A message from the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation Chief Executive Officer John D. Stemen, Esq., Omicron (Tufts University) 1999, on the state and future of the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation.

The Zeta Beta Tau Foundation continues to support the Fraternity, its brothers, and the broader community through its impactful programming, scholarships and strategic initiatives.

Over the past year, the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation’s grants totaled $272,000, enabling key Fraternity programming like the International Convention, Regional Officer Institutes, Emerging Leaders Institute, James E. Greer Jr. Presidents’ Leadership Academy and various chapter-lead educational and heritage programming to successfully continue and grow. Additional grants were provided to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research and the Gonzaga Center for the Study of Hate, helping to support critical research aimed at combating antisemitism and hate on college campuses.

This past academic year was not one without turmoil on campuses nationwide experiencing a steep rise in hate incidents, including antisemitic threats directed at our chapters due to ZBT’s Jewish heritage. In response, the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation raised nearly $45,000 to fund security upgrades and mental health resources for chapters in need, underscoring our commitment to our brothers’ safety and well-being.

In addition, the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation continued its core mission of supporting our brothers academically by awarding nearly $180,000 in scholarships to 37 undergraduate brothers for the 2024 academic year.

With assets now exceeding $12 million, the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation is not only financially strong but growing to meet the evolving needs of our Brotherhood.

Donate: Support our Brotherhood Today

Looking Ahead: A “New Day” at the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation

In the coming year, the Foundation is committed to a chapter-focused strategy that ensures each ZBT chapter has the resources needed to thrive. We aim to establish both a scholarship and leadership fund for every chapter, empowering each to allocate resources toward the programs that best serve its members. To achieve this goal, we’re asking each chapter to appoint a liaison to partner with the Foundation to build relationships with alumni and increase chapter support.

Expanding scholarship opportunities remains a priority. The Zeta Beta Tau Foundation plans to award $250,000 annually in scholarships within five years, with a focus on creating new scholarship funds for graduate students, veterans and other affinity groups within our ever-diversifying ZBT Brotherhood.

We are also enhancing alumni engagement, encouraging our 88,000 living alumni to mentor, train and open doors for their young brothers. From mentorship to internships to job opportunities, our alumni network offers unparalleled support to brothers as they embark on their careers.

Finally, the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation will continue to grow the (in)TOLERANCE program, promoting understanding and solidarity in the fight against hatred. We know that hate against one is hate against all, and every organization in the ZBT family — Fraternity, Foundation and ZBT National Housing—remains committed to bettering the world for and with our brothers.

Donate: Bolster Our Brotherhood

The state of the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation is strong and we are poised for even greater impact. Thank you to all our brothers, their families and friends, and our community of supporters who are making our “New Day” possible. Together, we will continue to lead with purpose and integrity.

• Share this article