AEΦ IN THE BEGINNING

AEΦ was founded by seven Jewish women at Barnard College in New York on October 24, 1909. These women include; Helen Phillips, Ida Beck, Rose Gerstein, Augustina "Tina" Hess, Lee Reiss, Rose Salmowitz and Stella Strauss. As only Philips resided in the dorms, the women felt it was important for her, and all the members, to have a sense of companionship. In 1934, Tina Hess Solomon wrote: "We wanted a group of girls chosen not because of special scholastic preeminence, financial circumstances or other arbitrary standards but a group who had common interests and were dominated by the ideals of true friendship."

OUT LETTERS, AEΦ

The Greek letters Alpha, Epsilon and Phi were taken from the Greek phrase "Aei Esto Philio," meaning "May Friendship be Everlasting." Today, Alpha Epsilon Phi has built a larger and even greater national organization based on the original ideals of our founders.

THE MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority is to inspire and support exemplary women dedicated to friendship and a lifelong commitment to Alpha Epsilon Phi while building on the vision of our Jewish founders.

PHI PHACTS

(IMAGES FROM NATIONAL WEBSITE)

Contact Information: Perri Nemiroff ~ pln217@nyu.edu