Alpha Epsilon Omega was established on December 20, 2000 by Hakop Sinoryan, Misak Zetilyan, and Antranik Satamian at California State University, Northridge. During a High School Exchange trip to Armenia in the spring of 1999, these men saw an impoverished nation with wide spread corruption and injustice. Upon returning to the United States, their experiences in Armenia and a passion for their Armenian heritage inspired them to establish an after-school program for the Armenian youth in their hometown of Pasadena, California. As freshmen in college, their studies and work created time constraints forcing the triumvirate to abandon the after-school program in the fall of 1999, still in the planning stages.
The notion of “unity for the advancement of the Armenian nation” was still living in the minds of the Triumvirate. At the completion of the spring 2000 semester the Triumvirate convened to reignite the mission of creating a social, cultural, and philanthropic organization for the advancement of the Armenian nation. They agreed on the establishment of a lifelong fraternal society which would serve as a catalyst in executing the principles set forth by the Triumvirate. Throughout the following six months the Triumvirate would set the foundation of Alpha Epsilon Omega, and recruit gentlemen to establish the fraternity at California State University, Northridge.
The fraternity chartered its first chapter, Alpha Chapter, at California State University Northridge in the spring of 2001. Two months after chartering the Alpha Chapter, the organization was successful in chartering the Beta Chapter at the University of California, Los Angeles. For one year the fraternity grew in numbers and became active in their respective universities. In the summer of 2002 the Gamma Chapter was chartered at the University of California, Irvine. Fall 2003 saw the inclusion of yet another chapter in Alpha Epsilon Omega; the Delta Chapter was chartered at California State University, Los Angeles.
During the next two years Alpha Epsilon Omega would grow exponentially in numbers, exceeding one hundred brothers. Qualitative growth contributed to the development of Alpha Epsilon Omega. By recruiting members based on the notion “quality over quantity”, the fraternity became successful in the undertaking of various cultural and philanthropic endeavors, a number of which continue to this day.
In the fall of 2004, group of gentlemen at the University of Southern California, and California State University, Pomona approached the fraternity with the intention of establishing a chapter at their respective universities. Their goal was realized when the fraternity chartered the Epsilon Chapter at the University of Southern California in the summer of 2005. In the fall of 2006, Alpha Epsilon Omega expanded its reach south of Orange County and into San Diego. The fraternity chartered its seventh chapter, the Eta Chapter, at the University of California, San Diego. Brotherhood is a key element in Alpha Epsilon Omega. It is the backbone of the organization, binding every member together.
Mission Statement
The goal of Alpha Epsilon Omega at the University of California in Irvine is to create an environment where bonds are made and strengthened between its members. Ultimately these bonds are to serve as powerful networking tools during and beyond our college years. Alpha Epsilon Omega promotes the Armenian history, language and culture on campus by hosting a variety of events and extending membership to men from all ethnic backgrounds. Our organization provides leadership experience by placing members in leadership positions. Alpha Epsilon Omega will support its members in reaching the highest standards of achievement in all aspects of their lives.
Gamma Chapter History
The Gamma chapter of Alpha Epsilon Omega was started at UCI on April 5, 2002. The founding members were Harmik Hartounian, Derenik Gharibian, Armen Boghosian, Arbi Vartanian, Leo Jordan, and Arshak Hovsepian. These founders were a group of men who came from a variety of Armenian backgrounds and academic majors. These men felt that although the competitive UCI environment demanded a lot from a student, especially from those who were interested in education beyond their undergraduate work, there was still a place for an organization such as Alpha Epsilon Omega to make their college experience truly memorable.
Brotherhood
Brotherhood is a key element at Alpha Epsilon Omega, where life-long friendships are made. Sharing the good times with your fraternity brothers is an experience that can not be matched. As the famous saying goes, “the only way to experience college life is by being in a fraternity.” By being a member of Alpha Epsilon Omega you will enhance your college experience and make your years at the University of California the best of your life.
Academics
At Alpha Epsilon Omega we never forget that we are students first. We love to enjoy ourselves, but we hold academic achievement above all else. As a member you will find that your brothers are often your most valuable academic resource, since most of them have already taken the courses you plan to take. In addition we also provide resources to our members who would like to learn more about Armenian history, language, and culture.
Philanthropy
Alpha Epsilon Omega is always looking to help out communities both here and in Armenia. Our official charity is Armenia Fund, which annually raises funds for many projects in Armenia and Artsakh. Alpha Epsilon Omega regularly participates in various philanthropic activities benefiting the Armenian Community and advancing The Armenian Cause, yet Alpha Epsilon Omega strives to contribute to a diverse array of philanthropies.
Sports
At Alpha Epsilon Omega, we regularly participate in sporting events both at school and in the community. We play and spectate basketball, football, soccer, hockey, volleyball, and much more. We participate in intramural tournaments on campus, competing against other fraternities and clubs. We also participate in the All-ASA games held every year in basketball and soccer.
Pledgeship
At Alpha Epsilon Omega, we have only two objectives for our pledges, to learn about the traditions of our fraternity and to have fun. Most brothers fondly remember their pledge term as their most exciting quarter of college. During your pledgeship, you will make life-long friends, have unforgettable experiences, and embrace the virtues of our brotherhood.