From tailgates to textbook shopping to the falling of leaves, fall is no doubt a buzzing time of year on the University of Kentucky's campus. For several organizations at the university, the dawn of the semester is not only the start of a new school year but also a time of major growth and new beginnings, for both freshmen and upperclassmen alike. One such UK organization is the Alpha Zeta chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity that boasts a total of over 400,000 members located on 360 different campuses across the country. UK's Alpha Zeta chapter itself boasts over 150 members. While Alpha Phi Omega (or APO for short) is officially a fraternity, it is open to both men and women, as well as to students who are already affiliated with other Greek organizations. According to the organizations's website, "The only criterion is that you have an earnest desire to help those that need it."

Specifically, the fraternity provides both incoming freshmen and upperclassmen with the opportunity to get involved both on campus and out in the community. Members of APO serve the community through such organizations as Sweet Blessings, Hope Lodge, Seedleaf, Peace Meal Gardens and Stream Restoration, Adopt-a-Highway, Adopt-a-Spot, DanceBlue, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the Susan G. Koman Foundation, the Nest, AVOL, the Ronald McDonald House, and many more.

"My favorite is Sweet Blessings," said Elysha Calhoun, a senior chemical engineering major. "You can do some research on it to find out exactly what it is, but it's the most fun project I participate in and it also feels the closest to direct contact with the community."

APO will be hosting its fall rush beginning in September of the upcoming semester, around the second or third week of school.

"I was really surprised how friendly everyone was," said Ryan Gaines, a rising sophomore computer science major. "When I went to my first fellowship event at Tolly Ho, all the actives were extremely kind and really made me feel welcomed. All the active members seemed really nice and struck up conversations with me. When I went into the event, I felt awkward and weird, but through the openness and kindness of members, I felt at home in APO, and still do."

Besides the Tolly Ho night (also known as "Tolly Ho Tuesday"), rush activities also include a Super Smash Bros night and a Progressive Dinner (where potential members eat dinner at a variety of brothers' houses), as well as many other restaurant nights.

"Rushing APO my first semester made all the difference in my UK experience, and I feel very at home in Lexington as a result of my experience as a brother," said Christian Tipton, a sophomore double major in psychology and English on the pre-law track.

To stay updated on Alpha Phi Omega and their upcoming events, students can like APO's Facebook page, Alpha Phi Omega-Alpha Zeta, or follow them on Instagram and Twitter at @UKAlphaPhiOmega. APO's rush website will also be updated soon for the fall season with upcoming rush events.