Interview with Bruce A. Kesselman
Reader Views welcomes Bruce A. Kesselman, author of the book “46 Union Street: The Untold Story of Rho Upsilon.” Bruce is being interviewed by Juanita Watson, Assistant Editor of Reader Views. Juanita: Thanks for joining us today Bruce. We are happy to hear that you’ve just released your highly anticipated book “46 Union Street: The Untold Story of Rho Upsilon.” Would you start by telling us what your book is about?
Juanita: When did you become a member of Rho Upsilon, and what inspired you to write this book? Bruce: I joined the fraternity in 1970 and have been involved with both the undergraduate chapter and its alumni association since that time. In 2004 I decided to write the book for these reasons:
Juanita: Your book delves into many of the fraternities at Rutgers University from its inception in 1845 to the year 2006. How has the face of fraternities changed over the years, in particular Rho Upsilon? Bruce: The number of students joining fraternities over the years has remained relatively stable, although the percentages (as a total of the student body) have declined as the University has grown. In the past 25 years the primarily white fraternities have been joined by many others that are primarily made up of students of different ethnic backgrounds, although all of them are non discriminatory in their selection processes. In addition, prior to the mid 1970’s, Rutgers was an all male school (with Douglass College students nearby taking classes similar to Harvard and Radcliffe). There are now women students which means there are also now sororities. Juanita: Why is there such a fascination with fraternities and what are the differences between a Jewish fraternity and its counterparts? Bruce: The fascination with fraternities seems to focus on two items, two positive and one negative. The positive aspects are that in large universities they are a focal point for making friends in a small activity group rather than in a large anonymous dormitory. They also contribute a tremendous amount of money to philanthropic fundraising, perhaps in an effort to counteract the negative fascination: that those who join fraternities want to get drunk most of the time they are not in class. I can honestly say the amount of drinking is no more nor no less than what goes on in any university dormitory, but the press has an easier time writing about fraternities which are a more visible group. Jewish fraternities like AEPi are not made up of students who are trying to become religious, but rather have friends or family members of a Jewish background and thus have more things in common with the other brothers. At Rutgers, AEPI has always attracted a number of Italian brothers, probably because both Jews and Italians like food and come from families where the serving of food at holiday events is a major focus. Juanita: How did you go about compiling the stories, photos, and information for your book? Who contributed, and who didn’t? Bruce: The stories were primarily a result of questionnaires sent out to about 1,000 alumni and undergraduates of the fraternity, while the photos were sent by a small group of brothers and many others provided by the archives librarian at Rutgers. Those who contributed stories (and those who did not) did not have anything particularly in common to motivate their participation. Many questionnaires mentioned events in passing, and I discovered the truth and background information by personally telephoning or visiting people as a result. Most of those I spoke with or met I had not known before, but all were happy that I called so their stories would be told. Juanita: What can readers expect in regards to timeline, and format with the stories and photos? Also, what is the general tone of your writing, I understand that you use quite a bit of humor? Bruce: The timeline is 1956-2006 and the writing is what I call “historical comedy”. Real events like the assassination of JFK or killing of John Lennon trigger stories about what undergraduates were doing at those times. The Watergate events, for example, are described in order to show the similar events of “Matzohgate”. Juanita: I understand that you combine the accomplishments of members and alumni with frat house recollections and witty tales of life in a fraternity. What are some of the experiences that readers are finding most enjoyable? Bruce: To really appreciate the book, you need to read the footnotes. For example, the history of the chapter in the mid 1980’s mentions in passing that Jeff Grosman ’88 was elected Scribe (Secretary). The footnote reveals that this brother became the creator of the MCI ad campaign for 1-800-COLLECT. The telephone cop (Al Bundy from Married with Children ) is based on an actual incident at the fraternity when visitors used brothers’ phones to make international calls with stolen credit card numbers. Another story tells of an alumnus who was President of the Senior Class and got an MBA, but subsequently started his own company building wine cellars for private homes because he was so fond of drinking wine as an undergraduate. Juanita: What stereotypes will your book dissolve regarding fraternities, and the typical frat lifestyle? Bruce: A careful reading will show that fraternities are made up of diverse individuals and that the leadership skills learned and friendships developed have enabled them to be among the most productive, philanthropic and community service oriented individuals in the towns of which they become a part. Juanita: How have responses been towards your book? Have you met with resistance towards divulging such information? Bruce: Virtually everyone who has read the book has told me it is extremely well written from both an academic, historical and comedic vein, and that it would be enjoyable to read by individuals whether or not they were in a fraternity or whether or not they attended Rutgers. Juanita: Bruce, I understand that all proceeds for your book are going towards undergraduate scholarships. Would you comment on this generous decision? Bruce: I wanted to pay back the fraternity that enabled me to become successful in many ways, including lifelong friendships and continuing networking opportunities. It is my hope that teenagers considering college who have a bias against fraternities or really know nothing about them will read this book and then join one that appeals to them. Ultimately, this will help society because these individuals will feel a greater connection to their colleges and community service. Juanita: What did being a part of Rho Upsilon mean to you, and what involvement do you have today? How has the Rho Upsilon experienced changed your life? Bruce: Rho Upsilon allowed me to part of a group where I did not feel lost or anonymous. Today, I continue to travel on business or vacation and always seem to meet someone from AEPi of other chapters whom I can immediately relate to and whose company I can enjoy. I am currently the Alumni Scribe which means I continue to keep and update all addresses of alumni and guard many historical items. Juanita: How can readers find out more about you and your book? Bruce: They can go to http://levinejudaica.com to purchase the book. Please note: To purchase this book with proceeds to be donated to the RhoUpsilon Scholarship Fund please contact Bruce Kesselman kesselman@rcn.com Juanita: Bruce, we are happy to have had the chance to talk with you today. We hope you have much success with “46 Union Street,” and encourage readers to look into your fascinating account of the history of fraternities at Rutgers University. Do you have any last thoughts for your readers today? Bruce: It’s never too late to keep a diary, or at least keep all your business appointment schedules from year to year. You’ll never know when you might want to write a book about some aspect of your life and will wish you could remember names of people or times and places that could give you a head start on such a project. Listen to interview on Inside Scoop Live |
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