Dr. Frank Reed Horton

Born on July 17, 1896, in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, Bro. Dr. Frank Reed Horton began serving the nation as an ensign aboard the USS Whippoorwill, a minesweeper active during World War I. He pursued his academic career at Lafayette College, earning an A.B. degree in 1926 and later obtaining an M.A. in history in 1938. His role as the first National President of Alpha Phi Omega, where he pioneered the Fraternity’s expansion to 18 campuses and developed its inaugural national organizational structure, prominently displayed his dedication to leadership.

Legacy of Leadership, Education, & Service

Fueled by a passion for law, he gained practical experience studying in a law office while also undertaking studies at Boston University Law School, and he was awarded an L.L.B. degree from La Salle Extension University in 1937. His academic contributions extended to teaching, with roles as a history, government, and English instructor at Cedar Crest College and Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, over three years. In addition, he applied his skills as an industrial accountant at Ingersoll-Rand Company. His engagement with civic and community organizations included memberships in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the Masonic Lodge, reflecting his broad commitment to service. As an author, he published Poetry Writing and Appreciation, a college textbook that contributed to literary education. His dedication to Alpha Phi Omega and Scouting ideals earned him numerous honors and awards, recognizing his lifelong service and impact. He passed away on August 28, 1966, leaving a legacy of leadership, education, and civic responsibility.

Inspired by the principles of the Boy Scouts of America, Bro. Dr. Frank Reed Horton founded Alpha Phi Omega as a service-oriented fraternity at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. His vision was to create an organization grounded in leadership, friendship, and service. Uniting young men who shared these ideals, he established a fraternity committed to community and national service. The organization quickly expanded, creating chapters across American campuses. Originally a men’s fraternity, APO opened its membership to women in 1976, furthering its mission of inclusivity and service.

1950, APO reached the Philippines, where members launched the first international chapter at Far Eastern University in Manila. Since then, the Philippines has built the largest APO membership outside the United States, focusing on community service, youth leadership, and social responsibility.

Today, APO operates globally, with members actively leading service projects, engaging in leadership training, and supporting communities. They remain dedicated to the core values of Leadership, Friendship, and Service.