After a challenging year and a virtual convention last year, Zeta Beta Tau was able to return for an incredible time in the brotherhood this summer. Thank you to the wonderful city of Miami for hosting and the many brothers who attended and supported ZBT’s International Convention.

The world’s first Jewish Fraternity converged in Miami, Florida, from July 22 to 24 for the 2021 International Convention. Zeta Beta Tau International Convention is a three-day event that includes educational programming, social events, hands-on education and seminars for both undergraduate and alumni brothers. Educational programming at the 2021 International Convention is made possible in part by the generous support of the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation. Learn how you can support the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation at zbtfoundation.org.

Brothers had the opportunity to connect for the first time or reconnect after a long while at this event. Programming for undergraduates focused on officer and leadership development and accountability and integrity among all ZBTs.

• “I really appreciated being able to bounce ideas that have worked in the past off brothers from other chapters,” a delegate from Lambda Chapter at Case Western Reserve University said.
• “My favorite part was meeting in person the many ZBT delegates from other chapters,” said Brother Irvin from the Xi Chapter at Georgia Tech via @gt_zbt.
• “It was useful for me as a new leader in my chapter,” said a delegate from Eta Mu Chapter at California Polytechnic State University.

Keynote sessions featured diversity education specialist Hailey Mangrum, fraternal risk prevention and insurance provider Marc Mores and student personal development coach James T. Robilotta. Robilotta’s session was the annual Zeta Beta Tau Foundation Sponsored Program, made possible by a gift from Harold and Nadine Davidson. Harold A. Davidson, Ph.D., is 1965 alumnus of Alpha Delta Chapter at the University of Southern California, and Past International President of ZBT. Brother and Mrs. Davidson were in attendance and participated in the session.

ZBT also celebrated the centennial anniversaries of a friendly rival to the local Miami brothers — fellow Floridian chapter Alpha Zeta Chapter at the University of Florida [pictured left] — and closed the program with the Grand Awards Banquet.

The 2021 Brummer Cup for Best Chapter was awarded to Delta Lambda Chapter at Monmouth College. See more on the Brummer Cup here. Congratulations on the accomplishments of the other Brummer Cup finalists: Delta Chapter at Columbia University, Lambda Chapter at Case Western Reserve University, Eta Mu Chapter at California Polytechnic State University and Alpha Nu Chapter at Muhlenberg College.

See the full list of award recipient chapters and individual trophies here.

A photo gallery from the 2021 International Convention also is available on the ZBT Facebook page.

The 2022 International Convention is set for July 14 to 16, 2022, in Las Vegas.

Thank you to volunteers

A strong volunteer contingent helps make International Convention a success each year.

A popular segment of the educational programming is the annual alumni panel, featuring brothers in a variety of stages of life and showcasing the importance of Brotherhood for a Lifetime. Panelists share career and life stories and advice. Attendees interact with the panelists through a question and answer dialogue.

Featured brothers in the 2021 alumni panel were:

• Bret W. Hrbek, CFP, Delta Xi (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University) 1996, a financial advisor based in Virginia and a dedicated volunteer with the Fraternity and Foundation as well as the Delta Xi Chapter who is also a past staff member.
• Dr. Yoaav S. Krauthammer, Lambda (Case Western Reserve University) 2003, a cardiologist in Scottsdale, Arizona, who serves as an international volunteer.
• Devon M. Schad, Beta Alpha Theta (University of Colorado Boulder) 2004, an insurance agent in the Denver area and former Zeta Beta Tau staff member who has continued to serve as an international volunteer.

The panel was moderated by Faron A. Lewitt, Psi (University of Alabama) 1997, who has dedicated his professional career to Zeta Beta Tau, currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation.

The event faculty worked with students in small group settings on a variety of subject areas. Thank you to these leaders:

• Ryne Burds is Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Tampa and a long-time supporter of ZBT programs. He’s a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
• Rodolfo J. Garcia is a 2021 graduate of Delta Lambda Chapter at Monmouth College. The Delta Lambda Chapter has thrived under Brother Garcia’s leadership, and for his work and dedication, he was named Chapter President of the Year on campus.
• Ricky E. Kirby, a 2016 graduate of the Gamma Mu Chapter at the University of Memphis. Brother Kirby was Finance Director of Gamma Mu the year they won the Brummer Cup and served as President the following year. He has continued to volunteer for ZBT for several years as he works toward a Ph.D. in higher education administration at the University of Georgia.
• Ryan Lugabihl is Founder and CEO of The Catalyst Agency, a fraternity industry specific speaking agency that inspires and creates change on college campuses far and wide. Ryan also is Assistant Executive Director at Chi Phi Fraternity as well as a member of Pi Kappa Phi.
• Cristina Luna, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Greek Life at the University of Miami. Christina is a highly experienced and sought-after facilitator for fraternal programs. She also is a national volunteer for her member organization, Sigma Iota Alpha
• Carter D. McCormick, a 2015 graduate of the Alpha Pi Chapter at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brother McCormick served as President of his Prospective Chapter and joined the ZBT Fraternity staff after graduating. He’s continued to volunteer as a facilitator and advisor since moving on to graduate school, and now he is a Ph.D. candidate in public health based in Chicago.
• Michael J. Saxvik is a 2003 graduate of the Gamma Chapter at Northwestern University. Brother Saxvik was President at Gamma Chapter and worked on the ZBT staff. He has continued to serve as a speaker and facilitator for ZBT at many programs. His day job is in higher education technology strategy. He is based in Denver.
• Cristina Vega is Assistant Director of Student Life for Fraternity and Sorority Life at University of Vermont. She has a master’s degree in higher education and is an experience leadership educator. She is a member of Chi Omega.

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