Epsilon Pi Alpha

The Epsilon Pi Alpha (EΠA or EPiA) Fraternity was formed by seventeen Gustavus students as a literary society. Over the years they have grown and matured into the gentlemen fraternity that they are now. They pride themselves in service and being a great asset to Gustavus Adolphus College and the greater community. They have raised thousands of dollars in the past years for numerous nonprofit organizations such as the CADA House and Insulindependence.

Mission Statement

History
EPiA was founded in 1928 by
Nels Norbeck,
Myrvin Holmberg,
George Wahlin,
Carl Bernhardson,
Donald Johnson,
Verne Mattson,
Russel Nelson,
Carl Eliason,
Carl O. Carlson,
Karl Nelson,
Ernie Holm,
Clearence Sjolander,
Emory Erlander,
Chestor Johnson,
Rudolph Seastrand,
Carl A. Carlson,
Alvar Walfrid

Founding
On October 10, 1928, seventeen Gustavus students met to organize a new fraternity on campus.
The Eppies were formed as a literary society and
EPA was chosen for its biblical meaning- EHope, πFaith, and A=Love.
According to Myrvin Holmberg, a charter member, “We felt that those already in existence were too political and exclusive.” The Eppies quickly became one of the largest groups on campus and have remained so.
On May 4th, 1929, the first banquet was held at the Redman’s Club in St. Peter.

1930’s & 40’s
By 1934, the fraternity was less of a literary society and began to take shape into what it is today. Many of their current traditions were born during this time.
During World War II, the numbers of the Eppies, along with all other fraternities declined.
Near the end of the war, all fraternities joined together to form the Men’s Club.
The fraternity system of Gustavus became inactive for the 1945-1946 school year.

1950’s
During the 50’s, fraternities began to be assigned labels.
The Eppie’s were known as the “Gentleman's Fraternity.”
The Eppies were a diverse group of students who were involved in many different activities. They were also very visible on campus with community service projects and notable achievements such as winning the Gustavus homecoming float contest three years in a row (’57-’59). According to Dallas Blenkuch, “If any label at all could be given to the Eppies, it might be ‘gentlemen’. There was enough scholarship for things to be creative, there was enough polish so things were always done well and in good taste, and there was enough devil in the fraternity to guarantee that things were exciting.”

Dr. Gustav Otto Richard Reusch
Dr. Reusch became the Eppies faculty advisor in 1956 and stayed until 1963. Through his leadership, the Eppies were able to stay above the anti-Greek sentiment that permeated the college's campus at the time. The Eppies repaid Dr. Reusch by supporting many of his initiatives to raise money for his missions in Africa. They also made him an honorary member as he participated in rush activities and initiation ceremonies even after he retired. In 1966, the Eppies gave him a flag to unfurl at the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro on his last trip to the mountain.

Chaplain Richard Elvee
Chaplain Elvee became the Eppies faculty advisor in 1966
Chaplain Elvee has been the Eppies most famous and beloved advisor as he offered his leadership for 30 years.
He enjoyed many activities with the Eppies including the annual pig roast (started 1963), and banquets.
He became an honorary member of the Eppies and is the person who knows the most about the secret rush traditions out of anybody who has not pledged.

1970’s
In 1973, the Theta Xi Gamma (Thetas) Sorority became the sister sorority of the Eppies. For many years prior to ’73, the Eppies had been associated with the Iota Beta Sorority (Ibs). The Eppies became associated with the Thetas, they both began some pledge events together and thus was born pledge functions. The Eppies and Thetas also began a Shrine Circus tradition where they brought kids from the St. Peter area to the cities for the show.

1980’s & Early 90’s
There were significant changes that were made in 1979 to the Greek system at Gustavus. Many fraternities and sororities kept a low profile as a result. The Eppies still continued traditions such as barn busts, canoeing down the St. Croix, banquets, and pledge traditions. In the early 1990’s the Greeks were removed from campus and were not recognized as student organizations. The Eppies continued, but in a very small capacity, from 1992-1994 while not being a recognized group on campus.

A New Beginning
In 1995, Greeks were organized on campus again as legitimate student organizations. Carl Sundquist was the first president of the modern Eppies. The Eppies prided themselves as a group that was able to keep their traditions ( gentleman’s fraternity, etc.) while also beginning new traditions. They have taken a leadership role in Greek and Fraternity life, becoming one of the most respected groups around.

Eppies Today
Still the “Gentleman’s Fraternity”, Eppies are respected among the Gustavus community for their active participation, community service, and class. Recent community service events: Toys 4 Tots, Clothesline Project, Insulindependance, Clothing Drive. Also, Eppilooza has made its mark as a Gustavus tradition.

Serenading
In October 15, 1941 the Eppies performed their first serenade underneath the window of Homecoming Queen Esther Marie Johnson. Throughout the 50’s, the Eppies were widely known as the “Serenaders of Gustavus”. Not every member was allowed to sing, however, as some were asked to mouth the words to keep up the illusion that every Eppie was a good singer. Twice a year, for homecoming in the fall and initiation in the spring, the Eppies would walk the campus, serenading.In 1979, changes to the Greek system caused the end of the Homecoming royalty, and with it, the fall serenade.The female members of the 2008 homecoming royalty were serenaded in the college's cafeteria. It remains to be seen if this signals the return of the fall serenade as this was simply done for the variety show. Homecoming Songs sung in the 50’s and 60’s are the same as those sung today, including “The Girl of my Dreams” and “The Stein Song”.

Coat of Arms

Fraternity Organization
EPiA has specific positions. Members are voted in to these positions by active members at one of the spring meetings.
*Presidents - Christopher Edelbrock & Anders Ringdahl Mayland

*Secretary - Nicholas Harper

*Treasurer - Casey Enevoldsen

*Sergeant at Arms - Andy Leer & Brian Wade

*Pledge Leaders - Ben Maisenbach, Charlie Hoag, Rob Amundson, and Andrew Michelson

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