Members of a service sorority reunite to reminisce

Photo

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR Members of Alpha Pi Epsilon recently reunited to reminisce about their college service days. Seated from left are Ann Arbutina, Loetta Haller, Stefanie Ciszewski, Aurora Sebastiani and Margie Hanisko; and standing are Janet Smart, Barb Seely, Marilyn Beeman, Anita Stothard, Josie Houser, Sister Charlotte Italiano, Elaine Welsh, Mary Ann Fees and Rose Pacalo.

Staff report

BOARDMAN

Alpha Pi Epsilon sorority, formed in 1951 to serve Youngstown College and the community, stands for “others before ourselves.” Founders modeled the sorority after the men’s fraternity Alpha Phi Omega.

Sorority members recently met for a reunion at the Olive Garden to talk about their memories. When the group began they helped raise funds for a college book drive, collected supplies for an area woman who helped other women who had no one to help them, served the college president by assisting with afternoon teas and delivered mail to students on campus.

During the holiday season they worked with other sororities and fraternities to collect toys for needy children, often repairing and painting used toys.

The sorority also hosted the Bare Brunch, named for a beloved professor, John Winchell Bare, who believed that students needed a spring break after months of studies. He suggested relaxing in Mill Creek Park by walking the trails, playing baseball and feasting on picnic foods.

Even after graduation members would continue serving by entertaining at area nursing homes.

The sorority became national in 1963 and was named Gamma Sigma Sigma. It continued to serve the community until 1983 or 1984.