Alpha Lambda Epsilon

Alpha Lambda Epsilon was established as a sorority at Olivet College in 1922.^[1][2] It was chartered as a service and literary organization.^[3] In November 1922, it had sixteen pledges.^[4]

In the 1920s, the sorority held programs that featured music and plays performed by its members.^[5][6][7][8] It also hosted an annual formal party for the campus that featured an orchestra.^[9][10] In December 1923, the sorority purchased the former home of A. H. Claflin on Yale Street in Olivet, to use as a meeting place; however, it did not occupy the house until September 1924.^[11][12]

In January 1975, ten male students rushed the sorority, indicating that they were tired of the campus fraternity's hazing and liked the service orientation of Alpha Lambda Epsilon.^[3][13] The sorority decided to open its membership to men because of financial problems and a lack of funds to make house payments.^[14][13] Its spring 1975 pledge class included ten men and seventeen women.^[14] With the addition of male members Alpha Lambda Epsilon became a coeducational social and literary society in 1975.^[1][3][13]

Its headquarters is in the Longman House at 212 South Main Street.^[15][16][17]

Alpha Lambda Epsilon's motto is "Bear Well the Torch".^[1][2] Its colors are maroon, yellow, and white.^[2] Its symbols are a torch and the Bible.^[2] Its flower is the yellow rose.^[2] Its nickname is Alpha E.^[2]

Alpha Lambda Epsilon and the Olivet Lions Club co-sponsor an annual Easter egg hunt and carnival for children.^[18][19]

On October 31, 1991, a male student was stabbed by a non-student in the Alpha Lambda Epsilon house over a dispute about a woman.^[17][20]

• List of social fraternities