme is picked by the National Office. Each year since 1995, the brothers who participate in Service Day receive a limited edition pin from Nationals for their efforts.
In 1979, the Chapters of Section 82 informed Governor Dalton of the resolution, and he in turn proclaimed the first Saturday of November a statewide service day. In 1997, Governor Allen recognized the first week in November as a statewide service week.
National Service Day Projects
1979 Selling baked goods for UNICEF.
1980 Painting the Rivendall Community House for Young People
1981 Wood cutting for the Montgomery County Emergency Aid Assistance Program (MCEAAP)
1982 Wood cutting for MCEAAP
1983 Woodcutting for MCEAAP
1984 Woodcutting for MCEAAP
1985 Woodcutting for MCEAAP
1986 Performing needed repairs at Camp Powhatan
1987 Woodcutting for MCEAAP
1990 Roanoke River Cleanup and hosted a Canned Rock Concert to raise money and food for underprivileged families
1991 For national theme of literacy and education, a book sale was held at Blacksburg Library
1992 Following the theme of career awareness, the chapter asked alumni to write descriptions of their jobs; a career day was held for the Juvenile Detention Center with cooperation from the Career Counseling Center
1993 In keeping with the National focus of Aids Awareness and Education, a benefit concert involving three bands was held at Sharkey's. Over $400 was made for the New River Valley Aids Coalition
1995 Since the focus of National Service Day was environmental awareness, Zeta Beta planted trees on campus
1996 The theme was Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief, and brother went to Falls Ridge Creek to clear trails blocked during a storm
1997 The theme of National Service Week was Hunger and Homelessness, and brothers trick-or-treated for canned goods which were donated to the Christmas Store. 1997 was the first official National Service Week.
1998 The theme of National Service Week was Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
Brothers cleaned up a women's shelter and sponsored a wish list for abused women.
1999 The theme of National Service Week was “Service to the Leaders of the Twentieth Century.”
2000 The theme of National Service Week was “Nurturing the Leaders of the Twenty-first Century.”
2001 The theme of National Service Week was “Shaping our Fraternity and Campus Environment for the Future.”
2002 The theme of National Service Week was “Utilizing Our Resources to Build a Stronger Community and Nation.” It was held on November 4-10, 2002.
2003 The theme of National Service Week was “Building a Sound Mind.”
2004 The theme of National Service Week was “Building a Sound Body.”
2005 The theme of National Service Week was “Building Safer Homes,” and was held from November 6-12.
2006 The theme of National Service Week was “Building Stronger Communities,” and was held on November 5-11.
2009 The theme of National Service Week was “The 5th Area Of Service, Service to the Environment,” and consisted of three projects, Strouble’s Creek Restoration, New River Clean-up via canoes, and Poverty Trail Restoration.
2010
2011
2012 The theme of National Service Week was "Fighting Against Diseases.”
Relay for Life*
Relay For Life is a service project that takes place every Spring on the Virginia Tech campus. Relay for Life is a 12 hour walk to raise money to support cancer research. Brothers of Zeta Beta camp out along with many other students and organizations through the night taking turns walking on the track in honor of those that have died, are battling, and have survived cancer. There are numerous means of entertainment throughout the night such as live music, themed laps and campsites, and free food! It is a wonderful service project that not only helps people in the community and nation, but offers a great opportunity for Brother bonding.
The 2012 Relay for Life was a huge success. Brothers spent all night selling caramel and chocolate covered apples and raised a total of $438 to donate to the American Cancer Society. While some brothers were working their persuasive magic and selling apples, other brothers were lending a hand to the Relay for Life committee by packing, dispersing, and lighting luminarias all over the drillfield. Not only was the 2012 Relay for Life a success volunteer-wise, but it was also a great bonding experience for all of the brothers.
At the 2013 Relay for Life, Zeta Beta was the highest fundraising non-greek organization!
Scouting*
It is not surprising that Zeta Beta's earliest projects involved the Boy Scouts of America. In the winter quarter of 1948 alone, the brothers helped organize three scout troops. Throughout the 1950s, ZB aided the Blue Ridge Council by attending numerous district camporees and by sponsoring the annual Blue Ridge Council Boy Scout Patrol Leaders Conference, which was held at VPI.
In the spring of 1967 and again in 1969, several brothers attended the Area III-C Order of the Arrow Powwow held at Camp Pipsico. The brothers led a discussion about the fraternity, encouraging the young scouts to join upon reaching college.
Little record exists of Zeta Beta's scouting activities during the 1970s. However, it is known that the brothers participated in the 1978 Webelos in the Woods, as well as volunteering as judges for the 1979 First Aid Rally.
In the 1980s, ZB's association with the Boy Scouts erupted into a flurry of activity. In 1981, brothers judged the scout expo for the Moneton District. In 1982, the chapter began sponsoring Merit Badge Colleges. In 1985, Steve Wilson and Michael Leahy helped staff the Alpha Phi Omega exhibit at the National Scout Jamboree. In 1989, the brothers of Zeta Beta worked to clean up large areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains Reservation.
In the 1990s, ZB brothers continued to teach Merit Badges and began helping in other areas. The Klondike Derby, held at Camp Powhatan, was popular among brothers, who often combined it with a brotherhood camping trip. Another popular project was the Pinewood Derby, organized for local cub scouts.
The brothers have not been the only ones to show interest in scouting projects. The pledge classes often focus their pledge project on scouting. In the spring of 1983, the pledges performed maintenance work on the administrative buildings on the Blue Ridge Mountains Reservation. The pledge class of spring 1992 dug ditches at Camp Powhatan that allowed the laying of plumbing for shower facilities. The pledge class of Fall 1998 assisted with a camp cleanup at a Boy Scout Camp.
One other notable event occurred in 1984 when a Girl Scout Committee was formed. They attended the local Brownie and Cadette meetings and sponsored various projects for local area troops. The Girl Scouting projects were returned to the Boy Scouting project chair and the new title became Scouting in 1996. In the Fall of 2006, there was once again a separation of Boy and Girl Scouts, as Zeta Beta wanted to differentiate the projects with each group
In 2013 Zeta Beta Brother Sarah Johnson involved Zeta Beta with the Girl Scout and Boy Scout Badge Day on campus. The brothers helped the 200 girl scouts obtain five badges related to health, first aid, and teamwork.
Special Olympics*
The brothers of APO get the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of sports with Special Olympics athletes around the New River Valley. The sports include volleyball, bowling, soccer, swimming, walking, and basketball. Throughout the year, the Special Olympics teams will hold tournaments for which Alpha Phi Omega will volunteer.
Superdance (Dance Marathon*)
Alpha Phi Omega participated in the Virginia Tech Superdance for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, commonly known as the Dance Marathon, from 1981-1993. Although Superdance was put together by the Inter-Fraternity and Panhellenic Councils, Zeta Beta made some strong showings by participating in the committee work and by dancing continuously for 28 hours to help raise money. Alpha Phi Omega was recognized as the first non-Greek organization to earn a trophy of any kind.
In 1983, ZB made a tremendous showing at the Superdance when Alpha Phi Omega took first place, provided the most dancers, and raised the most money of any participating group. In 1984, additional funds were raised for MDA for the annual Superdance when every brother donated $1.50, and additional money was brought in from car washes, a carnation sale, and hot dog sales. The brotherhood in 1985-86 danced and raised approximately $60 per person. The dance, in conjunction with a bake sale, raised over $3400. In 1987, Superfest was substituted for Superdance. Superfest consisted of a walk-a-thon and outdoor carnival games. Superfest was discontinued in 1988. In 1991, under the leadership of Jen Rackley, Superdance was revived as an Alpha Phi Omega-run event. Many campus groups and over eighty brothers raised $1611 for MDA. In November 1992, Superdance raised $1500 for MDA. Due to the amount of time involved in organizing the project and the lack of university interest, Alpha Phi Omega decided it would no longer sponsor this event but would continue to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association through other means.
In 2012, Zeta Beta brothers participated in a very similar event called "V-Thon" where money is raised for sick children in the local area. The concept is to dance for 6 hours in various ways including interactive video games, performances, and Zumba.
Superdance Awards
1978 3rd place Most Dancers
1980 2nd place Most Dancers
3rd place Most Money
1981 2nd place Most Dancers
2nd place Most Money
1982 1st place Most Dancers
2nd place Most Money
1983 1st place Most Dancers
1st place Most Money
1984 1st place Most Money
1985 2nd place Most Money
3rd place Most Money raised by an individual, Michael Leahy
1986 3rd place Most Dancers
3rd place Most Money / participant
3rd place Most Money by an individual, Anthony McGee
1987 1st place Most Money / participant
2nd place Most Money by an individual, Libby Dellinger
3rd place Most Money by an individual, Dan Abushanab and Wanda White
1991 1st place Most Money by an individual, Mark Resnick
Ugly Man on Campus (U.M.O.C.)
Zeta Beta's national service record began with its first service project, Ugly Man on Campus (U.M.O.C.) in 1948 and has continued through support of various national organizations such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Multiple Sclerosis.
The history of U.M.O.C. at Virginia Tech is a long and varied one. U.M.O.C. was Zeta Beta's first service project and was held during February and March of 1948. Seventy-six dollars were raised in this initial effort, which was contributed to the World Friendship Fund. During Zeta Beta's first decade, U.M.O.C. became a traditional project and was combined with Campus Aid Drive, a war relief effort.
After a short retirement from 1963-1967, the project was resumed and began to resemble the Ugly Man contest Zeta Beta sponsored through 1993. Starting in 1968, the proceeds were donated to Virginia Camp Easter Seal, and Zeta Beta began its traditional sponsorship of the University President with Dr. Marshall Hahn. In 1975, the Ugly Man contest became a fall project and the festivities were coordinated with Homecoming. From 1979 to 1983 UMOC enjoyed consistent success raising between $1000 and $1500 annually for Virginia Camp Easter Seal.
U.M.O.C. Highlights
1948 $76 donated to World Friendship Fund.
1949-50 Proceeds donated to World Friendship Fund.
1953 More than $3,000 raised in conjunction with Campus Aid Drive.
1959 Cost of a vote rose to five cents.
1961 Proceeds applied to Alpha Phi Omega projects.
1962 Donations used to start emergency loan fund for international students, began U.M.O.C. plaque and key to winner.
1969 Raised $416 for VA Camp Easter Seal (C.E.S
1970 In conjunction with Tech Festival, rose over $500 for C.E.S.
1972 Donations of $300 supplemented by $37 from ZB, and sent 5 children to C.E.S.
1973 600 students of 13 organizations helped to send 7 kids to C.E.S
1974 Sent 3 children to C.E.S.
1975 $120 raised and $60 donated by Zeta Beta to send one child to C.E.S.
1975 $485 raised and $55 donated from ZB to make a total of $540 given to C.E.S.
1976 16 contestants including Zeta Beta's Mike Medney, $450 rose.
1977 $804 raised, ZB hosted Winter Showalter, VA Easter Seal Poster Child, at a spaghetti dinner.
1982 Sent 3 children to regular C.E.S. and 3 children to C.E.S. speech camp.
1984 $1300 raised for C.E.S., Collegiate Times began donating full page ad.
1985 Raised $294, Big Al of Block and Bridle won a keg and dinner at the Farmhouse.
1986 16 candidates raised $800.
1987 Alpha Phi Omega Honorary, Glenn Ng won and was given a U.M.O.C. key, $340 raised.
1989 Raised $502 for United Way. Tracy Shea raised $106.
1990 15 candidates, raised $540 for Camp Easter Seal.
1991 Had a U.M.O.C. float in homecoming parade.
1992 Raised $180 for Camp Easter Seal and $1000.64 for the United Way.
1993 Last recordable U.M.O.C. in recent history
1994-2005 No UMOC
2006-2009 UMOC unsuccessful
2010-present No UMOC
Voting*
As all APO brothers have taken the oath to give back to their nation as participating citizens, brothers get one service hour for voting in elections.
V-Thon*
Starting in 2012 on Virginia Tech's campus, Zeta Beta participated in V-Thon since 2013, bringing the most participants from one organization. V-Thon works to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network. Brothers participate in the dance marathon and work to fundraise for the cause.
Walk To End Alzheimer's
Starting in 2013 the brothers of Zeta Beta have been participating in the 2 mile walk on campus to raise money for Alzheimers. During the opening ceremony the brothers listen to testimonies of those battling Alzheimers and of their caregivers. Many brothers share a connection to this cause and Zeta Beta shows it's passion through its support.
Yardsales
From 1981 through 1987, Zeta Beta hosted annual yard sales, the proceeds of which were donated to a variety of national causes including the American Cancer Society, the Lou Gehrig Disease Foundation, and UNICEF. The first yard sale, held in 1981, took place at a local shopping center and raised $455.