APO DLSU alumni mark APO’s 100th anniversary in the United States

Group photo of APO DLSU alumni at Hogg Hall, Lafayette College—the site of APO’s first organizational meeting in 1925.

More than 70 brothers, sisters, and 16 spouses from Alpha Phi Omega – Gamma Epsilon Chapter (De La Salle University) headed by President JR Carmona traveled to the United States from October 13 to 20, 2025 to commemorate the centennial founding anniversary of Alpha Phi Omega at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.

Commemorative plaque at the entrance of Hogg Hall, La Fayette College, Easton Pensylvannia, USA

The group visited the Lafayette College library, where a dedicated section honors Frank Reed Horton, founder of Alpha Phi Omega. The exhibit features rare memorabilia, historical documents, and early accounts of the fraternity’s beginnings in the United States. From there, the delegation proceeded to Hogg Hall, site of APO’s first organizational meeting. A commemorative plaque at its entrance permanently marks December 16, 1925—the founding date of Alpha Phi Omega.

“For many of us, visiting Lafayette College is fulfilling a dream we have carried since college,” shared APO Gamma Epsilon Founding Member Junn Aquino, now based in California. “It is deeply meaningful to stand where APO began” added Emma Mabagos-Magbitang, the first sorrority member of APO DLSU.

Prior to the Lafayette College visit, the group joined Alpha Phi Omega – Greater New York (APO-GNY) at Scott Park for the groundbreaking of the APO Centennial Obelisk, initiated by APO-GNY with Gamma Epsilon alumni as major supporters.

Groundbreaking ceremony of the APO Centennial Obelisk at Scott Park with Vice Mayor Ken Brown of Easton PA; Kelly Huth, La Fayette College APO Adviser; Scott Morse, La Fayette College Chief of Staff, Sol Kapunan,APO-GNY President; JR Carmona, APO DLSU AA President, Junn Aquino, APO DLSU Founding member, Emma Mabagos-Magbitang, APO DLSU Sorority Founder and other notable alumni of APO DLSU.

Easton Mayor Salvatore J. Panto, Jr. led the City Council in welcoming APO guests and acknowledged the Obelisk as “a lasting symbol of service and community involvement.”

APO-GNY President Sol Kapunan, together with officers Roehl Ty, Jericha Ong-Daof, and Jhun Baldonado, presented the project’s vision and timeline to the City Council, which had granted full approval months before the groundbreaking.

“We are honored to mark APO’s 100th year with a structure that future generations of brothers and sisters can visit,” said Kapunan during the event.

Also present were APO Gamma Epsilon alumni from the Philippines and various parts of the United States, including chapter pioneers and senior alumni leaders.

The trip also featured fellowship gatherings in New Jersey, Boston, and New York City, providing opportunities for bonding and reflection among alumni.

The delegation returned home carrying renewed fraternity pride. For many, it was the realization of a lifelong aspiration—finally standing at Hogg Hall, regarded as the symbolic birthplace and spiritual home of Alpha Phi Omega.

“It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage,” former Grand Chancellor Ramon de Leon shared. “A fitting celebration of APO’s 100 years of leadership, friendship, and service.”