We recently highlighted the vast academic achievements of Ruth Bader Ginsburg including her membership to the prestigious honor society, Phi Kappa Phi, but did you know she was also part of a sorority during her collegiate years? Yes! RBG was a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi, a Jewish sorority founded by 7 women in a dorm room at Barnard College in October 1909. The goal of the organization was “to foster lifelong friendship and sisterhood, academics, social involvement and community service while providing a home away from home for their members.”

While Alpha Epsilon Phi is a Jewish sorority, they say they are “...not a religious organization, with membership open to all college women, regardless of religion, who honor, respect and appreciate our Jewish identity and are comfortable in a culturally Jewish environment.” 

They stand strong by their Core Values Statement: “Above all else, Alpha Epsilon Phi inspires exemplary women who are: enriched by sisterhood and unconditional friendships, dedicated to selfless service and inspiring others, and committed to intellectual growth and personal development. As a lifelong member of Alpha Epsilon Phi, I will: respect our shared heritage and traditions, exhibit high ideals and moral character, fulfill expectations and responsibilities of membership, and continually exemplify the values of beauty, strength and wisdom as embodied by the three columns of our insignia.” Members are committed to community service and philanthropy on top of academic excellence and ongoing leadership training and development.

While membership is more on a social level unlike academic honor societies, Alpha Epsilon Phi has programs in place to encourage academic excellence among members and proudly shares that many of their chapters have the highest combined GPA of all on-campus sororities for many chapters.

Alpha Epsilon Phi currently has chapters on more than 50 college campuses and welcomes hundreds of new members each year. You’ll recognize AEPhi members on graduation day by their Kelly green and white honor cords and custom stoles.

Are you a fellow AEPhi Sister of Ruth Bader Ginsburg? Let us know in the comments!