Alpha Epsilon Phi

Alpha Epsilon Phi is a Jewish sorority founded at Barnard College by Helen Phillips, Maurice Berger, Iras Kasanof, Jennie Schean, and Bessie Sigelman. The sorority was established to provide a social and cultural organization for Jewish women attending Barnard College, Columbia University, and other nearby institutions, including New York University and City College of New York. Alpha Epsilon Phi is a member of the National Panhellenic Conference and has sorority sisters who are also members of other organizations, such as Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Gamma, and Kappa Kappa Gamma. The sorority's founding is often associated with the women's suffrage movement and notable figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.

● History

The history of Alpha Epsilon Phi is closely tied to the history of Barnard College and the Jewish community in New York City. The sorority's early years were marked by World War I and the Spanish flu pandemic, which affected many of its members, including those who attended Hunter College and Brooklyn College. During this time, Alpha Epsilon Phi members were involved in various war efforts, including supporting the American Red Cross and the United Service Organizations. The sorority also has a long history of philanthropy, with members supporting organizations like the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the March of Dimes. Notable Alpha Epsilon Phi members include Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Gloria Steinem, and Shirley Chisholm, who were all involved in the feminist movement and worked with organizations like the National Organization for Women and the American Civil Liberties Union.

● Founding_and_Early_Years

The founding of Alpha Epsilon Phi in 1909 was a significant event in the history of Barnard College and the Jewish community in New York City. The sorority's founders, including Helen Phillips and Iras Kasanof, were inspired by the women's suffrage movement and the Jewish enlightenment. They were also influenced by other sororities and fraternities, such as Alpha Phi, Delta Phi Epsilon, and Zeta Beta Tau. During its early years, Alpha Epsilon Phi expanded to other colleges and universities, including New York University, Columbia University, and University of Pennsylvania. The sorority's growth was supported by notable figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt, who were involved in various philanthropic efforts and supported organizations like the March of Dimes and the American Red Cross.

● Organization

Alpha Epsilon Phi is a social sorority with a governing board and chapters at colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. The sorority is a member of the National Panhellenic Conference and has a long history of cooperation with other sororities, including Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Gamma, and Kappa Kappa Gamma. Alpha Epsilon Phi members are also involved in various professional organizations, such as the American Bar Association, American Medical Association, and National Education Association. The sorority's organization is supported by notable figures like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sandra Day O'Connor, and Sonia Sotomayor, who are all members of the Supreme Court of the United States.

● Chapters

Alpha Epsilon Phi has chapters at over 50 colleges and universities, including University of California, Los Angeles, University of Michigan, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The sorority's chapters are involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting organizations like the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the March of Dimes. Alpha Epsilon Phi members are also involved in campus life, with many serving as leaders in student government, academic organizations, and community service groups. Notable Alpha Epsilon Phi chapters include those at Harvard University, Yale University, and Stanford University, which have produced notable alumni like Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Sheryl Sandberg.

● Philanthropy

Alpha Epsilon Phi is committed to philanthropy and community service, with a focus on supporting organizations that benefit women's health and children's welfare. The sorority's national philanthropy is the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, which works to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS in children and families. Alpha Epsilon Phi members are also involved in various local philanthropies, including supporting organizations like the American Red Cross, United Service Organizations, and Salvation Army. Notable Alpha Epsilon Phi philanthropists include Melinda Gates, Oprah Winfrey, and Angelina Jolie, who have all supported organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

● Notable_Members

Alpha Epsilon Phi has a long list of notable members, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Gloria Steinem, and Shirley Chisholm. Other notable members include Barbara Walters, Diane von Fürstenberg, and Judy Blume, who have all made significant contributions to their respective fields. Alpha Epsilon Phi members have also been involved in various historical events, including the women's suffrage movement and the civil rights movement. Notable Alpha Epsilon Phi members have worked with organizations like the National Organization for Women, American Civil Liberties Union, and Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and have supported notable figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malala Yousafzai.