Alpha Epsilon Chapter
Alpha Epsilon Chapter (Founded 30 October 1988) is located at West Chester University of Pennsylvania in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The Chapter was founded by the students of WCU and is a member of the Philadelphia Metropolitan Region. The current chapter president is Rob D'Ippolito and the chapter advisor is Dr. Corinne Murphy.
Contents
Chapter History
Early Years
The Alpha Epsilon Chapter was one of several expansion efforts during the late 1980s. Despite the presence of two long standing organizations (Abbe Society and Friars Society) with similar ideals on campus, Phi Sigma Pi developed its own niche and soon rivaled other campus organizations in size and familiarity. Much of the success was due to the dedication of the Founding members and the Chapter's former Advisor, Dr. Melissa Cichowicz (nee Betz).
The Active Chapter
The Chapter currently has over 50 members. The most recent pledge class was the Beta Beta class inducted in Spring 2013.
The chapter's most recent accomplishments were winning the Josh and Britt Marder Excellence in National Philanthropy Award and the Best in Region Award at the 2013 National Convention. Alpha Epsilon chapter hosted the East Region Conference in February 2010.
2012-2013 Alpha Epsilon Executive Board
- President: Rob D'Ippolito
- Vice President: Beau Ryck
- Secretary: Paige Gibson
- Treasurer: Dan O'Connor
- Parliamentarian: Rae Leventhal
- Historian: Jessica Bondy
- Initiate Advisor: Jessica Bitman
Fall 2013 Alpha Epsilon Committee Chairs
- Service: Jackie Dillon
- Social: Jenna Graham
- Finance: Joe Funari
- Scholarship: Jamie Blose
- Fellowship: Tim Parker
- Inter-Chapter Relations: Julie Schweizer
- Regional Representative: Julie Schweizer
- Rush/Co-Initiate Advisor: Kelly Abraham
- Public Relations: Trev Lawson
- Technology & Web Developer: Colin Murtoff
- Alumni Relations: Emily Smulowitz
- Risk Management: Liz Robertson
- Alumni Advisors: Teric Skerrett, Jennifer Weaver, Stephen Leber, Holly Foster, Angie Cuva, Eileen Larkin
Chapter Mascot
Alpha Epsilon's chapter mascot is the sea turtle.
Local Philanthropy
Alpha Epsilon's local philanthropy is the Casey Feldman Foundation. The chapter hosts a benefit concert in April each year on campus to raise money and awareness for the Casey Feldman Foundation and safe driving.
Past Chapter Presidents
- Stephen Johnson (Fall '88 - Fall '90)
- Steve Werkheiser (Spring '91 - Fall '91)
- Lee Ann Sweet (Spring '92)
- Amy Mielechowsky (nee Hefton) (Fall '92)
- Jennifer Peters (Spring '93 - Fall '93)
- Ted Viva (Spring '94)
- Shannon Henry (Fall '94)
- Nancy Gimbel (Spring '95 - Fall '95)
- Patrick Herron (Spring '96 - Fall '96)
- Kelly Kirkland (Spring '97)
- Tammy Mleziva (Fall '97 - Fall '98)
- Eric Olinick (Spring '99)
- Shannon Bowers (Fall '99 - Spring '00)
- Brad Hoskin (Fall '00 - Spring '01)
- Laura Malandra (Spring '01 - Fall '01)
- Kristen Bradbury ?
- Jeff Thomas ?
- Nicole Hunsicker (Spring '03)
- Jon Kolle (Fall '03)
- Megan Lawhead (Spring '04 - Fall '04)
- Catherine "Katie" Burmeister (Spring '05)
- Dave Schneider (Fall '05)
- Torey Ravo (Spring '06)
- Jenna Sagers (Fall '06)
- Aileen Burke (Spring '07)
- Ali Rodrigues (Fall '07 - Spring '08)
- Emily Gentile (Fall '08 - Spring '09)
- Amber Staska (Fall '09 - Spring '10)
- Morgan Herlihy (Fall '10 - Spring '11)
- Rich DiGiambattista (Fall '11 - Spring '12)
- Liz Simpson (Fall '12 - Spring '13)
- Rob D'Ippolito (Fall '13 - active)
Initiate Classes
Main Article: List of Alpha Epsilon Chapter Initiate Classes
Chapter Events & Activities
Founder's Weekend
Alpha Epsilon Founder's Day is on October 30. In 2008, Alpha Epsilon celebrated their 20th Anniversary with a formal dinner dance with alumni guests, a slideshow of the past 20 years, and chapter scrapbooks on display. Alpha Epsilon will celebrate their 25th Anniversary this year, in 2013.
Regular Chapter Events
- Adopt-a-Block
- Local 5K's and walks for charities
- Making dog toys for the SPCA
- Adopt-a-family for the holidays
- Running a concession stand at Philadelphia Eagles games
- Bake sales
- Restaurant nights
Inter-Chapter Events
Alpha Epsilon hosted its first annual Turkey Bowl flag-football tournament in Fall 2008. It was attended by brothers from Alpha Epsilon Chapter and Alpha Lambda Chapter. They continue to host the event every Fall semester in November.
Notable Alumni
- Stephen Johnson (Founder Class: Fall '88) served as the first Chapter President and later served as National Secretary for the National Council (1990-1998). Chapter Service Key recipient. Awarded the Distinguished Service Key in 1995
- Alex Mielechowsky (Founder Class: Fall '88) served as Chapter Treasurer. Chapter Service Key recipient. Married to Amy Hefton (Delta Class: Fall '90).
- Lisa Welsh (nee Craig) (Alpha Class: Spring '89) served as Initiate Advisor and Alumni Advisor. Chapter Service Key recipient. Founder of the South Eastern Pennsylvania Alumni Chapter in 1995, known today as Delaware Valley Alumni Chapter.
- Dr. Melissa Cichowicz (nee Betz) (Honorary: Spring '89) served as Faculty Advisor (1988-2005, 2008-2009). Chapter Service Key recipient (1998). Awarded the first Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award by the National Council in 2004.
- Patrick Herron (Iota Class: Spring '93) served as Initiate Advisor, Alumni Historian and Chapter President. Chapter Service Key recipient. Founded the Gamma Xi Chapter at Drexel University. Served as Vice President of Membership Development for the National Council (2004-2010).
- Tammy Mleziva (Omicron Class: Spring '96) served as Chapter Secretary and Chapter President. Chapter Service Key recipient. Served as National Secretary (2000-2002 ), Interim Vice President of Chapter Development (2005) and the first woman to be elected National President (2002-2004). Awarded the Distinguished Service Key in 2004.
- Emily Shaker (Alpha Delta Class: Fall '02) assisted in the founding of the Epsilon Tau Chapter at Villanova University.
- Nancy Gimbel (Iota Class: Spring '93) was honored by West Chester University in March 2013 during the Legacy of Leadership fundraising dinner. She is recognized as an alumni who demonstrated service to WCU through student leadership and continues to utilize those skills today.
Chapter Honors and Awards
National Awards
- 1992 Steven A. DiGuiseppe Administrative Award
- 1993 Joseph Torchia Outstanding Chapter Award
- 1994 Charles W. Chance Alumni Award
- 1994 Joseph Torchia Outstanding Chapter Award
- 1995 Charles W. Chance Alumni Award
- 1996 Charles W. Chance Alumni Award
- 1996 Top Ten Chapter Award
- 1997 Joseph Torchia Outstanding Chapter Award
- 1997 Top Ten Chapter Award
- 1998 Steven A. DiGuiseppe Administrative Award
- 1998 Charles W. Chance Alumni Award
- 1998 Top Ten Chapter Award
- 1998 Charles W. Chance Alumni Award
- 2000 Top Ten Chapter Award
- 2001 Top Ten Chapter Award
- 2003 Joseph Torchia Outstanding Chapter Award
- 2003 Top Ten Chapter Award
- 2003 Top Ten Chapter Award
- 2005 Top in Region Award
- 2009 Outstanding Website Award
- 2011 Outstanding PR and Community Relations Award
Distinguished Service Key Recipients
Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award
University Awards
- 1993 W.C.U. Homecoming Parade 2nd place award for themed float "The Little Mermaid"
- 1995 W.C.U. Homecoming Court (Patrick Herron and Nancy Gimbel)
- 1996 W.C.U. Homecoming Court (Christopher Guglielmo and ??)
- 2011 W.C.U. Homecoming Parade 2nd place award for Quidditch themed dance in Homecoming Parade
Chapter Service Key Recipients
- 1994 Stephen L. Johnson
- 1994 Alex Mielechowsky
- 1994 Lisa Welsh (nee Craig)
- 1995 Jennifer Gayo (nee Peters)
- 1995 Elizabeth "Beth" Mayall-Traglia
- 1996 Nancy Gimbel
- 1996 Patrick Herron
- 1998 Dr. Melissa Cichowicz (nee Betz)
- 199? Tammy Mleziva
- 199? Amy Botta
- 2005 Catherine "Katie" Marquiss (nee Burmeister)
- 2008 Ali Rodrigues
Further Resources
- Alpha Epsilon Chapter Website
- Alpha Epsilon Chapter Portal
- Alpha Epsilon Facebook Page
- Alpha Epsilon Twitter Page
- Phi Sigma Pi - Alpha Epsilon Alumni of West Chester University of PA Facebook Group