New Officers Elected to Executive Board

Today the chapter has elected three new brothers for the positions of Rush Chairman, Pledgemaster, and Social Chairman. The brotherhood has elected Dan Lyons for the position of Rush Chairman, Andrew Saltzman for the position of Pledgemaster, and Brandon Cohen for the position of Social Chairman. Congratulations!

2nd Open Mic Night is a Success!

Tonight the chapter hosted our 2nd open mic night. Overall, this event was a huge success. Brother performances featured both Josh Schrager and Jon Kriner in their a capella group, Broad Street Line, and Drew Wenning's stand up comedy. All profits went toward Shaare Zedek Medical Center.

Psi Deuteron Pledge Class Inducted

The chapter has inducted the Psi Deuteron pledge class which consists of 12 men. Brother Rush Chairman Alex Gionet did an excellent job in bringing these men into our fraternity. Their pledgemaster is Brandon Cohen, who is responsible for turning these fine men into excellent brothers.

New House Manager Elected

Today, the chapter elected a new House Manager to round out our Executive Board. Brian Karol (Class of 2012), a Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy major from Philadelphia, PA, takes over the reigns and is responsible for the maintenance of the Mansion. In light of the the increased difficulty in keeping the house looking incredible, last year the chapter created a 3 member House Committee to assist the House Manager in his duties. Brian was installed by Master Steve Brecher with the ritual ceremony following the election. Brian's term runs now through next April, and with rush beginning this Sunday, it can't be overstated the importance of keeping the house looking immaculate over the coming weeks.

Picture: Brian Karol, our new House Manager.

AEPi Runs Temple

We wanted to take this opportunity to let everyone know the various leadership positions brothers hold around campus:

• Inter-fraternity Council Webmaster Dan Lyons (2012)
• Temple University Greek Association President Alex Shelow (2011) and Vice President of Finance Dan Lyons (2012)
• Resident Assistants Brian Engle (2011), Drew Wenning (2010), and Andy Markowitz (2012)
• Student EMT Paul Minkovich (2010)
• Owl Team Orientation Leaders Joe Raffanello (2010), Mike Abrams (2011), Rob Farber (2012), and Jon DeSantis (2010)
• Hillel Vice President of Judaism Andy Markowitz (2011)
• Student Body Vice President Jon DeSantis (2010)
• Temple Student Government Director of Services Aaron Wolf (2012)
  
• Temple Students for Israel President Gabe Toran (2011)

As we tell rushes all of the time, AEPi truly are the leaders on campus.

Alpha Pi at AEPi Convention-Las Vegas

Over the past few days, AEPi held its annual international convention is Las Vegas, Nevada. The chapter was represented by Jon DeSantis (2010 and Pesach Kessler (2010), who had an incredible time in Sin City. Jeff Gutkin (2010), Alex Mandel (2011), and Brandon Cohen (2011), who happened to be a cross country road trip at the time, spent a night in Vegas during convention. Alumni Marc Prine (2008), Jon Alexander (2007), and Rabbi Shalom Denbo (honorary) were also there proudly representing Temple. In a repeat performance of last year the chapter would several awards as well as a number of individual awards. The chapter received Century Club recognition for our philanthropy contributions as well as the Philip and Susan Cohen Jewish Communal Activity Award. Not only is this a huge honor, but it also won the chapter $50 and a $50 to Temple Hillel. Pesach won the prestigious Nehemiah Gitelson Medallion for Jewish communal activity, and Jon won the Philip H. Cohen Undergraduate Achievement Key. All in all, Alpha Pi received a lot of recognition for our hard work over the course of last year. It was a great time in Las Vegas, and convention next year is slated for New Orleans.

Picture: Pesach Kessler's award certificate and medallion.

2009 Fall Rush Schedule Posted

Rush Chairman Alex Gionet (2012) today announced the rush schedule for the Fall 2009 semester. It is:

• Sunday September 13-Sunday Night Football
  
• Monday September 14-Monday Night Football
  
• Tuesday September 15-Poker tournament
• Wednesday September 16-Baseball Night
• Thursday, September 17-AEΠ Olympics
• Friday September 18-Shabbat dinners at Chabad and Hillel
• Saturday September 19-Rosh HaShanah (no event)
• Sunday September 20-Basketball at Student Pavilion
• Monday September 21-Monday Night Football
• Tuesday September 22-Game Night @ Student Center
• Wednesday September 23-Hookah Night
• Thursday September 24-Mystery Night (Invite Only)
• Friday September 25-Shabbat dinners at Chabad and Hillel
• Saturday September 26-Ping Pong Tournament

Picture: No one is better at rushing than hot blonds.

2 Alumni Softball Events

Today and on July 11, the newly formed Alumni Association sponsored two undergraduate vs. alumni softball games. In total, over 35 brothers participated in the two games, which were played at the Belmont Plateau fields at Fairmount Park. Brad Hoffman (2007) was the main organizing force behind the events, but special thanks yous to Dan Grossmann (1983) and Jeff Silverman (1986) for bringing drinks for each game. It was a great time and proof that Jews can indeed play sports.

Pictures: Above: The winning team in today's game including Eric Weiss (1983), Yoel Israel (2008), Doug Young (2009), Pesach Kessler (2010), Marshall Segel (2011), Mike Shulman (2009), Jon DeSantis (2010), Alan Dashoff (2012), and Adam Goldstein (2011.) Below: Alumnus Jack Weinstein (1984) beats out a throw with undergrad Neil Hollander (2010) manning first base.

Marriages Galore

It has been an eventful past few months for the romance lives of severals of our alumni. Jason Morgenroth (2008) announced his engagement to longtime girlfriend Sara, as did Calvin Tessler (2007) to his new finance Melissa. Rabbinic student Sam Rose-Carmack (2007) and his longtime partner Andrea are also now engaged. Their respective weddings are upcoming over the next 1.5 years. Congrats to all!

Picture: Several alumni brothers, including Ryan Feldman (2007), Marc Bodinger (2007), Dave Hausler (2007), Matt Raisman (2007), Mike Shulman (2009), and Tom Harari (2009), at Calvin and Melissa's engagement party.

Graduating Seniors

Today, our senior officially graduated taking part in Temple's commencement ceremony. Their Final Good & Welfare, our last event for seniors, was held last Saturday (May 9.) Graduating are:

• Dan Snyder (Scribe 2006-2007, Pledge Master Spring 2008)
• Steve Auerbach (Pledge Master Fall 2007)
• Mike Shulman (Lieutenant Master 2007-2009)
• Doug Young (Rush Chairman Spring 2007)
• Alex Bord (5 time Formal Chair)
• Mike Slutsky (Excehquer 2007-2008, Sentinel 2008-2009)
• Joe Littman (House Manager 2006-2007, Master 2007-2008)
• Ross Klinger (transfered from University of Hartford Fall 2006)
• Tom Harari (pledged Fall 2003)

They will be missed, and their legacy is cemented in the chapter's progress since they began as brothers. When most of them were initiated (Fall 2005-Spring 2006), the chapter was still living back on 16th Street. Since then we've lived at 2012 N. Broad, 2020 N. Broad, 2002/2004 N. Broad, and now live in the Mansion at 2000 N. Broad.

Picture: Above-(L-R) Mike Shulman, Mike Slutsky, and Joe Littman at the graduation ceremony. Below-(L-R) Joe Littman and Mike Shulman from a few years ago.

2009 Holocaust Event

Tonight the chapter hosted its 2nd annual Yom HaShoah Holocaust Memorial Event. Over 60 members of the Temple community attended the event which featured a kosher catered dinner and Holocaust speaker Anne Winthrop telling her story. Anne, a survivor of the Kindertransport Organization, told her story then took questions from the audience. The event was held in the prestigious Great Court at Mitten Hall. Anne generously donated several of her own books to the chapter and to the University's library on our behalf. We are incredible thankful to B'nai Brith for helping put together the event. Temple Student Government and Hillel also generously supported the event both financially and with promotion. Joe Littman (2009) concluded his time as an undergraduate as the main planner of this event. We look forward to hosting this event, in conjunction with other organizations, for years to come.

Picture: Mike Shulman (2009) asks Anne a question after she told her incredible story.

Chi Deuteron Pledge Class Initiated

Late this evening, the Chi Deuteron Pledge Class officially became brothers of Alpha Epislon Pi after going through the ritual ceremony at the house. New brothers include:

• Lane Ackerman (Abington, PA)
• J Kenion (Winchester, MA)
• Adam Freedman (Maple Glen, PA)
• Alan Dashoff (Philadelphia, PA)
• Brian Karol (Philadelphia, PA)
• Misha Gelfand (Philadelphia, PA)
• Ziv Rottman (Philadelphia, PA)
• Sam Weissman (Wynnewood, PA)

Their Pledge Master, Ben Nadell, did an outstanding taking the bids of Rush Chairman Brian Engle and turning them into AEPi brothers.

Picture: Six of the seven members of the Chi Deuteron Pledge Class in downtown Philadelphia. On top-Adam Freedman. Middle row (L-R)-Sam Weissman and J Kenion. Bottom row (L-R)-Brian Karol, Lane Ackerman, and Alan Dashoff.

Brother Elected Student Body Vice President

Jon DeSantis (2010) was elected Student Body Vice President today, running on a slate with 2 other members. Their slate, TUAction, won with 57% of the vote with nearly 2,300 votes (the most votes in the history of the University.) They ran against one other ticket, and after nearly a month of arduous campaigning, came out victorious. The entire chapter was instrumental in the Temple Student Government campaign. Jon follows in a long line of student government involved brothers including former Treasurers Brad Hoffman (2007) and Ryan Feldman (2006.)

Picture: TUAction, with Jon on the far right.

New Executive Board Elected

Earlier today, the chapter elected its officers for next year. They will officially take over in a few weeks. Serving on our Executive Board will be:

• Master Steve Brecher (Upper Dublin, PA)
• Lieutenant Master Alex Shelow (Upper Dublin, PA)
• Exchequer Alex Mandel (Clarks Green, PA)
• Rush Chairman Alex Gionet (Teaneck, NJ)
• Pledge Master Brandon Cohen (Bensalem, PA)
• House Manager Shane Gottlieb (Bensalem, PA)
• Scribe Aaron Wolf (Green Brook, NJ)
• Brother at Large Matt Muchnick (Bensalem, PA)
• Social Chairman Neil Hollander (Clarks Summit, PA)
  

AEPis Leading TUGA

Two Alpha Pi brothers were elected to serve on the Executive Board of the Temple University Greek Association, the representative voice and programming body of Temple's 900 person strong Greek Community. Alex Shelow (2011) was elected President (the third AEPi brother in 5 years to be TUGA President), and Dan Lyons (2012) was elected Vice President of Finance (formerly known as Treasurer.) Once again, it can be safely said that AEPi is leading campus. Alex and Dan will be officially installed as President and Vice President at the Greek Awards ceremony at the end of the month.

12 Alpha Pi Brothers in LA for Community Service Spring Break

This past week was Temple's spring break. The international fraternity sponsored a community service trip to Los Angeles, CA. Out of the 25 brothers selected to participated for this FREE trip to LA were 12 Alpha Pi brothers. The group stayed at a Jewish camp in Malibu and went into the city daily to perform different types of service including painting community centers, preparing meals at soup kitchens, entertaining underprivileged children, etc. It was definitely an eye opening experience for the brothers who got to see a completely different side of life. The trip wasn't all work-everyone also got the chance to tour different parts of the city including Hollywood. The brothers were also there during the holiday of Purim and got to celebrate with not only others on the trip but also with brothers living in the Los Angeles area. Suffice to say, it made for one ridiculous bus ride. The group also had the chance to hang out with our AEPi chapters at UCLA and Northridge. Overall, it was an incredible trip and a great way to spend Spring Break.

Pictures: Above-Aaron Wolf (2012) puts a fresh coat of paint on a door at the Salvation Army in downtown Los Angeles. Below-The Alpha Pi brothers on the trip including Arkadiy Landa (2010), Brian Engle (2011), Joe Littman (2009), Alex Bord (2009), Mike Shulman (2009), Pesach Kessler (2010,) Mike Slutsky (2009), Dan Lyons (2012), Aaron Wolf (2012), Dan Snyder (2009), Eric Shelmire (2011), and Jon DeSantis (2010.)

AEPi Holds Administration/Community Open House

Yesterday, the chapter hosted in its annual administrator's dinner, the first one at the new house. As a twist this year and in recognition of our role in the neighborhood, we also invited several community members to come see the house. Attending from the University were Carl Bittenbender (Executive Director of Temple Police Department), Gina D'Annunzio (Director of Student Activities), Jen Fitzwater (Greek Adviser), and Ainsley Carry (Dean of Students.) After a catered dinner, each brother, administrator, and community member introduced themselves. Following that, we held an open forum where brothers, administrators, and our neighbors discussed issues that affect all of us including noise, trash, University relations, etc. It was a great opportunity to network and meet everyone, and all enjoyed the good food and good people.

Below-the invitation to our annual dinner/open house.

Chi Deuteron Pledge Class Inducted

Earlier this evening, the chapter inducted the Chi Deuteron Pledge Class, consisting of 11 men. The man responsible for bringing them to Alpha Epsilon Pi was Rush Chairman Brian Engle, who did a fantastic job for the 2 week rush period. Their Pledge Master is Ben Nadell, who will be responsible for turning these young men into excellent brothers.

Police Appreciation Nights

Tonight, the chapter hosted its first Police Appreciation Night, where all Philadelphia, SEPTA, and Temple police officers were invited to tour the house and enjoy some donated refreshments. Over 20 officers stopped by the house in only 2 hours. Brothers had a chance to speak with officers and discuss issues that commonly come up between police officers and fraternity members. The event was an overwhelming success and definitely enhanced our relationship with the police departments that serve our area.

Below-the invitation to the event

AEPi at Super Sunday

Yesterday, 29 brothers participated at Super Sunday, which is the Jewish Federation's largest annual fundraising drive. The effort raised over $1.2 million from over 3,000 donors and had over 600 volunteers making phone calls. We went through Hillel and had the largest delegation of any university. The Jewish Federation supports Hillel, which is consistently one of our chapter's greatest friends and most supportive of partners. During the event, Senator Arlen Specter stopped by to address everyone and make a few phone calls himself. He was kind enough to speak with a few brothers about various issues.

Pictures: Above-brothers and Senator Arlen Specter. Below-Dan Lyons on the phone raising money for a great cause.

The Mansion Experience has begun

Yesterday was a day which will be long remembered in Alpha Pi. The chapter officially moved into the Mansion at 2000 North Broad. And Mansion is the correct word: the house has 14 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 3 massive common rooms, a large kitchen, and a huge basement. It is the largest fraternity house on campus, the nicest fraternity house on campus, and the closest fraternity house to campus. It solidifies AEPi's role as the leader of Greek organizations on campus, and gives us the opportunity to dominate all aspects of campus life. But, we are keenly aware that while a house helps, the fraternity makes the house and not the other way around. This doesn't mean we won't have to try as hard, as we will have to try harder to live up to the lofty expectations with us being in the Mansion. Thank you to our terrific landlords, Dan Grossmann (Past Master, Class of 1983) and Rabbi Joe Domosh for their diligence in preparing the house. We invite everyone, especially alumni and parents, to come visit us. We are fortunate, excited, and most of all, ready to dominate this University. AEPi has found a home at Temple University for years to come, and hundreds of brothers, current, alumni, and future, will benefit from the Mansion.

Pictures: Top-Doug Young decorates our brotherhood room with all of our composites. Middle-Pesach Kessler shows off our common rooms downstairs. Bottom-Alex Shelow is on top of the world.