Where does the time go?  It is hard to fathom that my year as Phi Alpha is drawing to a close already, as it seems only a few months ago that I stood in front of the 159^th Grand Chapter meeting in Philadelphia to be sworn in as Phi Alpha Number 131.  I have been asked to consider serving a second year, and it appears likely that shall be the will of the Nominating Committee and the Zeta Psi Board.  I'll of course leave that up to those assembled in Lincoln, Nebraska for Zeta Psi's 160^th International Convention.

Finals have concluded in the past couple of weeks for most college and universities at which Zeta Psi chapters are located.  This time of the year signals the end of another operational year for the International Fraternity and the Zeta Psi Educational Foundation.  What's our scorecard to be this past school year?

We had sought to have 50 operational chapters and colonies by the time of our 2007 convention, which won't be met, not because we haven't grown the Zeta Psi Circle this school year.  We did, as Zeta Psi successfully reactivated our Alpha Beta Chapter at Minnesota, and chartered new chapters at the University of Georgia and Binghamton University, and we have established a healthy colony at North Carolina State University.  But we also had to close an unsuccessful chapter at the Claremont colleges in Southern California, we were forced to close our unrecognized chapter at Dartmouth College in order to formally reopen it in two years, and we are holding on just barely at a couple of other campuses.  So we expect be at 47 campuses when school opens in the fall.  Zeta Psi should easily be at the 50 chapter mark, and we may establish a high water mark of chapters and colonies at 53 to 55, by the time of our 2008 convention in Montreal.  We have ambitious, but realistic, plans to re-establish at least two groups next year and to start another 2-4 new chapters in the school year ahead.

Are chapter health and expansion the kinds of priorities we should be focused on at this time in our long and impressive history?  I would say "yes", based on my 35 years of experience in the realm of fraternities and sororities.  Opportunities to grow are oftentimes limited by fortuitous circumstances.  When those circumstances arise, it's important to take advantage of them.  Zeta Psi can right now, as we will, because we again have a fully staffed headquarters team, our finances are as stable as they have been in several years, and we have a progressive and highly motivated Board, as well as hundreds of outstanding alumni and undergraduate leaders, who have dedicated themselves to the improvement of both their respective chapters and to the International Fraternity.  And it will only get better!

There are still a few more UpZetes before the 2007 convention, so I'll have more to say about this past year and the plan for the next one during the dog days of summer.  There are lots of plans to set in motion for the 2007-08 school year, and many of those were formulated at a staff retreat that next year's chapter services staff and I participated in last week.  Our goal: to maximize the effectiveness of every Zeta Psi chapter through strong recruitment programs and operations, to help bolster our Elder chapters to assist their corresponding Active Chapter in every way possible, to operate financially in the black or at breakeven, to greatly increase our reach to more Actives and Elders in the realm of leadership education, to continue to grow the most effective career internship programs in the Greek world through Washington and Wall Street Scholars programs, to make the fraternity experience as rewarding and fun as it can and should be while insisting that that experience be conducted in a safe and lawful manner, to simply be the best we can be as North America's First International Fraternity (and perhaps the First Inter Continental Fraternity), and to make all of us in Zeta Psi continue to be Proud to be a Zete!

I thank all of you who have helped make this, my first term of office, as rewarding for me as I hope it has been for many of your reading these UpZetes for the past several months. 

Always in Tau Kappa Phi,

As the current school year comes to an end Zeta Psi extends its hearty congratulations to all of our students graduating from college.  Your formidable learning years are ending and now you're entering the working world.  I hope and trust that Zeta Psi has contributed to your education.

I received some sage advice when I graduated and I'd like to pass it on.  In reality few new graduates will hit the big one and retire before you are 30.  If you do - remember Zeta Psi!  For the rest of you remember your goal is to succeed in your chosen field.  To do that you must be knowledgeable in your industry, you must be able to work with people, and you must develop and demonstrate reliability. 

Spend your 20s becoming an expert in what you do.  Don't be so concerned with job title, the first promotion, or status.  Anyone can get to the next level and who gets there first is of no concern.  No one rises far without intimate knowledge of their chosen profession.

Spend your 30s moving up in your organization.  Competency and reliability show through and are recognized.  Get along with everyone and never burn a bridge.

Spend you 40s shooting for the top jobs. 

No matter what you do in life you should be well prepared with a degree from a top university and your fraternity experience in Zeta Psi.  Zeta Psi wishes you the very best.  Please update your information with us once you are settled.  Enjoy a successful life, and remember Zeta Psi!

--Dave Hunter, IA '80

As many of us know, the Zeta Psi Fraternity consists of talented and dedicated individuals across the United States and Canada.  Matthew Hotsko, current president of the Sigma chapter is no exception.

Born and raised in Panama, Matthew came to the United States to study architecture. He is attending the University of Pennsylvania, and finished his junior year earlier this month. Additionally, Matt has been accepted to the graduate program, where he will begin taking courses in 2008.

At the beginning of his college career, Matt was unsure about joining a fraternity. However, after attending a party hosted by the Sigma chapter, he was thoroughly convinced. "I like the chapter because there are a lot of diverse people in it." he stated. "We have 28 guys right now, and about half are from other countries."

Matt's enthusiasm for the fraternity has remained strong, and he has worked to improve his chapter over the past three years. Currently, he is president, and promotes a healthy relationship between alumni and active members. Each year, the chapter welcomes all alumni to a formal dinner, and has seen amazing results. "We have as many alumni there as we do actives." Matt said. Additionally, the chapter takes great pride in homecoming week. "Each year, we plan various events so people who return feel welcomed." Matt explained.

Although he is not certain of plans after college, Matt has several ambitious ideas. Judging by his current achievements, there is no doubt he will be successful in accomplishing his future goals. "After college, I want to work in the field of architecture worldwide." Matt explained. "I want to have jobs in various locations, and do a bit of sightseeing before I settle down. I think that would be interesting."

Clearly, Matt is an exemplary brother in Zeta Psi. His talents and hard work have paid off for both him and members of his chapter. Because Matt is goal oriented, his future efforts as an architect will benefit many individuals as well.

Oxford Interest Group - Founding members installed as pledges!