Alpha Epsilon Phi - The Ohio State University

Alpha Epsilon Phi at The Ohio State University Martha Klein Gersman '54 Thanks Rho Chapter for Encouraging Her to Take Chances F or Martha Klein Gersman '54, it was her experience in Rho Chapter that inspired her to take chances and get involved in causes close to her heart. "If it were not for the women I met in Alpha Epsilon Phi, I would not have nearly been as involved as an undergraduate or as an adult as I have been in my life," said Marty. "As a student, the chapter encouraged me to participate in many activities like student senate. As an alumna, I became involved in the West Virginia League of Women Voters, president of my temple, and a hospital volunteer." Marty came to Ohio State from a small town and an even smaller Jewish community and was looking for a place where she felt welcomed. "The sorority gave a home and it felt like family right away," she said. "Most importantly, the women were friendly, and it was great having a tight-knit Jewish community where we all could bond." It was these bonds and opportunities provided by Rho Chapter that acted as a springboard for the rest of Marty's involvement on campus and her stellar academic achievements. Within Alpha Epsilon Phi, she served one term as the chapter secretary. She also served as secretary of the student court, president of the Arts College Council, a member of the Student Senate, and a member of the Mirrors, Chimes, and Mortar Board honoraries. Rho Chapter also inspired her to take risks in her personal life. "One of my favorite events I can recall was a snowball fight with Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity," she said. "It was during this event where I met my husband, Allan, and I was one of the only women who would actually go out into the snow and throw snowballs." Marty and Allan live in University Park, Florida. They have a son, Mark, and a daughter, Terri Gersman Gordon '79, who is a Rho Chapter advisor. Though she is technically retired, Marty stays plenty active at 80 years old. She golfs, reads, volunteers at her temple in Sarasota, and still makes time for luncheons with her Rho Chapter sisters who live in the area. Marty is extremely proud of her family and loves being a grandmother to her three grandsons and one granddaughter. Marty is also proud that Alpha Epsilon Phi is still active on the Ohio State campus. "There were four Jewish sororities, and I think we may be the last one left. I suppose the leadership qualities of the women who pledged go a long way to our sticking around," she said. "I would hope they are a welcoming, friendly, and active chapter. I like the fact that they will take all women, but still remain a culturally Jewish sorority." If you would like to get in contact with Marty, she can be reached at mgersman@comcast.net. T his semester, we have been super busy as a new executive board and have been working hard planning new events. Some of our goals for the year include: improving the sisterhood of AEPhi, expanding our alumnae relations, and providing more programs for the chapter such as future career guidance, health management, and responsible drinking. RECRuiTMEnT So far, we have offered bids to 60 new members during formal recruitment. New Member Educator Alyssa Fishman '16 has worked hard teaching the women the history, culture, and sisterhood of Rho Chapter. On February 17, the young women were paired with their bigs, which was such an exciting day! PHiLAnTHRoPY On March 26, we will host our annual Phi Trotters basketball tournament for Sharsheret. This year, VP Philanthropy Abby Eubank '16 incorporated a raffle along with the tournament. We asked different businesses around campus for donations and famous faces such as Coach Urban Meyer to sign memorabilia for us to raffle and raise more money. SiSTERHood EvEnTS We are off to a great start with new sisterhood programs. VP Programming Ashley Rothstein '16 has been working hard to create fun events for the sisters. So far, the 2016 and 2017 new member classes went go-karting. We had Bravo TV network host a pre-screening of the premiere of their new show, The Imposters. We also rented the Columbus Blue Jackets outdoor ice-skating rink and have an ice cream and movie night coming up. ACAdEMiCS After the fall semester, Rho Chapter achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.41. That is 0.19 points above the undergraduate total GPA. Now our goal is to reach a 3.46 cumulative GPA. RECRuiTMEnT RECoMMEndATionS If you have any recommendations for next year's recruitment, please e-mail VP Recruitment Jenna Fishelberg '16 at aephiosu.vprecrutiment@gmail.com. Thank you, alumnae, for your unwavering support! We look forward to continuing the traditions of Rho Chapter this semester. Please, don't hesitate to stop by the house any time you are in town. LML, Addie Migden '16 Chapter President aephiosu.president@gmail.com Keeping Things Fresh Rho Chapter Finding new and Creative Events to Bolster the Sisterhood Betty Frank Schoenbaum '36 Sandy Katz desatnik '52 Jane Kazdin Radman '54 Sandy T. Katz '55 Albie Steiner Romanoff '56 Sora Hecht Yelin '57 Evie Rosen Topcik '58 Sharon davis '73 Susan Winger Fitzsimons '78 Andrea Cronig Mindell '79 Gloria Fosgate Suffron '80 Karen Mellman-Smith '81 Rhonda Lashen Schottenstein '81 Trudy Saltzman Stearns '81 Lori Cohen Myeroff '86 Mandi Frydman Bucceroni '02 Thank You, Loyal Alumnae W e wish to extend our gratitude to the alumnae who have chosen to support Alpha Epsilon Phi. Your gifts make it possible for our undergraduates to reside in a safe and comfortable home while remaining competitive at The Ohio State University. The following is a list of alumnae who gave to our winter 2016 appeal. Thank you for your support! Rho Chapter sisters with The Ohio State University President Michael V. Drake.

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