To the NIU Community:

I would like to formally apologize on behalf of the members of Alpha Phi Omega’s Eta Chapter for any offense taken from the slogans used at the Relay for Life fundraising tables.

While many of the phrases that were used to encourage donations are widely utilized at cancer fundraising rallies, we recognize that some of those phrases were out of line and inappropriate. Members of our fraternity are very passionate about the cause, and many are directly affected by the evils of cancer.

We hope that this incident will in no way frame the perception of the community and campus of our organization.

Alpha Phi Omega is a national co-ed service fraternity with over 300 chapters around the country. Our chapter at NIU is the oldest continuing chapter nationwide and our work has impacted the lives of many on campus and in the community. In the past year alone, we have raised and donated over $14,000 benefitting the Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Pediatric Tumor Foundation and Hope Haven.

We have also collectively completed over 6000 service hours to the NIU campus as well as community charities and organizations. We are committed to giving unselfishly of our time and energy to serve those in need.

In no way does our extensive service program serve as an excuse for the behavior at the Relay for Life fundraising tables, and we hope that it will not be taken as indicative of our organization and principles. Please accept this sincere apology from myself and the entire membership of our chapter.

Sincerely,

Khaled Ismail

President – Eta Chapter

Alpha phi Omega

[email protected]

(708)557-2112