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.[4]
The columns of Alpha Epsilon Phi were added seven years after the sorority's founding, in 1916. They wanted to create 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.[6]
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.[7]
Activities
Alpha Epsilon Phi currently has 43 active collegiate chapters across the United States and Canada.[8] 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.[9]
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.[10]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.[10]
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.[16][17][18]
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.[19]
^Sanua, Marianne R. (2000). "Jewish College Fraternities in the United States, 1895-1968: An Overview". Journal of American Ethnic History. 19 (2): 11. doi:10.2307/27502544. JSTOR27502544. S2CID254479554.
