Welcome to the Alpha Epsilon Lambda Chapter’s Digital History
We hope you enjoy these memories fondly and invite you to add your own piece of APO history.
In the beginning
On March 10, 2001 Alpha Phi Omega granted the Alpha Epsilon Lambda chapter its charter and McDaniel College, then Western Maryland College (WMC), gained its first brothers, the 707th chapter of APO.
Support from WMC faculty/staff members Lisa Breslin, William Spence, and Philip Sayer was key in those early years to make the chapter a reality.
Support from our brothers
The Eta Phi chapter at American University was kind enough to take on the Big Brother Chapter role for Alpha Epsilon Lambda. Chapter President Avery Hill and Chair of Chartering Ceremony Sarah Jackson went above and beyond to help the WMC petitioners make the chapter a reality.
Henry Marx, an alum of the Epsilon Mu chapter at University of Maryland-College Park, provided regional leadership during the petitioning period as the Alumni Volunteer Sponsor and was recognized with the Ellsworth S. Dobson Certificate of Merit for his work with the chapter.
Success came early
Before Alpha Epsilon Lambda received its charter, members were so dedicated to the Cardinal Principles of Alpha Phi Omega that their group earned the Community Service Award at McDaniel College.
The young chapter hosts a conference
From April 11-13, 2002, the young Alpha Epsilon Lambda chapter hosted the Section 84 Conference. In later years, AEL would move to Section 86 (Baltimore area chapters) and later Section N-1 (Greater Baltimore area chapters).
A growing chapter
By 2004, the chapter grew to take the lead on local and regional projects and causes. Fan favorites included Christmas in April, Reunion Weekend, Hands on DC Headstart, and Meals on Wheels.
Recognition from the Fraternity
In 2006, the chapter was awarded the Joe Scanlon Membership Award, which recognizes increased membership.
In 2007, the H. Roe Bartle Chapter Award was granted for outstanding chapter administration.
And in 2008, Section 86 honored McDaniel with the Outstanding Chapter Award.
Brothers serve together in Little Italy, Baltimore, 2009.
10 years young
On March 10, 2011, the chapter celebrated 10 years since its charter was received. That year, alumni and student members came together to celebrate this accomplishment.
Adventure Awaits!
On Feb. 23-24, 2018, AEL hosted chapters from Section 85 and Section 86 for the 2018 Join Section Conference, “Adventure Awaits.” Alumni volunteer speakers travelled from as far as North Carolina and students attended from Virginia, Maryland, and DC.
Alumni volunteers gather in the Fellowship/Service Room. 
Attendees gather in the Fellowship/Service Room. 
Brothers at check-in. 
Brothers play a “Would you rather” game. 
“I joined APO because…” 
Conference check-in. 
Brothers from the Iota Gamma chapter at Towson University. 
Attendees during a workshop. 
Fellowship/Service Room. 
Fellowship/Service Room. 
“I joined APO because…”
An alternative spring break
March 2018
Brothers stayed behind on campus during spring break to give back to the campus and community.
Gratitude and recognition
In a year that saw increased membership, a section conference, and a spring break service trip, the chapter was celebrated and recognized for its hard work all year long.
Looking to the future
Currently 50+ brothers strong, the Alpha Epsilon Lambda chapter has initiated more than 500 members in its 20 years on the Hill.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual/hybrid learning and recreation on the Hill, the chapter has remained nimble and resilient, ever committed to the Cardinal Principles of Alpha Phi Omega.
APO McDaniel Alumni 