HISTORY

In 1939, the Gamma Deuteron chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi was chartered at the University of Texas under the principles of honesty, faith, humility, mutual helpfulness, and perseverance: guideposts that continue to form the basis of the Chapter. Of the five predominantly Jewish fraternities that have existed in Texas, the AEPi brotherhood has endured the longest.

Since its founding, our Chapter has always maintained a strong connection to Texas Hillel, and we continue to hold many activities together throughout the year. For the past few years, multiple members of the Hillel Executive Cabinet have been members of AEPi. Additionally, our brothers play an active role in Texans for Israel (TFI), The White Rose Society, as well as many other political, social, and service organizations across the 40 acres.

Today, Gamma Deuteron boasts over 1200 alumni who have distinguished themselves in every profession and as community leaders. AEPi blends the individuality of each chapter with the strength of the national fraternity to build a family of men rich with high ideals, character, and, most of all, fraternalism.

National AEPi

Alpha Epsilon Pi's Founders were all young men of serious purpose, employed during the day, coming from middle-class homes, who sought to get ahead by obtaining the formal training offered at New York University in the evening sessions. The catalyst for the founding of Alpha Epsilon Pi was the transfer of Charles C. Moskowitz from the College of the City of New York to New York University's School of Commerce.

While enrolling at C.C.N.Y., Charles Moskowitz, a fine basketball player, was heavily sought after for his athletic skills. When he enrolled at New York University, his reputation had preceded him, and he was immediately rushed and given a bid by one of the fraternities. When Charles Moskowitz asked whether bids could also be extended to his friends, he was immediately told that the bid was for him alone. Brother Moskowitz had a circle of close Jewish friends which met after work for dinner before going to class. Evidently, Founder Moskowitz discussed this with his friends, and they decided that fraternities were good for the students, and, since there was no patent on the idea, they would start one of their own.

The group had its meals at German rathskeller on Second Avenue, within walking distance of the university. The basement was open to the public only in the evenings when business was especially brisk. The young men talked with the owner, who agreed that if six or eight men would eat there regularly every school night, he would give them a private area in the rathskeller. And that is how Alpha Epsilon Pi began.

When the founding group finally came together, there were eleven founding members: Charles C. Moskowitz, David K. Schafer, Isador M. Glazer, Herman L. Kraus, Arthur E. Leopold, Benjamin M. Meyer, Arthur M. Lipkint, Charles J. Pintel, Maurice Plager, Hyman Shulman, and Emil J. Lustgarten.