Chapter News

Homecoming

  • Justin Cohen

Many alumni came back this homecoming weekend and got to relive their college experiences. On Friday, brothers and alumni enjoyed an authentic Hibachi experience at Kyushu. Unfortunately, the chef was not very good and hit alumnus Andrew Herman '08 with egg shells while trying to crack an egg. On Saturday, the alumni enjoyed a tailgate with delicious hot dogs and hamburgers. While other fraternities brought their pick-up trucks, Alpha Epsilon Pi showed their environmentally-friendly side by tailgating in a Prius. Surprising to all, the grill actually fit inside the car. After the game, alumni and brothers enjoyed a delicious dinner at Joe's marked by heartfelt toast by alumnus Andrew Herman and alumnus Jared Hakimi '07. After dinner, the brothers and alumni enjoyed a party at the annex. The weekend finished off with Sunday brunch at the house.

Social Review

  • Steven Grant

The school year got off to a rousing start socially during Orientation Week with two parties hosted at the Collegetown residence of seven of our Senior Brothers; we welcomed incoming freshmen on their first few days at Cornell in style. Our first open House Party was held the first Saturday of classes, and was well received by brothers, girls, and the community. Highlighting our semester so far was our mixer with AXiD; we welcomed the ladies from down the block with a birthday cake-styled bounce house, a jumping castle that stood over 15 feet tall! We look forward to more mixers, our semesterly formal, and, of course, the 2nd Annual "How AEPi Stole Christmas" Party, our most popular event of the year!

Season Football Opener

  • Drew Grossman

The Beta Lions pulled out a stunning 15-9 win over TKE. Brian "Gobbles" Klee, '12, was simultaneously the game's MVP and biggest liability, pulling down impossibly catches in the end zone twice for nine of Beta's 15, but throwing a flea flicker that was intended to be a run for a pick. The outstanding coverage of Matthew "GTFO" Lerner, '12, and Joe "Black Ranger" Kripke, '10, against a beastly TKE wide receiver ensured the victory, while the able hands of QB Steven "TiVo" Grant, '12, put the necessary points on the board. The last minute antics of the team, including two straight defensive stops in the final two minutes to key the victory, contained the heart and soul of Beta Lions athletics.

Beta Takes Home 3 Greek Awards

  • Jordan Whitney

We were big winners this year at the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs' Greek Awards Banquet on March 26th, 2009. After a hard year of work, the Beta Chapter came home with three awards. The first award was for Highest Chapter GPA out of all 41 fraternities for Spring 2008. The second was for Outstanding New Member Education Program, due in part to the efforts put in by our pledge master, Josh Fishman. The third award was the Outstanding Chapter Award, given to us in recognition of incorporating the OFSA's core principles into our brotherhood. These principles include social responsibility, commitment to service, alignment of values, leadership development, and academic excellence, just to name a few. We're very proud of the work we've done this year, and we are looking to make this one an annual award!

Mixers and More

  • Morgan Fleischman

AEPi Beta Chapter started off the spring semester with an exciting Superbowl mixer with the girls of AXiD. We invited the sorority girls to come over from across the street and enjoy themselves catching up with the brotherhood, meeting the new pledge class, enjoying the plentiful food and drinks, and watching the thrilling football game. Over 80 girls packed the inside of the common room and had a great time with our brothers! The social committee worked hard to plan our Tel Aviv Night Club party on Saturday February 21st, draping the common room with blue and white satin sheets, playing Israeli techno music, and partying throughout the night. Although we are anticipating a lot of work coming up, we are definitely looking forward to our mixers and events with the girls of AXO and KD.

Canadians Love AEPi Beta

  • Justin Cohen

The Beta Chapter has become the hot spot for Canadian chapters this year, probably due to our exceptional Ithaca location. This year, Cornell was lucky enough to host two AEPi Chapters on two separate weekends. The first chapter, the Eta Pi chapter at York University in Toronto, came to Cornell for Halloween Weekend. They were amazed by the wonderful choice of Halloween costumes Cornell girls wear, and by the local Chinese buffet ($6 for all you can eat lunch!). The second chapter to visit was the Eta Omicron Chapter from McMaster University, arriving the weekend of November 21st-23rd. They thoroughly enjoyed the tour of our campus given by brothers Rian Masanoff and Justin Granstein, the barbeque hosted by Jewish Life Chair Matt Adelman and Brotherhood Chair Shane Wax, and the sketch comedy show put on by the Whistling Shrimp. Brother Jonah Eisenstock, president of the Whistling Shrimp, gave the Canadian brothers many laughs, occasionally poking fun at Canada during the show. The Canadian brothers appreciated our hospitality and invited us to come to their own houses in the future.

Mid-Atlantic Conclave 2009

  • Steven Grant

The first full weekend in February was an exciting one for the members of the Beta Chapter, as 13 brothers and pledges made the annual trip to AEPi's Mid-Atlantic Regional Conclave, hosted this year by Rutgers University. Each year brothers from chapters all over the region come together to meet, socialize, and learn more about the fraternity and how it operates. Brothers and pledges attended risk management seminars, breakout sessions focusing on the roles and responsibilities of different Executive Board officers, learned strategies for how to raise $5,000 for philanthropy from Jared Hakimi (Beta '07), and witnessed the initiation of the founding fathers of the colony of West Chester University. Brothers from the chapters of James Madison, UPenn, Drexel, Stonybrook, host Rutgers, and others were in attendance. Outside of the official Conclave events, brothers and pledges hung out at the hotel, toured the greater New Brunswick area, and made a trip to eat the famous "Fat Sandwiches" of Rutgers' hot trucks. All in all, Conclave was a successful weekend of AEPi-filled fun.

Recycling at AEPi

  • Drew Grossman

Since its inception in the fall of 2007 with Brother Justin Granstein, Beta's recycling program has been a staple of house life. Every brother has made a contribution in one way or another, from running cans and bottles to Wegman's for redemption to putting their cardboard and plastic recyclables in the bins in the foyer. This fall, we recycled over 2000 cans and bottles, as well as countless loads of cardboard and paper. AEPi and Cornell remains committed to recycling programs, as well as to sustainability in general with the new Greeks Go Green Initiative.

Shabbat Across Cornell at AEPi

  • Matt Adelman

On September 26th, 2008, the Beta Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi participated in Shabbat Across Cornell by hosting a traditional Shabbat dinner and a Thanksgiving Shabbat dinner at their chapter house. The events were very successful and numerous students from Cornell ate dinner at our house. We were able to have food prepared by our own chef and by the Cornell Kosher Dining Hall which resulted in two delicious meals. Afterwards, many students stayed at the house and interacted with the brothers. During each event brothers were able to speak to the freshmen and gave them advice about Cornell consisting of what classes to take and what Jewish activities are being held on campus. The activities during Shabbat consisted of hosting a Shabbat dinner, saying Kiddush at the end of the dinner, and holding a small after dinner event. After both events ended, many students thanked us for hosting Shabbat at our house and wanted to know when we are holding our next event.

House Renovations

  • Justin Granstein

This past summer, the house of the Beta Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi underwent major renovations. In addition to a brand new, 61-inch flat screen TV, new doors and windows with built-in blinds were professionally installed in the common room. Additionally, the brothers living in house for the summer took it upon themselves to continue the home improvements with a round of their own handiwork, repainting portions of the common room and installing tudor-style wood paneling along the walls. In addition to the common room, the kitchen saw major renovations with the installation of a garbage disposal. Two brand new dish washers were also added, along with a new washer-dryer pair to better accommodate the growing brotherhood. In the coming year, we hope to build upon these improvements with more valuable additions not only to the house, but to the brotherhood itself.

Spring 2008 Formal - Cayuga Lake Cruise

  • Gregg Schwarzwalder

In the Spring semester of 2008, our Beta chapter held its first Booze Cruise Formal. My co-social chair, Garrett Bernstein, and I worked closely with bus companies and Cayuga Lake Cruises to make sure that this Booze Cruise turned out exactly as we all had fantasized. The brothers and their dates arrived by charter bus at the marina and boarded the large, double-decker boat, equipped with a bar, food tables, a dance floor, and plenty of extra space to mingle. The boat took us on a loop around Cayuga Lake, lasting for approximately 3 hours, during which time many of us took advantage of the open bar tab and helped ourselves to the wonderful hors d'oeuvres. Fortunately, no one jumped overboard and had to pay the $500 rescue fee. Afterwards, a small after-party ensued back at the AEPi house, consisting of brothers and their dates. In the end, it turned out to be just as much fun as we all imagined and I would love to do it again.

2nd Annual AEPie Toss

  • Jordan Whitney

On April 29th, 2008, the Beta Chapter held its second annual 6-hour AEPie Toss event during the Israel Independence Day Carnival on Ho Plaza to raise money for the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem. We had notable professors, college deans, and campus celebrities take some time off from their days to get whipped cream pies thrown in their faces. Even though the weather dipped below 40 degrees, students and professors alike lined up at 11am for a chance to cover their favorite (or least favorite) professors with Reddi-Wip. Pie-ees were given ponchos and chemistry lab goggles, but for the most popular targets, these protections were no match for the pies. The event was a great success, raising over $500 for our national philanthropy, and provided entertainment for all who participated.

Re-Chartering Weekend

  • Zac Peeples

On March 29, 2008, the Beta Chapter had its most significant weekend yet, with three days worth of events for brothers, parents, and friends, all centered around the re-chartering ceremony. On Friday night, a handful of brothers and their families met at the fraternity house for a Shabbat dinner, while many others went out on their own or in small groups. As parents continued to filter in on Saturday, a number of them attended a brunch at 140 Thurston Ave to meet and socialize with each other. After spending some time with their families that afternoon, brothers returned home to get ready for the black tie re-chartering ceremony, which was spearheaded by founding father Josh Nason '08 (whose hard work and planning for the event, according to the mother of Adam Schneider '09, made him "da man"). The ceremony was held in the Statler Ballroom, and was attended by 150 brothers, family members, and friends, including brothers from the University of Rochester and Temple University. Representing the Cornell administration were Dean of Students Kent Hubbel, Rabbi Ed Rosenthal, both of whom spoke, and Associate Deal of Students for Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Travis Apgar. Brothers Ezra Kannof '10 and Justin Cohen '10 narrated an entertaining historical recount of the chapter since the refounding, and then the ritual began. After Alpha Epsilon Pi Executive Director Andy Borans presented Master Zac Peeples '09 and Sentinel Justin Granstein '10 with the chapter's ritual equipment, Supreme Master Gary Anderson gave the Master and Past Masters the Beta Chapter Charter. After a few more speeches and a delicious dinner, the brothers headed back to the fraternity house with their dates to celebrate the occasion. The next morning, parents went to the house again for one final brunch before heading home. All in all, it was a tremendously successful and memorable weekend for the Beta Chapter.

AEPi's First Parents Weekend

  • Adam Schneider

From March 30-April 1, 2007, AEPi held its first annual Parents Weekend here at Cornell. Parents arrived mostly on Friday evening. Some attended our AEPi Shabbat Dinner, while others enjoyed one of the many fine restaurants that Ithaca has to offer. Saturday morning, our chef Mike prepared a delicious brunch of bagels and lox, yogurt, and fresh fruit for us at the House, and then it was off to Taughannock Falls! We spent a couple of hours walking alongside the beautiful creek that leads into Cayuga Lake, until we reached the majestic 210-foot Taughannock Falls. Later that night, we headed to the Statler Hotel for a delicious dinner, a Chapter Awards ceremony hosted by Master Aaron Leibowitz and Rush Chairman Daniel Kaufman, and some picture-taking, commemorating our first Parents Weekend. The following morning, parents enjoyed brunch with their sons, and then headed home to begin another week. Overall, it was a huge success, and we look forward to hosting another Parents Weekend next year!

Gift of Life Bone Marrow Donor Drive

  • Joe Kripke

On November 28, 2007, the Beta Chapter of AEPi held its first annual Gift of Life Bone Marrow Donor Drive. The Gift of Life Foundation, one of AEPi's national philanthropies, is an organization that helps to facilitate bone marrow donor drives throughout the United States in order to increase Jewish representation in the World Donor Pool. Becoming a potential donor is very simple - bone marrow typing is done with a simple cotton swab to the cheek - and no blood drawing is necessary. The brotherhood, along with the help of several generous volunteers, ran the drive for seven hours throughout the morning and afternoon. In the end, over 70 new donors were registered, including the majority of the brotherhood. Not only was the drive incredibly successful, but it turned out to be a lot of fun for all involved. The entire brotherhood is very excited for its second annual drive, come this November 2008.

Nu Kappa (Ottawa) Chapter Visit

  • Zac Peeples

The first weekend in November of 2007 brought with it not just six months of winter weather, but also a visit from the brothers of the Nu Kappa Chapter in Ottawa. On Friday night, 25 brothers and pledges from the University of Ottawa and Carleton College drove down to eat, drink, and fraternize (in the literal sense, I suppose) with the brothers of Beta. It was the first time the Canadian brothers had seen a fraternity house, and they were thoroughly impressed. In fact, it was their first trip as a complete chapter to the United States. Likewise, it was the first time since the refounding that Beta had hosted another chapter on a road trip, and it was by all accounts a great success. Despite having partied late into the night, most of the Ottawa brothers and a handful of Betas forced themselves to wake up early so that they could attend a presentation given by Gary Bettman, Commissioner of the NHL and Beta Chapter alumnus, who was speaking on campus Saturday morning. Following this, the brothers of both chapters took over the top floor of Appel for brunch, and the NK men headed back up north, assuring us that their first trip across the border had been a great one.

Beta Brothers Visit Epsilon Chi Chapter in Montreal, Quebec

  • Rian Masanoff

During Fall Break 2007, Beta brothers from every year since the refounding (Joe Kripke, Jeff Lipton, Rian Masanoff, Alex Callen, and Aaron Fienburg) joined EX brothers Justin Margolis and Corey Shefman for days full exploration and nights full of bring-your-own-wine dinners, beer, and clubbing. During the trip, the brothers were pleasantly surprised to meet up with a brother from MIT who Lipton had met at conclave and - to the joy or the other brothers - was visiting Montreal with two rooms full of pretty females from Amherst. Clubbing was enjoyable. Some of the day highlights included visiting the 1976 Olympic stadium, poutine (delicious Quebec "national" dish), penguins and tigers at the city's biodome, never-ending quests for cheap Chinese food, and story swapping as Margolis (who holds strong pro-separation views) lectured the Americans on beauty of Quebec and the French language. A good time was had by all.

AEPi's First Date Night

  • Alex Callen

The first social event since the Beta Chapter's refounding was held on March 9, 2006. The evening, planned by Alex Callen and Aaron Feinberg, was a huge success. It began with an unforgettable fourcourse meal at ZaZa's Cucina, a swanky, Italian-style restaurant in downtown Ithaca known for its enticing fare and elegant atmosphere. After dinner, Adam Schneider evaluated the evening's cuisine, saying, "Well, for a vegetarian and a kosher kid, the evening's two organizers picked some pretty damn good food." According to Brother Feinberg, "The polenta was clearly exquisite. It was the shining star of the evening. It dazzled us." As dinner came to an end, drivers shuttled guests to the nearby Bowl-O-Drome. Bowling in fancy clothing was a gamble that paid off. As Scott Frankel put it, "I originally thought that bowling would stink as a date night activity. However it turned out to be a blast and a half!" The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all those in attendance.

AEPi at Jews Into the Streets: Mitzvah Day

  • Adam Schneider

On Sunday, April 9, 2006, Beta took part in the first annual Jews Into the Streets: Mitzvah Day, sponsored by Tzedek, the Jewish social Justice group on Cornell's campus. After enjoying a bagel brunch in Robert Purcell Community Center, we went to a picturesque local Girl Scout reservation, located right on the shore of Cayuga Lake. After being given a brief tour of the facility, we then went to work. Some of us worked on derusting and painting the foundations of the log cabins, while others performed trail maintenance, raking up branches, twigs, leaves, and other debris that had cluttered the ground from the winter season. After a very productive day of performing community service, establishing a potentially long-term relationship with an organization in the Ithaca community, and bonding as a newly-expanded brotherhood, we enjoyed a pizza party at the Nines sponsored by Tzedek. As the Chapter's first philanthropy event with the newly initiated Alpha Class, it was a tremendous success.

Brothers Visit MSU to Honor Brother Michael Schwerner

  • Jared Hakimi

Michael Schwerner (Beta '61), a Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) field worker devoted to integration, was murdered in Philadelphia, Mississippi by the Ku Klux Klan on June 21st, 1964 along with colleagues James Chaney and Andrew Goodman. Shot, killed, and buried in an earthen dam, Schwerner's body was defiled, but his memory was not forgotten. On Friday, October 21st, 2005, brothers Aaron Feinberg, Jared Hakimi, Dan Isaac and Josh Nason trekked from Ithaca to East Lansing, Michigan in order to honor the righteous man known to those close to him as Mickey. The brothers attended a dinner a dinner at Michigan State University hosted by the local Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter. Inspired by both the younger and older generations present at the commemoration facilitated by Past Supreme Master Stephen Bernstein, Feinberg, Hakimi, Isaac, Nason and the rest of the Beta Colony are proud as ever to be Cornell students, Jews, and most passionately, brothers of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity.

AEPi Beta Lions Win Kickball Tournament

  • Dan Isaac

The Beta Colony of Alpha Epsilon Pi was victorious in its first Cornell-sanctioned athletic competition on Saturday, September 24. The AEPi Lions defeated the Burning Soles in a decisive three-game series to earn the 2005 Men's Open Division Kickball Championship. Despite being prohibited from participating in the Fraternity Division, pending Inter-Fraternity Council approval, the team still made a bold effort in representing the colony and coming home victorious. The squad exhibited exceptional teamwork as well as impressive defensive ability, earning both victories in come-from-behind fashion. Highlights of the day included a strong triple-header pitching performance by Joe Vulih and homeruns by Andrew Chessen and Josh Podoll. Dan Isaac drove in the winning run to cap off a three run inning in the bottom of the ninth to take game one. And perhaps most impressive was the team's stop-gap defense in game three, as it rallied around late-addition shortstop Aaron Leibowitz and held the Soles scoreless for the remainder of the game following a five-run first inning. Empowered, this allowed the Lions to surge back to victory. Beta will look to continue its newly-obtained winning tradition in the coming weeks in sports such as Ultimate Frisbee and No-Tap Bowling.

Brothers Volunteer at Local Synagogue

  • Lee Leviter

On Sunday, September 25, six brothers from the Cornell AEPi Colony volunteered to help mulch the playground at Temple Beth-El, a local conservative synagouge. The project was a resounding success. Lee Leviter - the Philanthropy Chair, Joseph Vulih, Dan Isaac, Aaron Feinberg, Dan Wolpow, and Jared Hakimi helped for approximately three hours, carting mulch to the Shul and wheeling it to the proper location in the playground. It marks the first philanthropy project for the group. This effort seemed to indicate a strong support for philanthropy, a devotion that seems to have increased with time. More recently, Dan Isaac, Ben Arfa, and Josh Bloom helped decorate the Temple's Sukkah on Sunday, October 16. Both of the groups efforts were very much appreciated. It is clear that a strong bond is being formed between the Ithaca Jewish community and Cornell's AEPi Colony. The future looks bright for us.