Georgia’s AEPi Celebrates 100 Years Young
UGA Jewish Greek life takes a bow for a ten-decade run with a bright future ahead.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
The Omicron Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) at the University of Georgia (UGA) celebrated its Centennial Anniversary on April 17–18, in Athens with more than 350 alumni and undergrads in attendance.
Milestones and dynamic growth were celebrated as several key members assume important national positions, while a lease extension was secured for the property with eyes on renovation. Alumni traveled from across the U.S. — California, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico — to take part in the magnanimous weekend, with representation spanning every decade since the 1960s.
The festivities began with a links tournament at the University Golf Course, followed by a welcome party at Paloma Park in downtown Athens. “Brothers” from all generations reconnected over conversation and refreshments, with live music from Athens local Nathan Shepherd.
In a fitting tradition, Between the Hedges, the University of Georgia hosted its annual G-Day spring football game which lent the backdrop for AEPi to showcase one of its hallmark experiences — a gameday tailgate. Held at the fraternity house, the Centennial tailgate featured food, drinks, and live music from the Dean Dollar Band. With sunny weather and a strong turnout, AEPi captured the spirit of Saturdays in Athens.
The weekend culminated Saturday night with the Centennial Banquet at the Classic Center, emceed by former Chapter President Jeremy Brook (UGA ‘05). The seated dinner brought together alumni and undergraduates in a room “filled with energy, pride, and nostalgia.”
Following cocktail hour, the Redcoat Alumni Band made a surprise entrance, performing classic stadium favorites like the University of Georgia’s “Battle Hymn.”
Former Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray delivered the keynote address, speaking about teamwork, brotherhood, and identity. He also shared how the presence of Hillel there played a meaningful role in his decision to attend the university.
Throughout the event, professionally produced videos highlighted the chapter’s history and generational impact. The program also featured upbeat messages from recognizable figures, including a video address from UGA President Jere Morehead, who spoke of the chapter’s longstanding contributions and importance on campus.
The AEPi Omicron Chapter was originally chartered on May 29, 1926, by founding members Hyman Avronin, Jacob Bennett, Hyman Estroff, Ben Feen, Harry Galkin, David Haskin, Mose Karesh, Morris Levy, Adolph Lund, Bernard Simowitz, and Max Rosenthal. The Centennial was especially meaningful with the presence of alumni and direct descendants of founding members Karesh and Estroff.
Current Chapter President Jaron Dubovsky addressed attendees, highlighting the chapter’s continued excellence in academics, philanthropy, and leadership. The chapter recently earned the highest GPA among all fraternities at UGA for Fall 2025.
The evening concluded with remarks from former Chapter President Adam Cohen (UGA ‘06), who formally launched the AEPi Centennial Housing Campaign. Cohen shared updates on strengthened partnerships with the university and the national fraternity, along with a lease extension securing the chapter’s home at 170 River Road through 2069. Conceptual renovation plans were also unveiled and met with great applause. Omicron alumni will also play a significant leadership role at the national level, with Jeremy Brook, Adam Cohen, and Craig Rosenberg (UGA ‘07) serving in key positions on Alpha Epsilon Pi’s Supreme Board of Governors. Later this year, Cohen will be sworn in as the 78th international president of AEPi.
The Centennial planning committee was led by Noah Bronstein (UGA ’05), Rollin Taitz (UGA ’26), and Joel Turry (UGA ’90), with support from the AEPi national office.
Reflecting on the weekend, co-chair Joel Turry said, “The weekend was perfect in every way. In typical fashion, the classic city of Athens did not disappoint, and our alumni loved reliving their college days. It was so wonderful to celebrate the rich lineage of our chapter, and we were thrilled to have such a large group attend, including many multi-generational legacies. It was a pleasure to work closely with Noah and Rollin and our 15 months of planning really paid off.”
The Centennial Celebration was a statement about the value of past and current campus life, shared history, lasting camaraderie, and the importance of leaving a legacy.
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