Friday, March 7th, 2025
Founders’ Day and Cornerstone Box Opening
James Gamble Nippert Memorial Lodge
2707 Clifton Ave.
Brothers Only
Doors open at 5:00pm
Program begins at 6:00pm
Evening includes dinner, open bar,
cigar bar, and entertainment from Frankly Speaking
Badge Attire
Saturday, March 8th, 2025
100th Anniversary Celebration
The Cincinnati Masonic Temple
317 East 5th St.
Brothers and Guests
Doors open at 5:30pm
Evening includes cocktail hour & dinner, a short program,
and live music from the Bluewater Kings Band
Semi-Formal Attire
Ohio Epsilon was founded at the University of Cincinnati November 22, 1889 by Joseph B. Strauss and seven other gentlemen. The chapter rented meeting spaces until 1910, when alumni bought a house at 2210 Ohio Avenue that they quickly outgrew. Following the tragic death of Brother Jimmy Nippert on December 25th, 1923, the family quickly sought to cement his legacy across campus. Judge Alfred K. Nippert (OHEP ’94) and his wife Maud gifted the land at 2707 Clifton Avenue and built the Lodge as a memorial to Jimmy.
Read more about Jimmys legacy here:
https://nippert.gobearcats.com/
100 years later, the Lodge has been home to thousands of brothers, dwelling together in “a pleasant unity” and creating lifelong memories. The Lodge has been faithfully maintained by active chapter, the DeVotie Hall Association, and countless involved alumni since its dedication on March 25th, 1925. Our home expanded twice, with the George Kress Memorial Library (New Addition) in 1956 and DeVotie Hall Addition/Jay Frank (Wing West Wing) in 2010, improving Brothers’ college experience while sustaining its architectural beauty, complementing UC’s campus and the surrounding Clifton neighborhood.
WHY WE CELEBRATE
Well, it’s time to throw a party to celebrate the incredible gift the Nippert family gave all of us, say thank you to every brother who helped scrub the floors, replace a window, or cut the grass, and energize the brotherhood to do the same over the next 100 years. Whether you’ve been away for a while, or actively engaged since initiation, we look forward to welcoming you and your significant other back to campus for a weekend of celebrations on March 7th and 8th, 2025.
We’ve created a memorable agenda throughout the weekend. We hope you stop by the house on Friday night for the opening of the 50th anniversary cornerstone box and a tour of the freshly updated Lodge, spend time on campus with brothers from out-of-town throughout Saturday, and join us for one big party to celebrate protecting the legacy of the house for the next 100 years at the Cincinnati Masonic Temple on Saturday night.
A special rate is available for guests at the Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel. Note reservations must be made by January 28, 2025 to secure the rate. Please book via the following link: Ohio Epsilon Room Block
Other hotels near the Masonic Temple include:
The Lytle Park Hotel (311 Pike St, Cincinnati, OH 45202)
The Phelps Cincinnati (506 E 4th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202)
SUPPORT THE 100TH
Our primary goal for the 100th Anniversary is alumni engagement and perpetuating admiration for our Lodge. Therefore, we wish to ease barriers to participation from all eras of Brothers. Sponsorships and donor support will be critical in helping us cover projected overhead expenses and make the celebration truly memorable.
Those who donate more than $2,024 will receive a one-of-a-kind Jimmy Nippert Rookwood Pottery mug and all donations will accrue towards lifetime giving for Ohio Epsilon and recognition on the donor wall in the Alumni Room!