A new fraternity is coming to DU, but this one is much different than the traditional fraternity on campus.

A service-based co-ed fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega (APO), has completed the first steps to creating an official chapter at DU.

It is one of the largest collegiate fraternities in the nation, with three chapters already located in Colorado.

The fraternity held initial interest meetings in the fall.

As of April 21 there will be an official petitioning group recognized by Alpha Phi Omega and DU as an official, university-affiliated group.

Elspeth Sweatman, a sophomore double major in English and music from Memphis, is one of the founding members of the DU APO chapter.

She says she is looking forward to providing more on-campus events students can be involved in, as she feels there are currently not enough service opportunities

“I know that when I arrived at DU, I found there were not too many opportunities to do community service, so we also hope students will find APO a fun organization to be a part of, but also enjoy getting out into the Denver area and doing service work,” said Sweatman.

APO was originally an all-male fraternity founded in 1925 based on the principles of the Boy Scouts of America.

 The fraternity included women in their ranks since 1976 and has grown to include over 350 chapters.

At DU, APO hopes to attract members interested in service, as well as being a part of a friendly and dedicated community.

“I decided to join [APO] because coming together as a group for community service makes it more meaningful,” said freshman Charlie Schmidt. “It’s something we can to do improve ourselves while making positive contributions to the world around us.”

According to Schmidt, a political science major from Aurora, Colo., APO is notable nationwide.

The fraternity is associated with individuals like Michelle Obama, who was an advisor for the fraternity when she was working at the University of Chicago. Former president Bill Clinton is also an alumnus of APO.

“We have what we call fellowship, which is basically an excuse for the group to do events together like go out to dinner, see a movie, play silly games, go camping,” said Sweatman.

While APO is heavily focused on service, Sweatman explained that the fraternity is equally focused on forging friendships and having fun spending time with one another as they spend time together at fellowship and other events.

 “So, yes, we are a service-based organization, so that is our focus, but we do have fun,” said Sweatman.

APO will not have dedicated housing on campus, because they are not part of the Panhellenic Council.

DU will regard them as an organization, like a club, as they differ from the traditional view of a fraternity.

“We haven’t been a conventional fraternity from the beginning. Even though we won’t have housing, we’ll still be able to come together and establish a presence on campus,” said Schmidt.

APO is in the midst of planning their petitioning ceremony, as well as a week of events beginning April 29 to help increase interest and awareness about APO.

Planned events include a mixture of service activities such as volunteering at an assisted living center and fun activities like Frisbee games.

“This is an organization on campus where you can meet people of all ages, ethnicities and majors,” said Sweatman.

The group of founding members hopes to be an official chapter of APO at DU in September.