“Be a leader, be a friend, be of service.”
After 86 years of making a positive local impact, Alpha Phi Omega has made it an utmost priority to emphasize the values of humility, selflessness and fostering a constructive environment for all its brothers. Through hundreds of service projects ranging from working with the elderly to building homes, APO is always looking for new ways to give back to the Clemson community.
A personal favorite for Caroline Graybeal, president of APO, is the annual Blood Bowl fundraising competition in which hundreds of students donate blood to save lives and beat the University of South Carolina.
“I love seeing all the long lines of people waiting to donate. I mean, one blood donation can save up to 3 lives. Beating Carolina is only one small fraction of the true purpose, as really it’s about doing something so simple that goes such a long way.” Graybeal’s words hold true, as 3,656 donations were made this past fall.
When asked what direction APO would like to take in the future, Aaliyah Goodwin, the organization’s service chair, said APO plans to get even more involved in the community, as there is no limit to doing good.
For both of these members, it’s not only about the win. Being recognized by the entire campus for their hard work and effort is heartwarming and fulfilling.
“When APO gets the win, every individual brother gets the win. We’re all reminded of why we came together to do this in the first place,” Graybeal said.
www.clemsonapo.org/ // @clemson_apo (Instagram)
