2018-2019 Chartering Ceremonies

2018-2019 Chartering Ceremonies

At AEPi’s 105^th International Convention in Phoenix, Brother Jim Fleischer (Kent State, 1993) announced that ten colonies would be receiving charters during the 2018-2019 school year. A colony is started when an interest group at a school where we do not have a chapter contacts us. These men work hard as a colony to meet specific expectations that allow them to be considered by the Supreme Board of Governors for their charter, making them an official chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi. This semester, seven groups which have worked tirelessly to bring a Jewish home to campus will have the honor of receiving their charter from the Supreme Board of Governors. The other three will be chartered in 2019.

Groups to be chartered:

Illinois State University (Oct. 6, 2018)
Quinnipiac University (Nov. 2, 2018)
University of Alabama (Nov. 11, 2018)
Wake Forest University (Nov. 16, 2018)
University of Texas at Dallas (Nov. 18, 2018)
Grand Valley State University (Dec. 7, 2018)
Bar Ilan University (Dec. 31, 2018)
Appalachian State University (Spring 2019)
University of Tennessee (Spring 2019)
Tulane University (Fall 2019)

Illinois State University

Iota Beta was the first group to celebrate their re-chartering ceremony this fall on October 6, 2018. Originally chartered in 1983, Chartering Chairman Bret Kozin (2020) felt the highlight was not only receiving their original charter back, but many of the composites and other tzatchkes that were taken when the group was closed in 2005. “My mom was a chapter sweetheart in the 80s and has a photo in front of the house with an AEPi sign we thought was lost. We were more than ecstatic to find that it was in storage all this time and being given back to us.”

Quinnipiac University

Nu Eta was also celebrating a re-chartering ceremony on November 2, 2018. Originally chartered in 1968, the group was re-founded in 2015. With more than 70 in attendance, Brother Josh Silverman (2019) was ecstatic with the event’s success. “My favorite thing was watching the parents interact with each other and getting to know one another. I’ve talked about [my Brothers] for so long that it was nice for them to finally meet everybody.”

University of Alabama

AEPi’s Iota Deuteron group at the University of Alabama, originally chartered in 1942, had an amazing turnout for its event on November 11, 2018. More than 130 parents, alumni, school officials and Brothers were in attendance. Brothers from the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Appalachian State University and Auburn University traveled to celebrate with the new chapter. Mu Theta from Appalachian State University drove in early to have their pledge class initiated prior to the ceremony. Chartering Chairman and chapter master David Saxe (2020) couldn’t believe the success of the event. “To see Brothers come from as far as Boone, North Carolina meant the world to me and all of Iota Deuteron. We talk about Jewish geography, this definitely gave us a sense of how big AEPi actually is.”

Wake Forest University

Brothers of Gamma Beta have been eagerly waiting to be chartered since they were founded in 2011. At the chartering ceremony on November 16, 2018, Founding Father Dan Segall (2015) gave insight on how much the chapter has grown since its inception. Other guest speakers discussed how AEPi at Wake Forest has enriched Jewish life on campus. The Brothers hope this momentum drives their future successes. Gamma Beta’s Chartering Chairman Oliver Katz (2021) described how you could feel the energy in the room. “It’s hard to explain, but there was definitely a lot of excitement. While receiving the charter was a highlight for many, my favorite memory will be singing Gold & Blue with my Brothers. It was almost like sealing the deal of becoming an official chapter.”

University of Texas at Dallas

After being founded in 2015, Tau Iota worked day and night to earn its charter on November 18, 2018. Their work was not unnoticed, as guest speakers in attendance made sure to note how much the group has helped the Dallas community, constantly reinforcing the ideals of Tikkun Olam. Tau Iota is close with the Brothers of Mu Gamma at the University of North Texas. Educational Leadership Consultant (ELC) Justice Roy (North Texas, 2017) recalls starting the group. “Their initiation was the first I ever led. To be able to go on this journey from then to now with them is humbling and reminds me why I’m an ELC helping other chapters now.” Chartering Chairman Jake Yaakov Moyal (2021) took the time to sit back and watch his hard work putting the event together unfold. “It feels good to be recognized as a chapter, we’re sort of in awe that we made it to this point. I’m satisfied to watch our hard work pay off.”

Grand Valley State University

Delta Gamma colony will be chartered on December 7, 2018, making it the sixth chartering ceremony this semester. The group was founded in 2016 and quickly grew. One year after they began, Grand Valley State University’s Interfraternity Council (IFC) unanimously voted to be recognize them on campus. Currently at 22 Brothers, they look forward to their ceremony. Brother Morgan Mattler (2020) was named the Outstanding Delegate at AEPi’s 105^th International Convention in Phoenix.

Coincidentally, on the sixth night of Chanukah our sixth chartering ceremony of the semester was held at Delta Gamma chapter at Grand Valley State University. On December 7, more than 130 Brothers, parents, friends and guests came together to celebrate. After lighting Chanukah candles and saying prayers for Shabbat, Chartering Chairman Ben Friedman (2020) opened up about the stereotypes and labels he faces every day, including being Jewish. “Everyone [in AEPi] shows me an extremely high level of patience. For the first time in my life, I feel like my voice matters.” University President Thomas J. Haas and Dean of Students Dr. Loren Rullman were among the special guests in the audience. President Haas made note of Delta Gamma’s dedication to service, congratulating the five chapter Brothers who are student senators. He said, “You’re involved, engaged and exhibiting the best of Grand Valley as well as fraternity and sorority life. You surpass your mission, making our community stronger.” Dean Rullman had a similar message, saying that Delta Gamma colony serves as a learning model for what other fraternities and sororities across the country should look like.

Bar Ilan University

Vav/Israel Zeta will close out 2018 with its chartering ceremony on December 31, 2018. After being founded in 2017, the Brothers quickly mobilized to become a top colony in Israel. Quickly growing to 33 Brothers, Vav/Israel Zeta works to ensure Brothers meet frequently and fraternize on a regular basis. They have raised more than $300 for AEPi’s Official Philanthropy Program (OPP). Brothers are excited to be a part of the New Year’s Celebration and chartering ceremony.

Appalachian State University

After being named the Outstanding Delegation at AEPi’s 105^th International Convention in Phoenix, it was clear this group was ready to be chartered. Looking to their ceremony in spring 2019, the Brothers of Mu Theta continue to work hard towards their goal of being recognized as an official chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi. Mu Theta was founded in 2016 and currently has 23 Brothers. They participated in IFC recruitment for the first time in spring 2018. They have the highest GPA out of 19 IFC and NPHC fraternities on campus and were awarded best new student organization this year. They are a group dedicated to campus involvement as well as service and philanthropy.

University of Tennessee

AEPi’s Psi Deuteron colony was originally chartered in 1949 and was re-founded in 2014. The Brothers look forward to being re-chartered in spring 2019. All 18 Brothers are working hard to earn the charter. The colony has made an effort to send Brothers to regional conclaves and convention to bolster their leadership skills. They shattered their philanthropy goal in 2017 after raising $1,800 for AEPi’s Official Philanthropy Program. They are active in other Greek events on campus and have consistently had the highest GPA of all campus fraternities.

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