Beta Rho Chapter History

The Beta Rho Chapter had rather inauspicious beginnings. In late 1995, Founding Master Jared Stern was contacted by Daniel Debow, a chapter consultant with the Alpha Epsilon Pi International Fraternity . The first men contacted were James Malerba, Jayme Goldstein, and Pete Cohen. Debow treated them and Stern to dinner at Andino's, a restaurant on Providence's Federal Hill. Several meetings were held around campus to find interested men. In due time, a group of Founding Fathers was formed. They were Noah Brown, Peter L. Cohen, Daniel Eisenberg, Gary Fishman, Alexander Gozman, Joel Grossman, Andrew Kalinsky, Jonathan Lee, James Malerba, Joshua Mandel, Seth Orkand, Jared Stern, and David Stoloff.

The Founding Fathers were initiated on March 2, 1996, by the Mu Tau Chapter at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology . Momentum kept up throughout the year, and the new colony quickly picked up its Alpha Pledge Class, Joshua Reader and Franklin Yates.

In the fall of 1996, Alpha Epsilon Pi returned to begin its first full year at Brown University. A major push was made for University Recognition, which was received at the end of the first semester. A Beta Pledge Class, Joshua Markowitz and Benjamin Mikesh, was added to the chapter roll in early second semester, and the chapter began its first rush with the rest of Brown's Greek System . The Gamma Pledge Class was inducted, consisting of Boris Abramov, Steven Cohn, Daniel Epstein, Samuel Ginsberg, Jayme Goldstein, Richard Horn, Joshua Lawrence, Eric Lebovitz, Andrew Mirsky, Jason Plansky, Michael Rubin, Adam Schupack, and Jared Weiss. These new brothers were initiated on May 3, 1997.

On March 9, 1997, Beta Rho "came of age", receiving its charter from the Alpha Epsilon Pi International Fraternity, elevating the former colony to chapter status. A brunch was held at the Providence Marriott in honor of the chartering, and many parents, alumni, and brothers from other chapters were in attendance. In late Semester II, 1996-97, the Brown University Residential Council recommended Alpha Epsilon Pi for on-campus housing, granting the fraternity a cluster in Goddard House on Wriston Quadrangle. After some time in Goddard, the fraternity was granted higher-level housing in Olney. In 2001, the University, in recognition of AEΠ's excellent record and contribution to campus life, granted the fraternity its current residence in Marcy House.

We are proud to call Marcy House on Wriston Quad our home. With its plentiful singles and spacious doubles, and proximity to the Main Green and the Ratty, our house is prime real estate. Inside, our comfortable lounge (boasting a 55-inch big screen TV, pool and pingpong table) is used for various social functions. Our kitchen also doubles as a weight room with a weight bench and a universal gym. We are also excited about the many house improvements which will be taking place soon, including new curtains, paint, and wood flooring in our lounge.

There is no stereotypical AEΠ brother and our diversity helps to make a dynamic brotherhood. Our brothers hail from all across the country, and, although AEΠ is an international fraternity founded on Jewish ideals, we have brothers of various religious persuasions. Beta Rhos are active in many facets of extra-curricular and academic life.

Founded in 1995, the Beta Rho chapter of AEΠ is the youngest member of Brown's growing Greek scene. What began as a chapter of 13 Founding Fathers is now a thriving community of over 40 dedicated brothers and a staple of Brown campus life.