Phi Epsilon Pi
| Phi Epsilon Pi | |
|---|---|
| ΦΕΠ | |
| Founded |
November 23, 1904 City College of New York, New York, NY |
| Type | Social |
| Scope | International |
The Phi Epsilon Pi (ΦΕΠ) fraternity, active between 1904 and 1970 with a predominantly Jewish membership, was founded in New York City and eventually opened at least 48 chapters on college campuses across the United States and one in Canada.
Founding
The Phi Epsilon Pi (PEP) fraternity was established on November 23, 1904 at the College of the City of New York (CCNY). Phi Epsilon Pi was incorporated in New York State on February 9, 1914 and became a member of the National Interfraternity Conference in 1921. The fraternity was founded on non-sectarian principles, but throughout the organization’s history, the membership was largely Jewish.[1]
The fraternity’s first chapters were founded at the College of the City of New York (Alpha, 1904), Columbia University (Beta, 1905), and Cornell University (Epsilon, 1911).
Expansion
In 1913, the fraternity started to expand outside of New York State. By 1933, PEP’s total membership stood at 3600. During World War II approximately 2000 fraternity members served in the military, and most chapters closed. After the war, the chapters were reactivated, and new chapters opened as well, including one at McGill University in Canada, making PEP an international fraternity. In 1954, the membership of the fraternity reached 11,132.[2]
Mergers
Kappa Nu merged into PEP in 1961.[3]
In 1970, PEP was absorbed into the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity.
References
- ↑ “History and Purpose of Phi Epsilon Pi,” 1925-1941; Phi Epsilon Pi Fraternity Records; I-76; Box 1, Folder 5; American Jewish Historical Society, Boston, MA and New York, NY.
- ↑ “Pledge Manuals,” 1934-1955; Phi Epsilon Pi Fraternity Records; I-76; Box 47, Folder 5-6; American Jewish Historical Society, Boston, MA and New York, NY.
- ↑ "Zeta Beta Tau's Antecedent History of Phi Epsilon Pi". Retrieved January 28, 2013.
Further reading
- Sanua, Marianne R. (Winter 2000). "Jewish College Fraternities in the United States 1895-1968: An Overview". Journal of American Ethnic History. 19 (2): 3–42. JSTOR 27502544.
External links
- Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity Website
- Phi Epsilon Pi Fraternity Gamma Chapter Records; 31/6/3; Northwestern University Archives, Evanston, IL.
- Phi Epsilon Pi Fraternity Records; I-76; American Jewish Historical Society, Boston, MA and New York, NY.