RUSH Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi
Brandeis Colony
Spirit, Strength, Sisterhood
About Us
Sigma is a national, Jewish-interest sorority with nine active chapters and fourteen colonies. It was started in 1998 at UC Davis with the help of AEPi. A collegiate experience with Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi will provide you with a lifelong experience of friendship, leadership development, professional experiences, and community service. Our organization prides itself on having a diverse group of dedicated members from many different backgrounds. Membership in our organization is based on a potential new member's interest in and dedication to our core values of unity, strength, sincere sisterhood, trust, and Jewish values. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi also values high academic standards and the importance of giving back to our community through service and philanthropy. In this way, we are a sorority for the "not so typical" sorority girl.
Our Mission
Mission Statement: The purpose of Brandeis’ chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi is to provide a platform for Jewish sisterhood based on values of respect, acceptance, positivity, authenticity, diversity, and tikkun olam. Sigma at Brandeis hopes to foster an environment of optimism, sincerity, and ambition both among its sisters and within the campus. We are devoted to promoting honest awareness of self and inclusion of others—a space where there is no “beaten path” from which one can diverge, because we are all members of one whole.
Fast Facts
Motto: Spirit, Strength, Sisterhood
Values: Unity, Trust, Strength, Sincere Sisterhood, and Exemplifying Jewish Values
Mascot: Lioness, for her ability to care for the pack without needing recognition
Flower: Blue Iris
Colors: Blue and gold
Jewel: Sapphire
Our Values
Unity, Trust, Strength, Sincere Sisterhood, Exemplifying Jewish Values
Unity
We are one unified group of women with diverse backgrounds. We stand together.
Trust
The key to true friendship is trust. We are not afraid to show our authentic selves since we know that our sisters will not judge us.
Strength
We hold each other up when times are hard and always know we have someone to lean on.
Sincere Sisterhood
We value each other and the bonds we form.
Exemplifying Jewish Values
We are a Jewish interest sorority with Jewish values at the core of everything we do. Our motto is Jewish before Greek. We accept women of all denominations, as well as women of other faiths. Anyone interested in participating in Jewish activities is welcome.
Community Service & Philanthropy
Sigma is committed to doing community service and philanthropy. Our sisters have already volunteered at the Waltham Family Fest and the Boston Breast Cancer Walk, as well as written letters to soldiers. We serve the Waltham and wider Boston community. Our national philanthropy is the American Jewish World Service (AJWS). This year we already raised $205 for Unidos por Puerto Rico. We are also planning to fundraise for multiple sclerosis and Make a Wish Foundation.
Meet the founding mothers
Leah Scher
Ms. President
Majors: English and Creative Writing
Minors: Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies and maybe Film #SoBrandeis
Clubs: BOO, Sigma, and on the BTV listserv just cause the person who sends the emails is funny
Fun Fact: "In high school, I participated in the Kenyon Review Young Writer's Workshop and the Iowa Young Writers' Studio"
Hannah Cook
Vice President
Major: International/Global Studies and Anthropology
Clubs: ONE Brandeis, IAC Mishelanu Fellow
Fun fact: "I played for the Israeli Womens National Ultimate Frisbee team!"
Gabi Benisti
Religious Chair
Major: Psychology
Clubs: Salty Adelines Sweet Adeline Quartet, Chabad, Brandeis Orthodox Organization
Fun Fact: "I have a fashion instagram account (sheerandsugarcoated)"
Carolyn Brazil
External Social Chair
Major: technically Art Studio, but she's killing it at her internship with the HerCampus Marketing Department!
Clubs: Treasurer and Player for Men's Squash, Marketing Executive for the French Club, and an English Tutor for Gateway Scholars
Fun Fact: She's attended over 25 concerts since first semester, so if you need band recommendations, let her know! (She'll probably get you hooked on Lewis Del Mar.)
Valerie Janovic
Philanthropy Chair and Rush Chair
Majors: Psychology and Music
Clubs: Music Director of Salty Adelines, UTC, BOO, Chabad, and Kindness Committee
(I honestly don't know how she does it all. I just know that I'm impressed.)
Fun Fact: She sang the national anthem at an Islanders game!
Emily Eidler
Pledge Mama
Major: Education Studies
Minors: Creativity, the Arts and Social Transformation & Elementary Teacher Certification
(So basically, she's going to shape the next generation, but is way too humble to ever say it.)
Clubs: Junior Brandeis Achievers, Teaching Assistance in Public Schools, Brandeis Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Social Event Coordinator of BaRuCH (the Brandies Reform Chavurah) and No Singer Clef Behind
Hidden talents: Hula hooping and imitating dog sounds -- both of which are vital to any high-functioning society
Ashley Loch
Sunshine Chair, Risk Management, as well as Social Media/Web Master
Major: IGS and HSSP
Clubs: Publicity officer turned co-President for Astronomy, Conflict Resolution Chair for FMLA (Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance) and guide at the Rose Art Museum
Fun Fact: "I've walked on the ocean floor while in Thailand!"
Rachel Saunders
Scholarship Chair
Majors: Biology (on the pre-med track) and Creative Writing
Clubs: Instructor for Pottery Club, Boxing Club, and Co-ed Volleyball (This girl is so impressive. I have no idea how she does it all!)
Fun Fact: "Over the summer, I got to shadow a colorectal surgeon and watch every surgery in the operating room"
Emily Dana
Former Religious Chair
Majors: Classical Studies and NEJS
Clubs: T'filah Coordinator of the Brandeis Reform Chavurah (Hillel literally would not run without her), Classical Artifact Research Collection Intern, Co-President of Brandeis Interfaith Group, Harry Potter Alliance
Fun Fact: "I have read the Harry Potter series over 100 times"
Rachel Geller
Former Scholarship Chair
Major: Conflict and Reconciliation Studies (Independent major)
Minor: Creativity, the Arts and Social Transformation
Clubs: Brandeis Cheerleading, Ba'Note A Cappella Group, Chamber Choir, Queer Resource Center Staffer, UDR for Independent Majors
Fun Fact: She sang in the Vatican at St. Peter's Basilica at mass. (What is with all of the vocal talent? Geez.)
Spring Rush
We can't wait to meet you! We had an amazing first rush and our spring semester rush is Seuss-themed. It's bound to be lots of fun! We are an inclusive sorority with a zero-tolerance policy for hazing. We do not discriminate based on gender identity, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnicity, or religion. Everyone who attends at least 6/10 of our events will be given a chance to prove that they align with the values of our sorority.
Events
Stay up to Date with What’s Happening with Sigma
December 10, 2017
Blue/Gold Dinner
December 13, 2017
Red Bull Giveaway
January, 14-22, 2017
RUSH: Oh the places you'll go!
