Dr. Zachary P. Nahmias, Gamma Mu (University of Memphis) 2010 began his ZBT experience in fall 2006. After reading an article in the University of Memphis’ school newspaper about ZBT colonizing at the school, Brother Nahmias was immediately interested. After all, most of his family members were ZBTs at other schools. Keeping tradition with the rest of the family, Brother Nahmias became one of Gamma Mu’s Founding Fathers in October 2006.

Brother Nahmias was quick to get involved and was elected to be the Memphis, Tenn. chapter’s President. Over the years he continued to lead endeavors to secure the Chapter’s prominence on campus. Brother Nahmias was instrumental in helping the Chapter secure its first house in 2007. He and his brothers took pride in being part of something bigger than themselves and stressed the importance of making a positive impact on the campus community. Though he graduated in spring 2009, Brother Nahmias’ legacy was imprinted upon the brothers of the Chapter and carried with them as Gamma Mu won the Brummer Cup in 2014.

Following his graduation, Brother Nahmias began to find other ways to stay involved with the Fraternity he loved. It started with him becoming the first Chapter Advisor to Gamma Mu and mentoring other Chapter Presidents like: Laitin Beecham, Gamma Mu (Memphis) 2015; Evan Kelly, Gamma Mu (Memphis) 2015; and Ricky Kirby, Gamma Mu (Memphis) 2016. Brother Nahmias experienced many of the challenges young Chapter Advisors have but was always finding ways to improve himself and his brothers. Brother Nahmias eventually became involved in Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) which takes a strong focus on national and community service.

Memphis was home, but Brother Nahmias’ career took him to Boston. While still mentoring his brothers in Gamma Mu, he provided support as an Assistant Chapter Advisor for the Mu Chapter of Zeta Beta Tau at Boston University. Continuing his selfless mentality of service, Brother Nahmias worked with the brothers of Mu Chapter to be more involved in their campus community.

A year later he relocated to St. Louis and became an Assistant Chapter Advisor yet again for the Alpha Xi Chapter at Washington University – St. Louis. Working with Chapter Advisor Scott Budoff Alpha Xi (Washington University – St. Louis) 1986 over the past three years, Brother Nahmias helped the brothers of Alpha Xi understand the full application of ZBT in their lives. From heritage, leadership development, and of course, community service, ZBT could enrich the lives of these brothers. In 2017 Alpha Xi was awarded ZBT’s Best Community Service Project for leading a clean-up of a vandalized Jewish cemetery near campus.

In 2016 Brother Nahmias was slated to serve on Zeta Beta Tau’s Supreme Council. The Council gave Brother Nahmias a stronger understanding of how ZBT operates and is working to make a positive impact, especially in the undergraduate experience. He intends for his work on the Council to make ZBT a positive and enriching experience for all brothers and combat the challenges Greek life faces on campuses today.

“Like most things in life, you get out of ZBT what you put into it,” said Brother Nahmias. “I strongly recommend every brother and potential brother fully engage in the ZBT experience and utilize it to help you learn, grow, and become a responsible member of society. For me, it was a ‘laboratory for life’ and helped me understand who I was, and how I could positively impact the lives of others.”