In a surprise presentation at the Rutgers 60th Anniversary Celebration on Nov. 12, 2016, PSM Richard I. Feller (1959) was presented with the Order of the Lion by SM Scott Cohon. Also in attendance representing the International Fraternity were Undergraduate Supreme Governor Brandon Sirota (Florida Atlantic, 2017), Supreme Exchequer Jason Oshins (Union College, 1987), PSM A. Edward Scherer (Worcester Polytechnic Inst., 1963) and PSM Philip H. Cohen (NYU, 1957).

Brother Feller, who assumed the role of Supreme Master upon the untimely death of PSM Robert Silverman (Z”L), was subsequently elected to two terms on his own and thus is the longest serving past supreme master in the history of the fraternity. A member of the local fraternity at Rutgers known as Rho Upsilon, he became a brother of AEPi upon the group’s affiliation and chartering in 1956. He served four terms as Lt. Master/Rush Chairman followed by a role as chapter advisor upon graduation.

His guidance helped result in Rho Upsilon being named “The Outstanding Chapter of AEPi” at the 50th anniversary convention at the New York Hilton in 1963. Brother Feller subsequently helped found chapters at Rutgers Newark and Fairleigh Dickinson, and he was awarded the fraternity’s leadership award, among others. Under the leadership of the Supreme Board of Governors during his tenure (1979 – 1981), the need for the fraternity to return to its Jewish roots was stressed and pledged. During his administration several colonies were formed and chapters were chartered at Lehigh University, Kent State, Temple, Delaware, Michigan State and Washington University in St. Louis.

In addition to members of the Official Family, more than 150 alumni as well as undergraduates from six different chapters were in attendance. Profits from the dinner, which exceeded $40,000, will go to the Rho Upsilon Scholarship Fund. The fund provides recognition to undergraduates who have achieved perfect averages and need financial assistance to attend Jewish/Israeli events and for other worthy causes.

Caption 1: (L to R): Supreme Exchequer Jason Oshins, PSM Philip H. Cohen, PSM Richard Feller, USG Brandon Sirota, PSM Ed Scherer and SM Scott Cohon.