Letter from the CEO

Dear Brothers,

I hope you enjoy reading this edition of the Lion. It has been a tumultuous few years for the fraternity but we have a lot for which to be thankful. Chief among those things for me is the legacy left by my predecessor. Jim Fleischer. Over the past six months I have treasured the fact that I think about Jim every day. Sometimes I grab a pen and find that they are the Uni-ball Deluxe Fine points that Jim liked. Other times I ask myself, “What would Jim do?” and mostly I just chuckle at something funny I wish I could share with him. The memories sometimes come with profound sadness and other times with a smile, but they are all a blessing.

This issue contains memories of Jim that our Brothers choose to share. It is a small tribute to someone who left an indelible mark on AEPi and on those of us lucky enough to call him our friend.

Jim often told his staff that they had five minutes to be upset about something then they had to get back to work. I am reminded of this as I read this Lion magazine. Despite the many challenges that we face in our world our chapters are back to work on their campuses and in their communities. They are recruiting, participating in Jewish programming, advocating for Israel, raising money for philanthropy, holding formals and date parties, and studying.

This year alone our chapters have raised over a half of a million dollars for philanthropic causes, registered over 1,000 more people in the bone marrow registry (generating 62 matches and 9 transplants), and organized thousands of events. AEPi’s 154 chapters and colonies are a force for good that is unmatched.

At the headquarters we are working diligently to plan the best AEPi convention since the 100th. It is time to get back together and to celebrate our fraternity. After several years apart, this convention will be one to remember. Whether you are an undergraduate or an alum, I look forward to seeing you at the Mariott Turnberry resort in Aventura Florida in August. Sign up now!

Fraternally,

Rob Derdiger
Chief Executive Officer, Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, Inc.

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