Brothers, welcome to the Digital Deltan brotherhood magazine. Please read on for more from the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity and Zeta Beta Tau Foundation leadership. 

 

From the International President

Celebrate Wins, Look for Next One

While Nor’easters continue to pound the Atlantic Coast, 13 of our undergraduate brothers came together in Miami for our third Alternative Spring Break. Brothers from Case Western Reserve, Fairleigh Dickinson-Metro, Columbia, American and The Ohio State served meals to Miami’s homeless; painted a library in an inner-city school; visited with South Florida’s seniors; and visited Miami Beach’s inspirational Holocaust Memorial which was designed by Alpha Zeta’s own Kenneth Treister. In a time when so many attack fraternities as being elitist, it made me proud to hear that our brothers came together and truly lived one of the cornerstones of our brotherhood: Social Responsibility.

The week was capped off with a delicious Shabbat dinner at the Chabad at the University of Miami hosted by our brother, Rabbi Mendy Fellig (Alpha Omega); his wife, Henchi; and the Fellig family. For many in attendance, it was their first Shabbat dinner. Sharing home-baked challah with my brothers, while celebrating our heritage, was one of the great moments of my presidency. As I sat there, I realized I was privileged to visit with four of the five chapters represented. (I promise I will make it to Columbus!)

Breaking down barriers between undergraduates, alumni and national was one of my goals when I became President at our Atlanta Convention in 2016.  As I come to the end of my second year as President, I realize there is much work to be done by all of us. This point was driven home by Brother Gregory O’Bannon, Alpha Omega (University of Miami) 2018 who is a PR Professional and Creative Writer. In a recent column, Brother O’Bannon quoted his father:

“I don’t know what success is. Success means that I’m done or finished. This is my life. I’m never finished. I can recognize and appreciate the little wins, but I’m always looking for the next one.”

As brothers of this great Fraternity, we have much to be proud of.  At the same time, there is much work to be done. As the 2017-2018 school year comes to a close, let us celebrate our wins, but let’s also look ahead for the next one … and the next one … and the next one.

Cordially, Fraternally & Sincerely,

Norman M. Waas, Esq., Alpha Omega (University of Miami) 1982
International President, Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity

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From the Fraternity Executive Director

Brotherhood Based on Values

This academic year has been a particularly challenging one for the Greek community. Anyone who has a Google Alert set on “fraternity” or reads the news know that. In difficult times, typically only the most dedicated prevail, and I am incredibly proud of the many ZBT chapters, ZBT colonies and brothers across the world who show their campuses and communities what a brotherhood based on values looks like. Whether it’s our Alpha Alpha Chapter at Purdue raising funds for their House Director after a tragedy struck her family or our Alpha Psi Chapter at Penn State continuing to show a challenged community what college men are truly capable of, I am constantly reminded about why we do what do we as staff members and as ZBTs.

Being part of a fraternity is a privilege, and not one that I take lightly. As the Executive Director I know that my actions must also be connected to my words. As someone who cares deeply about community involvement, I work to model the way for our brothers on our campuses across the world. But, many times, I find myself learning from them. That’s the beauty of brotherhood – we never stop learning or earning our membership.

In July we will gather in downtown Los Angeles for the 2018 International Convention which is our largest brotherhood gathering each year. Programs and activities are being planned for undergraduates, alumni, spouses and partners. When we come together and imagine what a better and bigger ZBT experience can look like, I am confident that the opportunities are endless.

In this issue of the Digital Deltan, you’ll read stories of true greatness from our brothers. You’ll be inspired to act. You’ll learn what it’s like to be a student on a college campus today. And, you’ll learn about the many ways to give back to ZBT. No matter what that form of giving back is, you can make an impact.

It continues to be an honor and pleasure to serve this organization. I hope to see you in Los Angeles!

Cordially, Fraternally & Sincerely,

Laurence A. Bolotin, M.Ed., CAE, Alpha Zeta (University of Florida) 2001
Executive Director, Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity

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From the Foundation President

Three “T”s of Charitable Endeavors

Time, talent and treasure – the three “T”s of any charitable endeavor.

Time is something we make for any worthwhile endeavor.

Talent means giving of ourselves.

Treasure, well, either you have it or you don’t. We all need to give what we feel we can, and then a little bit more.

But can’t each of us do just a little more for others? We can all find a little more time in our daily lives. We each have unique talents we can bestow upon others. And treasure, a little bit goes a long way. Perhaps, one less cup of coffee at Starbucks or one less Uber ride.

Yet, so few of us really give back to others. By giving back in one or more ways, you can make a ZBT brother’s life better in innumerable ways. The Zeta Beta Tau Foundation’s support of heritage, leadership, combating hate and scholarship not only enhance the lives of our ZBT brothers, but hopefully add to societal development for generations of future ZBT brothers.

As the newly elected President of the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation, it is my desire to support the Mission of the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity and its undergraduate and alumni brothers. I have been given a tremendous opportunity and responsibility. However, it would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the Foundation staff – Faron Lewitt, Jonathan Levin and Nancy Morgan. Additionally, my heartfelt thanks go out to the Foundation Board of Directors who generously give their time, talent and treasure. They are all volunteers extraordinaire.

My friend and immediate past President of the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation, Bruce Weinstein, recently wrote to me saying in part, “I can honestly say that being a ZBT and being on the ZBT Foundation Board is one of the most satisfying parts of my life. The friendships and the great work we do to ensure the future of our youth, our brothers and our fraternity make me proud.”   We were all undergraduates at one time or another. Let’s band together to make Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity and Foundation a reality forever. There are many ways you can join in helping your brothers – pick one and run with it!

Cordially, Fraternally & Sincerely,

Jerry N. Katz, CPA, Alpha Rho (University of California – Los Angeles) 1976
Zeta Beta Tau Foundation President

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From the Foundation Chief Executive Officer

Fraternity Teaches Life Lessons

The world continues to get smaller, thanks to the advancement of technology and the 24-hour news cycle. Yet, we seem to move further and further apart as religion, politics and resources – financial or otherwise – separate us. We see a rise in an unwillingness to befriend, let alone interact, with someone we may disagree with.

While fraternity is not always perfect and our brothers of college age, just like others of similar age, utilize the college experience to experiment, test the waters of right from wrong, challenge the status quo and explore personal identity and beliefs, fraternity is needed now more than ever.

Fraternity allows for these things to occur in a supportive environment and teaches several extremely important life lessons like:

• How to work with others
• How to disagree with others
• How to build consensus
• How to understand and respect others
• How to find common ground
• How to negotiate

Life lessons, like those found in fraternity, are needed now more than ever.

The Zeta Beta Tau Foundation helps support the Fraternity’s educational leadership programs which provide the knowledge, resources and in part the overall Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity experience which helps teach these and many other life lessons.

The ZBT impact is significant. I know this from personally hearing the consistent stories of our brothers who say the time they spent as an undergraduate brother of ZBT was perhaps the most significant time of their lives. The ZBT experience is a powerful experience … life changing.

On behalf of our undergraduate brothers and the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation, I am thankful to the alumni, parents, undergraduates and friends of ZBT who support our mission and enable us to continue providing a powerful experience, one that continues to change lives and brings us all closer.

Cordially, Fraternally & Sincerely,

Faron A. Lewitt, Psi (University of Alabama) 1997
Zeta Beta Tau Foundation Chief Executive Officer

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