Alpha Epsilon Phi


Alpha Epsilon Phi is an American sorority and a member of the National Panhellenic Conference. It was the second Jewish sorority formed in the United States.

History

Alpha Epsilon Phi was established at Barnard College in New York City on October 24, 1909. Its founders were seven Jewish women: Helen Phillips, Ida Beck, Rose Gerstein, Augustina "Tina" Hess, Lee Reiss, Rose Salmowitz, and Stella Strauss. Their goal was to foster lifelong friendship and sisterhood in academics, social involvement, and community service, while providing a "home away from home" for the sorority's members.
In 1951, the sorority joined the National Panhellenic Conference and celebrated its centennial at Barnard College in 2009.

Symbols

The columns of the Alpha Epsilon Phi insignia or crest were selected in 1916. Its members wanted a simple insignia, as opposed to a more elaborate crest like that of other Greek letter organizations. The three columns Α, Ε, and Φ represent faculty approval, student esteem, and sorority fidelity, respectively. The sorority's motto is Multa Corda, Una Causa or "Many Hearts, One Purpose”.
The sorority's badge is the Greek letters ΑΕΦ on a small gold bar and jeweled in pearls. Its new member pin is the Greek temple facade in gold. The sorority's colors are green and white. Its flower is the lily of the valley. Its publication is Columns.
During the 1977 National Convention, after a suggestion put forward by the Alpha Kappa chapter at Miami University, the sorority adopted the giraffe as its official mascot. The giraffe was selected because it stands the tallest and has the largest heart of all land mammals.

Activities

Alpha Epsilon Phi currently has 51 active collegiate chapters across the United States and Canada. Alumna groups exist across the United States and hold events to celebrate their Founder's Day, to socialize, and to interact with other local pan-hellenic alumnae groups.
The sorority also has a magazine to chronicle news relevant to the organization. First published in November 1917 as Alpha Epsilon Phi Quarterly, the title was changed to Columns in the late 1920s. Columns is published twice a year, in the fall and spring. It is sent to college students, alumnae volunteers, donors, subscribers, inter-fraternal partners, and friends of Alpha Epsilon Phi. Fraternity and sorority professionals, and vice presidents of student affairs on campuses with Alpha Epsilon Phi chapters also receive the magazine. Families contribute to Columns to support philanthropic events and activities for current members, alumnae, family members, and friends across the United States.

Notable members

Alpha Epsilon Phi's current active chapters are as follows:
  • Adelphi University
  • American University
  • Arizona State University
  • Binghamton University-SUNY
  • Boston University
  • Buffalo State University-SUNY
  • Concordia University
  • Cornell University
  • Elon University
  • Emerson College
  • George Washington University
  • Hofstra University
  • Indiana University
  • Jacksonville University
  • LIU Post
  • New York University
  • Northeastern University
  • Ohio State University
  • Rowan University
  • SUNY at New Paltz
  • SUNY at Oswego
  • SUNY at Plattsburgh
  • Syracuse University
  • Temple University
  • Texas A&M University
  • Tulane University
  • University at Albany-SUNY
  • University of Arizona
  • University of California, San Diego
  • University of Central Florida
  • University of Connecticut
  • University of Delaware
  • University of Florida
  • University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
  • University of Maryland, College Park
  • University of Massachusetts, Amherst
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • University of Texas at Austin
  • University of Wisconsin
  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • Wayne State University
Alpha Epsilon Phi also has many inactive chapters, and the Iota Alpha Chapter for Alumnae Initiates.

Surveys

Anti-Semitism Report (2021)

In September 2021, a report based on a survey conducted by the Cohen Research Group for the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity examined the experiences of Jewish fraternity and sorority members on college campuses. The survey collected responses from 1,027 self-identified Jewish students involved in Greek life at 118 campuses across North America. The report revealed that 65% of respondents had experienced or were aware of antisemitism on their campuses, and 50% admitted to hiding their Jewish identity at times to avoid hostility or discomfort.
Marcus argued that the findings should alarm college leaders, as many Jewish students feel pressured to conceal their identity due to rising antisemitism on campuses.