Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi | |
|---|---|
| ΣΑΕΠ | |
 |
|
| Founded | October 1, 1998 University of California, Davis |
| Type | Social |
| Emphasis | Jewish |
| Motto | Spirit, Strength, Sisterhood (open) |
| Colors | Gold |
| Symbol | Paw |
| Flower | Blue Iris |
| Jewel | Sapphire |
| Mascot | Lioness |
| Philanthropy | American Jewish World Service |
| Members | 750+ collegiate |
| Homepage | http://www.sigmaaepi.com |
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi (ΣΑΕΠ) is a national Jewish interest sorority that was founded on October 1, 1998 at the University of California, Davis.
In the early 1990s with the closing of a national Jewish sorority, the University of California, Davis was left without a Jewish women's social organization. Several women on campus noticed the gap left by the absence of the former sorority and strategized starting an organization on campus that would fill the need. Members of Alpha Epsilon Pi, a national Jewish fraternity, also urged the women of Davis to start a Jewish women's social organization of their own. With positive response from the campus Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi was formed.
The "Sigma" is meant to represent "sisters of" in honor of Alpha Epsilon Pi's contributions towards the formation of the sorority. Sigma is also the 18th letter of the Greek alphabet; in Jewish tradition, the number 18 means chai (life).
The six women who founded the sorority—Alycia Seaman, Erin Glick, Leah Dansker, Rachel Rothfarb, Erin Barker, and Dana Miller—are considered the eternal mothers of the sorority.
Despite being a Jewish sorority there is no discrimination based on race, creed, ethnicity, or religious beliefs.
"The purpose of this organization shall be to promote unity, support, and a Jewish awareness, as well as to provide a Jewish experience for ourselves, our members, and the community as a whole. This organization is devoted to friendship, motivation, opportunity, leadership, and well-being."
The first season of MTV’s Sorority Life was filmed in the spring of 2002 on the UC Davis campus featuring members and pledges of ΣΑΕΠ. Through the airing of the show, ΣΑΕΠ began to expand across the country.
A national board was started in the summer of 2002 to oversee the expansion and growth of ΣΑΕΠ as a nationwide sorority. Currently, there are eight alumnae members from different chapters voluntarily serving as the directors on the National Board, and four alumnae members serving as assistant directors.
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