AEPi looking to make a comeback at Tulane

Eight of the ten founders of the new AEPi chapter at Tulane University, which has already grown to nearly 30 members. Pictured (from left to right): Ryan Orlov, Max Rosenberg, Simon Miller, Charlie Eckstein, Emmet Tanzar, Ben Gladstone, and Zach Sturza. Not pictured: Aaron Malamed and Nicholas Michalec

Alpha Epsilon Pi International Fraternity has returned to Tulane University’s campus.

Ten men from across the country comprise the initial re-founding father class. “I’m confident that we have a group of men who will make us proud and be a credit to our fraternity, our legacy at Tulane and to our Jewish community.” said Rob Derdiger, Alpha Epsilon Pi CEO. “

The Tulane chapter — the Tau Upsilon Chapter — was installed in 1951, at the historic St. Charles Hotel in New Orleans, and was the first fraternity to be chartered at Tulane in 15 years. The fraternity had first contemplated a chapter at Tulane in 1941, but with World War II in progress, the time was not ripe, and the project was postponed.

In 1949, three members of Mn Deuteron at Missouri interested Hans Feibelmann in the project, and Tau Upsilon was underway. By March 1950, the University Senate extended recognition and set a one-year probationary period as a local fraternity before nationalization was permitted.

In the fall of the 1951-52 academic year, the chapter moved into an old frame house at 7325 St. Charles. The following year, Herman Kohlman became Chapter Advisor, and Charles Hale transferred to Tau Upsilon from Phi Gamma at the University of Florida. In the following year, 1953 to 54, the chapter acquired one of its most beloved Advisors, “Uncle” Ben Lubel.

More recently, though, the chapter was deemed “in bad standing” by the university in 2016 amid hazing allegations.

A GoFundMe, organized by Ryan Orlov, was set up on Jan. 24 to help the relaunch and “to rebuild the once-acclaimed fraternity that dominated Greek life on campus and accomplish a foundation of Jewish values and brotherhood.” The founding fathers are committed “to demonstrating everyday acts of brotherhood, Tzedakah, social awareness, and support for Jewish communities and Israel.”

As of press time, the campaign was nearing $16,000 toward an $18,000 goal.

“Our fraternity’s mission is to develop the future leaders of the world’s Jewish communities. I look forward to watching our Tulane chapter grow and succeed in that mission,” said Derdiger.

AEPi has chapters on more than 150 college campuses in the United States, Canada, the U.K., and Israel. Founded in 1913, AEPi has more than 110,000 living alumni.