Alpha Epsilon Pi was founded in 1913 by a group of 11 Jewish students at New York University under the Washington Square Arch. These 11 men, known as "The Immortal Eleven," included Charles C. Moskowitz, Arthur E. Leopold, and David K. Schafer. Their goal was to provide Jewish college men with an exceptional college and fraternal experience.
The fraternity began expanding in the Northeast region of the United States, with Cornell University establishing the Beta Chapter of AEPi in 1917. However, expansion was halted during World War I as many members joined the military. By 1941, Alpha Epsilon Pi had nearly 30 chapters nationwide, spreading to the Midwest.
Despite political challenges in the 1960s, including the Vietnam War, the fraternity maintained a stable brotherhood even as members joined the military.
Alpha Epsilon Pi has many notable alumni. One of the most famous is Mark Zuckerberg (Eta Psi), the founder of Facebook. Other notable alumni include Chicago Bulls and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf (Kappa Deuteron), actor Gene Wilder (Iota Upsilon), and musicians Simon (Kappa Chi) & Garfunkel (Iota).
Today, the fraternity ranks among the top 10 groups with the most active chapters, totaling 155. It is recognized as one of the largest Jewish fraternities in the world.
AEPi maintains a global presence with international chapters in Israel, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Its mission is to develop future leaders of the Jewish community through acts of brotherhood.
