Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity
Alpha Epsilon Pi, otherwise known as "AEPI" is a Jewish fraternity founded by Charles Moskowitz in 1913. With chapters based in other countries, there's over 180 chapters on AEPI to appreciate. Based on Jewish fundamentals, this fraternity of accepting of any man that walks through their doors.
When AEPI was established in 1913, this sparked the uprising of what would become the most capable and functional group of brothers. These members were commonly from middle class families with good values. The purpose of this fraternity is to teach new members how to become close to one another, and evolving into a man. Instead of following another group that had already been established, Charles Moskowitz decided he would change that thought. Moskowitz had already been friendly with some other Jewish friends, and decided starting a new organization would be smart. An athlete, receiving multiple bids decides to turn them all down, but to start a new chapter in life.
These friends along with Moskowitz decided this fraternity would be established along with 10 other men they would live together. This sparked what would be known as a "frat house". This origination would serve as a memorial to all other chapters created after the first. Over time, "Alpha Epsilon Pi" has evolved into an organization unlike any other, being the first Jewish dominant fraternity. AEPI only grew from there, battling the loss and gain of chapters over time. Nearing the start of the Vietnam War, liberal students fought to diminish the Greek system. This caused damages in member count, but luckily ended following the end of the war. Eventually AEPI would return, becoming the first predominantly Jewish fraternity.
AEPI Values:
Alpha Epsilon Pi provides education, resources and training to develop leadership for the future of the Jewish community. Tomorrow’s Jewish leaders are in our chapters today. These are the young men who must be counted upon to support Jewish causes and to prepare to be one of tomorrow’s Jewish leaders, so that they may aid themselves, their family, their community and their people. Though this process, young adults grow mentally in what will prepare them for new opportunities and growth.
Throughout history, the fraternity setting has served as a “learning laboratory,” a testing ground for young men who later become leaders in business, education, government, religion and science. A goal of our fraternity is to help each student to develop character, responsibility and a proper set of values through living together in brotherhood. Alpha Epsilon Pi prepares young men for their role in life as responsible citizens.
Therefore, our basic purpose is to provide the opportunity for a Jewish man to be able to join a Jewish organization whose purpose is not specifically religious, but rather social and cultural in nature. Alpha Epsilon Pi is a Jewish fraternity and brotherhood in Alpha Epsilon Pi is open to all who are willing to espouse its values and mission. AEPI has stood by these standards since the opening of its first chapter.
Arizona AEPI (Tucson, AZ)
Chartered in 1964, University of Arizona opened it's arms, welcoming the Upsilon Alpha chapter. Since last year the school has parted ways with this chapter. Located in Tucson, Arizona this chapter is still active and supported by AEPI nationals. The fraternity house is located at 1510 N Vine Ave. Tucson, AZ. This chapter has over 100 active members, approaching 2021. Philanthropy events, community service, and philanthropic opportunities allow young adults to pursue leadership in all different directions. The GPA standard is a 3.0, which this chapter has achieved for 5 years straight. Still being recognized nationally allows us to participate in Jewish events, such as Rosh Hashana and Shabbat. As talked about before, this chapter offers student positions to those who are ready to take an extra step.
The Executive Board of the Upsilon Alpha Chapter follows:
- President — Master
- Vice President — Lieutenant Master
- Secretary — Scribe
- Treasurer — Exchequer
- Sergeant at Arms — Brother at Large
- Master of Ceremonies — Sentinel
- Head of Recruitment — Rush Chair
- Pledge Educator — Pledge Master
Each of these positions are meant to complete different tasks, while working together at the same time. It's the communication and hard work that allow chapters like this to grow.
On February 22, 2020 AEPI HQ hosted the 73rd annual conclave in Davis, CA. Over 10 different Alpha Epsilon Pi chapters gathered to participate in an annual conference. This conference teaches young members of the fraternity how to develop networking skills and practice safety throughout the chapters. The previous conferences have been held in Berkley, CA and Cincinnati, OH. Newly Initiated brothers and the Executive Board of the Upsilon Alpha Chapter drove 16 hours each way (32 Hours total) to participate in this conference. More than 2,000 AEPi Brothers gather for regional Conclaves every year in order to meet and connect with Brothers, learn best practices for chapter management and operation and gain a deeper understanding of the fraternity.
Noteable alumni of the fraternity include the founders of Tinder, Lyft, Home Depot and Hotels.com as well as former/current presidents or chairmen of Citigroup, ESPN, MGM Studios, Walt Disney Studios, 20th Century Fox and NBC Television. In sports, AEPi alumni include the founder and first owner of the Harlem Globetrotters, current owner of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox, the CEO of the Atlanta Hawks, president of the Florida Panthers, the commissioner of the National Hockey League and at least 2 Olympians. In American politics, AEPi has had at least 6 U.S. Representatives, 1 U.S. Senator, 1 U.S. Governor, a former Israeli Ambassador to the United States and a U.S. State Supreme Court Justice. In Canadian politics, AEPi alumni include the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the current and one former Israeli Ambassador to Canada, as well as Canada’s first Jewish Cabinet member and Deputy Prime Minister of Canada.
The Official Twitter for the Upsilon Alpha Chapter of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity at The University of Arizona @AEPIarizona