Alabama

Psi Chapter (University of Alabama)

Alabama Hillel is hosting a Jewish Alumni and Supporters Weekend from April 29 to May 1. The Psi Chapter will host an open house and tour for ZBT brothers. Other plans include campus tours, receptions and special meals and Friday Shabbat services.  See full details and register at http://hillel.ua.edu/jewish-alumni-weekend/

Arizona

Alpha Omicron (University of Arizona)

University of Arizona homecoming weekend will be October 28-30, 2022. Visit https://www.uazbt.org/ for information on Alpha Omicron Chapter events.

Austyn A. Devoss, 2023, graduated from a firefighting academy. He’s taking a job with the Houston Fire Department.

California

Alpha Delta (University of Southern California)

Brian J. Tweedt, 1998, is pleased to announce that the feature documentary film Still Working 9 to 5 premiered in March at the prestigious 2022 SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas. Brother Tweedt was the director of photography on the project, and spent over three years filming celebrity interviews with Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, Dabney Coleman, Rita Moreno and Allison Janney, among many others.  The film explores the workplace 40 years after the cult classic 9 to 5 was made and shows how while some things have changed for the better for office workers, many of the same issues that film dealt with still remain.

The efforts of Brother Zachery (Zach) S. Banner, 2017, to battle antisemitism earned him induction into the 2022 “Courageous Class” at the Museum of the Courageous in New York City. MOTC celebrates acts of standing against hate that shift the American conversation toward justice, highlighting what the group calls “untold and under-told stories of courage that remind us of our individual power to stand against hate.”

Brother Banner played for the Pittsburgh Steelers as offensive tackle, #72. He famously took a stand against hate in July 2020, two days after Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson posted an antisemitic message he attributed to Adolf Hitler on social media. Brother Banner came to the defense of the Jewish community in a series of tweets and videos that he said he hoped would help educate others who might have misconceptions about Jews. Read more in the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle.

ZBT honored him in 2021 with the Richard J.H. Gottheil Award for the “individual or group that has advanced human understanding among all people.”

Gamma Beta (California State University-Northridge)

Gordon M. Sanchez, 1976, is closing in on retirement from a career as a Certified Public Accountant. His youngest son, Nick, is about to be married. Brother Sanchez has been involved in volunteerism over 30 years as a Boy Scouts leader, Rodeo committee member and officer and church worship leader.  Life has been full with great highs and deep valleys.

Harvey A. Smith, 1990, has been living in Florida since 2017 and loving his job as a paramedic.  Providing compassionate care is his passion. “On call for life.”

Eta Mu (California Polytechnic State University)

The Eta Mu Chapter’s 10th annual alumni weekend — “Celebrating 10 Years Since Chartering!” — was April 8 to 10. The fourth annual Alumni & Family Weekend is June 24 to 26. The fifth Annual Alumni-Active Hiking Trip to Mt. San Jacinto is from July 29-31. For information on these events, reach out to Jason J. Colombini, 2014, at jason.colombini@gmail.com.

Read Eta Mu’s The Alumni Quarterly newsletter from fall 2021 here.

Eta Zeta (California State University, Chico)

Cody J. Holliday, 2005, is happy to announce alumni of Eta Zeta Chapter will be gathering in San Francisco for their 15th annual summer retreat from June 25-27. Every summer, brothers have gathered to camp and celebrate accomplishments of the year, re-live the glory days and further the bonds of brotherhood. Eta Zeta Chapter brothers have visited places like Yosemite, Burney Falls and Pismo Beach over the years. The bonds that were created so many years ago are still strong today. Looking forward to many more years and fun times!

Colorado

Iota (University of Denver)

Stephen P. Ehrlich, Esq., 1970, a Past International President of the Fraternity, shared a memory. This is a picture from 1970 of Iota Chapter President Steven Abrams, 1971, accepting the Brummer Cup from brothers then-National President Richard A. Wells, Lambda (University of Texas at Austin) 1954, and Maurice B. Mitchell, Delta of Phi Sigma Delta (New York University) 1935, the Chancellor of the University of Denver, at a ceremony hosted by the University recognizing the Chapter’s achievement.

Iota Chapter’s annual Alumni Night at DU hockey was March 6. Thanks to host Richard C. Goodman, 1978. DU won the NCHC Championship — now onto league, and then NCAA playoffs. Go Pios!

Florida

Gamma Chi (University of South Florida)

The Chapter hosted a three-day Gamma Chi alumni weekend this past September on the University of South Florida campus. It was an amazing time. Alumni are invited to join the growing Facebook group for brothers where the current Chapter leadership shares updates: www.facebook.com/groups/19903360749/

Georgia

Atlanta Area Alumni Association

After missing last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Zeta Beta Tau Atlanta Area Alumni Association returned to the Atlanta Community Food Bank in mid-December for an afternoon volunteer shift in the Hunger Action Center. The 25 person team of 22 brothers, one son, one interfraternal sister and one interfraternal brother, representing 17 alma maters from across the country — MIT to Florida to USC to UWashington — processed 15,049 pounds of product to local agencies; that volume translated to 12,540 meals for food-insecure people in the community.

The volunteer team who lived the Credo of Zeta Beta Tau and our Ritual and did this meaningful and rewarding spirit-of-giving work for the benefit of the Brotherhood of Man are (alphabetically) Joel Ackerman, Xi (Georgia Institute of Technology) 1973; Beth Wachsman Asher, Delta Delta Delta (University of Maryland) 1994; William (Bill) H. Berger, Zeta of Kappa Nu (University at Buffalo) 1965; Josh Berman, Eta Lambda (Emory University) 1993; Jeffrey B. Bogart, Gamma Eta (Bradley University) 1969; Brian D. Friedman, Psi (University of Alabama) 1992; Joseph M. Gillette, Gamma Epsilon (Marshall University) 1973; Jonathan A. Goldman, Xi (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) 1982; Jeffrey M. Goodman, Xi of Phi Epsilon Pi (Georgia Institute of Technology) 1971; Randolph M.S. Kallenberg, Psi (University of Alabama) 1997; Howard B. Karchmer, Xi of Phi Epsilon Pi (Georgia Institute of Technology) 1969; Faron A. Lewitt, Psi (University of Alabama) 1997; Harry S. Lutz, Xi (Georgia Institute of Technology) 1967; Michael W. MacLellan, Xi of Phi Epsilon Pi (Georgia Institute of Technology) 1989; Ian MacLellan, Mike’s son attending Auburn University, Class of 2024; Philip S. Manson, Mu (University of Georgia) 1980; Robert (Bob) D. Miller, Alpha Iota (University of Kentucky) 1968; Kenneth A. Sadeckas, Beta Upsilon (Youngstown State University) 1975; Jason A. Sain, Alpha Zeta (University of Florida) 1997; Robert (Bob) J. Smith, Beta Mu (Rider University) 1968; James (Jim) P. Summers, Gamma Epsilon (Marshall University) 1970; Craig S. Varon, Xi (Georgia Institute of Technology) 1972; Del Walker, Omega Psi Phi at University of Southern California, 1977; Alan J. Wind, Alpha Mu (University of Washington) 1981; and Lane Wolbe, Alpha Gamma (Vanderbilt University) 1966.

Illinois

Alpha Beta (University of Chicago)

Richard (Dick) Hamlish, 1953, is turning 90 this summer. Next year (2023), he will celebrate the 70th anniversary of his graduation from University of Chicago.

Gamma Eta (Bradley University)

The Reunion Committee of the Gamma Eta Chapter from Bradley University is finally planning a reunion this summer after a few COVID-19-related delays. It will be on Aug. 24 and 25 in Long Grove, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago.

At this time, the Reunion Committee needs the help of Gamma Eta brothers. Please let Brother Bobby Sachs, 1971, know by email if you are planning on attending the reunion, not planning to attend or uncertain at this time. Also please include if your spouse or significant other will be attending. Your prompt reply would be appreciated. Thank you. Brother Sachs’ email is bsachs@xlscrew.com.

The Gamma Eta Reunion Committee includes Abby L. Hans, 1969; Robert (Bobby) H. Sachs, 1971; David B. Zacher, 1971; Howard (Howie) W. Atlas, 1970; Stephen M. Wasserman, 1968; and Jeffrey Schwartz, 1971.

Jeffrey B. Bogart, 1969, was again selected as a Georgia Super Lawyer for 2022. He has been continuously selected since the award began in 2004.

Rocky R. Smolin, 1970, wondered what to do in the time of COVID? He explains: “Locked down for a year, I wrote a novel. I had never intended to write a novel and why I did is a long and only somewhat interesting story itself. But, there it is…

“It has recently been published and is available now on Amazon at tinyurl.com/msjxp4zu

“There you can read the first few pages of the book.

“People ask me what’s it about and I refer them to the summary on the web page:

What are spells if not our inner demons (or angels) made manifest?

Once conjured are we forever bound to them or is freedom possible? This is one man’s journey to discover the truth of his personal boundaries and the spells that hold him.”

A witch’s spell follows a man for his entire life not understanding that the consequences of that spell would be a debt that would be collected some fifty years later.

At the age of 70 Roger Coles is retired, widowed, and living a comfortable if solitary existence, dominated by a feeling of emptiness.

Then a chance meeting in New Orleans with a woman he knew in college leads into an adventure he could scarcely have imagined—taking him to a city in Burma he had visited once before as a young man, a ducal estate in Normandy, a sojourn in Cape Cod, and back to his home in Chicago.

Along the way he discovers he has a problem with witches, suffers a terrible loss, confronts the contradiction between the natural and supernatural worlds, and struggles to find some meaning to his life.

“Stay healthy, my brothers.”

Randy (Woody) F. Gollay, 1974, is grateful to be well after a recent accident. He shared his story:

“Five weeks ago today (Feb. 14),

was the closest I ever came to death.

When I slipped on the ice and was unable to get up,

I knew I was in serious trouble!

It felt like I got run over by a car going 40 mph.

It was without hesitation, I had just rushed out to feed the birds.

I started to shiver rapidly and weakening

I tried to drag myself with one arm

I couldn’t call out loud enough — to seek help.

I knew I was speedily going into shock.

It was a surreal moment —

I could die! (Right on my front lawn)

See it was 9 degrees and I had no shoes or shocks,

shirt or jacket — just a pair of shorts on.

About 10 minutes later, my daughter (hero)

Mandy found me and called 911.

I heard the police say to the ambulance driver,

my leg was pointed in the wrong direction.

Yep — I was right,

I was in big trouble.

For 10 days I didn’t move my bowels

and I was eating 3 times/day.

Then, a couple of times in the following weeks,

my BP dropped suddenly

to 73/40 and I got really dizzy.

4 days ago —

I took myself off the opioid

I was taking full strength 3 or 4 times/day

I also stopped cold turkey

with the constant icing I had been applying 18 hour/day.

Also, four days ago,

was the first time, I actually moved my left foot a few inches.

I’m progressing better now,

With great therapy.

However, my insurance company,

kicked me out- way too soon,

I appealed —

but was turned down.

Today — I was sent home.

I can use a walker.

I took a total of maybe 70-100 slow steps.

I even took a shower by myself and put on my PJs.

I got to pet my dog — hug my daughter and kiss my wife!

What a wonderful world

We are all, truly blessed to live in!

So now what was the valuable lesson that I learned?

That accidents happen — sure I can accept that (that’s how my Dad died).

I don’t just settle for that!

Instantly and for a month or two

I feel, I have aged- 20-25 years forward

This is the lesson — it’s so surreal!!

This is another BLESSING!

A free preview!

A second chance to live the last third of my life, prepared.

So I am in intense pain right now

big deal.

I laugh at pain.

I pray to G-d

Just when i think

I’ve reached the threshold in my faith

you L-rd, take it higher!

I’m way up there!

Live life.

Love life.

Live, Love , Life!

— Zeeb on a heat wave

Louisiana

Sigma (Tulane University)

Brian A. Hoffman, 2009, recently joined the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis staff as a development officer.

Michigan

Beta Epsilon (Michigan State University)

Sanford (Sandy) Layne, 1964, is currently consulting on construction and real estate and living in Studio City, California. He has five kids and five grandkids and his hobbies include gourmet cooking and golf. He is currently a L.A. Rams fan, formerly a Detroit Lions fan, but just won a Super Bowl with the Rams.

New York

Alpha (City College of New York)

Perry Goldenberg, 1957, has retired from senior management of a $10 million in sales corporation in New York City. He retired to Naples, Florida, and drove a school bus for 21 years. He recently retired from that and on Feb. 19 celebrated 61 years of marriage to wife, Rose.

Delta of Phi Sigma Delta (New York University)

Dr. Gilbert I. Martin, 1963, has received the 2021 Pioneer Award from the Perinatal Section of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is working full time as a professor of pediatrics and neonatology at Loma Linda University Medical Center, in Loma Linda, California. He and his wife, Patricia, are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and they have three children and six grandchildren (all boys) ranging in age from 7 to 23. Brother Dr. Martin has attended many of the Fraternity get-togethers in New York and has kept in touch with many of his brothers.

Gamma Chapter of Phi Sigma Delta (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)

William (Bill) M. Chebot, 1949, is looking to contact a Chapter brother who graduated in 1951, Bruce A. Becker. He shares: “I was his best man at his wedding and lost contact with him through the years, but would like to contact him again. I’m 94 years old and so time is of the essence.  We both played the piano and had regular programs on the Institute’s two radio stations.  Any assistance in locating him would be greatly appreciated.” If you have information about Brother Becker to share, please email communication@zbtnational.org and ZBT will reach out to Brother Chebot.

New York Area Alumni Association

If you are interested in getting involved with the New York Area Alumni Association, please reach out to Robert (Bobby) F. Smith, Delta Omicron (University of Tampa) 2017, at smith.robertf5@gmail.com.

Pennsylvania

Eta of Phi Epsilon Pi (University of Pennsylvania)

Edward J. Brody, 1955, is married and has three sons and seven grandchildren. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

Zeta Pi (East Stroudsburg University)

Todd D. Smith, 1994, participated in 24th Annual Tour de Palm Springs in Palm Springs, California, on Feb. 12. This is a cycling event in the Coachella Valley annually with various mileage distances and a total of 4,500 riders who cycled in the groups. Brother Smith rode in the 100 mile event (reaching 103.6 miles in total) which included over 1,800 riders. He finished in the top 400 (396 of 1,815).

Tennessee

Gamma Mu (University of Memphis)

Over the past few months, the undergraduate brothers of Gamma Mu have been reaching out and interviewing alumni from the Chapter. Many brothers including past Chapter Presidents, older and younger brothers and even Founding Fathers of the Chapter have participated so far! The interviews are amazing and it is great to get to catch up with alumni and hear their stories. The videos have been recorded and saved on the Gamma Mu website: www.zbtmemphis.org/alumni-interviews

Quebec

Upsilon (McGill University)

Howard Rossman, 1960, earned an engineering degree from McGill in 1961. DuPont chemical engineer 1961-1968, executive recruiter for engineers 1979-1982. Retired travel agency owner 1968-2016. He’s been married 58 years to Carol and they have seven grandkids. They live in North Brunswick, New Jersey. Brother Rossman is in touch with Israel. He would like to hear from Chapter brothers.

Phi Sigma Delta

Gamma Chapter of Phi Sigma Delta (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)

William (Bill) M. Chebot, 1949, is looking to contact a Chapter brother who graduated in 1951, Bruce A. Becker. He shares: “I was his best man at his wedding and lost contact with him through the years, but would like to contact him again. I’m 94 years old and so time is of the essence.  We both played the piano and had regular programs on the Institute’s two radio stations.  Any assistance in locating him would be greatly appreciated.” If you have information about Brother Becker to share, please email communication@zbtnational.org and ZBT will reach out to Brother Chebot.

Delta of Phi Sigma Delta (New York University)

Dr. Gilbert I. Martin, 1963, has received the 2021 Pioneer Award from the Perinatal Section of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is working full time as a professor of pediatrics and neonatology at Loma Linda University Medical Center, in Loma Linda, California. He and his wife, Patricia, are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and they have three children and six grandchildren (all boys) ranging in age from 7 to 23. Brother Dr. Martin has attended many of the Fraternity get-togethers in New York and has kept in touch with many of his brothers.

Iota (University of Denver)

Stephen P. Ehrlich, Esq., 1970, a Past International President of the Fraternity, shared a memory. This is a picture from 1970 of Iota Chapter President Steven Abrams, 1971, accepting the Brummer Cup from brothers then-National President Richard A. Wells, Lambda (University of Texas at Austin) 1954, and Maurice B. Mitchell, Delta of Phi Sigma Delta (New York University) 1935, the Chancellor of the University of Denver, at a ceremony hosted by the University recognizing the Chapter’s achievement.

Phi Epsilon Pi

Eta of Phi Epsilon Pi (University of Pennsylvania)

Edward J. Brody, 1955, is married and has three sons and seven grandchildren. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland.