On Saturday, April 20th, the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity was officially welcomed to the University of Houston Fraternity & Sorority Community as the Upsilon Eta chapter. Members of the undergraduate colony, alumni, university administrators, family and friends, and representatives from the international fraternity descended upon the Grotto Restaurant on Westeheimer Rd. on April 20 to celebrate the colony’s accomplishments and welcome them as an officially chartered chapter. Representatives from the predominantly Jewish fraternity arrived on campus during the Spring 2011 semester and began communicating with educating men on campus about the mission and values of the fraternity. Male students were given the opportunity to build and grow the organization from the ground up with mentorship and guidance from the international fraternity, local alumni, and university administration.

“We are incredibly proud of our growing fraternity & sorority community here at UH” said Jason Bergeron, Director of the Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life. “The leadership of Alpha Epsilon Pi have demonstrated that they are men of strong moral character who will continue a tradition of values-based leadership within the University of Houston community, greater Houston community, and the surrounding Jewish community. We are excited for their continued impact here at the University.”

Matthew Boutin-Bloomberg, the outgoing President of the new Upsilon Eta chapter reinforced his pride in the organization. “The charting of Alpha Epsilon Pi to me as the president of this fraternity represented the validation of all the work hard I put in helping build this fraternity. I am a re-founding father so I have personally seen the progression that has lead to charting and I think I can speak for the rest of the re-founding fathers in saying the event was surreal. Building this fraternity with the rest of my brothers has been one of the proudest accomplishments not only at the University of Houston but my life. I graduate this May but I will always look at my time in AEPi at UH with fondness and appreciation.”

The mission of the Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life: Through close collaboration with students and other stakeholders, the Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life (CFSL) empowers the growth of high achievers and values-based leaders by providing a measurable, meaningful, and transformative fraternity & sorority experience. With a commitment to individual student development, the Center creates opportunities for lifelong relationships, innovative thinking, civic engagement, and overall student success.

The purpose of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity is to provide the opportunity for a Jewish man to be able to join a Jewish organization whose purpose is not specifically religious, but rather social and cultural in nature. Alpha Epsilon Pi is a Jewish fraternity, though non-discriminatory and open to all who are willing to espouse its purpose and values. Founded in 1913 at New York University, the international fraternity celebrates its Centennial (100 year anniversary) this year.