THE ZETA BETA CHAPTER OF ALPHA PHI OMEGA
National Service Fraternity
LEADERSHIP
Awards Given by Zeta Beta
Pledge Class Namesake
In 1950, the chapter began naming the spring and, later the winter, pledge classes in honor of outstanding brothers, advisors, and honoraries. The first pledge class was named after the founder of Zeta Beta, Professor M. Buford Blair. The Chapter Distinguished Service Key (DSK) was awarded along with this designation from 1950 until 1971. In 1971, it was decided to award the DSK to the recipient of the JKR Award. In addition, special Distinguished Service Keys were awarded to Advisors Dr. Martha Roane in 1991 and Dr. Stanley Huffman in 1992.
For a full list of award recipients:
M. Buford Blair Award of Merit
In the fall of 1969 the fraternity voted to establish the M. Buford Blair Award of Merit in honor of the founder of Zeta Beta and his lifelong commitment to serving others. The criterion for this award is outstanding service on the part of a brother who is not a member of the Executive Committee. In spring 1976, the Margaret Blair Award for Outstanding Service by a Little Sister was given as a counterpart to this award. The Executive Committee presents the award semi-annually to deserving brothers at the banquets and initiations, and there is no maximum number of awards that can be given in a year. The first presentation of this award was on January 31, 1970, at the winter quarter pledge banquet.
For a full list of award recipients:
Best Pledge/Spirit Award
In 1970, the brothers of Zeta Beta voted to give a Best Pledge Award to recognize any outstanding members of a pledge class. In 1990 this award was discontinued because the fraternity felt that every member of each pledge class was deserving of the award, and that individual recognition would hinder pledge class unity.
In 1994, an award similar to Best Pledge Award was created, and was designed to recognize the pledge showing the most enthusiasm, leadership, service, and friendship in a pledge class, and was named the Spirit Award. Donnie Hall was the first recipient of this award in the fall of 1994, followed by Heather Lifsey in Spring 1995 and Ann Carter Lammay in Fall 1995. After that semester, this award was discontinued.
However, in recent years, Brothers have brought back the Spirit Award.
For a full list of award recipients:
James Kenneth Robinson, Jr. Memorial Award Outstanding Brother Award
On February 15, 1970, the entire chapter was saddened to hear of the untimely death of Brother J. Kenneth Robinson, Jr. A member of the Class of 1970, he was an accounting major and had served Alpha Phi Omega as President of the James A. Lovell Pledge Class, Chapter Treasurer, and a committee chairman. Brother Robinson was also a member of Phi Kappa Phi scholarship society, President of Beta Gamma Sigma national accounting honorary and president of Beta Alpha Psi national business honor society. When he passed, he left behind a wife of 7 years and two sons.
In the spring of 1971, the chapter voted to create the J. Kenneth Robinson, Jr. Memorial Outstanding Brother Award. The award is given each year "to the brother of Zeta Beta who has given the most outstanding contribution to the fraternity, the campus, the community, and the nation in the areas of Leadership, Friendship, and Service." Voting is by secret ballot, tallied by the Chair of the Advisory Committee, an Honorary, or by the President of the Pledge Class. All brothers vote and every brother is eligible.
A plaque, on which is engraved the recipient's name and the year, is presented at the spring banquet each year. The plaque rotates, with each recipient holding it for one year until the next presentation. The winner is also presented the Alpha Phi Omega Chapter Distinguished Service Key.
For full list of award recipients:
Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award was proposed in 1980 by the Reverend Al Payne, a retired Advisor and coordinator for Religious Affairs at V.P.I. Reverend Payne felt that an award should be established to give recognition to the person or persons on campus who gave most selflessly of themselves for the benefit of others. Qualifications such as scholarship and campus politics would not be considered; only the dedication of the individual to the needs of others. In 1987, it was decided that Virginia Tech Service Council would present this award.
For full list of award recipients:
Stanley A. Huffman Award
In 1994, Zeta Beta founded the Stanley A. Huffman, Jr. Award in honor of Charter Member and Advisor, Dr. Stanley Huffman, who passed away in 1993. The award is bestowed upon a Brother who has given unselfishly of his time and energy for the benefit of the chapter. The recipient is chosen based upon the number of active semesters, service chairs, committee positions, executive offices and service hours. The Award is presented at the Spring Banquet and is accompanied by a Distinguished Service Key.
For full list of award recipients:
Tracy A. Vogler Award
In spring 1996, Zeta Beta established the Tracy Vogler Award to honor brothers who obtain over 100 service hours in a given semester while achieving a 3.4 QCA. It is a self nominated award which is given each semester at the ritual ceremony, and recipients receive a certificate of merit and an Alpha Phi Omega pin.
For full list of award recipients:
Worker of the Week Award
In the Fall of 2006, the Executive Board created a new award to be given weekly to a non-Executive Committee Brother who showed the most selflessness and hardworking attitude during a service project of the previous week. Nominees are sent to the Executive Committee from Service Chairs, and are voted on during the Executive Meeting. This award is presented during the weekly Brotherhood Meetings, and the recipient is given a certificate and the Zeta Beta Eagle Mascot.
For full list of award recipients:
James W. Dean Alumni DSK Award
The James W. Dean Alumni Distinguised Service Key Award is awarded to any alumn who has shown an outstanding amount of service to Alpha Phi Omega. The alumn must have retained Alumni status for at least two years. The Advisory Committee reviews nominations each spring, presenting the award to the winner during the Spring Banquet.
Please advance to the bottom of this page for a full list of award recipients.
For full list of award recipients:
Awards Given to Zeta Beta
H. Roe Bartle Chapter Award, 1974-1975, 1976-1977, 1978-1988
The H. Roe Bartle Chapter Award is given on a national level to those chapters who achieve excellence in chapter program and administration. The award was established in memory of "Chief" H. Roe Bartle, who died May 9, 1974. It is based on self-nomination by a chapter.
Affirmative Action Award
In 1984, VPI began the Affirmative Action Award which recognized people or groups for extraordinary efforts to benefit minorities, women and the handicapped. In 1985, Zeta Beta won commendation for this award (runner up).
In 1986, thanks to the initiative of Joseph C. Ostrowski, Service Vice President, and the strong efforts of all ZB Brothers, Alpha Phi Omega became the first student organization ever to receive this award.
In 1987 Zeta Beta received a second commendation for this award. The Brothers of ZB engaged in the following projects which led to their winning of the award in 1986:
R.A.F.T. hotline donations to the Women's Resource Center
Superdance to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy
Yard Sale donations to the American Cancer Society
Special Olympics volunteers
Donation to Camp Easter Seals from UMOC
Visits to Heritage Hall
Miscellaneous Awards
The chapter's first highlight was being recognized as the largest charter pledge class installed in the history of Alpha Phi Omega until that time. Another first was the simultaneous installation of a father and his two sons: Prof. M. Buford Blair, Marion B. Blair, Jr., and William J. Blair, III. In the Spring of 1955, Professor M. Buford Blair was presented the National Fraternity's Plaque for Outstanding Services.
The March 1955 Torch and Trefoil listed Prof. Blair as Chair of Section #22, which included Virginia and North and South Carolina. In April, his appointment to the National Awards and Service, Scouting Relationships, and Public Relations National Committees was announced.
The Montgomery County Improvement Council on November 24, 1970 awarded Zeta Beta a certificate reading "for outstanding contributions to the welfare of Montgomery County." This was presented primarily for Campus Cleanup. The Chapter received a second award for Campus Cleanup in the Fall of 1971.
Zeta Beta received the top Plaque from the National Fraternity for Service and Membership increase in 1969-1970, and was featured in the Honor Roll in the Winter-Spring 1971 Torch and Trefoil. On October 7, 1971, Zeta Beta was presented a certificate of appreciation reading "To Zeta Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, in special recognition for Outstanding Service to the Appalachian Red Cross Program." Also in 1974, Zeta Beta received an award for outstanding service in the Blacksburg community for our donation of a park bench to the town.
In 1988, Rev. Al Payne, Charter Advisor, received the Blacksburg Distinguished Citizen Award. In 1994, Governor George Allen named the chapter an Outstanding Volunteer Organization (Honorable Mention), in recognition of a project to clean the coves at Claytor Lake, conducted in September 1993 in cooperation with the chapters at Radford and Washington & Lee.
Zeta Beta has also received numerous honors from the National Fraternity, including the Josiah Frank Historian's Award at the National Convention in 1990, and the Dean Arno Nowotny National Service Award 1990 and 1992. ZB was the first chapter in Alpha Phi Omega history to win this award at two consecutive national conventions. At the 2006 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, Zeta Beta once again won the Josiah Frank National Historian’s Award.
Several Zeta Beta Brothers have also been awared the Ellsworth S. Dobson Certificate of Merit from the National Office. This is for Brothers who are instrumental in the chartering and rechartering of other chapters throughout our nation. Some Brothers who have won this award include Jamie Conover, Malcolm Lee, Holly Lynn McKinley and Jason Parker.
In 1997, the Zeta Beta chapter was named the "Outstanding Student Organization of the Year" by Virginia Tech. Throughout the years, ZB has received numerous awards and recognition of our services to others, serving to remind us of the need for our services and of how much they are appreciated by the community and the campus.
In the summer of 2006, Zeta Beta’s long-time advisor and alumni Brother, Richard Goldberg, was awarded the Montgomery County Server of the Year Award.
In December 2012 at the 42nd Biennial National Convention in Anaheim California, Zeta Beta Alumni Paul Louie was awarded the very rare and prestigious National Distinguished Service Key. The chapter was awarded the Chapter of Excellence award & the Pledge Program of Excellence award.
In the Fall of 2013 Zeta Beta was given the Chapter of Excellence and Pledge program of excellence by nationals.
At the 2014 National Convention in Chicago, IL, Zeta Beta was awarded the Josiah Frank Historian's Award for the third time.
Leadership Traditions
Zeta Beta such a unique chapter. Please read and enjoy the things brothers have done in the past and continue to do today!
(Ordered Alphabetically)
*currently a tradition in 2014
APOTIMS*
APOTIMS is the name given to the Alumni Newsletter sent out to all alumni of the Zeta Beta Chapter. APOTIMS stands for Alpha Phi Omega That I May Serve, the fraternity name along with the Virginia Tech motto: Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). The newsletter informs alumni about Chapter events and provides correspondence between alumni and the active Brotherhood. The Alumni Secretary is responsible for putting together APOTIMS each semester.
Big Brothers/Little Brothers*
The Big Brother/Little Brother Program is a major part of Zeta Beta. Each semester Big Brother/Little Brother Coordinators (usually the Pledgemaster and Vice President of Membership) carefully pair at least two Brothers with at least one pledge. The “Bigs” assist their “Littles” by helping them throughout their pledge period. Because the chapter is growing, two pledges are often assigned to the same Big Brothers and called “Twins.”
Brother Interviews*
One of the requirements for Pledges to complete is a one-on-one interview with each Active Brother. Brothers spend at most a half-hour with each pledge sharing information about themselves and filling out pages in the pledge book. Interviewing is a great way for the Brotherhood and Pledges to get to know each other.
CAPS*
This is the Chapter Assessment and Planning Session, which is a mandatory session for the fraternity to attend at the end of each semester. It’s “a tool to help the chapter identify its goals and begin to plan its program for the coming year, based on an assessment of the past year”.
Chapter History*
Zeta Beta has kept a written Chapter History ever since its chartering in 1948. Marion Buford Blair, our founding advisor, began recording our history in his own personal journal, and soon handed over all the information to the chapter historian with whom the information has stayed ever since. It is the duty of the Historian to continue this tradition by updating the information in Chapter History. Zeta Beta won the Josiah Frank National Historian’s Award at the 1990 National Convention because of its well-documented history. In 1998, ZB published a version of the Chapter History in honor of its 50th anniversary. In 2012, the chapter Historian created an online version of the chapter history.
Composites*
It is the duty of the Historian to schedule a composite of our Chapter during each spring semester. A composite, which has individual pictures of each Brother and Advisor, is given to the President and all of the Active Brothers receive smaller copies of the Composite if they want one. A large copy of the composite is displayed at the Spring Banquet.
Executive Committee*
The Executive Committee (“Exec”) is chosen every spring semester through an election process and is installed at Banquet. Exec consists of the following officers in the order of succession: President, Vice President of Service, Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Friendship, Pledgemaster, Treasurer, Communications Secretary, Historian, Alumni Secretary and Sergeant-At-Arms. Each Executive Officer is the chairman of their own committee. The Chairman of the Advisory Committee is also considered the eleventh member of Exec.
Family Tree*
The family tree is an important Zeta Beta tradition. Each brother is linked to all others through the families in our Chapter. The family tree helps us to remember we are all related through one common goal of service. Each active Brother adds their names and those of family members who are no longer at Virginia Tech in all of the pledge books. This tradition keeps the unity of Zeta Beta alive in all of us. It also helps us remember the alumni that have kept ZB going before we ever came to Virginia Tech.
Final Vote-In*
Final Vote-In completes the pledging process in Zeta Beta. It is similar to the Mid-Quarter evaluation, except the questions are more subjective. The pledge class Historian presents the pledge class scrapbook, and the pledge class Vice President along with the rest of the Pledges present the Pledge Skit to the Brotherhood.
Initial Interviews*
Prospective members of ZB’s chapter of Alpha Phi Omega must first be interviewed by a group of Brothers at Initial Interviews. The prospectives go through a total of four rooms: The Leadership, Friendship, Service, and Pledgemaster Rooms. These interviews help Brothers learn more about the prospective members before offering Bids. This process also helps pair Big Brothers with future Little Brothers.
Initiation*
After the completion of the pledging period and Neophyte week, Pledges are initiated in a formal ceremony (often held in Hillcrest Hall and War Memorial Chapel). In the past, it has been a tradition for families to take their Little Brothers to a late-night eatery around Blacksburg following initiation.
Joint Brothers Meetings*
These are special meetings that occur on the Mondays immediately following Ritual and Initiation. They are mandatory for every Active and Associate Brother, as well as for Pledges. Content of the meetings are similar to regularly scheduled meetings, however the purpose is to have set times for the entire Brotherhood to gather as one unit.
Membership Status*
There are three levels of membership status as used by Zeta Beta. Each Brother may choose his own status at the beginning of the semester, before the third Brothers’ meeting. First, Active Brothers must attend all meetings, complete 45 hours of service each semester and pay their dues. Second, Associate Brothers must only complete 10 hours of service, attend a few selected meetings and pay their dues. Finally, Leave of Absence brothers have no rights or responsibilities in Zeta Beta. They do no have to attend any meetings, pay dues or record any service hours because they are typically away from school to study abroad, etc.
Mid-Quarters*
Mid-quarters is an evaluation that takes place halfway through the pledging process. Pledges must complete a certain amount of their requirements and answer questions related to the Fraternity and it’s history for 5 minutes in front of the entire Brotherhood. Active Brothers are required to attend.
Organizational Fair (Gobblerfest*)
Each fall semester at Virginia Tech, organizations can advertise their activities or membership at the Organizational Fair in Squires, now called Gobblerfest. There is always a huge turn out of students, primarily freshmen seeking new ways to get involved in college. Brothers may sign up to help support our display and invite prospective members to come out and rush APO.
Pass the Gavel*
Pass the Gavel takes place at the very last Brother’s meeting of each semester and is a time for brothers and graduating seniors to say kind words and a special good-bye to each other in front of the entire brotherhood. It is also a time to reflect on the fond memories of Alpha Phi Omega and to also wish everyone the best of luck. The President’s gavel is passed through the room to each participating member. The Brother says what they want, strikes the gavel, and passes it onto the next Brother. This is traditionally a very emotional event for most Brothers.
Penny Wars ("Piggies"*)
Every semester Zeta Beta holds Penny Wars to raise money for the Fraternity or another service project chosen by the Historian. The competition is to see which pledge class can get the most points by donating money the “Piggies”. There is one piggy for each of the four most recent pledge classes and a fifth piggy that represents all older pledge classes called the “Old Fogies.” Piggies are brought to each Brothers meeting pennies and bills are donated for positive points toward a pledge class and silver change is negative points.
Plaquemaking & Neophyte Week*
Once Pledges have completed Final Vote-In and all their requirements have been met, they begin Neophyte Week, or the week before Initiation and becoming officially Brothers. During this week, Pledges, now called Neophytes, must dress up when on-campus and carry plaques. In the past some Pledges have also carried candy to give to Brothers for signing their plaques. Plaques have the Fraternity pin on the front.
Pledge Books and Pins*
Pledges wear pins during the pledge process and carry pledge books which are signed by the Brotherhood. The books have the pledge name’s on the cover, the Fraternity crest, and the Virginia Tech seal on them. The letters: Alpha, Phi, Omega, Zeta, and Beta also appear on the outside of the books. These items help identify pledges while on campus and make interviewing a part of a pledge’s everyday activities.
Pledge Class Scrapbook*
Each pledge class elects officers for their pledging semester. One of the offices held is Historian. The pledge class Historian’s main duty is to put together a scrapbook. Each pledge traditionally gets their own page in the book, along with the Pledgemaster and pledgemaster’s assistants (PMA’s).
Ritual*
ZB’s Ritual Ceremony is a Pledge Brother’s first official ceremony in Alpha Phi Omega. It is during this time that prospectives become official Pledges and meet their APO families. Ritual has taken place in both Hillcrest Hall and War Memorial Chapel in recent years.
Robert's Rules*
Roberts Rules are a way of maintaining the order and composure of the meeting even when the subject matters at hand are at their most controversial. Through the proper application of Roberts Rules, motions can be presented, discussion can be conducted in an orderly manner, and the voice of every member of the chapter can be heard in the most effective way possible. Robert’s Rules are used during events such as elections, MQs, FVI, and any type of voting.
Good, Bad, and the Ugly*
The Good, Bad, and the Ugly was created to give feedback to the Executive Board regarding any and all issues within the Fraternity. All Brothers may anonymously make comments “good, bad, or ugly” by submitting comments online at our website: www.zbofapo.org or previously in a box during certain Brothers meetings. It is encouraged that all comments be constructive, so that resolutions may be made to fix the problem.
Toilet Seats*
The Executive board of Zeta Beta receive Toilet Seats with their office’s name on the front. They keep these toilet seats until the end of their terms. The seats are received during the Induction of Officers at the spring Banquet. On the back of the seats, the past officers leave comments and messages to the new officers.
Senior Slate*
Senior Slate is the chance for graduating seniors to take an active part in elections for the upcoming Executive Board. At a private meeting before nominations are opened to the entire Brotherhood, seniors choosing to participate will debate and decide who their ideal Executive Board would be. The information from this meeting will remain closed to all members not in attendance. Their decision will be announced prior to the opening of nominations, where the nominated Brother must accept.
Shout outs*
This tradition started in 2012 by chapter President Russell Dowell. Shout outs open up the opportunity at the beginning of each weekly meeting for brothers to recognize another brother for a kind or extraordinary action they made in the previous week. It is a great way to start meetings off on an appreciative, happy note.