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Phi Alpha's Message
 To my Fellow Zetes:
As many UpZete readers can imagine, I travel a LOT! For those who don't travel much, this is a lifestyle of excitement and seeing interesting places. For those who do travel quite a bit, you know otherwise. The hassles of airline travel have grown exponentially and even auto travel can be fraught with major hassles and headaches. But if I and others are to make a statement about the critical need to connect, there continues to be no better way to interact than to speak with others face-to-face.
In the past two months, I have spent a week in America's Heartland for Zeta Psi's 160th Convention in Lincoln, been to Southern and Northern California and Seattle on the West Coast, a family vacation on Cape Cod, several places in the Northeast (including New York and New England LTI conferences at Cornell and Worcester) and a huge reunion of Zetes at our Virginia Tech Chapter, celebrating their founding as the Alpha Pi Tau local fraternity 40 years ago. And the many Zetes I see in my home in the New York City metro area. And I have many other places to go to before the end of the calendar year. One thing I observed throughout all this travel is that Zeta Psi is on a roll!
As part of our emphasis on increased communications, those of us on the Zete staff and leadership have continued to drive home the message of successful membership recruitment at all our Active chapters. And nearly all chapters that reported their fall pledge class numbers seem to have responded very well to the recruitment challenge. Through the major realization that recruitment is not rush, in the traditional sense that many of us have viewed chapter rush for years, we have developed and promoted a new and better way to sustain and increase Chapter membership-to all those chapters willing to adopt it. We have seen impressive pledge class numbers at many chapters this fall, and we are confident that these numbers will continue to impress throughout this school year.
If properly implemented, those of us promoting this new model at conventions, regional LTIs, and chapter visits contend that it is virtually foolproof. Simply put, we encourage chapters not to view membership recruitment as a structured, time-sensitive and short-term program, but rather a daily activity and commitment by Brothers to make new friends and convert those who may be good fits for the chapter into pledges, whenever campus rules allow it - and in many ways "recruitment" is not regulated by campuses since it looks nothing like "rush".
As I've said often this past year-plus, we of Zeta Psi's leadership team, starting with me, have committed ourselves to substantially increased contact with our undergraduate chapters. That has happened through frequent emails, phone calls, instant messaging and through formal communications like the UpZete. But it starts with our connecting face-to-face with Zetes throughout the great North American continent.
I've already met hundreds of Active and Elder Zetes this fall, and I hope that I may meet many more of you before my term of office concludes at next August's convention in Montreal.
Always in Tau Kappa Phi,
Greg McElroy, Phi Alpha CXXXI |
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LTI CAN HELP YOU!
 So far Zeta Psi has held two successful Leadership Training Institutes (LTIs) - one in New York State at Cornell and the other for the New England Chapters at WPI. Both LTIs went very well, with over 125 Zete's attending between the two. Many thanks to the chapters that attended, our host chapters, and to the volunteer alumni that visited and helped with the program.
This month we have the Pacific LTI on Saturday October 20th at Berkeley and the Southern LTI on Sunday October 28th at North Carolina State. Chapters in the West and South - please strongly consider attending in large numbers. LTIs are valuable programs offering insight into and development of leadership, professional skills, recruitment, and organizational operations. You will come away from an LTI in a better position to succeed in school and in life. Alumni, you're invited as well. This is a good excuse to come by if you're in the area, and reconnect with some of our best and brightest! I hope all of you will attend the LTI in your region.
In Tau Kappa Phi, Dave Hunter, IA '80 (email me) |
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ZETE ENGINEERING CHALLENGE
Our Brotherhood has a historically large imprint in Engineering with strong chapters at RPI, WPI, VA Tech, MIT, Purdue, Case, and other top-tier schools and programs. With many prominent alumni in the field, and many young Brothers pursuing this career, we propose the Zeta Psi Engineering Challenge.
We talk a lot about the amazing internships Zete offers. Our flagship Washington Scholars Program, our growing Wall Street Scholars, and our new Northwestern Mutual program are the ENVY of the Greek world. Yet, in a field where internships are absolutely critical - Engineering & applied sciences - we don't yet have a program. Our challenge is to:
"Develop an internship program for undergraduate and graduate Zetes to advance their engineering careers through the engagement, mentoring, opportunities, and support of our Elders."
HOW? We need YOU - our engineer alumni and actives - to tell us how to make this happen! Here's what we're asking of ALL of you in the field:
1. If you can offer any insight, guidance, or ideas as to how this can or should work, LET US KNOW! We'll compile a list of interested Zete's to continue this discussion.
2. If you are an alumni in the field, and think you can offer a position (paid or unpaid, semester or summer), LET US KNOW!
Our goal is to organize a committee of volunteers to help plan out how the program will work, and start with the first placements this coming summer. HELP US ACHIEVE THAT GOAL, and EMAIL US! |
REMINDER to ALL Zetes who work for the US federal govrnment - OR have family & friends who do
 Each year the U. S. Government conducts an annual charity drive called "The Combined Federal Campaign" (CFC), structured to replace the countless charities that used to show up every year seeking funds with a single annual drive that divides donations among 4,000+ charities.
The Future Leaders for America Foundation, which operates the Zeta Psi Washington Scholars Internship Program, is a qualified charity within the CFC. Funds raised through the CFC gives Future Leaders the ability to support more interns from Zete and the general public on an equal competition basis. This greatly enhances our ability to increase the number of Zetes in the program, currently only 25-30 Zete Washington Scholars a year.
So we ask that ANY ZETE having ANY RELATIONSHIP with ANY U. S. FEDERAL EMPLOYEE who contributes to the 2007 Combined Federal Campaign, which is going on NOW: tell them about all the good that comes from the Washington Scholars, how the program IS "Training Tomorrow's Future Leaders Today", and ask them to specify a portion of their CFC donation to donor # 12257 [that's Future Leaders] to help fund this outstanding program and it's proven track record and proven results. Each donation specified to donor # 12257 goes, in total, to the Future Leaders to support the Washington Scholars (unspecified donations are shared equally among 4000+ approved CFC charities).
MANY THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO HELP WITH THIS!
-Admiral James J Carey, Ret.'d, Founder of the Washington Scholars and Past Phi Alpha |
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Northwestern Mutual Intern Update!
Matt Davies, Upsilon Mu/UMASS: So far, Northwestern Mutual has been a definite change of pace for me. It requires a lot of organization and multi-tasking ability. I am pretty much my own entrepreneur, building my own life insurance business from scratch. I only have to be "at work" on Wednesday mornings for 90 minutes of development training after which I can go into the office and "do my dials". Or, I can do it from home, my car, etc. So far I've chosen to do it from home because my school schedule makes it inefficient to drive 45 minutes to the office beyond our 'training day'.
I took a first stab at the insurance exams which didn't go so well - not uncommon in this field! -I'm scheduled to take them again on October 13th - this time with much more experience and prep time under my belt!
Last week I completed my first two "fact finders" for potential clients and I'm starting to get used to all the paper work. This week I'm working on setting someone up with investments in mutual funds with one of the professionals in the Springfield Group Office. It will be very interesting to go on a joint work mission with him and see first hand how people in this industry do things after being in it for many years. This has been a GREAT experience, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the semester!
Sam Soichet, Xi/Michigan: Thus far I have spent most of my time with Northwestern studying for the licensing exams, and the hands-on-experience has only just begun. My office, located in downtown Ann Arbor, has a cozy, but professional, feel to it. I have my own little cubby of an office, which surprisingly fits a desk and phone. My co-workers have been very supportive, encouraging me to try new things and learn through joint work with more experienced reps.
The sales training finished just two weeks ago - down in Troy, Michigan, about an hour away. During that time I was finishing up all of NMFN's required online assessment tests. The job officially started on October 1st; but nevertheless I have been in the office frequently. I have already opened two cases and set up a series of appointments.
During the last two appointments I worked together with my College Unit Director (CUD), Tek Wiegert. Tek has been my mentor for the past few weeks and I feel that we have built a solid professional relationship and we stand to learn a lot from each other.
Unfortunately, due to the onslaught of career fairs one after the other and a sizeable course load, I have not been able to speak much with my Zeta Psi mentor. I hope to spend more time with the Zeta Psi elders from around the area and possibly share my experiences with them soon! | |
IT'S HERE!
WE'VE LAUNCHED OUR ALL NEW ZETEBOOK!
CLICK HERE to check out our whole new system - with greater security, more features & all new options and over 1800+ Zete's already using it!
We didn't migrate over all existing info, so if you've already registered, please go and update your pic's, firends, and bios!
**Younger Actives (initiated in the last 1-2 years) are being added and should be live soon! |
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NEW!!! CAMPUSGEAR from Velocitee | 
Check out our exciting new CampusGear supplier - Velocitee, Inc. - and their stylish take on classic Zeta Psi designs. CLICK HERE to check out the store and their standard and custom desgins! |
SPORTSWEAR from Spirit Recognition
 CLICK HERE to shop for your Zete Sportswear and gifts from Spirit - a long time provider of Zetewear to Actives & Alumni, and once again a licensed provider of ZeteGear! |
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Your online shopping supports BOTH your chapter and Zeta Psi - though the new Zete Online Shopping Mall. Just click through to our eMall, select your chapter, and shop at our preferred online retailers - your purchases generate an average 3% donation. If you already shop online, please support us with the extra 2 second it take to click through our Zete Fundraising eMall. Do what you already do, and help Zete in the process! |
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 ZETE TIES!
CLICK HERE to buy your very own Zeta Psi neck or bow tie - a snazzy wardrobe addition!
These limited edition Vineyard Vines ties are avaliable while supplies last! We've a few dozen Red and Gold left and we SOLD OUT of Navy Blue. Our stylish black Bow Ties - are extremely limited - only 40 were ordered and less than half our stock remains - order SOON! |
FALL/WINTER ALUMNI EVENTS
NYC, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, DC, and Philly area events!
Join local elders in each city for some casual fun and good way to reconnect!
Monday, October 29, 6 - 8 PM
Washington DC, DC Elders 4th Annual Wine tasting
CLICK HERE FOR RSVP
Saturday, Nov. 17, 6:30 PM cocktails, 7:30 PM dinner
Chicago Elders Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
Vic's Italian Steakhouse
Oakbrook Terrace, 17 W 400 22nd St.
Business dress, $45 per elder/guest
CLICK HERE TO EMAIL RSVP
Tuesday, Dec. 4th, 6 - 8 PM
New York City
Location TBA, CLICK HERE to email if interested!
Wednesday, Dec 5th, 6 - 8 PM
Philadelphia Alumni Club holiday social
Marathon Bar & Grill
CLICK HERE TO EMAIL INTEREST/RSVP
Thursday, Dec. 6th, 6 - 8 PM
Boston Alumni Club holiday social
Good time Emporium
CLICK HERE TO EMAIL INTEREST/RSVP
Wednesday, Dec. 12th, 6 - 8 PM
Dallas Alumni Club holiday social Location TBA, CLICK HERE to email if interested!
Houston Area Zetes gathered last week
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Alpha Pi celebrates 40 years!
Photo: Founding APT Brothers
This past weekend of the 6th the Actives and Alumni of the Alpha Pi Chapter gathered to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of their founding at Virginia Tech.
Many of the Founding Brothers had not been back since graduation and this was an excellent opportunity to catch up with old friends and take in the changes at the University and the Fraternity. Although Tech's win over Clemson had the crowd excited, it wasn't until 11 of the original 16 Brothers took the stage that everyone rose for a standing ovation.
Following the announcement of this year's recipients of the Jud Browning Memorial Scholarship, a departed Founding Brother, Greg McElroy took the stage and awarded three scholarships from the Zeta Psi Educational Foundation. The '08 fundraising campaign kicked off with a bang as the Alumni will look to triple the principal of the Jud Browning Scholarship Fund in the coming year. |
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Upcoming Toronto Elder Events!
Beer and Oyster: Wed., Oct. 17, 2007 - 8 PM
Location: Zete House - 180 St George St.
Guest Speaker: Brother Dr. Arnold Fleming DDS, who will be speaking on his recent trip to Rwanda where he assisted in directly providing aid. Brothers and Rushees only, Jacket and Tie, Inquiries to Phi@zetehouse.com
Commemoration: Sat., Nov. 10, 2007
Location: Zete House - 180 St George St.
Agenda:
5:00 PM, Business Meeting:
6:00 PM AGM, w/ Cocktails to follow
7:00 PM Dinner at the York Club
9:00 PM Festivities back at the house to follow
Special events:
* Sponsorship of Rush Robert Isaacs to fly over from Oxford Colony (England) and attend.
* Re-Dedication of Lieut. Félix Olivier Bolté's Memorial Chair by his 81 year old nephew, Auguste Bolté of Alpha Delta Phi
* Commemoration of our War Dead from The Great War and World War Two
Dress: Black Tie (encouraged)
Invitees: All Elder Zetes in good standing
CLICK HERE for RSVP (required) |
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Ready for the job you REALLY want?
Zeta Psi partners with JobBound!
 Recognizing the need to help our Brothers make the transition into the working world, we are excited to partner with JobBound, the country's leading career consulting company.
JobBound offers a variety of services for all levels of job seekers including assistance with writing resumes, preparing for interviews, cover letter writing, and career coaching. All services consist of individual sessions over the phone.
Working with JobBound provides members of Zeta Psi the rare opportunity to have industry insiders guide them through the job search process. For more information, CLICK HERE.
PLUS: Check out Zete's Online Job Symposium, with critical career guidance for job seekers! CLICK HERE |
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Alumni Notes
 " Captain Sir George McNeillie, formerly of Queens Own Rifles in the Royal Canadian Army, was presented the International Superior Service Award of the Knights Templar Military Order on September 22nd for his four year highly successful performance as the Prior [Commanding Officer] of The Knights Templar Priory of St. James in Toronto. CPT McNeillie founded the Toronto Priory of the Knights Templar Order and built it from zero members 4 years ago to a group of 50 highly successful Toronto area professionals and military officers that constitute the Order in Toronto today. A change of command ceremony was conducted in St. James Episcopal Cathedral in Toronto, a beautiful and historic structure located in downtown Toronto and once the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Toronto, who was also Captain McNeillie's Grandfather. Captain McNeillie was the 125th Phi Alpha [CXXV] of Zeta Psi. Congratulations to Zeta Psi's Captain George McNeillie, who continues to accrue accolades and win awards, bringing continued honor and credit to Zeta Psi". - Adm. James J. Carey. |
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ZeteKidz Update
The Nu chapter at Case Western held their annual Zete Kids golf tournament fundraiser on September 23rd. The Alpha Beta Chapter held its third annual ZeteKidz golf tourney on July 22. Though their field of 11 golfers was not as extensive as the Nu's, they still contributed $215 to ZeteKidz.
The members of the Board of Directors of ZeteKidz thank both of the chapters.
Our website continues to grow to help you achieve your philanthropic goals. We encourage all of our chapters to visit the ZeteKidz website to see how easy it is to organize a golf tourney, hold a Qdoba relay, or become involved with a local Scout troop.
If you have an event planned, let us help you promote it on the ZeteKidz website by CLICKING HERE. | |
