Ah, the 1970s. Vietnam. Watergate. Presidential resignations. On the radio you might hear Al Green, Roberta Flack, Elton, or Led Zeppelin. At that time, I was (and still am) a proud member of AEPi at American University (Sigma Pi chapter) in Washington, D.C. Even then, beyond the camaraderie, I admired my brothers for their values, their work ethic, and for their patriotism. Even as college youths, my AEPi brothers showed leadership: working on Capitol Hill, in the White House and adjacent executive office buildings, and even in broadcast media. I worked for a Congressman from Hawaii and taught Hebrew School.

And of course, we had fun.

Then came graduation, marriage, law school, the blessings of a growing family, planned and the unplanned career twists and geographic moves. The threads of fraternity loosened with the focus on life’s other priorities.

But AEPi was always present. Throughout my career, the following scenario played out countless times: I’d meet an impressive new colleague at a conference in a faraway city, or share a board seat on a non-profit with a friendly and committed new volunteer.

I’d ask, “Where did you go to school?” and then, “Were you involved with fraternity?”

“AEPi” was a high-percentage answer, followed immediately with that not-so-secret handshake which turned into an embrace and a, “I knew it, Brother!”

There was always something special about AEPi, and I am writing to confirm that there still is. When my grandson, Isaac Kreisman (Drexel, 2028) pledged and became a brother, of course I “shepped nachas.” I overflowed with joy. I felt the same way when Isaac’s younger brother, Asher, became a brother (Delaware, 2028),

A few weeks ago, Isaac texted me:

“Went to the Drexel Archives for a class and asked for AEPi archive stuff. Check it out. it’s pretty cool!” He sent me a handful of images of Drexel AEPi history.

AEPi immerses you in both leadership and legacy. It is an antidote to today’s instability, uncertainty and insecurity. AEPi is optimism. Was then. Is now.

“It’s pretty cool!”

Bob Seltzer (American, 1975) is an attorney by trade who devoted the bulk of his career to Jewish community relations, fundraising and planned giving within the Jewish Community. He established two America-Israel Chambers of Commerce and is a published author of four books of Jewish-themed fiction.  

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