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 W.C.U. and is a member of the East Region. The current chapter president is Emily Gentile and the chapter advisor is Dr. Melissa Cichowicz.
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 Advisor, Dr. Melissa Cichowicz (nee Betz).
The Active Chapter
The current chapter has over 30 members. The past few pledge classes have helped the chapter grow in numbers including the Fall 08 pledge class, Alpha Rho, which had 18 initiates pinned.
Chapter Mascot
Alpha Epsilon's chapter mascot is the sea turtle.
Local Philanthropy
Alpha Epsilon's local philanthropy is the brain tumor foundation.
Past Chapter Presidents
- Stephen Johnson (Fall '88 - Fall '90)
- Steve Werkheiser (Spring '91 - Fall '91)
- 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 '99)
- Eric Olinick (Spring '00 - ?)
- Shannon Bowers
- Laura Malandra (?)
- Kristen Bradbury
- Jeff ___
- Jon Kolle
- Megan Lawhead
- Catherine "Katie" Burmeister
- Dave Schneider
- Torey Ravo
- Carol Perez
- Aileen Burke (Spring 2007)
- Ali Rodrigues (Fall 2007-Spring 2008)
- Emily Gentile (Fall 2008-present)
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 is celebrating their 20th Anniversary.
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
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). 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-present).
- 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.
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 Best in Region 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 ??)
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" (Burmeister) Marquiss