T h e of f ic i a l p u b l ic at ion of A l p h a E p si l on P i INSIDE:
Kicking Through Tragedy Hospitality Industry Icon Receives Teich Award Undergraduates Raise Nearly $100,000 for Injured Brother AEPi’s Inaugural Civic Engagement Conference Strenthening the Jewish Identity
Spring 2013
All Out
Blitz In an exclusive interview, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, SUNY-Buffalo 1970, discusses his undergraduate days, notable career, and being the emcee of the Gala Banquet at this summer’s Centennial Celebration.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
01
Letters
Fraternity Records
Noteworthy
Eleven
08
An exclusive interview with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, SUNY-Buffalo 1970.
12
Putting Your Best Foot Forward
16
Semper Paratus. Always Ready.
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Lights On The Lawn
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Inaugural Civic Engagement Conference
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Life of AEPi
Foundation Annual Report
Alumni Accolades
All Out Blitz
Life’s Paths
The challenging yet rewarding collegiate career of our Brother and the star kicker for the Texas Southern University football team.
The “Year of the Veteran” continues with the story of a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter pilot.
The Tau Chapter at Vanderbilt University raised nearly $100,000 to help an injured Brother return to campus.
Twenty-two Alpha Epsilon Pi Civic Leadership Chairmen met in Washington, D.C. for civic engagement education.
How does membership in Alpha Epsilon Pi strengthen one’s Jewish identity?
Departments 02 Letters 04 Fraternity Records 05 Noteworthy 07 Eleven 20 Chapter Chronicles 36 Alumni Accolades 42 Alumni Club Updates 43 Recollections 44 Life’s Paths On the cover: CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, host of The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer. (Photo courtesy of CNN)
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Letters
Fraternity Records
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Letters
From the Supreme Master Dear Brothers,
Alpha Epsilon Pi has now entered its 100th year! Our Fraternity’s Centennial Celebration is scheduled to take place a few Foundation Annual Report short months from now. Alumni and undergraduate Brothers from every chapter in the world will be in New York on August 8-11 for what promises to be an unforgettable few days. Highlights of the weekend include a dinner Alumni Accolades cruise around lower Manhattan; a Shabbat program in honor of Alpha Epsilon Pi veterans at the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier; the convening of the 100th Supreme Council, with a ritual entry for every chapter and lodge; and Life’s Paths the Centennial Gala at the Waldorf Astoria, featuring CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, SUNY-Buffalo 1970, as master of ceremonies. But the Centennial Celebration represents far more than a fun-filled weekend in New York. An American statesman once said, “I count it as a sign of maturity for men and women to nurture the institutions that have nurtured them.” Alpha Epsilon Pi has nurtured us in so many ways. Just reflect for a moment on your experiences in your chapter — the treasured friendships, the lessons in life and leadership, the feeling of enhanced Jewish pride. Would you be the same person you are today were it not for those blessings of brotherhood? Would college have been the rewarding experience it was without Alpha Epsilon Pi? For the past 100 years, our Fraternity has been fighting assimilation, inculcating Jewish pride, teaching civic responsibility, and producing the world’s Jewish leaders, all while giving our Brothers the best friends they could ever imagine having. We have grown to become an international powerhouse, with alumni lodges in 30 cities and undergraduate chapters on 175 campuses throughout the Unites States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Israel. So large and successful are our overseas operations, in fact, that we just completed a regional leadership conclave for Alpha Epsilon Pi in Europe — the first such meeting or conference in the history of the American Greek system to occur outside of North America. Yes, our accomplishments are cause for great pride. Those achievements will be celebrated in New York over the course of some truly moving and impactful programming. But more important than rejoicing over past and present successes, our Centennial Celebration is about securing an even brighter future for Alpha Epsilon Pi, and setting our sights on even greater heights as we embark upon our Fraternity’s second century. That is the real power of the events that await us in New York. Please join your Brothers from your chapter, from around the world, and from across the generations in New York City on August 8-11. You have helped to shape our history. Please join us in New York this August and help shape our future. Visit centennial.aepi.org for registration or more information. See you there!
The Official Publication of Alpha Epsilon Pi
Vol. 99 Issue 2 Spring 2013 Executive Director Andrew S. Borans, Florida State 1980
Assistant Executive Director James C. Fleischer, Kent State 1993
Editor Adam Matsil, Northwestern 2012
Contributor Michael Waitz, DePaul 2009
Communications Committee Elan S. Carr, California - Berkeley 1990 Scott Cohon, Wayne State 1991 David Daniels, Arizona State 1998 Jay S. Feldman, Central Florida 2003 Jason Friedlander, Arizona State 1998 Jonathan M. Pierce, Vanderbilt 1986 Sasha Strauss, California - Irvine 1999
Design & Layout Tria Designs Inc.
Elan S. Carr, California-Berkeley 1990 Supreme Master The Lion
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03 From the Editor Receive The Lion All life members of Alpha Epsilon Pi are subscribed to receive The Lion.
Get published in The Lion Undergraduates and alumni members alike are encouraged to submit material to The Lion for publication consideration. To submit, please email thelion@aepi.org and be sure to include high resolution photographs (at least 300 DPI).
Submission Deadlines Fall 2013: June 28 Winter 2013: September 8
Contact The Lion The Lion of Alpha Epsilon Pi Attn: Editor 8815 Wesleyan Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 (317) 876-1913 thelion@aepi.org
Address Changes
Dear Brothers,
Before I went to college, my grandfather continuously encouraged me to join Alpha Epsilon Pi. He would tell me stories about his experiences in college and his friends whose names were always prefaced with “Brother.� For a long time, I was unsure what this word signified and why it was so important to say. The meaning is clear to me now. This August, Brothers of all ages and from all over the world will convene in New York City to celebrate 100 years of Alpha Epsilon Pi. The accomplishments of our Fraternity will be celebrated and goals for the next 100 years will be set. Even though Alpha Epsilon Pi has accomplished extraordinary feats as an organization, we must not forget what has allowed us to operate for 100 years. The values and ideals of Alpha Epsilon Pi have synthesized unbreakable relationships between men of all ages and from different universities. These relationships are the basis of our brotherhood, which has provided motivation and purpose for Alpha Epsilon Pi to survive and thrive as an organization during the past 100 years and will allow us to continue to do so over the next 100. This August, regardless of whether or not you are attending the Centennial Celebration, please take a moment to reflect upon what being a Brother of Alpha Epsilon Pi has meant to you. Being a Brother helps one achieve individual success or overcome struggle, many instances of which are in this issue of The Lion. Your Brother,
Please email office@aepi.org (subject line: Address Change) with your name, email address, mailing address, and phone number. Address changes can also be sent to: Alpha Epsilon Pi, 8815 Wesleyan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268.
Adam Matsil, Northwestern 2012 EXECUTIVE FELLOW
Publisher The Lion of Alpha Epsilon Pi (ISSN 1041-6935) is published by the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity.
Member
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Table of Contents
Letters
Fraternity Records Fraternity Records
Noteworthy
MARRIAGES
Eleven
Joel Abramson, Kent State 2010 Felicia Levine
Alex Handy, California-Davis 2011 Devon Miller
Russel Semmel, Florida 2006 Janie Schneider
Ben Adler, Northwestern 2003 Alicia Manseau
Dave Holstein, Northwestern 2005 Foundation Annual Report Katie O’Brien
Amiel Volinsky, DePaul 2009 Chava Olshansky
Jonathan Bergman, Yale 2000 Travis Nesbitt
Scott Hunter, City College of New York 1962 LoisAlumni Carson Accolades
Jeff Wachter, Virginia 2006 Amanda Zimmerman
Andrew Brown, Florida 2008 Jennifer Gurland
Matthew Klein, Florida 2004 Jessica Meyers
Jordan Edelman, San Diego State 2008 Olivia Nedorezov
Life’s Paths Henry Korenblum, York 2008 Chloe Noel
Adam Feldman, Drexel 2002 Heather Wing
William Monterosso, Texas 2010 Analise Castellanos
Ilya Fishberg, Drexel 2002 Natasha Levin
Jonathan Riboh, Northwestern 2004 Christa Swisher
Jason Golzbein, Florida 2009 Amanda Stein
Zachary Riley, Drexel 2008 Emily Messner
Aaron Weiner, Florida 2003 Jennifer Platt Larry Zeidman, Northwestern 1999 Miriam Lieberman
CHAPTER ETERNAL Sanford M. Altschul, Wisconsin 1961 Howard B. Camden, Michigan State 1949 Burton E. Eaton, Miami 1949 Howard I. Fishlove, Drake 1957 Joseph A. Grossman, Delaware 1949 Daniel J. Henkin, Missouri 1951 Harold W. Hyman, Syracuse 1950 Dr. Julian Jacobs, Cornell 1954 Dr. Stuart R. Jaffee, Tufts 1951 Elliott H. Kajan, Ohio State 1960 Joel P. Kollin, Pennyslvania State 1961 Evan T. Krieger, Virginia 1952
John H. Perel, Texas 1967 Monis Schuster, Wayne State 1952 Stanley T. Shapiro, Emory 1960 Daniel B. Shore, Illinois Institute of Technology 1958 Albert Reaven, Akron 1943 Eitan Stern-Robbins, University of Miami 2016 Allen D. Stolar, Miami 1950 Lawrence A. Stone, Indiana 1968 Jared E. Ufland, Michigan State 1958 Ron Warner, Tulane 1965 Justin Wolfe, Temple 2014
Births To Ben and Heidi Aaronson, Northwestern 2004, a daughter Charlotte Harper
To Michael and Liz Kaplan, Northeastern 2001, a son Noah Samuel
To Paul and Jessica Ratner, San Francisco State 2005, a son Ezra Nosanchuk
To Ilan and Atarah Barda, Toronto 1999, a daughter Adiya Hannah
To Justin and Rachel Kusher, Florida 2005, a son Hudson Emmett
To Jacob and Darie Ravick, Maryland 2005, a son Judah Hirsh
To Nuri and Stefanie Boardman, Drexel 2003, a daughter Julia Belle
To Ryan and Aimee LeWinter, Florida 2004, a son Zachary Blake
To David and Luna Rosmarin, Drexel 2001, a son Caleb Lee
To Paul and Donna Burnstein, Southern California 1996, a daughter Damiana Gabrielle
To Adam and Stacey Mayer, Yale 1997, a daughter Samara Chelsea
To Garett and Bethany Shiner, Drexel 2005, a daughter Morgan
To Scott and Holly Charles, Drexel 2007, a daughter Brooklyn Maya
To Evan and Jessica Ochs, Texas 1998, a daughter Mia Avery
To Peter Cohen-Millstein, Brown 1998, a daughter Lilah Eve
To David and Stacey Ogman, Florida 1998, a daughter Kira Eden
To Jason and Nicole Friedlander, Arizona State 1998, a son Ian Miles The Lion
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To Ian and Maribel Topf, CaliforniaDavis 1992, a son Aaron Gabriel To Marc and Debra Wintjen, Drexel 1999, a son Seth Nathaniel To Jonathan and Maureen Wisch, Rhode Island 2000, a daughter Grace Catherine aepi.org
Letters
Fraternity Records
Noteworthy
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Eleven
Foundation Annual Report
Alumni Accolades
Life’s Paths
From left: Howie Mandel, Israel’s Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz, Executive Director Andy Borans with Israel65 Award, President and CEO Izzy Tapoohi, and Chairman of the Board Richard Hirsch
Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity Executive Director Awarded On January 27th, the 2013 Israel Bonds Investment
Campaign was launched at the Prime Minister’s Club Dinner. In attendance were Yuval Steinitz, the Finance Minister of Israel, and Howie Mandel of Deal or No Deal, the father of an Alpha Epsilon Pi Brother and the master of ceremonies. Steinitz and Mandel both praised Israel Bonds as an organization and commended their dedication to Israel. At the end of the night, over $230 million in Israel bond investments were announced. The evening ended with the presentation of the Israel65 Award to 19 honorees. The presentations were made by Steinitz, Mandel, Israel Bonds Chairman of the Board Richard Hirsch, and Israel Bonds President and CEO Izzy Tapoohi. One of the honorees was Alpha Epsilon Pi’s Executive Director Andy Borans, who received the award on behalf of Alpha Epsilon Pi. Over 50 undergraduate and alumni Brothers were in attendance to see the presentation of the award. aepi.org
Emerging from the Prime Minister’s Club Dinner was the Double Mitzvah project. This initiative consists of purchasing an Israel bond in the name of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Foundation, where the Foundation owns the principle and all interest earned on the bond. Not only would the purchase of a bond support the state of Israel, but also the Alpha Epsilon Pi Foundation. Leaders of the Double Mitzvah project are the Brothers of the Phi Iota Chapter at Florida International, as the whole Chapter is participating in this initiative. ✦ To learn more or to take part in the Double Mitzvah project, please email Daniel Goldwin, Israel Bonds’ Executive Director of the Midwest Region, at Daniel.Goldwin@israelbonds.com.
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Letters
Fraternity Records
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Facebook.com/ AEPi.fraternity
Foundation Annual Report
Alumni Accolades
Life’s Paths
In response to this picture of Congressman Eliot Engel (DNY) speaking at Alpha Epsilon Pi’s dessert reception at AIPAC’s Policy Conference: “It was amazing to see the large number of AEPis represented at AIPAC! Just another testament to the very positive role they play in Jewish life! Kol HaKavod!” -Rabbi Ben Packer, Director of the Jewish House in Jerusalem
Instagram #AEPi
Will You Leave a lasting legacy in AEPi? Dr. Donald M. Gilner, Tulane 1962, and his wife, Celia, have. After attending a recent alumni brunch in their hometown of Atlanta, Don and Celia were inspired by the impact our undergraduate Brothers are making in their Jewish communities on campuses around the world, and decided to include Alpha Epsilon Pi in their estate planning. A legacy gift to the Alpha Epsilon Pi Foundation will secure support to our undergraduate Brothers of Alpha Epsilon Pi for years to come by providing positive Jewish experiences and the very best educational and leadership development opportunities for the future leaders of the global Jewish community. Please contact the Foundation staff for sample language to update your will, or to discuss the variety of legacy gift opportunities that meets your family’s financial planning needs and philanthropic goals. To learn more and join the growing number of Brothers who have already made arrangements to include Alpha Epsilon Pi in their estate planning, please contact Jay Feldman, Managing Director, at (240) 235-5087 or jfeldman@aepi.org. Together, we can ensure the future of Alpha Epsilon Pi.
Published! If you would like to have your book featured, please email us at thelion@aepi.org. aepitauphi: Members of the Tau Phi Colony in South Carolina for Southern Regional Conclave 2013! #AEPi #Esponda #brotherhood #USC #greatweekend.
Twitter.com/ AEPi @AviDGordon: Had a great time at the @BBYOAlumni and @AEPi receptions after #AIPAC2013’s gala dinner. Keeping our partnerships strong! @StandWithUs @AaronMKatz: Congrats to Elan Carr, @AEPi Supreme Master, on winning an @AIPAC Allies of the Year Award #AIPAC2013 @Mbrooksrjc: Just had the great opportunity to speak to 600 great Jewish leaders at @AEPi Conclave. These guys are the future!
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The Compassionate Rebel Revolution: Ordinary People Changing the World Burt Berlowe, Arizona 1963
The Compassionate Rebel Revolution: Ordinary People Changing the World follows the inspiring life journeys of some 60 everyday heroes as they travel the winding road of social transformation. We continue to tell stories of ordinary citizens who have overcome adversity and channeled their anger at injustice into positive action all over the world. Find it at Amazon.com.
Building a Better Mind Morton Schomer, Ohio State 1951 Building a Better Mind offers a significant body of knowledge, with new discoveries, to empower readers to understand how the mind works. The insight from the hundreds of training procedures and suggestions that Dr. Schomer describes is valuable to every child and adult, whatever their label or diagnosis. Dr. Schomer’s teaching strategies will help you reach your mind’s maximum potential. Purchase at buildingabettermind.com.
Derision Points: Clown Prince Bush the W, the Real Story of his “Decision Points” Ted Cohen, Vermont 1973 President Bush still likes to call himself “The Decider,” but a lot was decided for him. This imaginative memoir reveals the real President Bush from his youth. He was good-natured and never thought he would run for political office. Find it at Amazon.com.
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Fraternity Records
Noteworthy
Eleven
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Foundation Annual Report
The most anticipated events of the Centennial Celebration
Alumni Accolades
For the full schedule, visit centennial.aepi.org/schedule Life’s Paths
Supreme Council
Dinner and Tour of the USS Intrepid
Shabbat Program Honoring Alpha Epsilon Pi Veterans Community Service Project and Philanthropy Lunch
Chapter procession
Honorary Initiation
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Shabbat Oneg Reception for Alpha Epsilon Pi Foundation Donors
Centennial Celebration Picture and Visit to the Washington Square Arch
Saturday Night Gala Banquet Hosted by Wolf Blitzer (SUNYBuffalo 1970)
Dinner and Boat Ride Around the Statue of Liberty on the Circle Line
Opening session at NYU Spring 2013
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Blitz The Lion
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Photo courtesy of CNN
All Out
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By Jonah Newman, Northwestern 2012
Wolf Blitzer is perhaps one of the most recognizable faces in the media. He is the host of CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and has anchored CNN’s election coverage for the past three presidential campaigns, including moderating three Republican presidential debates during the 2012 election season. Blitzer is also known for his in-depth reporting on international news: he traveled to NATO headquarters in Brussels for an exclusive joint interview with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta on the latest in global foreign policy issues, was granted rare access to travel to North Korea with former New
Blitzer to Emcee Gala Banquet To view more information or to register for the Centennial Celebration, where you can see Blitzer host the Gala Banquet, visit centennial.aepi.org.
Mexico Governor Bill Richardson as the world watched tensions mount between North and South Korea, and he reported from Israel in the midst of the war between that country and Hezbollah during the summer of 2006. Blitzer is a Brother of Alpha Epsilon Pi and a member of the Upsilon Beta Chapter at SUNY-Buffalo.
Jonah Newman: Let’s start with current events. What’s your take on Israel’s apparent involvement in Syria? How will this affect the conflict and the actions of the U.S. and other countries?
Wolf Blitzer: Obviously, it’s a very fluid situation, so who knows what’s going to happen. But, Israel has made it clear that if there are weapons going from Iran to Syria to Hezbollah, that they’re going to strike. I don’t think that should surprise us at all. What Syria does in response, what Hezbollah does
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in response, what Iran does in response, I have no idea. But it’s clearly a serious situation. You’ve reported from many places and countries around the world, including Russia right after the fall of the Soviet Union, North Korea and, of course, the White House. What’s the most challenging place you’ve reported from?
The six days I spent in Pyongyang, North Korea, in December 2010. I had been to totalitarian regimes before, I had reported from the Former
Soviet Union, I reported from South Africa during Apartheid, but it was so different in North Korea. It was a great experience and I’m glad I did that, of course, including the one-hour documentary I did. Are there any countries you want to report on or from that you haven’t yet?
I’m a curious guy. I spent seven years as the White House correspondent for CNN during the Clinton administration. He liked to travel, and I was very lucky to have had the chance to travel with him. We visited
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Photo courtesy of CNN
CNN’s Wolf Blitzer visited Be’er Sheva in November 2012, where he toured a destroyed home and talked with the family, including a 9 year old, who said she wasn’t scared at all. (Photo courtesy of CNN/ Linda Roth)
almost every place on earth. I’ve never been to Antarctica, but short of that, I’ve been almost everywhere.
Television Anchor The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer is the command center for breaking news, politics and extraordinary reports from around the world. Tune in weeknights from 5-7pm ET and Saturdays from 6-7pm ET on CNN.
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You’re one of the most prominent Jewish journalists in the world today. How has Judaism or Jewish values influenced your work as a journalist?
I am who I am. Every journalist brings his or her background to the table. When I first started working at Reuters—that was my first introduction to journalism as a profession—in Tel Aviv, all the guys who trained me, told me, ‘Look, we all have different backgrounds, different religions. Your job is to try to report the news as objectively as possible.’ Of course, we’re all human, we
all have our own background, but I’ve always believed that my job is to be a responsible, fair journalist. So if I’m in Israel or Egypt, I try to do it as fairly as possible. I’m not an opinion journalist; I don’t wear all my opinions on my sleeve. I’m basically an old-school journalist. Let’s talk about Alpha Epsilon Pi. Why did you decide to join?
I was a freshman at Buffalo. And there were a few different fraternities—I think there was Sigma Alpha Mu, Zeta Beta Tau, and there was Alpha Epsilon Pi. And I didn’t know what to do. But some of my friends were hot on Alpha Epsilon Pi. I really wasn’t sure
what to expect. But I met some of the guys, including the brothers, the upperclassmen. And all of a sudden, there we were, all of these freshmen. And we all bonded, which is what you’re supposed to do. What’s your favorite memory from your time in Alpha Epsilon Pi at Buffalo?
Everything was fun. The experiences I shared with my fraternity—those are the stories I still remember. Did you ever hold any leadership positions in your chapter?
No, as far as I remember, I was never the pledge class president. It wasn’t my obsession, it was
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Photo courtesy of CNN
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CNN’s Wolf Blitzer in Egypt, where he interviewed the country›s first democratically elected leader, President Mohamed Morsy. (Photo courtesy of CNN/ Linda Roth)
something I liked doing. I was a student. I liked sports. It was fun, I had a great time, and I’m glad I am a Brother. Are you still in touch with any of your brothers?
Dr. Danny Deutsch [SUNYBuffalo 1967] is my fraternity brother and one of my best friends, and he’s my dentist. So you can’t beat that. My friend Richard Goldstein [SUNYBuffalo 1970], who is a lawyer in Washington, is still one of my best friends. And I know a lot of the other guys. Whenever I run into somebody who went to Buffalo with me and was in my fraternity, we have a lot of great stories to share. I’m still friendly with a lot of the Sigma Alpha
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Mu and Zeta Beta Tau guys, too. We all shared that Buffalo fraternity experience. Every time I think about, it still brings a smile to my face. Can you share any thoughts on the 100th anniversary of Alpha Epsilon Pi this summer?
I’m looking forward to the dinner at the Waldorf, and I’m honored that I was invited to emcee it. I hear you’re a big sports fan, particularly Washington’s teams. Do you think the Nationals can bounce back from their slow start this season?
As we speak, I think we just won 4 of our last 5 games. We’re moving up. We’ve got a huge future ahead of us. In my line of work, you know, it’s very intense. I just came back from almost two weeks in Boston reporting on the bombing there. In December, I was in Connecticut following the shooting in an elementary school there. So, sports are a good diversion from the pressures of the day-to-day news business. ✦ Jonah Newman is a reporter at the Chronicle of Higher Education.
Author Blitzer has authored two books, Between Washington and Jerusalem: A Reporter’s Notebook (Oxford University Press, 1985) and Territory of Lies (Harper and Row, 1989)–cited by The New York Times Book Review as one of the most notable books of 1989.
I think we’re going bounce back. I’m an optimist by nature. Spring 2013
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12 Putting Your
Foot Forward
Best Texas Southern star kicker Robert Hersh. Photos courtesy of John Posey/TSU Athletics.
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By Matt Samuels, Jewish Herald-Voice
The challenging yet rewarding collegiate career of Robert Hersh, a Brother of the Upsilon Eta Chapter at the University of Houston and star kicker for the Texas Southern University football team. Robert Hersh, Texas Southern 2013, had a chance to live out every football kicker’s dream: Tie game, four seconds left on the clock, and a 47-yard field-goal attempt separating his team from victory. All the pressure and all of the eyes in Reliant Stadium were focused on the Texas Southern University kicker. For Hersh, however, it was much more than a dream. The challenge in front of him was just the latest climactic chapter in what has become an emotional rollercoaster college experience.
In 2009, as a college freshman, Hersh lost both his mother and paternal grandfather to cancer. In 2010, his 11 field goals and 34 extra points helped Texas Southern win the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) for the first time in school history. In 2011, a preseason leg injury cost him his entire year, leaving him unsure if he would ever play college football again.
It’s safe to say, making a game-deciding field goal in front of thousands of people is not the toughest challenge this 22-year-old has faced in life. “For anyone to go through what he has is a living hell, but for an 18-year-old college freshman making the transition from high school alone, much less playing in football stadiums before crowds of 40,000 people is unbelievable,” said Edward Hersh, Robert’s father.
The Pride of Pearland Hersh went to Hebrew School at Congregation Brith Shalom and became a Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Beth Yeshurun in 2003. He graduated from Pearland High School and earned football all-district kicking honors his junior and senior year. Hersh was recruited by several out-ofstate schools, but in March 2008, he learned his mother, Shellie, was diagnosed with cancer. “It was very hard for all of us,” Hersh said. “I had a lot of sadness. I had a lot of anger. You just always ask yourself ‘why?’” Instead of moving out of state, Hersh decided to stay close to home and accepted a full athletic aepi.org
scholarship at Texas Southern University, a historically black college in the heart of Houston. Even though being one of the only white players on the team – and the only Jewish one – may sound a little out of place, it was the best situation for Hersh. “I honestly didn’t even know what TSU was at first,” Hersh said. “I visited the campus and the school is great. More importantly for me, I wanted to stay close to my mom.”
It’s Good! To watch Hersh’s game winning field goal against Prairie View, search “Robert Hersh kicks winning field goal in Labor Day Classic” on YouTube.
Overcoming Adversity Hersh handled both the kicking and punting duties for the Tigers his freshman year. He made eight field goals and 30 extra points in 2008, with his mother and father attending every home game. Hersh’s older brother, Jonathan, was a senior and kicking for the Austin College football team. Jonathan considered leaving college and coming home, but was convinced otherwise. “I told him – ‘Mom’s not quitting. Mom’s still fighting. By you and me playing football, that gives Mom high hopes,’” Robert said. “I think her coming to our games, it gave her hope and something to look forward to.” Shellie had a whole team rooting for her. After Robert’s three field goals led to a 30-29 Texas Southern win over Alcorn State, the Tigers dedicated a signed game ball to Shellie. TSU coach Johnnie Cole and all of the team captains brought the ball to University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston to present it to Shellie. The Hersh family got to know Robert’s extended TSU football family as well. The Hershes hosted 15 football players for Thanksgiving that year, and all of the players fell in love with Shellie. “Try cooking for a football team,” Edward Hersh said. “It was awesome. It also was Robbie’s last Thanksgiving with his mom. She was overjoyed to have a house full of football players, and when it was time to return to the dorms, each boy gave her a hug and kiss.” Unfortunately, the cancer pain was so severe the next day; Shellie was rushed to the hospital, never to return home.
Going Pro? Following the close of TSU’s season, Hersh was invited to several combines and senior games. At the senior kicking combine, which had kickers from many Division I schools, including University of Alabama’s championship team, Hersh placed in the top 5. Hersh is currently aspiring to become a professional kicker in the Canadian Football League. He’s had tryouts with several teams, including the Toronto Argonauts. Ultimately, Hersh would like to coach football and become a special education teacher.
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14 Texas Southern University Texas Southern University, one of the nation’s largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities with approximately 10,000 students, possesses an impressive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, a diverse faculty, 80-plus student organizations, and an alumni network comprised of educators, entrepreneurs, public servants, lawyers, pilots, artists, and more, many of whom are change agents on the local, national and international stage. Nestled upon a sprawling 150-acre campus, Texas Southern University has served as a cornerstone for developing the greatest potential in leaders from various socio-economic, cultural, and racial backgrounds. For more information, visit tsu.edu/about.
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Above: Hersh (red jersey) being honored on Senior Day, with his brothers Jonathan (left) and Craig (far right), along with his father Edward.
Shellie Hersh passed away in February 2009. More than 600 people attended her funeral and memorial services, including coaches and teammates from TSU, as well as high school football coaches and former players and teachers. “My teammates have been so supportive of me from the start,” Hersh said. “It really meant a lot to me.”
Giving Back and Giving His All Making things even tougher was the fact that Hersh’s grandfather, David Hersh, passed away a month before Shellie. Part of Hersh’s healing during the time came in synagogue. Congregation Beth Yeshurun’s Rabbi Steve Morgen was a big part of that. “I told Robbie, ‘We don’t really know why this is a part of G-d’s universe,’” Rabbi Morgen said. “G-d forbid, we should think it is a punishment. It’s really just a random thing, and our job as concerned Jewish people is to take care of people who are sick and make sure they are comfortable. “I just tried to provide support to his mom and their whole family. I wanted to continue encouraging Robbie to stick with his skills and talents.” For Hersh, the experience brought him closer to his spiritual side. “I used to say I was just a relaxed Jewish guy, because we would have football on Friday nights and that great Texas barbecue,” Hersh said. “After my mom passed away, it really helped going to synagogue. It helped me find healing and
guidance. Rabbi Morgen has helped me out so much. He has been my teacher and mentor.” As a way to give back and also remember his mother and grandfather, Hersh along with Jonathan and their other brother, Craig, began a football kicking camp for kids in 2009. The Hersh Brothers Kicking Camp has been held each summer the past four years. “It’s in honor of our grandfather and mom – who were our biggest fans,” Robert said. “We just like kicking so much and this is a way to give back. We have boys and girls from fourth grade to just about any age.” Meanwhile, Hersh continued studying and playing football. He made seven field goals and 23 extra points his sophomore year and had his best year as a junior, making 11 field goals and 34 extra points. His junior year ended strong, making several big kicks that propelled the Tigers into the SWAC championship game. During each game, Hersh wore a necklace that he gave his mother just before her passing. “It just helped me feel like she was a part of everything I was doing,” Hersh said.
Injury Strikes Heading into his senior year in 2011, Hersh was one of the top kickers in the conference, aiming to build on his three years at TSU. Then, during a practice, he heard something snap. “I had worked hard all summer to prepare for aepi.org
15 my senior year, and then two weeks before the first game, in practice on a kickoff, it happened,” Hersh said. Hersh had a torn quad muscle in his right leg, and he would not be able to kick in a game for a full year. With 2011 being his senior year and the Texas Southern coaching staff on the way out, Hersh did not know if he ever would get a chance to kick again collegiately. Hersh was granted a medical redshirt, which is common for season-long injuries in college sports, and he was allowed to come back for a fifth year in 2012. Still, Hersh did not know who the new head coach would be and what he would think about bringing back a fifth-year kicker coming off of a major leg injury. “I was really sad and depressed not to be out there in 2011, but I also had a lot of time to mature,” Hersh said. “Then, I had to go out and earn my spot, and the new coaching staff got to trust me.” The new staff, led by head coach Darrell Asberry, not only welcomed Hersh back, but named him one of the team captains. “It was a very proud moment,” Hersh said. “It was an honor to be named a captain. I’ve been here for four years. When people look for leadership or advice, I can be there for them.” Rabbi Morgen, who was invited by Hersh to speak to the TSU team a few years back, could not be happier for his former pupil. “We are all very proud of him,” Rabbi Morgen said. “I think the most amazing thing is he always has such a positive attitude. He is always smiling and is just a nice, generous, and kind person. “He doesn’t take for granted his talents – he is very grateful for them. He is just a good kid, who works hard and does well.”
Back in Action Now, more than three years after his mother’s death and a full year from his injury, Hersh looks to finish what he started. He graduated from TSU in May 2013, with a degree in education. He hopes to go into special education and coaching. But, before that, he had some unfinished business to take care of on the football field. The Tigers were big underdogs in the Labor Day Classic against Prairie View on September 1, not having beaten their conference rival since 2006. In a crazy, back-and-forth game, Hersh already had kicked two field goals and five extra aepi.org
Above: The Hersh brothers (top), Craig, Robert and Jonathan, help write a letter in a Torah scroll at Beth Yeshurun with their dad, (bottom) Edward and Rabbi Levi Selwyn.
points, when the score read 41-41, with four seconds left. Hersh trotted on the field, looked 47 yards down the field at the big yellow uprights and tried to clear his head before taking a deep breath. “It’s hard to block everything out,” Hersh said. “To be honest, I was thinking about my mom. I think it helped me be more calm and relaxed.” As the snap went back to the holder, Hersh took his steps up to the ball and launched it straight down the middle, setting off a huge celebration on the field. “As soon as I planted my foot and kicked it, I knew it was going in. I looked up and starting celebrating and got tackled by all of my teammates. It was amazing. It feels like we just won the national championship.” Among the thousands of cheering fans was Hersh’s dad. Looking down from above, no doubt, was someone else. “It’s been a rollercoaster ride, but I know my mom has been here with me the whole time,” Hersh said. “When I first got here, I wanted to just graduate and be done,” he said. “Now, I want to stay and enjoy every last minute of it. I just wish my mom was here for my senior year. But, I know she is always there with me in spirit, no matter what.” ✦
Varsity Athletes Are you a varsity athlete on campus? If so, please email thelion@aepi.org with: Name School/Chapter Graduation Year Sport Years Played T eam and/or Individual Achievements
Reprinted with permission, courtesy of the Jewish Herald-Voice.
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16 Semper Paratus. Always Ready.
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17 As the “Year of the Veteran” continues, we focus on Lee Levy, Washington 1953, who led numerous rescue missions for the U.S. Coast Guard. By Lee Levy, Washington 1953, as told to his daughter, Lori Mendez
When I was a senior in high school in
Levy’s rescue helicopter landing on snow at the Granduc Mine during the rescue mission.
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1949, a friend asked me, “Would you like a free cruise to Hawaii? All we need to do is join the Naval Reserves!” Since I was a minor at the time, I needed the signature of a parent to be able to enlist in military service. When I presented the idea and documents to my mother, she was unsure of what she was signing; I told her that it was for the Sea Scouts. She eventually signed the authorization, and three months later my friend and I were on our way to Hawaii on board a naval destroyer for two weeks during the summer. Upon graduating high school, I worked as a tool designer for Boeing for one year. I then attended the University of Washington. I was studying engineering and playing on the Huskies football team as halfback. At that time, college men were being enlisted in the Armed Forces because of the Korean War. There were only enough athletes to have a junior varsity and a varsity football team, which allowed me to have playing time on both teams when I was a freshman. I was on the team with Hugh McElhenny, a running back who went on to a 12-year career in the National Football League and was inducted into the College and Pro Football Hall of Fames. The highlight of my career was tackling McElhenny during the Purple and Gold Game, a pre-season team scrimmage, and making the front page of the sports section of the Seattle Times. I of course joined the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, because it allowed me to stay with my Jewish faith. Even though there were other Jewish fraternities on campus, Alpha Epsilon Pi was the best fit for me. Our chapter was strong on campus, but became even more known when I was named Mr. Formal by the University of Washington student body, a tremendous honor at that time.
My college life immediately became very full, as I was studying engineering, playing football, House Manager for Alpha Epsilon Pi, and working for my parents. I was also accepted into the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). A couple years of managing all of my activities truly wore me down. My commanding officer noticed this, which made me realize I was not enjoying college anymore because I was overwhelmed with all of my commitments. He then presented me with the opportunity to become a naval aviator. In 1953, I was accepted to the Naval Aviation Training Station in Pensacola, Florida as a Naval Aviation Cadet. Driving cross-country was the only way for me to get from Seattle to Pensacola. Along this drive, I stopped at Alpha Epsilon Pi houses at the University of Southern California, the University
I of course joined the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, because it allowed me to stay with my Jewish faith. of Arizona, the University of Texas, and Auburn University. Each and every Brother I encountered was so warm and welcoming, it was as if I was walking into my own family’s home. It truly helped me on my journey to see people who felt and treated me like family. In Pensacola, my training consisted of landing aircraft carriers. I was later commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant Marine Aviator and transferred Spring 2013
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18 Active Duty? Reserve? Veteran? ROTC? Let us know! Over 100 Brothers have helped Alpha Epsilon Pi compile records of Brothers serving in the armed forces. If you or a Brother you know served in the military or was in ROTC, please email veterans@aepi.org and let us know! We are collecting the following information: Name C urrent address and phone number C hapter and graduation year (if applicable) Country of service (ie. United States, Israel, Canada, Great Britain, etc.)
Branch of the military Date of entry on duty Date of discharge (if known) Rank Unit designation Decorations and/or medals
Additionally, if you have any ideas for initiatives, or have photographs, videos, or documents you are willing to share, please send them our way. The collected information will be used by the Armed Forces Committee during the Centennial Celebration this summer, as there will be a special program honoring Alpha Epsilon Pi Veterans at the USS Intrepid.
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Above: Levy flew injured miners to the Chickamin River to transfer them by raft from the helicopter to a Coast Guard albatross plane.
to El Toro, California to join the Marine helicopter squadron HR-362. Soon after, I went to Oppama, Japan to join the helicopter squadron HR-163. Following a six-month tour in Japan, our squadron flew to Korea, as our mission was to transfer Marines throughout South Korea near the 38th Parallel where we were stationed - just a few miles south of Freedom Bridge. I returned to the El Toro base in 1956 to continue training. In 1958, the U.S. Coast Guard was accepting direct commissioned aviators from other armed services. At the same time, the Marine Corps was downsizing its pilots. Since I wanted to pursue a military career, the Coast Guard provided the best opportunity for me to do so. I applied and was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in the Coast Guard. While serving in the Coast Guard, I was a part of many rescue missions and was awarded three commendation medals for three different rescues. I was awarded the Air Medal for rescuing four passengers from the bow of a burning yacht in very heavy seas between San Francisco and the Farallon Islands; as soon as we hoisted the last of the four passengers on board the helicopter and flew clear of the vessel, it exploded. I was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for aepi.org
19 rescuing 26 miners from the Granduc Copper Mine in 1965. The Granduc Mine was at the bottom edge of the Leduc Glacier, at the head of the Leduc River in Stewart, British Columbia. An avalanche wiped out the entire camp. Due to heavy snowfall and zero visibility conditions, several Canadian and U.S. rescue helicopter pilots unsuccessfully attempted to fly to the mine to evacuate the injured minors after the mine caved in. Due to my mountain flying experience, my commanding officer asked if I would attempt the rescue, despite the previous failed attempts. Upon arriving at the base camp, I was instructed that another smaller helicopter would attempt to lead the way to the mine. After following the Leduc River toward the mine, we climbed to about 5,000 feet, flying towards the mine. The lead helicopter suddenly turned left and we instantly lost all visibility. I opted to keep going, flying on instruments only, and continued on our course for about a minute. If we didn’t see the mine soon, I was set to turn back. Suddenly, we approached a cloud of black smoke and saw several people on the ground. I landed in the deep snow and picked up as many injured miners as possible. I then flew them
to a landing on the water at the mouth of the Chickamin River, which is near the mine site. We then transferred the miners by rubber raft to an awaiting Coast Guard amphibian albatross plane in order for them to be transported to a hospital in Ketchikan. It took two more trips of flying blindly back to the mine in the mountainous canyon to save the rest of the miners. During the course of my 16 years in the Coast Guard, I served at stations in San Diego, California, Port Angeles, Washington, and Annette Island, Alaska. My final assignment was as the Director of the Coast Guard Auxiliary of the 12th Coast Guard District in San Francisco, California at the Coast Guard headquarters. I retired from the United States Coast Guard in 1973 with the rank of Commander, after having proudly served in the military for 24 years. âœŚ
Below: Explosion soon after Levy saved four passengers from a burning yacht near the Farallon Islands.
Levy while commissioned in Korea circa 1954.
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Chapter Chronicles
Lights On The Lawn The Tau Chapter at Vanderbilt University raised nearly $100,000 to help injured Brother Luke Moretti return to campus. By David Berk, Vanderbilt 2015
Right: Brothers in front of Luke Strong graffiti design near campus.
Last April, Luke Moretti, Vanderbilt 2015 , suffered a devastating spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed with only the ability to move his shoulders and elbows to a small extent. Moretti left Vanderbilt and returned home to face numerous surgeries, sicknesses, infections, and rehabilitation programs. The hope of a return to college seemed almost out of reach. He went through six months of rehabilitation at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, New Jersey. This rehabilitation institute is one of the few centers that has a LocoMotor training machine, which has helped several spinal cord patients walk again. Unfortunately, this machine was not available in Nashville and costs $90,000, which seemingly prevented Moretti from returning to campus. Enter Teddy Raskin, Vanderbilt 2014, the man with the plan. Raskin came up with the idea of throwing a charity concert for Moretti. It would be called Lights on the Lawn and take place on Vanderbilt’s Alumni Lawn. Everyone’s first reaction was that there was no possible way this concert could raise enough money to buy the LocoMotor machine. Maybe our chapter could make some headway and try to fundraise with more events,
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but one concert just wouldn’t get it done. Raskin refused to listen. Over the course of the next two months, Raskin worked tirelessly to plan this concert. He networked with DJ’s around the world, finally convincing White Panda, dBerrie, and Milly Badison to come to perform. He pushed all the Tau Chapter Brothers to reach out to their friends and family to fundraise. Raskin got Vanderbilt’s Interfraternity Council and Greek community as a whole to come together and fundraise. He got the job done. Four days after Lights on the Lawn, Raskin sent the following email to our chapter: “$93,009. I love you all and wanted you to be the first to know after Luke.” He had done it. We had done it. What separates this event from any other charity is that it demonstrated how strong the bond between fraternity Brothers could be. The love and support for Moretti were the driving forces behind our efforts to fundraise. We temporarily lost one of our Brothers that day in April, and we would not stop until Moretti returned to Vanderbilt to rejoin the rest of Tau Chapter. ✦ aepi.org
21 Alpha New York By Joseph Zarowin
The Alpha Chapter added twenty-two new members this past semester, with each person bringing his own unique talents and experiences to the fraternity. The excitement associated with an influx of new members cannot be overestimated as the fraternity thrives on the fresh faces. This semester’s pledge class is filled with exceptionally talented and friendly individuals. The Alpha Chapter also plays a significant role in the Jewish community at NYU. We have held several events with Chabad, including weekly Friday night Shabbat dinners, Sukkah building in Washington Square Park, and lighting the Chanukah menorah. Additionally, we participated in the IranianJewish Club’s annual fashion show, sponsored by the Bronfman Center. Like many across the northeast, our chapter felt the effects of Hurricane Sandy. While New York City and NYU remained without power for almost a week, many of our Brothers from the city opened their homes for other members of our chapter. The tragedy brought us together. We ultimately raised $1,000 for United Way, and several of our Brothers participated in relief efforts. Alpha Nu SUNY-Albany By Eric Nichols
Alpha Nu has strived to become more involved in our community by
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participating in and organizing Jewish identity and community service events. So far, we have delivered soup for the homeless and elderly, painted a door for Purim, and are working on more frequent and larger events for the near future. We have set high goals for our philanthropic efforts, committing to raise $1,000 during the spring semester and $2,013 in 2013. Alpha Pi Temple By Alex Mandel
Alpha Pi was the proud host of the Mid-Atlantic Conclave. Throughout the planning period, Alpha Pi experienced many issues beyond our control, which we had to buckle up and deal with to make sure Conclave was successful. Alpha Pi Brothers showed up in great numbers to Conclave, participating endlessly and becoming one of very few host chapters in history to bring home the Most Outstanding Delegation Award, which was given in recognition of our efforts and obstacles we faced. Alpha Pi has always placed a large focus upon philanthropy, so for Alpha Epsilon Pi’s 100th year we have multiplied our annual philanthropy goal ten times and will strive to raise $15,000 for our International Philanthropies. Alpha Sigma
Arizona State
By Nick Keeslar
Last semester Alpha Sigma organized a toy drive that benefited
Toys for Tots and the American Cancer Society. Through our efforts as a brotherhood, we collected over 300 toys. Additionally, we placed third during the Greek Week competition last fall, which included fundraising for Relay for Life, running canned food drives, and attending Arizona State campus events. Alpha Sigma’s goal to honor Alpha Epsilon Pi’s 100th year is to host our first philanthropy event in over five years, as we strive to raise $5,000 for our International Philanthropies. Alpha Tau Miami (OH) By Alex Kowit
Alpha Tau worked with Hillel and the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to organize a toy drive that raised approximately $500 worth of toys. As a chapter, we had one of the top GPAs of all fraternities on campus. We also enhanced our communication efforts by creating aepialphatau.com, an alumni newsletter, and a chapter Facebook page. Our goal for the upcoming year is to take what we do - philanthropies, recruitment, pledge education - and push extremely hard to make everything as high quality as it can be. Beta Delta DePaul By Greg Rothstein
SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES Following are two of Alpha Epsilon Pi’s summer opportunities, leading up to the 100th Anniversary Convention.
August 6-8, 2013 Hineni has been designed to provide Alpha Epsilon Pi undergraduates with the tools and information to develop a stronger Jewish identity within themselves, their chapter, and campus community. Programming is focused on learning the values that are central to being a Jewish man in the modern world and how to bring those very values back into your chapter through various types of programming. Participants will engage in seminars, group discussions, brainstorming exercises, community service, and a variety of other activities that strive to enrich their personal Jewish identities and the Jewish identity of Alpha Epsilon Pi as a fraternity. For more information, please visit www.aepi.org/hineni.
August 6-8, 2013 Over 100 fraternity men and women will travel to New York City to learn about Israel’s importance and relevance. Participants will learn how to bring this knowledge back to campus to share it with one’s brothers or sisters, as well as campus Greek life in a uniquely Greek way. For more information, please go to www.aepi.org/israelamplified.
Despite attending a large Catholic university, Beta Delta’s recruitment numbers are increasing annually, along with the Spring 2013
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WINTER 2013 REGIONAL CONCLAVES For five consecutive weekends, Brothers and pledges traveled near and far to attend their regional Conclave. From risk management and leadership training to Jewish identity enrichment, all attendees gained invaluable knowledge and experiences they will remember for a
lifetime. A total of 2,500 undergraduates were seen at all the Conclaves. The Northeast Conclave at Syracuse University, the Southern Conclave at the University of South Carolina, and the Western Conclave at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas were the largest in their region’s history.
Top: Southern Region’s Educational Leadership Consultant Andy Griesinger, Virginia Tech 2012, addressing the attendees of the Southern Conclave at the University of South Carolina during the banquet dinner. Above: Saturday night banquet dinner at The Venetian, where Michael A. Leven was given the Arthur and Simi Teich Award. Right: Risk management training during opening session of the Midwest Conclave at Bradley University.
History in Europe Regional Conclaves are now worldwide, as the first ever fraternity leadership conference outside of North America took place in Herefordshire in England for Alpha Epsilon Pi’s chapters in the United Kingdom and France (left).
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23 quality of the Brother we are recruiting. We want to continue this positive trend, as our goal for the upcoming year is to have 20 new members next fall, which would be our largest class to date and would almost double the size our brotherhood. Beta Epsilon Babson By Alan Klipper
The Beta Epsilon Chapter has earned the privilege of obtaining on-campus housing. This remarkable achievement is due to the tremendous efforts of our undergraduate and alumni Brothers. This central location has allowed us to host programs and events in our tower, such as Shabbat dinners, and opportunities to meet with other leaders on campus, both Greek and non-Greek. This upcoming year, we will host a Shabbat dinner in our tower every Friday night. Beta Upsilon Bradley By Scott Pfeiffer
Beta Upsilon was the proud host of the 2013 Midwest Regional Conclave, which was the shining achievement of our chapter this past year. Additionally, we have devised several events that will become yearly traditions. First, we devised Stump the Rabbi, where we bring a local Rabbi to our chapter house, buy snacks, and ask them questions. This creates an open forum for people who are curious about various aspects of Judaism. We aepi.org
have also instituted a couple athletic events. We started a pledge football game, which is a great way for everyone to bond. Additionally, we have instituted the Alpha Epsilon Pi Winter Classic, a hockey game during winter vacation. Beta Upsilon has also implemented a studybuddy program in an effort to increase our GPA. This program pairs a Brother who excels in a specific area with another who needs help in that same subject. Chi Michigan State By Alex Chmara
The Chi Chapter has been through some major changes within the past year, the most influential being our relocation to a different house on campus, thanks to the help of Alpha Epsilon Pi’s staff. The new house has truly enhanced our recruitment abilities. Our main goal for the upcoming year is to have a fall pledge class of at least 30 new members. We will also continue to make our new chapter house truly feel like our home. Chi Alpha UC-Berkeley By Cliff Zimmerman
Chi Alpha initiated 17 new members in the fall, which is the largest pledge class in our chapter’s history. After the fall semester, we had the highest GPA of all fraternities on campus. Chi Alpha is also extremely involved with student government, as we currently have a student senator in the
Academic Senate of the University of California, and have one Brother running for campus President and two are running for senate. During the upcoming year, we hope to raise $5,000 for the Save a Child’s Heart foundation during Greek Family Feud, twice as much as we have donated in the past. Chi Psi San Jose State By Aaron Mednick
Since our founding in 2006, the Chi Psi Chapter has been trying to become recognized on campus by the university. Even though the school opened up for IFC expansion, the school did not recognize our chapter. Despite our recognition issues, we are hoping to raise over $2,500 for Alpha Epsilon Pi’s International Philanthropies through our Pancakes and Puppies event.
Chi Delta UC-Davis By Brent Ghan
Without a doubt, Chi Delta’s greatest achievement this past year was the establishment of our Alumni Association and Alumni Fund. This historic moment for Chi Delta took place during our 25th anniversary weekend in the fall. We had over 50 alumni join our 80 undergraduate Brothers for a chapter meeting, where we passed motions to create our Alumni Association and Alumni Fund. It was an incredibly proud weekend for our chapter, and the start of a great annual tradition that will certainly take place for years to come. Chi Delta’s goal is to be Alpha Epsilon Pi’s Chapter of the Year and IFC’s House of the Year. We continue to set the standard for philanthropy both nationally and on campus, raising over $10,000 each of the past two years, and are well on our way to accomplishing this feat for a third consecutive year. Our rush numbers are as strong as always, and we are in the process of planning our parents’ weekend and spring philanthropy, which are always fantastic events. Above: Barbeque during Chi Delta’s fall philanthropy.
Delta Rho Drexel
One of the highlights of Delta Rho’s semester Spring 2013
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Delta Kappa Duke By Adam Matsil
Entrepreneur Magazine named Bryan Silverman, Duke 2015 (above), the College Entrepreneur of 2012. When Bryan and his brother Jordan, Michigan 2012, were in high school, they came to the realization that everyone reads in the bathroom. They then came up with the amazing idea to print on toilet paper used in public restrooms, which can be read by anyone who uses the bathroom. Bryan and Jordan then went on to found Star Toilet Paper. The company prints a series of eight coupons on toilet paper rolls made from recycled materials with vegetable ink. Star Toilet Paper is now mainly run out of Manhattan, with locations in Ann Arbor and Durham, where Jordan and Bryan attended school, respectively. The brothers are looking to expand the reach of their product outside of their college towns, as well as looking for additional advertisers.
was hosting an annual brunch for alumni. Over 60 Brothers were in attendance for the brunch, which was an amazing time for all present. Epsilon Pi
Virginia Commonwealth By Alex Gertner
The Epsilon Pi Chapter’s greatest The Lion
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strength is far and away our commitment to Judaism, which has been recognized by Adam Maslia, Alpha Epsilon Pi’s Lorber Director of Jewish Programming. We had a B’nai Mitzvot for three of our Brothers: Dillon Meyer, Tim Suddeth, and Nick Artrip, who were all honored to have such an opportunity. Furthermore, we are proud that one of our Brothers, Jon Bridge, will be the Jewish Programming Associate on the Alpha Epsilon Pi staff next year. We were also recognized as the Most Spirited Chapter at the Mid-Atlantic Conclave. Eta Ohio State By Garrett Altman
The Eta Chapter has experienced some great success over the past semester. We have started the major planning process for our annual world’s longest BBQ philanthropy, which will take place in the spring. Additionally, this fall we moved into a new house that has provided many new opportunities for the Eta chapter, which will aid us in becoming a stronger brotherhood and producing tremendous recruitment results. Additionally, Alex Chaitoff, Ohio State 2013, was one of 34 recipients of a 2013 Marshall Scholarship. He studied microbiology and political science,
and was a 2012 Truman Scholar. He is interested in understanding how social and cultural factors impact the delivery of health solutions to different groups of people, which led him to found the Pure Water Access Project, Inc. Chaitoff will pursue a master’s degree in Public Health at the University of Sheffield. Eta Psi Harvard By Evan Ribot
Throughout Eta Psi’s relatively short history, the chapter has lacked a permanent home. This changed when six Brothers moved into a new space off campus this past fall. The chapter put all of its energy into the revitalization and maintenance of its new home, turning it into a welcoming, central space for both brotherhood and social activities. As the semester concluded, Eta Psi took great pride in finally having a home for its brotherhood. In the coming year, we hope to increase our philanthropic footprint. We participate in a few staple philanthropy events throughout the year, but Eta Psi’s commitment to philanthropy and charitable causes should be infused in every event that we plan and hold. There should be room to incorporate philanthropic efforts across our calendar
of events, thereby entrenching Eta Psi even further as a force for good in our community and more closely living up to Alpha Epsilon Pi’s mission. In the last four years our chapter has nearly doubled in size, acquired a property, and almost quadrupled our programming. There has never been a better time to be a Brother of the Eta Psi Chapter, and we look forward to the continuing success and strength of our brotherhood. Eta Upsilon Hartford By Benjamin Cohn
The Eta Upsilon Chapter has tripled in size since the end of last school year, having increased from 5 to 18 Brothers. We are proud to have had the third largest pledge class of all fraternities on campus. During the 100th year of Alpha Epsilon Pi, our main goal is to continue to grow and increase our efforts to support our International Philanthropies. Gamma Chi
South Carolina By Adam Friedman
Over the past year, the Gamma Chi Chapter has finally achieved the goals our Founding Fathers had. The fall pledge class had sixteen high and honorable new Brothers added to the already incredible growth and expansion aepi.org
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Upsilon Nu Nevada-Reno By Elliot Malin
Upsilon Nu’s great accomplishment this past year was receiving our charter, becoming a chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi. The chartering took place in Las Vegas the morning following the Western Conclave. Now that we have received validation
of the chapter during the recent years. Gamma Chi’s ability to grow has allowed for tremendous opportunities the Founding Fathers and first members never envisioned, including hosting the 2013 Southern Regional Conclave, which was the largest in the region’s history. Gamma Chi’s goal for the upcoming year is to obtain the long-awaited fraternity house on or near campus. This goal will definitely take
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a great deal of work and preparation, but is realistic for the chapter. Obtaining a fraternity house would allow us to recruit even better for years to come, allowing the chapter to continue to grow at a dramatic rate each and every year. Iota Eta Ithaca By Dave Gofman
In the year that Iota Eta has existed as a colony, we have grown exponentially. We now stand at 24 Brothers and are in a position to double
from Alpha Epsilon Pi of how much Upsilon Nu has progressed, we have set the goal to become the best academic, philanthropic, and overall fraternity on our campus. Above: Upsilon Nu after receiving their charter.
the size our pledge class from a semester ago. Iota Eta strives to make an impact in the community, with our most recent community service project being the adoption of a two-mile strip of road in Ithaca as part of the Adopt-aHighway program. We were also able to send 9 of our Brothers on Birthright and all of our active Brothers to the Northeast Conclave in Syracuse! One of our biggest goals for the 100th year of Alpha Epsilon
Pi is to continue our growth and to reach out to alumni from when the chapter was last active, which was over 20 years ago. We hope to bring these alumni and our parents to Ithaca, to share with them everything that we have been able to accomplish so far. Israel Alpha
Interdisciplinary Center-Herzliya By Tom Di Capua
Today, we are considered one of the most dependable organizations on
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Chapter Chronicles continued
esy of Repri nted with perm ission court icle. The Kansas City Jewish Chron
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campus, which allows us to work with other organizations in a highly professional manner. As a result, our social level on campus and reputation among both students and staff has dramatically improved. I believe that this is the key for our success at IDC, which can be applied to all groups in Israel. Israel Alpha has helped create a stable infrastructure for the other groups in Israel. We are proud not only for everyone’s individual and collective achievements, but also for their dedication and devotion to Alpha Epsilon Pi.
Kappa Phi Kingston By Adam Forster
This past year has truly been one of record for the Kappa Phi Chapter. Not only have we initiated 25 new Brothers, but we also hosted the first ever Jewcoming in Kingston, Ontario. This incredible event saw Brothers flock to Queen’s from chapters across Ontario and Quebec for a weekend of amazing proportions, and allowed Brothers to meet and connect on a fraternal level. Additionally, we held our annual AEPie In the Face philanthropy event that raised over $800 for Save a Child’s Heart. We also helped build houses for Habitat for Humanity this past fall.
This upcoming year will be one of growth and expansion for the Kappa Phi Chapter. Most notably, we are hoping to continue to expand upon our recruitment successes. Lambda Beta Brandeis By Daniel Reisner
During this past fall semester, a group of more than 20 men re-founded Lambda Beta at Brandeis. Throughout the Founding Father process we grew as Brothers and men. Our greatest success was our philanthropy event Pi a Pie, where we raised money for Save a Child’s Heart. During Alpha Epsilon Pi’s 100th year, we hope to continue to grow as a colony
and become a force on campus and within the Alpha Epsilon Pi community. Mu Deuteron Missouri By Zachary Mallin
Mu Deuteron had some amazing accomplishments during the fall. We ranked third in academics this past semester among all fraternities on campus. Mu Deuteron is also very proud to announce that we, along with our Chi Omega Sorority partner, won Homecoming on the campus that invented it! This upcoming spring we are conducting our biannual philanthropy, Rock-a-thon. This fundraiser benefits aepi.org
27 the American Cancer Society, and is one of the largest philanthropies in the country. Our goal is to raise over $100,000. Rock-a-thon is extremely important to our chapter, as we love supporting such an important organization. Mu Lambda
West Virginia
By Steven Daitzman
Even though we were founded only a few months ago, the Mu Lambda Colony has been doing great things from the start. We have very close ties with our Hillel and Chabad on campus, and even hold our meetings in the Hillel House. We have recently inducted our first pledge class and are very excited to be able to watch Mu Lambda continue to grow and develop. Word has been getting out about us around campus, and we are certainly looking to continue that trend as we continue to recruit more quality men in Morgantown! Nu Rho SUNY-New Paltz By William Lederman
This past year, Nu Rho more than doubled in size. With each passing semester on campus, it has become easier and easier to organize programming, rush effectively, and create a strong pledge program focused upon building the best Brothers. Our continued devotion to philanthropy and our Jewish heritage has played a large role in expanding the Jewish aepi.org
community on campus. During Alpha Epsilon Pi’s 100th year, our main goal is to receive our charter and become a chapter. Nu Sigma
Nevada-Las Vegas During the last weekend in February, Nu Sigma hosted the largest Western Conclave in history, with over 700 undergraduate Brothers in attendance. What made this Conclave even more special was being able to work with the Alpha Epsilon Pi Foundation staff to plan the banquet dinner at The Venetian, where the Teich Award was presented to Michael A. Leven. Omicron Georgia By Daniel Maloon
This year the Omicron Chapter further solidified its commitment to the ideals of brotherhood, mutual helpfulness, and scholastic achievement. For the eighth consecutive semester, we were ranked within the top three fraternities academically. We are extremely involved with various prestigious campus organizations, such as the Foundation Fellowship, the Student Managed Investment Fund, and the Leonard Leadership Scholars Program. During this upcoming year, we hope to become more interconnected and interwoven as a brotherhood than ever before.
Omicron Deuteron
Cincinnati
By Brett Musick
This past year, we renovated our house’s common areas to create more common space, a usable library, and a kitchen with a meal plan. The meals have helped improve the brotherhood, as we all spend time together during meals. We are also proud to have received the Most Outstanding Delegation Award at the 99th Convention in Phoenix this past summer. Our main goal for the year is to work with parents and alumni to continue improving our chapter house. Omicron Deuteron is also organizing an annual philanthropy event for Sharsheret, which will unite our chapter with the greater Jewish community of Cincinnati. Pi Tau Princeton
Each year, at most 40 American scholars of high ability are chosen to receive a Marshall scholarship to pursue a graduate degree in any field in the United Kingdom. These chosen scholars will strengthen the enduring relationships between the British and American peoples, their governments, and institutions. Of the 34 Marshall Scholars chosen this year, two are Brothers of Alpha Epsilon Pi. One of the recipients is Jake Nebel, Princeton 2013, who studied philosophy and acquired a certificate
Phi Tau Florida State By Benjamin Platt
In the past year, Phi Tau has been striving to dominate campus and become more involved in all parts of student life. Brothers have been on the Homecoming executive council, the Dance Marathon executive council, the Interfraternity Council executive board, and Past Master Rocky Kaller ran for Senior Class Vice President. We are continuing to push ourselves to work hard to be the best fraternity on campus. We have been planning our annual spring philanthropy Greek Idol, and are hoping it will be the most successful philanthropy Phi Tau has ever hosted.
in the studies of Values and Public Life. His research focused on the understanding of the good, the nature of obligation, and our duties to future generations, which have inspired him to work with organizations dedicated to reducing global poverty, preventing catastrophic risks, and promoting high-impact ethical careers. Nebel plans to pursue a master’s degree in Philosophy at the University of Oxford. Rho Eta Hunter By Daniil Gekhman
Rho Eta had the honor of initiating our Alpha
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Chapter Chronicles continued brotherhood as we would have a central location to meet and spend time in. Sigma
Washington-St. Louis By Cody Levine
Pi Beta Hofstra By David Altman
This past year our chapter took tremendous steps in becoming one of the largest and most active fraternities on campus. Most notably, we participated in the New York Giants’ Snow Bowl for the Special Olympics of New Jersey. The chapter raised a total of $1,600 to participate in a flag football tournament at MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants and Jets. It was an amazing experience and our team had a great showing in the tournament, although ultimately falling just short of advancing to the championship game. Our chapter will make efforts to expand our philanthropic efforts tremendously, as we will strive to raise over $1,000 for Alpha Epsilon Pi’s International Philanthropies.
pledge class at the Mid-Atlantic Conclave. With this pledge class, we have successfully reestablished Alpha Epsilon Pi at Hunter College, which was originally founded in 1968. During Alpha Epsilon Pi’s centennial year, we plan to raise $1,000 for philanthropy, after raising $100 this past fall. We also hope to become recognized by our school, and to have an all-Brothers apartment in New York City, which would strengthen our
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In the past year, the Sigma Chapter has much to be proud of. We more than doubled our recruitment results. Through philanthropic efforts, Sigma made our first contribution to Sharsheret this past fall. In conjunction with the local Chabad, we had a Mezuzahhanging ceremony at the chapter house and now proudly have a Mezuzah on our front door. We also had a large and extremely successful seder in our house during Pasover. In the coming year, we are looking to re-engage our alumni near and afar through a successful reunion weekend. We are hoping this engagement, coupled with philanthropic events, would double the amount we raise for Alpha Epsilon Pi’s International Philanthropies. Sigma also planned an antigenocide week, which culminated with a Holocaust survivor speaking after leading Alpha Epsilon Pi’s We Walk to Remember initiative on campus. Sigma Delta
San Diego State By Gabriel Benji
This past year our chapter set a goal for ourselves to increase our philanthropic
involvement to make a difference in our community. In the fall we were able to have our annual Fast Times With AEPi philanthropy. Weeks of fundraising, recycling, and gathering donations lead to our chapter raising over $4,000 for the Save a Child’s Heart Foundation. The event was amazing, as we brought in Dr. Lior Sasson, the founder of Save a Child’s Heart Foundation, to give a presentation about what his organization is all about. Getting all members of our community together to learn about and join our cause was an amazing feat to witness. Sigma Kappa Psi
Northeastern
By Alex Krayson
The sisters of Kappa Kappa Gamma at Northeastern and our Brothers won second place for their amazing dance in the Fall 2012 Take It To the Floor competition, which is Northeastern’s Greek Community’s annual dance competition. Historically, our chapter has not come close to placing in the event, but has become more competitive each year up to this point. We have set out to create an alumni advisory council for Sigma Kappa Psi, which would shadow our executive board and offer advice and mentorship to help guide our chapter into the future. Overall,
we’re using the alumni advisory council as an avenue to leverage the already strong bond between our undergraduates and alumni. Sigma Omega
California State-Poly. SLO By Josh Isaacs
In this past year, Sigma Omega has had an incredible amount of accomplishments. We reclaimed the chapter house that was built for us in the 1980’s; the first time we’ve had a house since our re-founding ten years ago. We achieved the highest GPA on campus, received second place for the Alpha Epsilon Pi Risk Management Award, and won the Cal. Poly New Member Education Award. Our Master, Josh Isaacs, was also selected to be a student lobbyist at the 2013 Fraternity and Sorority Congressional Visits. Our main goal for the coming year is to give back more to the community through philanthropy and community service. We are preparing to host our annual sorority dodgeball tournament, which is shaping up to be a huge success. We also have worked on improving our internal efficiency by creating an entirely new committee system, which increases accountability and improves our overall productivity. We want to show everyone why we’re the best chapter
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29 on our campus, on the west coast, and in Alpha Epsilon Pi as a whole. Sigma Tau Stanford By Jake Zeller
Most notably, Sigma Tau has started our own venture capital fund, which has already provided seed funding for four start-ups. Additionally, the computer science majors in the fraternity started a Hackathon Squad, and have already built three iPhone applications that can be found in the Apple Store. Additionally, we earned the award for highest student group GPA at Stanford for the 21st consecutive year. Tau Omega Toronto By Adam Windman
Tau Omega undergraduate and alumni Brothers faced the passing away of a dedicated Founding Father, Tom Samson. Only 35 at the time, Samson was a cherished teacher at Swansea Public School, and was known for the warmth, patience, and sense of humor he exhibited with everyone he encountered. Undergraduate and alumni Brothers attended the shiva, but the reach of their fraternal commitment would not end there. Together, we planned a semi-formal with the proceeds going directly toward Samson’s children’s
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education fund. In the wake of this tragic event, Tau Omega has demonstrated the strength of its fraternal kinships and the compassion of its Brothers. The event raised $8,400 and will become an annual tradition.
Shabbat Across AEPi
Upsilon
Southern California By Trinian Donohoe
To narrow the accomplishments we’ve achieved in the past year down to one wouldn’t be fair to Alpha Epsilon Pi or the gentlemen of the Upsilon Chapter. We are single-handedly influencing the entire student body, for example with Ofek Lavian being elected President of the IFC. After extremely generous funding for hard wood floor installation throughout our entire house, our brotherhood built five tables and updated our gym equipment. Two of the more distinguished achievements of the past year were sponsoring an evening with Mrs. Eva Schloss—Anne Frank’s stepsister—in which Mrs. Schloss came to campus and detailed her unbelievable experiences from the Holocaust and her intimate relationship with Anne Frank. Additionally, our fall philanthropy was Movember, where participants grew mustaches nationwide to help raise awareness
To celebrate our founding values, the second annual Shabbat Across AEPi was held in honor of Alpha Epsilon Pi’s 99th Founder’s Day. Over 100 colonies and chapters across the world hosted a brotherhood Shabbat dinner on November 9, 2012. Many chapters appreciated their belonging to an organization with a strong Jewish identity, as they were able to celebrate Shabbat with their Brothers. Generous grants from the Alpha Epsilon Pi Foundation and Aish HaTorah insured all chapters were able to participate in this meaningful and historic event. Above: Shabbat Across AEPi hosted at SUNY-Buffalo
and funding for prostate and testicular cancer research. Our efforts raised nearly $20,000, marking Upsilon as one of the top philanthropic fraternities in the country. Additionally, our chapter is working to create our first ever constitution to instill a sense of order for generations to come. Upsilon Alpha Arizona By Hartley Wasko
Our chapter works with the amazing Clean and Beautiful Tucson organization. While working with this group, many of our Brothers have dedicated their time
and energy cleaning and maintaining Tucson’s Himmel Park. Throughout the course of this past year, our chapter logged over 1,500 community service hours. The amount of hours we accrued not only gave us an award from Clean and Beautiful and a Certificate of Adoption for the park, but also a mention in The Daily Wildcat. We are very proud of our continued service to the Tucson community. Upsilon Alpha is also proud to announce that our Past Master, Morgan Abraham, was elected as the Student Body President.
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Chapter Chronicles continued
Tau Delta Northwestern By Ethan Merel
This year the Tau Delta Chapter inducted its largest ever pledge class of 32 gentlemen. This shattered our old record of 25 and was an incredible 68% increase from last year’s recruitment efforts! Through a renewed emphasis on informal rush programming and values based recruitment, we were able to secure one of the largest pledge classes of any fraternity on Northwestern’s campus. Through continued hard work for the goal of fraternal improvement, it is the chapter’s mission to make this year’s success at recruitment the new standard for years to come. This year the chapter also had the privilege of moving into a new chapter house, which rooms 23 Brothers and is twice as big as our previous house. As the chapter continues to furnish and improve the new facility, it is quickly becoming the envy of all other fraternities on our campus. During the 100th year of Alpha Epsilon Pi, the Tau Delta Chapter is striving to raise $20,000 for philanthropy. Over the last few years, the chapter’s philanthropy totals have rapidly increased, with the chapter receiving the ESPONDA Club philanthropy award for raising over $10,000 for Alpha Epsilon Pi’s International Philanthropies at each of the last two conventions. Last year, the chapter set a record of raising $16,000. Below: New pledge class taking in the sites of Chicago.
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As the centennial anniversary of our fraternity approaches, excitement about our philanthropy increases with each passing day. Through the years, Upsilon Alpha has never offered a full-scale philanthropic event, which will change in this upcoming fall semester! Upsilon Beta
SUNY-Buffalo
By Jason Kirschtel
Upsilon Beta is proud of our commitment to philanthropy. We hosted a basketball tournament, which raised about $4,500 for Save a Child’s Heart. Two weeks later, we participated in Relay for Life on campus, where we raised $2,600. This upcoming year, we hope to improve our Hoops for Hearts philanthropy, setting our goal at raising $10,000, which is the total amount raised from the event over the past
two years. We want to be one of the leading philanthropic chapters in all of Alpha Epsilon Pi.
Hillel to organize their first official Shabbat dinner. Upsilon Kappa
Upsilon Eta Houston
Connecticut
The Upsilon Eta Chapter is setting the bar high for Jewish programming and Israel advocacy. In November, Upsilon Eta coordinated a pro-Israel rally. Joining the rally were many Christian students and organizations on campus. Despite anti-Israel protesters demonstrating across the quad from the rally, the event went well and showed Upsilon Eta’s unrivaled support for Israel. Additionally, Upsilon Eta has cultivated an extremely strong relationship with Houston’s Hillel Center. Rabbi Kenny Weiss, the Executive Director, has helped out the chapter from day one, especially by providing space for meetings and ceremonies. Upsilon Eta has also worked with
This past fall, the pledges of the Upsilon Kappa Chapter organized their own philanthropy. They reached out to Gift of Life, an organization that runs bone marrow drives that primarily targets Jewish donors in order to add diversity to the national registry and give donors the chance to save lives. The Brothers of Upsilon Kappa saw the importance of improving the chances of success for Jewish patients needing transplants to survive a variety of life-threatening illnesses. This coming spring, Upsilon Kappa is planning our seventh annual Wendy’s Chicken Nugget Eating contest. Last year, we were able to raise enough money to
By Justin Fleischacker
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31 write three checks, each for $1,600, for Habitat for Humanity, Relentless Against Cancer, and the Jewish National Fund. Every year, the event takes place in the center of campus to raise awareness of our causes. Xi Deuteron
California-Los Angeles By Alex Grunfeld
The Xi Deuteron Chapter has placed our focus upon philanthropy. We have been organizing our inaugural golf tournament, which we hope will become an annual event. We have also expanded our philanthropic efforts by working with a sorority to organize our annual philanthropy at the Bessie Pregerson Child Development Center. Zeta Tau UC-Irvine By Kevin Hekmat
Our chapter, along our campus’ Chabad, was able to put together a campuswide Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony in the center of campus. Not only was singing the Hanukkah prayers with an enormous menorah an unforgettable experience, but the student turnout was tremendous. We were also able to bring the chancellor of the university to this event. Having Chancellor Drake show support and come out for Hanukkah was a truly amazing and meaningful experience. We are determined to raise over $20,000 for a non-profit cancer organization started
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Zeta Georgia Tech By Joshua Friedberg
The Zeta chapter recruited the largest class on a campus of over 30 fraternities, which is beyond stellar for a Jewish population of only 3% at the university. Those who pledged in the fall hit the ground running the next semester, playing varsity sports, sitting on the executive board of Hillel, and getting involved with committees in student government, IFC, the Student Alumni Association, and multiple freshmen leadership organizations, in addition to becoming involved within the fraternity itself. In addition to the many organizations, campaigns, and clubs headed by Brothers, the annual campus blood drive under Eric Eisner has seen over 600 donations, helping save more than 2,000 lives. Through phone-a-thons, GaZetas (Zeta’s alumni newsletter), tailgates, and philanthropies, we are reestablishing our alumni connections around the world. Additionally, we just signed a contract with a capital consulting firm to start a fundraising
project this fall that will hopefully lead to a construction project on our house, which has already passed its own half-centennial. We are also extremely proud of our Brother, Eran Mordel, who was crowned Mr. Georgia Tech during halftime of our Homecoming football game. At the time, Mordel was serving as the Student Body President, and he proudly wore Alpha Epsilon Pi on his sleeve during his term in office. Mordel was the first Zeta Brother to be either student body president or Mr. Georgia Tech. Since then, Mordel has also received the Potts Student Advisory Council Leadership Award for leadership, service, and commitment to the university. Above: from left: Former Mr. Georgia Tech Jacob Tzegaegbe, First Lady of Georgia Tech Val Peterson, Mordel, Mordel’s mother Dorit, and President of Georgia Tech George P. “Bud” Peterson.
by one of our very own Brothers. We hope to have additional events to raise money for Alpha Epsilon Pi’s International Philanthropies. ✦
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Chapter Chronicles continued
Taglit-Birthright Israel the AEPi Way Above: Brothers in Jerusalem on the official Alpha Epsilon Pi Taglit-Birthright Israel trip
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At the end of December, over 70 Brothers went on an official Alpha Epsilon Pi Taglit-Birthright Israel trip through Israel Outdoors. The itinerary for the trip was designed to cater to Brothers, as stops were made at Leket Israel and Save a Child’s Heart, two of Alpha Epsilon Pi’s International Philanthropies. Leket Israel is an Israeli food bank. During the visit, Brothers were able to pick fruit that would be served at various locations. Brothers were also able to see a refrigerated 16-wheeler that transports various items, including the actual fruit our Brothers picked, to various storage centers around Israel, which was able to be purchased from funds raised through undergraduate chapters’ philanthropy events.
Save a Child’s Heart is an organization whose mission is to improve the pediatric cardiac care for children in developing countries who suffer from heart disease, along with creating centers of competence in these countries. Brothers were able to visit a local site and play with the children that the organization was helping. Brothers were also able to visit Alpha Epsilon Pi’s six colonies and chapters in Israel. The 10-day trip left an indescribable impression on the Brothers who participated, as they were able to see the importance of Israel and all it has to offer. Alpha Epsilon Pi-exclusive Taglit-Birthright Israel trips will be offered again this summer.
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33 New Expansions Gamma Tau West Chester
Omega Nu SUNY-Oswego
Alpha Epsilon Pi is ecstatic to be back in West Chester, PA and help strengthen our already impressive footprint in eastern Pennsylvania. Comprised of men that were brought together by this opportunity, the leadership includes multiple past BBYO chapter presidents and leaders on campus. The dozen Founding Fathers have expressed their desire to grow and cannot wait to attend the Centennial!
The expansion effort at Oswego was a quintessential example of keeping Alpha Epsilon Pi in the family. The desire to bring Alpha Epsilon Pi back to campus was sparked by twin brothers, whose dad was the original founding Lieutenant Master of Omega Nu. Less than two months later, Steve Cohen, SUNY-Oswego 1989, had the opportunity to give the brotherhood pins to his sons, Max and Jesse. After initiating 12 Founding Fathers and winning Best Delegation at the Northeast Conclave, the Colony added 6 more Brothers this semester.
Iota Deuteron Alabama
We are unbelievably excited to be back in the state of Alabama and at the home of the defending national football champions, no less. The University of Alabama has seen a recent trend of an increasing Jewish demographic and there is no doubt, with the help of our partners at Hillel and the Jewish Federation, our very young colony will blossom in the near future.
Omega Sigma SUNY-Oneonta
After working closely with our friends at Chabad, Alpha Epsilon Pi recently inducted a group at twelve men at SUNY-Oneonta. The men expressed their eagerness in bringing an organization to campus that could unite Jewish students in a social context and they look forward to acting on their mission.
Mu Epsilon Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Originally founded in 1957, the Mu Epsilon Colony was refounded in October 2012 as our second active group in the state of Wisconsin. Comprised of 14 initiated Brothers and 5 pledges, this group joins a young Greek Community on campus. An impressively active and energetic bunch that won Most Spirited Delegation at the Midwest Conclave, the membership includes everything from a Division I swimmer to a Lake Michigan surfer.
Upcoming Expansions If you know of a young man currently attending or who will be attending one of the schools below, please contact Sam Orelove, Director of Chapter Services, at sorelove@aepi.org:
• University of Pennsylvania • Boston University • Rutgers University
Upsilon Kappa Zeta Manchester
The universities in Manchester have united to form our sixth group in the United Kingdom and our first new European colony of 2013. Currently comprised of fifteen men, the young colony has already attended the first ever European Conclave and helped cosponsor the local Jewish Society’s (JSoc, the parent organization of the Union of Jewish Students, or UJS) annual gala event. This impressive group of men also includes the UJS President-elect. Gamma Rho Colorado State
The founding group at Colorado State University is filled with an incredible mix of men from all over the country, including Chicagoland, Colorado, and Southern California. They are made up of business students, mechanical engineers, watershed specialists, ski-recreation professionals, and geologists. They are well rounded - showing clear signs of expertise in the classroom, on the slopes, and in their extracurricular pursuits. As Alpha Epsilon Pi’s second active group in Colorado, the men are proud to be the first Jewish Fraternity to ever successfully start at CSU and are looking forward to experiencing their legacy thrive.
• Edmonton University • Dalhousie University • McGill University • Texas A&M University • Florida Golf Coast University
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Catalyst
Civic Engagement Conference Above: Marc Himmelstein, Tennessee 1969, with the attendees of the Civic Engagement Conference.
Twenty-two Alpha Epsilon Pi Civic Leadership Chairmen met in Washington, D.C. for a weekend of civic engagement and education. Since its establishment, one of Alpha
The Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation serves to educate young professionals and student leaders on U.S. campuses, primarily in Southern California, about Democracy and Freedom values, anti-Semitism, Judeo Christian Principles as a basis to building coalitions between different faiths, the U.S.-Israeli alliance, and the issues facing Israel today.
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Epsilon Pi’s prime directives has been to instill within its members the appropriate skillset to be well-rounded and productive members of society. Today, as one of the largest Jewish student organizations, Alpha Epsilon Pi is uniquely positioned to educate thousands of young Jewish adults on the importance of being civically engaged citizens and leaders in both their campus and greater community. With the generous support of the Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation, the Civic Engagement Leadership Initiative was established during the 2011-2012 academic year, which was conceived to counter the decline of civics education in schools today. In the program’s inaugural year, 53 chapters appointed a Civics Leadership Chairman, who each had the goals of increasing voter registration and awareness within their chapter, inviting local and state representatives to speak at a chapter event,
and hosting leadership banquet dinners for the presidents of other major organizations on campus. Since it was an election year, the initial goal of the Civics Leadership Chairmen during the 2012-2013 year was to launch a Get Out and Vote campaign. This past January as undergraduates returned from winter break, Alpha Epsilon Pi organized the first Civic Engagement Conference. The conference brought together 22 of the most impressive Civic Leadership Chairmen from campuses around the country to Washington, D.C. for a thought-provoking leadership development weekend filled with civic engagement training, educational workshops, and goal setting. Three speakers highlighted the first day of the conference: Marc Himmelstein, Tennessee 1969, the President of National Environmental Strategies, Inc.; Dan Mariaschin, New Hampshire 1971, the Executive Vice President of B’nai B’rith International; and
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35 The conference brought together 22 of the most impressive Civic Leadership Chairmen from campuses around the country to Washington, D.C. for a thought-provoking leadership development weekend filled with civic engagement training, educational workshops, and goal setting. Spencer Launer, Washington 2011, legislative correspondent for Senator Maria Cantwell (DWA). The speakers discussed tips for creating civil discourse and the value of civic responsibility. On the second day of the conference, the Civic Leadership Chairmen were hosted at the headquarters of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), whose mission is to strengthen the ties between the United States and Israel. For nearly 30 years, Alpha Epsilon Pi and AIPAC have celebrated an extremely strong partnership. In addition to their valued work with Congress, AIPAC’s campus leadership department focuses on hundreds of college and high school campuses, empowering and educating student activists to answer Israel’s detractors and how to use relationship building to support Israel. At the conference, AIPAC’s staff was able to provide programming with topics that included leadership development, legislative and electoral activism, tips for successful lobbying, engaging campus leaders, and current legislative issues. Energized by the conference, each Civics Leadership Chairman who attended the conference was given three initiatives to take back to their campus: 1. Run for a campus position or lead a campaign for someone else to do so.
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2. Start to build real relationships with those in high leadership positions on campus: Student Government President, President of College Democrats, President of College Republicans, Interfraternity Council President, Pan-Hellenic President, and the school administration. 3. Plan a chapter community service event and invite your elected representative to attend, along with campus leaders.
The weekend was incredibly educational and valuable for the Civics Leadership Chairmen, as said best by Cameron Erikson, DePaul 2015. “The Alpha Epsilon Pi Civic Engagement Retreat taught me that without advocacy, expressing your concern about an issue is like shouting in the wind. I learned in my training that to only lobby your member of Congress about Israel once is actually counterproductive, because it shows them how little you care about the issue.” Due to the resounding success of this new initiative, Alpha Epsilon Pi is committed to developing the Civic Engagement Leadership Initiative even further. The Supreme Board of Governors has recently approved the hiring of a new staff member whose responsibilities will include expanding the civics initiative and managing the Civic Leadership Chairmen of all 175 chapters and colonies. ✦ To hear more words from the participants and see a summary of the conference, visit vimeo.com/aepi/aepicivicsconference2013.
NIC Laurel Wreath Awarded to AEPi For its Civic Engagement Conference, Alpha Epsilon Pi was named one of three recipients of the NorthAmerican Interfraternity Conference’s Laurel Wreath Award. This award is presented to individuals or groups in recognition of unique programs, collaborations, or outreach that have advanced the mission of fraternity. The Laurel Wreath Award is meant to bring attention and awareness to fraternal pursuits that are in the best traditions of the conference.
A discussion among Civic Leadership Chairmen
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Eleven
Foundation Annual Report
Alumni Accolades Alumni Accolades
Teich Award Life’s Paths
Michael A. Leven, Tufts 1959, President and COO of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, received the Arthur and Simi Teich Award for Distinguished Alumni Achievement at the Western Conclave Banquet.
Arthur and Simi Teich Award for Distinguished Alumni Achievement Arthur Teich, Pennsylvania 1935, spent his entire adult life in service to Alpha Epsilon Pi. Teich was the Supreme Master from 1950-1952, after serving on the Supreme Board of Governors since 1946. In 1995, he and his wife Simi endowed the Arthur and Simi Teich Award, which is bestowed upon an alumnus who has demonstrated leadership in his chosen field, has an exceptional reputation among his peers, and has applied the skills of his profession to the advancement of the ideals of Alpha Epsilon Pi.
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After graduating from Tufts in 1959
with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Theater Arts, Michael A. Leven went to law school, but soon realized that it was not for him. Leven decided to return to Boston to receive a Master’s Degree in Public Relations and Communications from Boston University. Since he received this advanced degree, he has worked in the hotel industry. Most notably, Leven founded U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. in 1995 and was their President and COO. This company developed and franchised the Microtel Inns & Suites and Hawthorn Suites brands. He was also the President and COO of Holiday Inn Worldwide, President of Days Inn of America, and President of Americana Hotels. Since 2009, Leven has been the President and COO of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, overseeing its operations internationally. Leven has served in numerous industry organizations, including being the co-founder of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association. He has also received many prestigious awards in the hotel industry and from the Jewish community, such as the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers Lifetime Achievement Award and the American Jewish Committee Selig Distinguished Service Award. Leven is also highly active in Jewish community leadership, serving on the Board of Directors of the Birthright Israel Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, and as a trustee of the Marcus Foundation, which was created by Bernard Marcus, Rutgers 1952, the co-founder of Home Depot. To read more about Leven, please turn to Life’s Paths on page 44. With over 800 undergraduates, alumni, and friends in attendance, Leven received the Teich Award at the banquet dinner of the 2013 Western Regional Conclave, which was hosted by the Nu Sigma
Chapter at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. The dinner was jointly organized by the Alpha Epsilon Pi Foundation and the Alpha Epsilon Pi Las Vegas Alumni Club, and took place in the extravagant Palazzo Ballroom of The Venetian Hotel. The dinner co-chairs were Justice Michael A. Cherry, Missouri 1966, Gerald M. Gordon, Nevada-Las Vegas 1970, Regional Governor Hayim Mizrachi, Nevada-Las Vegas 2003, and Las Vegas Alumni Club President Andrew Rothbart, Nevada-Las Vegas 1999. The master of ceremonies for the evening was Alpha Epsilon Pi Executive Director Andy Borans. Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chairman and CEO Sheldon G. Adelson presented the Arthur and Simi Teich Award to Leven. The amazing night ended
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37 with the strongest and loudest rendition of Gold and Blue to date, as this event was the largest gathering of Brothers in Alpha Epsilon Pi’s rich history. Prior to dinner, Supreme Master Elan S. Carr led an honorary initiation ceremony, along with Leven, Mizrachi, Mark Lainer, California-Los Angeles 1960, Matt Brooks, Brandeis 1988, and Supreme Governor Jeff Jacobson, Northern Arizona 1992. Seven extremely accomplished gentlemen were initiated into the brotherhood of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, including Sheldon G. Adelson, an internationally renowned business leader and philanthropist. Adelson, along with his wife Dr. Miriam Adelson, support numerous Jewish organizations in America and Israel, such as Yad Vashem, The Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority, and the Birthright Israel Foundation. ✦ Below: Michael Leven (middle) after receiving the Teich Award, with Sheldon Adelson (left) and Supreme Master Elan Carr (right)
Steinberg Award for Alumni Service Above: Sheldon F. Good Over 140 alumni and friends from the with the Steinberg Award, Chicago area came together at the historic with Regional Governor Standard Club to celebrate 99 years of and Chicago Alumni Club Alpha Epsilon Pi and to present Sheldon F. President Michael Oxman Good, Illinois 1955, with the Sigmund H. (left) and Jay Feldman, Managing Director of the Steinberg Award for Distinguished Alumni AEPi Foundation. Service in recognition of his devotion to the fraternity. With more than 50 years of knowledge and real estate expertise, Good, CCIM, is considered an international icon. In 1965, he established Sheldon Good & Co. and set the standard for the real estate auction industry. Under his leadership, the company became one of the most recognized and respected real estate companies in the United States, and before selling the company in 2000, his tenure generated billions in sales. In 1986, Good joined past Illinois State Governor Samuel Shapiro, Illinois 1929, and Jerry Reinsdorf, George Washington 1957, to lead a major capital campaign that aimed to provide Alpha Epsilon Pi with a best-in-class headquarter facility. The building opened at the 75th Anniversary Convention. A dedicated team of seventeen host committee members were led by three Event Co-Chairmen: Larry Sherman, Illinois 1951, Michael Oxman, Northwestern 2006, and Roger Wolf, Illinois 1977. The celebration and award presentation was a joint effort with the Alpha Epsilon Pi Foundation, who worked with the host committee to make the fourth annual Founders’ Day Celebration the largest Chicago area event in history. Brothers from over 35 different chapters were in attendance, representing every decade since the 1940s. This event confirmed that the fire of brotherhood still burns deep within all Brothers for a lifetime.
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Alumni Accolades continued
Life of By David Suissa, Jewish Journal
After his honorary initiation at the West Coast Conclave Banquet, David Suissa, the President of Tribe Media Corp. and the Jewish Journal, wrote an article about Alpha Epsilon Pi’s remarkable ability to strengthen the Jewish identity of its members by providing a sense of belonging. Above: Honorary Initiate David Suissa of Tribe Media Corporation and the Jewish Journal
The traditional approach to Jewish outreach
— especially on college campuses — is to make it as easy as possible for Jews to get involved: free classes, free admission, no obligations, no memberships. This makes sense for a young generation that cherishes its independence and wants to engage with the world as it pleases. Many young people today, when they think of membership, see themselves as already belonging to two primary groups: a group of One (thyself) and a group of 7 billion (humanity). Similarly, for many young Jews today, this notion of “belonging to the Jewish people” doesn’t resonate. If one of your primary values is inclusiveness, then the natural choice is to belong to the all-inclusive human race. That’s where college fraternities and sororities come in.
There are myriad ways of connecting to Judaism … the most powerful connection I have found is the sense of belonging to a people. These groups encourage bonding and loyalty to a group. Today, by far the largest and most important Jewish fraternity is the 100-year-old Alpha Epsilon Pi, which has 9,000 members on college campuses in five countries. I know very little about the fraternity world. They didn’t have a Jewish fraternity where I went to college (McGill University in Montreal), and all the college outreach efforts that I’ve been involved with — such as The Lion
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Hillel and Chabad — have been “nonmembership.” So, when I was chosen recently to be honored as a “Brother” at a major Alpha Epsilon Pi conclave in Las Vegas for my work with the Jewish community, my first thought was: Wow, what’s a Brother? My second thought was: This might make a cool column. But here’s the wrinkle — yes, it was an incredible experience, but because the ceremony at which I was initiated is secret, I can’t tell you too much about it. I can tell you that I now have a secret handshake, a secret password, a secret knock and a lifetime bond with any of the thousands of other Alpha Epsilon Pi “Brothers” around the world. Why do I find that prospect so satisfying? Well, I guess on one level it was the company I was honored with. I was initiated next to some prominent Jewish men, among them the majordomo philanthropist Sheldon G. Adelson, whom I stood next to during most of the ceremony. Trust me, there are worse things in life than becoming “Brothers” with one of the Jewish world’s largest donors. But there was something else that moved me deeply — it was the very idea of belonging to a group. There are myriad ways of connecting to Judaism, but in all my years of raising my children in the Jewish tradition, the most powerful connection I have found is the sense of belonging to a people. Being Jewish is not just what you believe and what you do, I tell them, it’s also who you are and whom you are with. None of us can be with everyone at once — that’s the fallacy of universalism. Although we indeed can be “citizens of the world,” we have to select our primary circle, the one that defines our core identity. For Jews concerned with continuity, that primary circle is the Jewish one. The fashionable term today to describe this sense of Jewish belonging is “peoplehood.” It’s the latest worry aepi.org
39 point of the Jewish community: We’re losing a new generation of Jews because they don’t have a sense of peoplehood, a sense of belonging to their people. But what if this new generation got a taste of this “belonging” while still in college? If you ask Elan S. Carr, Alpha Epsilon Pi’s International President, who presided over the initiation ceremony in Las Vegas, this is precisely what the fraternity tries to instill. “We want the Brothers to connect to their Jewish values and to one another,” Carr told me. “We want them to see that you can fully engage with the world without denying your membership to the Jewish people. It’s not either/or.” There were more than 700 Alpha Epsilon Pi Brothers at the conclave I attended, which took place on the campus of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. All those brothers had to apply to get in. It’s not automatic. There are dues, responsibilities and obligations.
In everything it does, from Shabbatons to career counseling, the fraternity tries to mirror Jewish ethics and values, including, of course, support for Israel. There are also practical benefits. For one, you get to build a lifetime of contacts and a valuable social network. It’s like an alumni network, only here the alumni also go back 4,000 years. Where you come from, the Brothers are told, is as important as where you’re going. In everything it does, from Shabbatons to career counseling, the fraternity tries to mirror Jewish ethics and values, including, of course, support for Israel. In essence, it wants to make loyalty to Alpha Epsilon Pi synonymous with loyalty to one’s Jewish identity. You might call it “Jewish peoplehood on campus.” I call it a sense of eternal belonging. Yes, you can belong to your country, your college, your synagogue, your community and your family, but let’s face it, there’s something a little special about belonging to a 4,000-year-old people. Alpha Epsilon Pi promotes Jewish continuity by promoting the identity of belonging. I belong, therefore I am. ✦
Honorary Initiates The International Fraternity selected seven men to join our organization at the Western Conclave Banquet who are all true leaders in the Jewish community and have an extremely strong connection to Alpha Epsilon Pi’s mission. We could not be prouder to now be able to call these men Brothers. Sheldon G. Adelson Chairman & CEO, Las Vegas Sands Corp. and noted international philanthropist
David Suissa Founder, Olam Magazine and President, Tribe Media Corporation and Jewish Journal
Shawn Evenhaim CEO, California Home Builders and Chairman, Israeli Leadership Council
Samuel Ventura President, Ventura Enterprises
Dr. Neville Pokroy Kidney Specialists of Southern Nevada Dr. Norton Roitman Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association
Above: Top row, from left: Dr. Norton Roitman, David Suissa, Col. Norman Rothbart, Sheldon G. Adelson, Samuel Ventura, Shawn Evenhaim, Dr. Neville Pokroy. Bottom row, from left: Matthew Brooks, Michael A. Leven, Supreme Master Elan S. Carr, Supreme Governor Jeffrey Jacobson, Regional Governor Hayim Mizrachi, Mark Lainer
Col. Norman Rothbart U.S. Army Air Corps, Retired
Reprinted with permission, courtesy of the Tribe Media Corp.
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Alumni Accolades continued
LASTING LEGACIES Marvin Cohen, Georgia 1956, was proud to witness the initiation of his grandson Noah Sobel, Florida 2016. Bob Fredman, Ohio State 1981, was proud to witness the initiation of his son Brian, Ohio State 2015. Brian is the third generation of Fredmans in Alpha Epsilon Pi, following his father and grandfather David Fredman, Ohio State 1950. David Stein, Ohio State 1986, was proud to witness the initiation of his son Avi, Ohio State 2016. Scott Daitzman, Virginia 1986, was proud to witness the initiation of his son Steven, West Virginia 2016, with Steven’s brother Robbie, Lehigh 2015. Steven is West Virginia’s Founding Master, and Robbie and Steven are fourth generation Alpha Epsilon Pi Brothers. Below: from left; Robbie, Steven, and Scott.
Community Service Award Keshet, one of Alpha Epsilon Pi’s International Philanthropy partners, holds an annual Rainbow Banquet celebration. Each year, a few select community members are recognized for their devotion to Keshet and recipient of this year’s Community Service Award was Shalom Klein, who was initiated as an honorary Brother at the 2013 Midwest Conclave at Bradley University. Klein is the founder of Jewish B2B Networking, an organization that hosts networking events for small businesses and job seekers around the Midwest. Klein is also a member of Keshet’s Professional Leadership Board, which helps create for a new generation of supporters.
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The University of Pittsburgh Law Alumni Association presented Arnold B. Silverman, Johns Hopkins 1959, with the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award. Silverman was recognized for his commitment to law and the community. Silverman has practiced intellectual property law for over 50 years, is a former chair of the intellectual property department of Eckert Seamans, has authored over 100 articles associated with his field, and is one of the few select attorneys in America to be elected to the British Chartered Institute of Patent Agents.
Chicago’s Jewish community. The
community awareness
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Distinguished Alumni Award
Toronto’s Top 20 Under 40 Shalom Life in Toronto included Alex Enchin, Western Ontario 2009, in their Top 20 under 40 feature. Alex helped start Wagjag. com, which has become Canada’s biggest group-buying site. Despite starting with just three employees, Wagjag was purchased by the Torstar Corporation and has since grown to have over 120 employees. Even though Enchin is only 25, he is considered one of Canada’s leading business executives.
State of Arizona Archives Recognition The Arizona State Archives recognized Geoffrey Gonsher, Arizona State 1969, for his contributions to the state. Gonsher has had an extensive career in municipal and state governments as a policy advisor, cabinet member, speechwriter, and agency executive for four Arizona governors, several City of Phoenix mayors and councilmembers, and other public officials. He has donated his personal papers to the state archives to provide and preserve professional documents for public administrators, educators, journalists, historians, and future generations. aepi.org
41 Networking in South Florida About five years ago, as a subset of the South Florida Alumni Club, David Ogman, Florida 1998, started the South Florida Alumni Professional Networking Group. At first there were just a handful of Brothers who met for dinner to relax and chat about business. The group evolved based upon the need for a more professional atmosphere that would allow alumni who could work together on a professional level to meet each other. The mission of the group is to help alumni Brothers professionally through a structured, positive, and professional dinner program that enables Brothers to develop long-term and meaningful business relationships. Currently, there are over 100 Brothers in the group, with about 40 attending each monthly dinner. The goal was to have one Brother per profession to avoid overlap, but the group grew extremely quickly through referrals. Thus, there are members who are a part of the same profession but specialize in different areas. If you are in the South Florida area and are interesting in joining the group, please email David Ogman at David.Ogman@ MorganStanley.com.
Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Forbes named Adam Geller, North Carolina 2005, and the first Alpha Epsilon Pi Executive Fellow, in their 30 under 30: Education listing. Geller is the founder of Edthena, a video platform that allows for online coaching, peer review, and group learning. Geller is a former fellow with the Kauffman Foundation, and is also the founder of Teach for Us, an organization that connects Teach for America teachers.
Below: The founders of the South Florida Alumni Professional Networking Group are (left to right) Ogman, Hy Vaupen, Florida 1979, Ron Friedman, Florida 1983, and Supreme Governor Scott Knapp, Florida State 2002.
Order of the Lion Award Presented The Houston Alumni Club was honored Above: Past Order of the to be involved with and attend the Lion Awardees Order of the Lion Award dinner for standing with Past Supreme Master Samuel Blustein, Past Supreme Memphis 1975. It was an exceptional Master Sam Blustein as dinner and program honoring an he receives extraordinary individual. We have the award. kicked off our spring programming and are actively working on family summer programs. Events will include a family outing at an Astros game and informal dinners. If you have any ideas, questions, or would like to serve on the board for the Houston Alumni Club, please email Barry Hertz, Vanderbilt 1968, at hertzfam@aol.com. aepi.org
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Alumni Accolades continued
Below: Philadelphia Alumni Club dinner, which had a visit from Supreme Master Elan S. Carr
Alumni Club Updates Boston
Above: Bi-monthly Networking Happy Hour with the Los Angeles Alumni Club.
Alumni Club Locations For more information about alumni clubs and involvement, please email alumni@aepi.org.
Arizona Baltimore Boston Chicago Cincinnati Cleveland Detroit Houston Las Vegas Long Island Los Angeles Orange County Philadelphia San Diego San Francisco Seattle South Florida Tampa Bay Toronto Washington, D.C.
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The Boston Alumni Club has been working very hard in the proverbial back office to strengthen our networking capabilities and enhance our communications. We successfully partnered with Chabad of the North Shore on several events. As we move forward, we have been networking with the Israeli Consul General’s office for New England to discuss building a conference series that will be open to alumni and current Brothers in and around Boston to be scheduled for next year. Most of our efforts in the last six months have been focused on building up our network with local and regional Jewish institutions to let them know we are here and are interested in augmenting existing community programming in addition to co-planning events of our own. We successfully listed with Combine Jewish Philanthropies-Boston this year and will be working with them to create a larger outreach. We are still actively on the lookout for people in each of our regions who are interested in leading events. For more information or to contact us, please visit aepibostonalum.weebly.com. Chicago
The Chicago Alumni Club has events every month, from Networking Series to visits to distilleries, and everything in between. The highlight of this past year was the 99th Founders’ Day Celebration. Planning has already begun for our 100th Founders’ Day event in November. For more information, please visit chicago.aepialumni.org. Cleveland
The Cleveland Alumni Club is proud to announce its founding. We look forward to uniting Brothers in the Cleveland area in the near future by providing networking opportunities and organizing events social in nature.
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact Ian Young, Ohio State 2008 and President of the Cleveland Alumni Club, at iyoung@aepi.org. Detroit
The Detroit Alumni Club meets for dinner every month, with an annual Founders’ Day reunion breakfast each November. Brothers from various chapters and of all ages participate in our events. To receive information about the dinners, please email Mike Anspach, Wayne State 1959 and President of the Detroit Alumni Club, at mkanspach@aol. com. It’s a tremendous group and newcomers are always welcome! Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Alumni Club meets on the third Thursday of every month at The Meatball Spot located at 6605 S. Las Vegas Boulevard in the Town Square Plaza from 6:30pm-9:00pm. We are growing dramatically and would love to have you join us! To stay up to date, please find us on Facebook at AEPi Third Thursday, or email us at lvaepialumniclub@ gmail.com. Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Alumni Club is in the midst of a re-launch year after holding our first two bi-monthly Networking Happy Hours in January and March with over 30 Brothers in attendance at each event. Over the past few months we have reorganized and begun to plan out a schedule of events for the upcoming year. Events will range from continuing the Networking Happy Hours to Young Alumni Mentoring Events to a Founders’ Day event in November. We are looking forward to continuing the success of our first set of events and engaging more Los Angeles area alumni in the months to come. For information about the group and a schedule of events, please sign up at meetup.com/aepila
Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Alumni Club is proud to have been accepted into an accelerator for Jewish initiatives, granting access to consulting, press, and partners to make the club stronger. There are monthly lunches in Center City along with regular events for networking, mentoring, and socializing. We’re always looking for alumni to help host or give ideas for events. Visit phillyaepi. org for more information and to subscribe to our monthly newsletter. South Florida
The South Florida Alumni Club holds events bi-monthly, which have historically consisted of networking cocktail hours, sporting events, and philanthropy events. Going forward, we are seeking alumni who would like to host events at their homes with guest speakers. If you would like to help plan an event or are seeking additional information, please contact us at info@ aepisouthflorida.org or check us out at aepisouthflorida.org. Toronto
The Toronto Alumni Club had our second annual poker tournament to honor Michael Waxman, York 1990, who passed away at an early age from a heart attack. Over 60 Brothers and guests attended the tournament, including personal friends of Waxman, which raised over $1,000. We also hosted our second annual Wine and Cheese event at the gorgeous Petroff Gallery, an upscale art gallery in Toronto. Programming will continue this spring, highlighted by going to a Blue Jays game. We are also beginning preparations for Alpha Epsilon Pi’s 101st Anniversary Convention, which will be held in Toronto. For more information or to become involved, please email aepitac@gmail.com.
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King Me. Found at a local house sale in Cleveland by Mel Ginsberg, Kent State 1964, this Alpha Epsilon Pi checker set is leather bound and embossed with the US Army insignia. The Check-R-Pak playing board folds out to 10" x 10", over two sliding compartments holding the checker pieces. This might have been a gift for Brothers heading to World War II or the Korean War. If you have more information about this set, please email veterans@aepi.org.
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Foundation Annual Report
Alumni Accolades
Life’s Paths Life’s Paths
President and COO of Las Vegas Sands Corp. Michael A. Leven, Tufts 1959 Do you remember those first jobs in the hotel industry?
Of course, I would never forget them… [A] Sales Promotion job lasted about one month. And then they canceled the job and they put me into the sales department—and that job, at the Roosevelt Hotel, lasted 2 years, where I achieved record sales results, never having sold anything before. My training as a salesman was Rush Week in the fraternity trying to get people to join Alpha Epsilon Pi…But I never, never, ever perceived that I would have this kind of a career. Have you seen the industry change since?
When I first started to work in the Roosevelt Hotel, 75% of the reservations came by letter, because long distance calls were so expensive, people wrote letters. We had no Xerox machines, we had no electric typewriters. In sales, you didn’t need to make appointments; you could just go out, knock on the door, walk into somebody’s office and say, “I’d like to see you.” And they’d let you in. That’s changed. There was no technology and no computers…And I think there are some things that are the same. I think still the front desk and check-in experience is for hotels— even though there are computers—it was the worst experience when there weren’t and it’s still the worst experience. Were there racial conflicts in those days?
Far right: Michael Leven holding AEPi pin, addressing attendees of the West Coast Conclave Banquet after receiving the Teich Award The Lion
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Well, I’ll tell you a couple of interesting stories. First of all, in 1961 when I started, Sonesta Hotels, which was then called Hotel Corporation, was a Jewishowned company. It was public, but Jewish people from Boston owned it. There were practically no Jewish people working in the business. They were owners, but most of the people were of different religions and backgrounds… But until Lyndon B. Johnson was
President in 1968, with the civil rights bills at that time, discrimination was still very rampant. The hospitality business was very difficult. I had a couple of jobs, one job that I was referred to, which I couldn’t get because of who I was. And that’s in New York City of all places. So I saw that. And when I was President of Day’s Inn—24 years later, I became president of Day’s Inns of America, a southern company— we had a lot of Asian-Americans who were franchise owners and they were getting discrimination all over the place in terms of getting loans, getting insurance. They had a reputation— everybody assumed that their hotels were not being run properly. And then I, with one other person, started the Asian-American Hotel Association. Because I always felt that one of the positions I had to take was to make sure of the fact that I would not stand for any discrimination of anybody, of any race, color, creed, any nationality or foreigner or anything like that.
because Sheldon Adelson and his family respected me as a person. They didn’t really know the details of how I work, details of how I think, but they put me in because of the kind of human being they thought I was, the kind of values they thought I had. And learning on the job is valuable?
Well, you have to have a desire to learn. I think that one of the things about Judaism is that it’s a constant amount of study. I think Jews generally have overachieved, certainly for their percentage of the population. Why is it? Because education and learning and continuous learning has always been a functional responsibility. ✦ To listen to the whole interview with Leven by Jonah Cohen for the Sands Confidential, visit sandsconfidential.com/page/3.
What advice do you give other leaders who are trying to navigate the sometimes big egos and personalities you meet in business and finance?
My own basic philosophy has always been—once I got to management and leadership positions, and a lot of sports that I played along the years, college fraternity president and all these leadership positions I’ve had—that you’re only as good as your people. The people make you successful… I got this job
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I Will Be There. Will you? Join CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, Alpha Epsilon Pi alumnus and emcee of the Gala Banquet, at the Centennial Celebration. August 8-11 | The Waldorf-Astoria, New York, NY For more information and to register, visit centennial.aepi.org