Hear from the Brothers

In addition to the assorted thoughts listed below, take a look at our semiannual publication, the Front Rho. Peruse the articles in general and take special care to read
Zach Beauchamp on Living in House (p. 8) from the Fall 2007 edition.
(Every year has an issue on pledging so look at the diversity of perspectives on pledging from brothers over the years.)

That being said, here’s how current brothers described pledging and their connection to AEΠ when asked:

The Pi Perspective, from the Spring 2007 Front Rho
by Jason Ziplow

Going into the pledging process for the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, I was told that it was a fairly serious time commitment, and looking back, I guess it was. But while experiencing pledging for myself, I had no idea how much time I was really devoting to pledge activities; I was too busy enjoying myself. I was completely unaware that I was working hard due to the fact that I was meeting and befriending the remarkable people of AEΠ that would soon be my brothers along with doing activities that enabled me to learn more about them as well as the fraternity as a whole.

As far as pledging went, I had no idea what to expect. Would it be a couple-month-long drinking binge? Would it be a stint of time where I would be harassed by the brothers in their attempt to “initiate” me into the ways of AEΠ? Shortly after beginning the pledging process or maybe even during rush, after getting to know even just a few of the brothers, I realized that neither of these situations would be the case. I looked at the people with whom I was choosing to associate myself and realized that they would never take part in a society that demanded physical and emotional abuse. I learned to trust my future brothers based only on the actions of the few that I knew at the time, something that became the pinnacle of my pledging experience.

Learning that AEΠ is a community and that the actions of a few represent the entire group was one of the most important ideals that I took away from the pledging process. I had dealt with this concept a bit during high school when someone in my class would unknowingly cause the entire class to get extra homework or something for their foolish behavior. However, I had never experienced this sense of responsibility to others that came with a choice I had personally made in joining a particular group. But this sense of responsibility did not deter me from continuing on in the pledging process. Quite the contrary; it became a highlight. The sense of responsibility I felt toward my future brothers, to carry on their traditions in a manner upholding the ideals of AEΠ, allowed me to feel a sense of brotherhood and self-worth that I will keep with me always.

On the inside scoop of pledging:
“I. Loved. Pledging.’ I felt that I was growing close to my fellow pledges through creativity and fun rather than fear and commiserating, all the while becoming more and more integrated into the entire brotherhood through a mysterious journey of learning devoid of naked runs and paddling.”
—Adam Robbins Xi ‘09

Mike Morgenstern Nu ’08:
“Joining AEΠ was the best decision I ever made in college. During rush I wondered to myself if what these guys promised - brotherhood and a close connection with so many awesome people - was really there. Well, it was that and more--the true experience of AEΠ is something that I didn't fully see until I experienced living in the house, building the brotherhood, and making the closest and best friends of my life. I feel lucky to have found the fraternity, almost by chance, and to have decided to join. Without that decision, my Brown experience would not have been what it is today.”

On rushing as a Sophomore:
“When I joined AEΠ, I had to overcome the stigma of rushing the fraternity as a sophomore, but from the day I met the other Xi's under Faunce Arch, they treated me like one of their own and I have never forgotten that.
As far as the greatest aspects of AEΠ for me, it can be summarized in three ideas: fun times, amazing memories, and friendships that will last a lifetime.”
—Steve Alerhand Xi ’08 (Current Master)

On AEΠ not taking over your life:
“When I joined AEΠ, I was worried that I would be limiting my social interactions at Brown.’ This fear was false.’ AEΠ allowed me to meet not just all the brothers, but all of their friends, and those friends' friends.’ It also encouraged me to remain active in my other groups (The Brown Derbies, the Band, etc).’ In fact, during pledging, we were told that we HAD to get out there and join other groups, because while AEΠ is a phenomenal place to be, letting it be your only extracurricular is doing yourself a disservice.”
—Adam Robbins Xi ’09

Caleb Miller Xi ’09:
“I was a little concerned about meeting everyone during pledging, but it quickly became evident that everyone ruled.’ Pledging was THE BEST TIME EVER. It is still my favorite time of year for AEΠ.’ For me, knowing that there are always 40 guys who are willing to do anything for me and I for them is the best thing about AEΠ. Friends are great, but fraternity is a commitment to other people on a whole different level.”

Ben Rome Pi ’10:
“AEΠ allowed me to be part of a community, a feeling I had lacked at Brown until rush began in the spring.’ I had lots of friends, activities, etc, but I didn't have a group of people I could completely count on or a place that I could truly call home.’ Additionally, every person I met at AEΠ was incredibly welcoming, friendly, and interested in having a good time.
Even though I had reservations about being labeled a "frat-boy" and the implications that might have on me, what it came down to for me was that AEΠ was NOT the traditional fraternity.’ As a rush, pledge, and brother, I have always felt that every brother in the house cares about my well-being.’ The lack of hazing was essential in my decision to pledge. In fact, if I had the chance, I would pledge all over again.’ Pledging was a phenomenal experience, allowing me to truly get to know my fellow pledges as well as all of the brothers in AEΠ.’ Pledging provided me with experience, knowledge, and memories that I will hold dear for the rest of my life.
Unfortunately, as a rush it's hard to know the day-to-day dynamic of brothers without living in house.’’’’ There's no way to fix this, and you simply have to believe that AEΠ is everything that the brothers present it to be.
First and foremost, AEΠ is my community and home.’ I love the fact that I live around 45 people who I deeply care about, and being a part of something bigger than themselves is something I truly think everyone needs at Brown.”

Jon Levin Nu ’08:
“In the end, I decided to join AEΠ because I really liked the people who I had met there and wanted a community like AEΠ for the next 3 years after I left my freshman unit.’ And Marcy house didn't hurt either.
Pledging was definitely a concern of mine, but after a week into the program I realized that I had nothing to fear.’ I miss pledging.’ Pledging was projects that helped you to get you to know your future brothers better.’ I was also concerned about dropping my other friends and activities because of AEΠ, but this was certainly not the case.’ I'm still very close to my unit friends and very involved outside of AEΠ; AEΠ acts as a home base that I can come back to every day.
You can never get the full experience of AEΠ from even rush or pledging; it's when you live in the house that you make your closest friendships and AEΠ becomes a big part of you.’ Also:’ It's probably quieter in Marcy than it is in Keeney on most nights.”

On the Benefits of AEΠ only a Brother can understand:
“If you think having a freshman unit is cool, this blows it the fuck out of the water.’ And if you think your freshman unit sucks, this blows it the fuck out of the water.’ You're living with 30 - 40 guys, all of whom you feel comfortable walking in their open door to play a game of Smash, vent about problems, get some quick advice, or request a helpful favor.’ There are few people with whom I feel a close sense of unconditional trust, respect, and brotherly love.’ Nearly all are brothers of AEΠ.’ The connections you feel with other brothers at different chapters is heartwarming.’ When I did the 4 mile Midnight Run in Central Park on New Year's Eve, I wore my AEΠ sweatshirt.’ As I was running, two different guys at different points on the sidelines made some sort of ‘Go AEΠ!’ Cheer for me.’ Haha.”
—Adam Robbins Xi ‘09

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