Alpha Epsilon Phi - The Ohio State University

AEF A L P H A E P S I L O N P H I A T T H E O H I O S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y Spring 2016 Rho Chapter Strand of Pearls O hio State's sophomore live-in initiative will be fully implemented this fall as a continuation of the university's effort to redefine the student experience … designed to focus on student success and development. All students must reside in on-campus housing both freshman and sophomore years. Fortunately for the Greek community at The Ohio State University, fraternities and sororities can be approved for sophomore housing. The rigorous approval process included a detailed 40-page self-audit, including required documentation and photographs, as well as a house inspection by university housing staff. I am pleased to let you know that Rho Chapter was one of the first six sorority chapters to be approved for sophomore housing! One of the projects we are planning this summer is a remodel of the basement chapter room. This project was made possible by alumnae donations to the Rho Chapter annual campaign. We are so grateful to Betty Frank Schoenbaum '36 for her gift of $5,000, and for all of the generous donations from our alumnae. Our ability to renovate our home shows how your contributions have a significant effect in the lives of our chapter members. We will be upgrading the alarm system with a hardwired system that will be directly linked to the Columbus Fire Department. The safety of our members is a priority for the House Corporation! The updated chapter room project will include an expanded crafting area, new carpeting, new furniture, updated storage areas, updated lighting, and painting of the walls. The room will be dedicated as the Betty Frank Schoenbaum Chapter Room and a plaque will be installed to recognize all of the annual fund donors. Look for photos of the room in the fall Strand of Pearls. I am pleased to announce that Mandi Frydman Bucceroni '02 has joined the House Corporation. Mandi will be working with our chapter members to ensure the chapter house remains at capacity. We have 47 members living in the chapter house, the greatest number of live-ins since the 1990s! Not only does this allow more members to experience living in the chapter house, but it provides us with the financial ability to do upgrades to the house. I hope you have the opportunity to visit the chapter house the next time you are in Columbus. The chapter continues to see great success, and we have an amazing group of collegiate members! LML, Andrea Cronig Mindell '79 House Corporation President amindell@live.com Rho Chapter to Be Included in University's Sophomore Initiative House Corporation to Make Chapter Room Updates in the Summer Sora Yelin '57, Betty Frank Schoenbaum '36, Martha Klein Gersman '54, and Terry Gersman Gordon '79 enjoy brunch together. A s alumna of Rho Chapter, Mandi Frydman Bucceroni '02 has maintained her connection to AEPhi and her sisters. She makes it a priority to return to Columbus every year, has volunteered with AEPhi national for eight years and is a Rho Chapter Housing Corporation member. "I try to stay connected for many reasons," Mandi says. "We were all once undergraduates, looking for a job or a mentor. As alumnae we have the ability to help undergraduates with networking and providing them with resources. I stay involved because I want to help the undergraduates, I feel connected to the chapter, and I want to give back to the organization that gave my sisters." Mandi remains in close contact with her sisters from Rho chapter. Some of her sisters have recently had legacies. "We all want our daughters (and future daughters) to join AEPhi at The Ohio State. We want the option to join Rho to always be there for them." As Mandi volunteered with AEPhi on a national level, she felt Rho pulling her back to help. She describes Andrea Croning Mindell '79 as an impromptu advisor and mentor. Mandi saw that she needed assistance and Andrea gladly accepted. Mandi wanted to see the chapter grow and have a future at The Ohio State. "It was a proud mommy moment to see how far this chapter has come," she says. "When they won Chapter of the Year last summer at convention, it was a very proud moment to be an alumna. When I joined Rho, we never thought this could happen." Volunteering does not have to be a large time commitment. Mandi encourages alumnae to get involved no matter how much time they have. Rho is willing to work with each volunteer and accommodate for her wants and needs. Even though her schedule as an immigration lawyer keeps her busy, that is not stopping Mandi from achieving her goals with the Housing Corporation. Mandi and Andrea wanted the house to be at capacity this upcoming school year. We are thrilled to report that we have fulfilled our goal. "Keeping the chapter full will allow us to make renovations and improvements." Mandi lives in Philadelphia, where she runs her own law firm, Law Office of Mandi B. Bucceroni, LLC, and works as Of Counsel to the Immigration practice at Reger Rizzo & Darnall LLP. She enjoys traveling, Ohio State football, spending time with family and friends, and playing tennis. She also serves as president to the Ohio State Alumni Chapter in Philadelphia. Mandi's advice to undergraduates or younger alumnae is to always network. "You'll be shocked how many connections you make, because you do not know who knows who," she says. "Get involved in an organization that you care about. Employers like to see well- rounded individuals and show that they are doing something in the community." House Corporation Member Mandi Frydman Bucceroni '02 Sees the Benefits of Supporting Rho Chapter

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