Alpha Epsilon Phi - The Ohio State University

ALPHA EPSILON PHI 3 B y 1976, fraternities and sororities were allowed back on The Ohio State University following student riots in response to the Vietnam War. Freshman Robin and some of her dormmates were approached by two women from the AEPhi National Office who were looking for young women to restart Rho Chapter. Robin knew nothing about Jewish sororities at the time (let alone Greek life), but she welcomed the opportunity to make friends and live in a sorority house. Robin and her eight fellow refounders enjoyed getting to know one another as they learned about Alpha Epsilon Phi. Having grown up with only brothers, she couldn't help but notice how quiet the chapter house was that first year. ("After we started recruiting, it was much noisier.") That didn't stop the fun, as the growing sisterhood enjoyed sharing gossip and makeup, hanging out at Bernie's Bagels, and living with an experienced housemother. Building a Community AEPhi introduced Robin to students from across the state and country united in a meaningful college community. "Some of us had parents or family who were Holocaust survivors, and we had just started to learn about the Holocaust in high school," she said. "Antisemitism was still very much a part of the daily life at college, so we recognized how important it was to reestablish a Jewish sorority; but we also pledged women who were not Jewish." The college men they met were usually from Jewish fraternities as well—including Robin's husband of 41 years from AEPi. Years later, Robin became active in her local Cleveland Synagogue, taking a special interest in archives and oral histories. She credits much of her work there to her AEPhi experiences as well as the many great women who keep their Jewish community vibrant and alive. "I have interviewed many people about their Jewish backgrounds. The experiences of others provide a knowledge and generosity that you cannot find in books or at a job." making a new Path Though Robin's family encouraged her to become a nurse (her future husband became a doctor), she chose a slightly different path in college with human nutrition, a new degree at OSU. Robin has now been a Licensed Registered Dietitian for over 40 years and helped popularize the concept of dietitians in private practice. Her master's thesis was about exactly that! Robin has worked in virtually every nutrition services setting, including hospitals, private practice, and teaching in cooking schools. Her latest role is in telemedicine, which grew as a service right before the COVID-19 pandemic. Robin and her husband have worked to expand the practice locally and nationally. "Five years later, I'm doing what I love: helping patients on my own schedule," she said. "Am I a millionaire? No. But it makes me happy." honoring our roots Robin is honored to have the AEPhi sisterhood in her life, including friends like Teri Gersman Gordon '79 and Andrea Cronig Mindell '79. She attended Rho Chapter's 100th anniversary with her husband, and they enjoyed seeing how the sisterhood has grown since her first year (and having lunch with Teri and Alyssa Ames-Korth '76). "AEPhi's impact on my life has been such a blessing," Robin says. "Today's members should not underestimate the impact this organization will have on their lives if they allow it." Robin and her husband have four grown daughters and two grandchildren. In addition to her work and synagogue activities, Robin has a blog called Nutrition and Spirituality, combining her profession with her master's in Judaic studies. She and her daughter have a local podcast, Cleveland Schmooze, in which they interview local Jewish people. You can reach Robin at rroodrd@gmail.com. Refounding Sister Robin Stromberg Rood '76 Shares Love for AEPhi the imPaCt of sisters Robin Stromberg Rood '76 (front row, middle) with Rho Chapter sisters in fall 1979. "Antisemitism was still very much a part of the daily life at college, so we recognized how important it was to reestablish a Jewish sorority." "AEPhi's impact on my life has been such a blessing."

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