ZBT undergraduate and alumni brothers from around the world gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 2024 International Convention, the Fraternity’s 112th Convention, in late July. By all accounts, it was among the best conventions in ZBT’s history.

The location in the nation’s capital made for a robust and exciting program. Nearly 300 undergraduate and alumni brothers and guests attended a wealth of meaningful and inspirational cultural and social events and educational leadership and fraternity management sessions during the three-day event.

The educational programming at the 2024 International Convention for undergraduates was funded in part by a generous grant from the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation. Learn more about how you can support the Foundation at zbtfoundation.org.

Special Events

Alumni and guests were able to experience ZBT’s heritage on a global scale with a private reception at the Embassy of Israel. Attendees were able to tour the facility and have a question and answer session with Embassy staff.

Continuing the Fraternity’s heritage connection, the full delegation toured the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Thanks to the generosity of the supporters of the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation, Zeta Beta Tau became a permanent part of the museum through the unveiling of a Fraternity nameplate on the Museum donor wall.

ZBT also was proud to present the 2024 Gottheil Award to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The award memorializes our spiritual founder, the late Professor Richard J.H. Gottheil, and is awarded periodically to “that individual or group that has advanced human understanding among all people.”

Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity was honored to take part in one of our nation’s most reverent ceremonies commemorating those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country as part of the event, as well.

Representatives from ZBT placed a wreath at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on July 18. The Fraternity historically has honored veterans and the families of those who have served in this manner when hosting International Convention in the nation’s capital.

ZBT also was grateful to the alumni brothers from the D.C. area who joined the undergraduate delegates for a brother-to-brother mentoring reception. Thank you to everyone who participated in that wonderful session.

Featured Speakers, Guests

2024 International Convention was presided over by International President Jonathan D. Frieden, Phi Epsilon (University of Virginia) 1994. As a thank you to Brother Frieden at the close of his term, ZBT hosted a UVa alumni reception alongside International Convention.

Featured keynote from Kim Novak educated undergraduate delegates on fraternal risk prevention and accountability. Novak’s session was the annual Zeta Beta Tau Foundation Sponsored Program, made possible by a gift from Harold and Nadine Davidson. Past International President Harold A. Davidson, Ph.D., is a 1965 alumnus of Alpha Delta Chapter and the University of Southern California. Brother and Mrs. Davidson were in attendance and participated in the session.

A special keynote featured past Zeta Beta Tau staffer Nathan D. Fox, Beta Alpha Theta (University of Colorado Boulder) 2009. Brother Fox is a seasoned HR professional with a wealth of experience, including public speaking, and he shared a special Brotherhood for a Lifetime story.

International President-elect Barry M. Aarons, Gamma Tau (Arizona State University) 1971, emceed the Heritage Lunch as the capstone after the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum tour.

A strong volunteer contingent helps make International Convention a success each year. The event faculty worked with students in small group settings in a series of education sessions centered around the tenets of the Credo. Thank you to these alumni leaders:

• Leonard J. Cheah, Beta Lambda (San Diego State University) 2015
• Jason A. Peiser, Omega (University of Missouri) 2018
• Brian A. Hoffman, Sigma (Tulane University) 2009
• Corey D. Pevitz, Delta Lambda (Monmouth College) 2024
• Rodolfo D. Garcia, Delta Lambda (Monmouth College) 2021
• Bonnie Wunsch, Executive Director of Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority
• Jason A. Horowitz, Beta Phi (University of Pittsburgh) 2009
• Olivia Feldkamp, Associate Director of Student Rights & Responsibilities, University of Denver
• Shannon Cohen Benson,  Associate Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life & Panhellenic Advisor, University of Michigan
• Ryan Lugabhil, Chief Collegiate Officer, Pi Kappa Phi
• Jason J. Colombini, Eta Mu (California Polytechnic State University) 2014

The annual Ronald M. Mankoff Alumni Panel, a leadership program set in a talk show-style format engaged both ZBT undergraduates and alumni through the panelists’ career and life stories and advice. Attendees interact with the panelists through a question and answer dialogue. Speakers in this popular panel for 2024 were:

• Robert J. Augustin, Esq., Zeta Alpha (Florida State University) 2017
• Craig S. Chanoff, Beta Zeta Epsilon (University of Maryland – College Park) 1997
• Andrew Schwartz, Sigma (Tulane University) 1990
• Moderator was Devon M. Schad, Beta Alpha Theta (University of Colorado Boulder) 2004

Two undergraduates served as event interns, working alongside staff to support the event. Thank you to:

• Ezra J. Park, Epsilon Mu (University of Kansas) 2025
• Joshua A. Roseman, Eta Xi (University of North Carolina at Charlotte) 2024

Top Honors

Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity is proud to recognize those who commit to the success of our Brotherhood through our International Awards program. The International Awards celebrate the best of the fraternity, honoring chapters and prospective chapters and brothers for their commitment to brotherhood and fraternal success. Work from 2023 honors were celebrated at 2024 International Convention.

The 2024 Brummer Cup for Best Chapter was awarded to Eta Xi at University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

The Man of the Year award honors those brothers who stand forth above other brothers and fellow citizens in living the Credo and honoring ZBT’s Ritual from a position of leadership and service. Brother Jay D. Stein, Alpha Omicron (Arizona) 1986, is the 2024 Man of the Year.

Grand Awards Banquet was enjoyed by hundreds of brothers and guests. Thank you to Masters of Ceremonies Past International Presidents Ronald A. Pardo, Alpha Omicron (University of Arizona) 1988, and Norman M. Waas, Esq., Alpha Omega (University of Miami) 1982.

See you in the Big Easy!

Next up: Get jazzed for 2025 International Convention, ZBT’s first major event in New Orleans in more than 40 years. Save the date for July 31 to August 3, 2025. We are excited to see brothers, friends and guests next summer!

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