The Zeta Beta Tau Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of Tyler J. Agnew, Beta Delta (Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey) 2018, as the recipient of the largest academic scholarship award ($10,000) in the history of the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation.

With thanks to Beta Delta Chapter Advisor Keith M. Brauer, Beta Delta (Rutgers State University of New Jersey) 1982, several brothers from the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation surprised the Beta Delta Chapter in general and Brother Agnew in particular with the announcement of the academic scholarship award.

“On behalf of Tyler and the Beta Delta Chapter, I cannot thank the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation enough for this generous scholarship. In selecting Tyler, we have recognized a brother who is true to our Credo, our Fraternity, his community, University, friends and family,” Brother Brauer said.

In attendance from the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation were Secretary Daniel P. Easton, Kappa Phi (Alfred University) 1976, Director Michael F. Zarb, Beta Alpha Chi (York College of Pennsylvania) 1992, Director Michael F. Easton, Alpha Alpha (Purdue University) 2012, and Executive Director Faron A. Lewitt, Psi (University of Alabama) 1997.

Brother Agnew and his family are from a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. When he was only 3 years old his mother passed away after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. Tyler said, “When college came around I knew I wanted to make a difference in the medical field so that maybe one day a family wouldn’t have to go through what mine did.”

Brother Agnew is now a rising senior majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Business Administration. “I owe so much of my success in college to ZBT. Having joined as a freshman I was able to find a home away from home at the Beta Delta Chapter. Since being initiated I have taken on many leadership roles such as scholarship chairman, provost, vice president of membership and currently serve as Beta Delta Chapter president,” he said.

Here is more from Brother Agnew:

What led you to join Zeta Beta Tau?

“I saw Zeta Beta Tau as place where I could grow and develop into a man and a leader. A place where I would be surrounded by men who will push each other academically, socially, philanthropically, mentally and professionally.”

What has been your most rewarding Zeta Beta Tau memory?

“Being surprised on Facebook Live with this scholarship. I was so surprised I was speechless. It was a rush of not being able to comprehend the generosity of so many of my brothers, most of which I do not know personally. I was overcome with this sense of being connected to a long-lasting tradition and legacy.”

What would you like to say to the Zeta Beta Tau alumni who came before you and made your Fraternity experience possible?

“Thank you. Zeta Beta Tau would not be the place it is without you and your hard work and dedication.”

What impact will receiving a Zeta Beta Tau Foundation scholarship have for you?

“This scholarship from the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation will push me harder to truly live by the Credo and encourage my brothers around me to do the same.”

What does Brotherhood for a Lifetime mean to you?

“Brotherhood for a Lifetime means making the most out of four years that will leave you and others around you with a meaningful impact that will last the rest of your life. Whether that be in the work you did for your chapter, the International Fraternity, the memories you have made or the connections you have made with your peers but more importantly with those that have gone before you. It is ultimately living ‘‘in the spirit of brotherhood’. Always.”

What are your career aspirations and goals for the future?

“I intend to work in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry for a while. I would then like to return and obtain my Masters in Business Administration in Pharmaceutical Management to pursue work for a major pharmaceutical company.”

Zeta Beta Tau Foundation Director and Chairman of the Foundation’s Scholarships Committee, Daniel M. Goodman, Iota (University of Denver) 2007, said, “We are thrilled to provide Tyler with a $10,000 academic scholarship to support his education and his goal to make a difference in the medical field. My thanks to those who support the work of the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation and permit us to support the academic endeavors and leadership training of undergraduate brothers like Tyler.”

In the more than 60 years since its beginning, the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation scholarship program has grown from a single $250 scholarship to awards amounting to more than $1,500,000 to brothers of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity. The Zeta Beta Tau Foundation has as its goal that no Zeta Beta Tau undergraduate shall have to discontinue his college education as a result of financial hardship. Gifts in support of the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation’s scholarship program may be made by visiting zbtfoundation.org/donate.

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