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Kevin Ruf, Iota/Berkeley '84 debut's on COMEDY CENTRAL! |
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Last night, Zeta Psi' own Kevin Ruf, Iota '84, achieved
an amazing milestone - premiering his own series on
Comedy Central! Kevin is one of the creators, writers,
producers, and stars of "Halfway Home". Join
us in congratulating Kevin, and catch his show every
Wednesday night at 10:30 PM on Comedy Central -
right after South Park
Kevin is a comic and writer based in Los Angeles. He
is an alumni of the Groundlings Improv main company
where he performed for nearly ten years. Kevin grew
up in Saratoga, CA before attending Berkeley where
he co-wrote the comedy "The Generic Play" about a
professional ping-pong player in the "Rocky" mode.
The success of that comedy and the ensuing run in
San Francisco (with audiences in excess of three
people on some nights) was the beginning of Kevin's
comedy career.
Kevin's film credits include Fun with Dick and Jane,
Eulogy, I'll Be You and The Curve. His numerous
television appearances include roles on Seinfeld,
Friends, According to Jim, Cedric the Entertainer
Presents, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Significant Others,
Talk Soup and Primetime Live. He has written and
performed three one-man shows including "Late
Sleeper" and "Small Claims," the latter based on his
life as a comic/lawyer. In 2006, Kevin argued and won
a unanimous decision in the California Supreme
court. Seriously.
Get out of jail free card? Not on COMEDY CENTRAL!
First stop is "Halfway Home," an improvised half-hour
show featuring the daily exploits of five ex-cons living
together in a residential rehab facility. The series
premiered on Wednesday, March 14 at 10:30 p.m. (in
the coveted spot after South Park).
Kevin's new show, "Halfway Home", welcomes
viewers to Crenshaw
House, where the L.A. Bureau of Prisons houses
some of its most notorious semi-hardened parolees.
Living together under one roof, "Halfway Home's"
residents must learn to come to terms with each other
and live on the straight-and-narrow under the semi-
watchful eye of their county-approved supervisor.
The cast features Kevin Ruf ("Fun with Dick and Jane,"
Groundlings member), the house supervisor who
attempts to rehabilitate the misfit parolees including
Oscar Nunez ("The Office," "Reno 911!"), a male
prostitute who uses sex to get what he desires;
Jordan Black ("Punk'd," "Mad TV"), a wanna-be
terrorist who is really just a rich kid from California;
Regan Burns ("Oblivious," "The Movie Club") the
house narc who has an uncontrollable obsession
with fire; Jessica Makinson ("Joe Schmo 2," "Trigger
Happy TV"), a drug trafficker who can't give up her old
habits and Octavia Spencer ("Coach
Carter," "Spiderman"), an armed robbery convict.
The volatile mix of personalities together with the
mandatory 24/7 supervision creates the perfect setting
for unpredictable comedic mayhem. In the premiere
episode, one of the residents smells something
suspicious in the middle of the night and Kenny, the
house supervisor, forces the parolees to take drug
tests with hilarious results. Future episodes feature
the parolees attempting self-reliance training during
an excursion in the wilderness and the residents
being asked to '"scare straight" a
mammoth-sized juvenile delinquent.
Find out more about the show by clicking on the
picture
above, or send your congratulations to Kevin by
clicking below!
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From Dave's Desk: PLAN ON LINCOLN |
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This year Zeta Psi is hosting its annual convention in
Lincoln, Nebraska from August 15 to August 19,
2007. I’d like to encourage everyone to attend. Our
host chapter, the Omicron at Nebraska Wesleyan
University, has great events planned and the week
promises to be filled with fun and camaraderie.
I’ve visited Lincoln on two occasions - once for the
1996 convention and once this past fall to visit the
chapter and catch the Texas Longhorns plan the
Nebraska Cornhuskers in football. I had a great time
each visit. The 1996 convention featured fun, intimate
events around town and at the Zete House. And of
course I enjoyed the local entertainment of the
Haymaker District and “O Street” during both trips.
Official events planned for the convention this year
include a dinner at the Cornhusker Football Stadium
Club, dinner and entertainment in the Haymaker
district, and a gathering at the Zete House. The
Embassy Suites Lincoln will serve as our host hotel.
The hotel sits in downtown Lincoln on the border of
the University of Nebraska campus, two blocks from
the Haymaker District and one block from O Street. As
will all Embassy Suites, registered guests receive a
complimentary full breakfast and a complimentary
nightly beverage reception in the lobby.
You’ll find Lincoln to be a fun and hospitable town,
which you will thoroughly enjoy. Combined with the
enjoyment of Zete Brotherhood this year’s convention
looks to be one you should not miss. I hope to see
you in Lincoln!
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Upcoming Events |
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LOS ANGELES ALUMNI EVENT TODAY!
Join Zeta Psi staffer Dan
Backer '99 and the LA-area Alumni at
Karl Strauss Brewery Garden, at Universal
CityWalk, Central Courtyard from 6 PM to 8 PM. (CLICK
HERE FOR DETAILS)
CLEVELAND LTI & ALUMNI HAPPY HOUR
AND CAVALIERS/KNICKS GAME!
Join us next Friday, 03/23 at the Nu Chapter House
from 5 - 7 PM for an alumni happy hour followed
by a trip to see the NY Knicks take on the Cleveland
Cavaliers! Join Phi Alpha Greg McElroy, Dave
Hunter, and visiting Zete undergrads from throughout
the Midwest attending Saturday's LTI,CLICK HERE
to RSVP by Monday, 3/19.
Washington, DC Elders Lawyers & Lobbyists
Luncheon
Wednesday, April 18th, from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM at
Butterfield 9 restaurant in the heart of downtown DC.
RSVP and details TBA soon on the DC elders
website, or reply to this email for more info!
JUNE 1 - 3, FOUNDERS DAY 2007 EVENTS
We're planning several big events throughout the US
for our upcoming 160th Anniversary in NYC, Boston,
Dallas, Los Angeles, and other cities for this year's
Founder's Day/weekend events. More details SOON!
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Update - 3 Zete undergrads lobbying Congress! |
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There have been a
dozen fires in the last year at fraternity houses -
destroying properties and taking lives. Zeta
Psi has been fortunate that none of those fires was
at one of our houses and that no Zete's have been
hurt. YET.
LAST MONTH, we told you how that Zete Undergrads
will participate in the annual North-American
Interfraternity Conference (NIC) Congressional
Lobbying program April 15 – 18 as part of the
Fraternal Caucus and GREEKPAC's efforts to pass
the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (CHIA).
The CHIA will allow tax-deductible gifts to be used
towards critical fire-safety improvements for our
student housing - ending the discriminatory tax laws
that directly limit our – and every fraternity’s - ability to
install vital, life saving equipment.
THIS MONTH, we're proud to announce our 3
undergraduate student lobbyists: Jigar
Ghandi, from our soon to be
Chartered Binghamton University/Mu Pi Chapter.
Alexander Nohr, from our Nebraska Wesleyan
University/Omicron Chapter - a school that had a fatal
fire at another fraternity house in the Fall. Mike
Bosworth, from our Tulane University/Beta
Tau Chapter, which saw a spat of suspicious and
destructive fires at other fraternity houses over the
New Years break.
In addition to their time lobbying on the Hill, these Zete
undergrads will join the DC Elders Lawyers
and Lobbyists Luncheon at the end of the program on
Wednesday, April 18th, at 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM at
Butterfield 9 restaurant in downtown DC - Details TBA
on the DC Elders website.
WHAT CAN YOU DO? Take a moment
to register at the fraternal caucus website (by
clicking below) to send three letters from your desktop
to your Senators and Congressperson. This quick and
easy effort by you helps demonstrate the NATION-
WIDE support for the CHIA. It takes 5 minutes of your
time but can help save a life!
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Top 10 Resume Killers |
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Forwarded by Past Phi Alpha Admiral James J. Carey:
"This has some of the most common sense for
new job seekers of many of the bloviating articles I've
read on the subject. I suggest you save it and share it
with guys who are beginning their job search. I have
watched our guys in the past make every one of the
mistakes listed. Here's our chance to help."
CLICK HERE TO
READ MORE (article from AOL &
CareerBuilder.com)
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Congratulations Washington Scholars Summer Class! |
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The Washington Scholars Fellowship Program
(WSFP) selection process was extremely difficult for
this summer’s class with close to 60 applicants
competing for 20 positions. Those selected will have
the chance to influence our nation’s laws, trading
policies, medical research, and engineering
practices. They will also experience the insider world
of Washington D.C., meet dignitaries, and attend elite
social events.
The growth of our program has been tremendous this
year, and we hope to experience similar growth next
year.
We would like to extend congratulations to the
following 20 individuals for their selection into the
summer 2007 class, with a special congratulations to
our latest Canadian Scholars – insuring the WSFP
remains an international program:
Chris Pistritto, Anand Das, Dylan Henry, Rob
Trombley, Mike Zook, Jason Nguyen, Aaron Deitz, Jim
Denny, John Renninger, Sammy Shibatu, John
Vehmeyer, Richard Stirling, AJ Fluher, Ian Bomberg,
Matt Davies, Richard Verret, Steven Own, Alexander
Sharif, Alexander Naito, and Rahul Kulkarni.
The schools represented this summer include:
UConn, Seton Hall, McGill, Michigan, Maryland,
Washington, Toronto, Illinois, Tulane, Penn State,
Tufts, UMass, Cooper Union, UCLA, NYU, Lafayette,
and Tufts.
Thank you all for your interest in the program! We will
begin accepting applications for the fall program
shortly.
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ZETA PSI IS HIRING!! |
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Zeta Psi now has a job opening for a traveling
consultant beginning June 1, 2007. The job is open
to any recent or soon to be graduate who is a member
of Zeta Psi Fraternity. The job entails traveling to
various Zete chapters during the school year and
providing advice and guidance to those chapters. The
position also entails supporting and attending the
annual convention, participating in various Leadership
Training Seminars, attending industry seminars, and
maintaining contact with keep chapter officers. The
job is based out of the Zeta Psi IHQ in Pearl River,
New York. Applicants must have experience serving in
various chapter offices and have strong recruitment
and leadership abilities. Applicant must have a good
driving record and be able to provide a personal
automobile and auto insurance. Salary is entry-level
and compensation includes health insurance and
housing in Pearl River. Travel expenses and a
mileage reimbursement are paid. If interested please
send a resume with fraternity experience detailed to
Dave Hunter by clicking below.
On a personal note, those of us who do now or have
in the past traveled for Zeta Psi can attest to this -
there is no more unique and amazing an experience
one can have then being part of the Zeta Psi staff and
traveling throughout North America to visit with our
Brothers, helping strengthen & serve our active
chapters and meet some of our 20,000+ alumni!
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Phi Profile: Wes Steschner, U. of MD/Phi Epsilon '08 |
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Profile by John Herzog, Alpha Epsilon/Illinois '07
As members of Zeta Psi, we are all presented with
chances to have fun, while becoming leaders in both
our houses and communities. Wes Steschner, current
phi of the Maryland chapter is an example of
somebody who has taken full advantage of both these
opportunities. Thanks to his tireless efforts, he has
helped improved the Phi Epsilon chapter for its
members and community, while creating life long
memories and developing his skills for a limitless
future.
Wes is a junior at the University of Maryland, and
initiated in to Zeta Psi in the fall of his freshman year.
As he looks back at his decision to join now, he had
no idea of the significance Zeta Psi would play in his
college career. “At first, I liked Zeta Psi because I got
along with the guys really well.” Wes said. "I just liked
hanging out. I didn't realize how many benefits this
organization could offer me, but I've learned a lot since
my freshman year."
Since then, Wes emerged as an outstanding leader in
his chapter and college community. In two years, Wes
has attended two Zeta Psi conventions and was
elected Phi of his chapter. During his term, Wes has
strengthened the chapter internally and increased its
positive impact on the college campus. One reason
for such drastic results is Wes's apparent enthusiasm
for the work he's doing.
"This is really an exciting time of year for us." he
explained. "We just finished our initiation weekend,
and now have eleven new members. This is our
largest class in four years and I believe they all have
enormous potential."
In addition to gaining new members, Wes makes
sure his brothers engage in many fun activities to
keep their brotherhood strong, including actives vs.
alumni softball games and a golf tournament for
ZeteKidz scheduled for April 29.
Under Wes's guidance, the chapter has continued to
improve its already great reputation in the community.
Each year, Zetes at the University of Maryland partake
in many philanthropic events. Wes explains that the
most noteworthy is the relay for life which takes place
each Spring. It is a twelve hour walkathon on campus
that raises thousands of dollars to support cancer
research.
While a diligent worker, Wes has also had his share
of fun as a Zete undergraduate. He believes his two
conventions are some of his most memorable times
as a Zete. "I really enjoy making friends with like
minded people across the country." he said. "It feels
good to have a bond with them and talk about
experiences with one another."
Wes's accomplishments have had a drastic and
positive impact on the unity and reputation of the Phi
Epsilon chapter. He also believes his experiences as
president will help him achieve his future goal of
becoming a business manager. Although he is
uncertain of what he wants to manage, Wes showed a
high level of determination and motivation while
talking about the future.
"I'm not sure exactly where I want to work or what I
want to manage yet." Wes stated. "I still have a year
left of school. But no matter what job I get, I'm willing to
do whatever it takes and climb my way to the top."
With an attitude like that, there is no doubt that Wes
Steschner will be part of the next successful
generation of Zetes!
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Alumni Profile: Evan Shapiro, Upsilon Mu/UMASS-Amherst '89 |
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Profile by Rob Trombley, Xi/Michigan '05
As a freshman entering the University of
Massachusetts, Evan Shapiro was looking for a
Fraternity that fit him. His dad was a Greek and he
knew he wanted that experience, so he checked many
different places out. I was the guys at Zete drew that
him in because they were down to earth (and he also
liked the girls that were there!).
His best memories of Zeta Psi involve the house.
Whether playing Wales Tales, watching Star Trek, or
drawing on peoples faces in the basement after a
party, Zete was a blast. The culture and community he
found there made him never want to leave. It was
everything he ever wanted in a house. He also has
fond memories of his big brother David “Fink”
Finkelstein (a future Chapter Advisor at Illinois), who
he describes as “a brilliant smart ass.” David not only
taught him about the fraternity, but he taught him a lot
about life.
Evan’s experience in Zeta Psi continues help him
today. Zeta Psi helped him to learn how to deal with
people - learning to find things he has in common
with others to break down barriers. Evan has found
ways to get along with people that he never thought he
could, and these skills are extremely helpful in his job
where he has to network and meet many different
people.
Zeta Psi prides itself on having well-rounded
members in many different fields, and Evan certainly
fits this mold. He is currently the VP of the
Independent Film Channel. He is responsible for their
programming, buying films, marketing, and producing
films and TV shows. He gets to travel to all the major
film festivals from Sundance to Cannes. Evan says
he always wanted to work in the arts, and never gave
up on his dream. He now says that this job is his
dream, and he would not give it up for anything.
And Evan has certainly given back to the fraternity that
helped him on the road to achieving those dreams.
Evan is a longtime, loyal donor to his own Upsilon Mu
Chapter and most recently arranged to host the first
Wall Street Scholar Intern (Matt Pirkowski) last
Summer, and a new intern this coming summer!
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Alumni Notes: Zetes meet in Puerto Vallarta |
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Neither knew the other before meeting at a destination
wedding of mutual friends in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in
December, 2006. "Over a few margaritas, Scott
Molinaroli (Psi
Epsilon '93) mentioned that he went to Dartmouth,
and I knew he must have been a Zete", said Grant
Held (Kappa, '89). The two Zetes shared stories about
their college days in New England and celebrated in
true Zeta Psi style.
Grant recently got engaged and he and his
fiance Allison (Harvard '91) are planning a
summer '07 wedding. Scott received his M.B.A from
Stanford where he was a classmate of Brian Moloney,
Eta '93.
Pictured Left: Grant Held, Kappa '89 and Scott
Molinaroli, Psi Epsilon '93
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From Greg McElroy, Phi Alpha CXXI |
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To my Fellow Zetes on The Ides of March:
Last month I commented on the theme of love, as it
coincided with Valentine’s Day. I received a number of
emails commenting warmly on my message, and to
those who had read that column; I truly feel the love
that Zeta Psi imbues in most of us. To that end, I will
relate on some of my, at times, obscure references to
our Fraternity in the world of entertainment and the
arts.
To be candid, Zeta Psi has not had a large heritage
of “famous” people in the worlds of entertainment, the
arts, athletics and even politics. Sure we can claim
some pretty high-ranking figures in the latter two
categories: how about the greatest football player of
all time (Red Grange of our Illinois chapter), or a long
stint of political hierarchy in the state of California with
two consecutive Zete governors serving in recent
years (Pete Wilson of Yale and Gray Davis of
Stanford)?
Zeta Psi has certainly enjoyed fame and fortune far
beyond its relatively small size in the world of
business and other professional endeavors. The list
of Fortune 500 CEOs who have been and still are
Zetes would take a much longer column than UpZete
Editor Dan Backer would allow. Suffice it to say, Zeta
Psi alumni have done very well in climbing the
corporate ladders of American and Canadian
businesses throughout our history.
But what of the world of entertainment? Long before
the vast majority of UpZete readers were born - or
even their parents - Zeta Psi alumnus Joe E. Brown of
our UCLA chapter was one of the most famous film
and radio comedic entertainers of the first half of the
20th century - and a very good Zete. A bit after Joe’s
time, but generally in his era, Zeta Psi was graced
with hugely popular singing star (referred to as
a “crooner” in his day) Lanny Ross, a terrific Zete from
Yale, whom I met several times at New York Zete
functions in my early years as Executive Director.
In recent years we have seen successful careers in
entertainment by several Zetes who proudly proclaim
their Zete membership including TV and film star
Dean Cain of Princeton (aka SUPERMAN), mega-
producer Dick Wolf of Penn (of Law and Order fame),
and corporate financial wizard Mark Badagliacca of
Cornell. I have not had the pleasure of personally
meeting Brothers Cain or Wolf, but I know
Brother “Bags”, as he has often been called, and have
been privileged to call him a friend for over three
decades.
Mark has been the CFO of Paramount Studios for
several years, having joined the corporate finance
department of Paramount when he graduated from
Harvard Business School and worked in his native
New York for a number of years. The company closed
its New York office and set up all administrative
operations in Los Angeles in the 1980s, where Mark
has been since. No Paramount Picture gets the go-
ahead to be shot and financed without going through
Mark’s office, and that is a lot of responsibility for
anyone, to be sure. Though Mark and I have spent
many good times together as brothers over the years,
there’s one I remember vividly. A few years ago we
were having lunch at the Paramount commissary on
the studio lot, when we were greeted by the then-CEO
of Paramount, Sherry Lansing, who took the time to
come say hello to Mark and me. When she received
her lifetime achievement award at this year’s Oscars,
my thoughts were with Mark and his great career at
Paramount.
There are doubtless many other Zete luminaries in
the entertainment world and many more to come!
With my personal best wishes in Tau Kappa Phi,
Greg McElroy, Phi Alpha CXXI
Email Greg!
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Zete Ties are back!
Washington Scholars Fellowship Program
ZeteKidz
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