Phi Epsilon Pi Fraternity

The Phi Epsilon Pi fraternity was established on November 23, 1904 at the College of the City of New York (CCNY). Phi Epsilon Pi (PEP) was incorporated in New York State on February 9, 1914 and became a member of the National Interfraternity Conference in 1921. The fraternity was founded on non-sectarian principles, but throughout the organization’s history, the membership was predominantly Jewish.

The fraternity’s first chapters were founded at CCNY (Alpha, 1904), Columbia University (Beta, 1905), and Cornell University (Epsilon, 1911). In 1913, the fraternity began expanding outside of New York State. By 1933, PEP’s total membership stood at 3600. When the U.S. entered WWII, approximately 2000 fraternity members served in the military, and most chapters closed. Following the war, the chapters were reactivated, and new chapters opened as well, including one at McGill University in Canada, making PEP an international fraternity. In 1954, the membership of the fraternity reached 11,132.

In 1970, PEP was absorbed into the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity.

References

“History and Purpose of Phi Epsilon Pi,” 1925-1941; Phi Epsilon Pi Fraternity Records; I-76; Box 1, Folder 5.

“Pledge Manuals”; Phi Epsilon Pi Fraternity Records; I-76; Box 47, Folder 5-6.

Sanua, Marianne R. “Jewish College Fraternities in the United States, 1895-1968: An Overview.” Journal of American Ethnic History, Vol. 19, No. 2 (Winter 2000), p. 3-42.

From the guide to the Phi Epsilon Pi Fraternity Records, 1912-1969, (American Jewish Historical Society)