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Individual Awards

Each year the Fraternity recognizes individuals (undergraduate, alumni and friends of ZBT) for achievements in the interfraternal world and the greater community.

The Roswell "Buddy" Messing Award (Most Outstanding Individual Brother)

This award for ZBT’s Most Outstanding Individual Brother is named in honor of Roswell “Buddy” Messing, Jr., Omega (University of Missouri) 1938. Throughout his long career in ZBT, Messing served as trustee to the Omega Chapter and was often sought for his counsel on matters of importance to the International Fraternity. His fraternal spirit remained strong until his death in the late 1980s. The Messing Award is presented to the undergraduate man who most fully embodies the precepts of our Fraternity.

  • 2008 Keaton M. Nasser, Alpha Rho (UCLA), 2009
  • 2009 Brian C. Wilhelm, Zeta Xi (Gannon University) 2010
  • 2010 Andrew E. Klein, Phi Alpha Alpha (The George Washington University) 2010
  • 2011 David J. Cohen, Epsilon Mu (University of Kansas) 2011
  • 2012 Kyle Weinreich, Rho Iota (University of Rhode Island) 2014
  • 2013 Jason J. Colombini, Eta Mu (California Polytechnic State University) 2013
  • 2014 James (Alex) Blubaugh, Purdue University (Alpha Alpha Chapter) 2014
  • 2015 Joseph Fisher, Alpha Alpha (Purdue University) 2015
  • 2016 Bryan J. Pfeffer, Beta Zeta Epsilon (University of Maryland-College Park) 2017
  • 2017 Jason R. Zeboris, Nu (The Ohio State University) 2018
  • 2018 Matthew J. Scalia, Nu (The Ohio State University) 2018
  • 2019 Matthew A. McCoy, Delta Iota (University of Central Florida) 2019
  • 2020 Adam P. Schwartz, Alpha Psi (Pennsylvania State University) 2020
  • 2021 Matthew P. Duff, Delta Xi (Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University)
  • 2022 Alexander P. Kanfer, Alpha Zeta (University of Florida) 2022
  • 2023 Jacob T. Rathgeb, Delta Lambda (Monmouth College) 2023

Maine-Heffer Award (Most Outstanding Chapter President)

This award for ZBT’s Most Outstanding Chapter President is named in honor of two brothers, Douglas L. Maine, Alpha Beta (Temple University) 1970, and Jerome Heffer, Delta of Phi Sigma Delta (New York University) 1925.

Brother Maine was a two-term (1969-1970) President of Alpha Beta Chapter at Temple University. He was a member of the Zeta Beta Tau professional staff (1971-1978) and went on to have a successful business career with MCI (now part of Verizon) and IBM where he was Chief Financial Officer of both companies. Following retirement from IBM, Brother Maine joined Wall Street firm Brown, Brothers Harriman. Brother Maine is still active with ZBT serving as the chapter advisor to Delta Chapter at Columbia University and as a member of the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation’s Corporate Governance Committee.

The late Brother Heffer was a member of Phi Sigma Delta’s National Council from 1947 until his death in 1958, as well as advisor to the NYU Chapter. He was known for his passion for Fraternity, his desire for justice and his sincerity.

  • 1970 Douglas L. Maine, Alpha Beta
  • 1971 Alan Berger, Sigma
  • 1972 Thomas Pace, Alpha Pi
  • 1973 Richard Chirls, Theta
  • 1974 Larry Kohn, Omega
  • 1975 David M. Krakoff , Nu
  • 1976 Larry Goldberg
  • 1977 Robert H. Goral, Delta Pi
  • 1978 Andrew L. Schiffman, Sigma
  • 1978 Charles J. Incalcaterra, Beta Delta
  • 1979 David I. Rainer, Alpha Rho
  • 1980 J. Brett Studner, Muhlenberg Not in database
  • 1981 Allan M. Gottlieb, Alpha Theta
  • 1982 Larry Herman
  • 1983 Brady T. Connell, Alpha Rho
  • 1984 Jack E. Lepper, Alpha
  • 1985 Mark L. Kaufmann, Rho
  • 1986 Neil S. Hirshman, Rho
  • 1987 Not Known
  • 1988 Carl J. Pellegrino, Gamma Beta
  • 1989 Steve A. Gwinner, Alpha Omicron
  • 1990 Marc E. Lapides, Rho
  • 1991 Jason R. Matloff, Alpha Rho
  • 1992 Matthew A. Berg, Alpha Rho
  • 1993 Daniel S. Pfeffer, Beta Alpha Theta
  • 1994 Not Known
  • 1995 Anthony J. Alberti, Beta Xi; Jeffrey S. Alekman, Beta Epsilon
  • 1995 Jeffrey S. Adler, Beta Xi
  • 1995 David K. Beach, Gamma Iota
  • 1995 Charles R. Belshe, Delta Gamma
  • 1995 Jason C. Boso, Zeta Lambda
  • 1995 Todd A. Carozza, Gamma (New York University)
  • 1995 Joshua M. Cooper, Epsilon Beta
  • 1995 Michael G. Cortina, Delta Lambda
  • 1995 Mark R. Feinsand, Mu (Boston University)
  • 1995 Daniel A. Franz, Zeta Phi
  • 1995 Joseph S. Gentry, Delta Psi
  • 1995 Mark A. Hakim, Omicron (Syracuse University)
  • 1995 Jason M. Harrow, Alpha Omicron
  • 1995 Adam D. Kolbrenner, Alpha Omega
  • 1995 Matthew J. Kritzer, Zeta Rho
  • 1995 Gregory S. Lewis, Alpha Omicron
  • 1995 Matthew C. Litterell, Beta Eta
  • 1995 Aric D. Pozez, Epsilon Mu
  • 1995 Todd A. Roland, Zeta Xi
  • 1995 H. L. Rosenberg, Omicron (Tufts University)
  • 1995 Mark J. Russo, Beta Tau (Edinboro University)
  • 1995 David V. Shapiro, Rho
  • 1995 Jacob L. Shimansky, Beta Epsilon
  • 1995 William K. Strickland, Xi (Georgia Institute of Technology)
  • 1995 Adam M. Venokur, Epsilon Gamma
  • 1995 Michael J. Zogby, Delta Psi
  • 1996 Not Known
  • 1997 Scott A. Ramsay, Zeta Pi
  • 1998 Ron I. Gibori, Alpha Omicron
  • 1998 Jordan H. Strauss, Epsilon Mu
  • 1999 Brad D. Bondroff, Beta Zeta Epsilon
  • 1999 Ron I. Gibori, Alpha Omicron
  • 1999 Jordan H. Straus, Epsilon Mu
  • 2000 Not Known
  • 2001 Joseph M. Campo, Beta Mu; James J. Carmignani, Zeta Chi; Michael A. Chase, Epsilon Beta;   Jason T. Conrad, Zeta Delta; Thomas F. Cook, Delta Lambda; Colin L. Drabert, Zeta Xi; Jason E. Fanselau, Zeta Upsilon; Charles W. Foster, Phi Delta Psi; Gustave P. Garcia, Beta Mu; Stuart A. Gross, Beta Delta; Brett G. Katz, Alpha Omega; Erik M. Kemp, Zeta Omega; Yoaav S. Krauthammer, Lambda (Case Western Reserve); Richard C. Mallard, Beta Phi; Benjamin A. Marter, Beta Alpha Theta; Mark A. Midoux, Zeta Upsilon; Adam S. Muhlendorf, Psi; Francis T. Newell, Gamma (Northwestern University); Edward J. Ochoa, Beta Lambda; Cory A. Ogden, Mu (Boston University); Cary P. Rodriguez, Eta Beta; Daniel L. Rummel, Beta Tau (California State University-Sacramento); Chris A. Rush, Alpha Xi;   David A. Vadas, Zeta Nu; Michael R. Smith, Alpha Omega; Sean W. Williams, Beta Lambda.
  • 2000 Samuel J. Cohen, Psi; Charles H. Crisler, Zeta Phi; Rory S. Naughton, Mu (Boston University);   Daniel H. Frankenstein, Alpha Eta; Kelan J. Champagne, Alpha Eta; Benjamin A. Marter, Beta Alpha Theta; Eric J. Harper, Beta Alpha Theta; Timothy C. Murray, Delta; Michael R. Smith, Alpha Omega; Matthew R. Phelan, Zeta Pi; Eric M. Vintimilla, Zeta Pi; Brandon A. Stanko, Zeta Xi; Mike D. Diamond, Gamma Phi; Joshua I. Mogilefsky, Zeta Omega; Kevin L. Weygand, Zeta Psi; Andrew A. Ostroff, Zeta Psi; Michael L. Barber, Theta Alpha; Josh N. Barbieri, Theta Alpha; Brian M. Chodash, Alpha Omega; Richard A. Hovan, Xi (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); Ryan G. McGinnis, Eta Delta; Brian P. Ivers, Eta Beta; Cory D. Muir, Eta Beta; Douglas A. Smith, Zeta Epsilon; Nicholas A. Cummins, Alpha Psi; Richard C. Mallard, Beta Phi; Nicholas E. Alvarez, Zeta Delta; Steven M. Alvarez, Zeta Delta;   Jason T. Conrad, Zeta Delta; Rexford P. Bowman, Zeta Delta; Stuart A. Gross, Beta Delta; Robert L. Wentworth, Phi Delta Psi; Richard W. Hindle, Phi Delta Psi; Gregory J. Seery, Zeta Chi; Matthew C. Chiapperino, Zeta Chi; Trung Q. Nguyen, Eta Gamma; David J. Poggioli, Delta Psi; Timothy J. Haggerty, Delta Psi; Paul J. Tran, Zeta Upsilon; Jonathan H. Snyder, Omicron (Tufts University);   Adam J. Biacchi Omicron (Tufts University); Matthew T. Frank, Sigma; Matthew K. McCarron, Delta Xi; Christopher E. Foster, Delta Xi; Ghulam H. Basaria, Delta Xi; Chris A. Rush, Alpha Xi; Jeremy C. Sporn, Alpha Xi; Todd W. Brown, Zeta Theta; Shane C. Kopec, Zeta Theta.
  • 2003 Jay K. Leird, Eta Beta; Shane C. Kopec, Zeta Theta; Robert L. Wentworth, Phi Delta Psi; Scott K. Moen, Eta Lambda; Adam J. Biacchi, Omicron (Tufts University); Rory S. Naughton, Mu (Boston University); Anthony F. Pezzimenti, Zeta Xi; Scott M. Chekijian, Epsilon Tau; David S. Salvatore, Gamma Beta; Daniel S. Hyatt, Beta Alpha Theta; Mark A. Buehrle, Eta Beta; Patrick J. Figliolia, Zeta Chi; Gregory J. Seery, Zeta Chi; Daniel P. Benedetto, Beta Tau; Adam W. Wainwright, Beta Tau; Robert B. Mattiford, Alpha Psi; Kelan J. Champagne, Alpha Eta; Daniel H. Frankenstein, Alpha Eta; Scott M. Greenspan, Alpha Delta; Kevin M. Taliaferro, Alpha Delta; Dennis D. Dulaney, Beta Mu; Timothy C. Murray, Delta; Ryan A. Miller, Eta Zeta; Anthony M. Chionchio, Eta Epsilon; Heitham A. Ghariani, Kappa Nu Kappa; Joseph R. Senior, Phi Epsilon; Jonathan L. Trobaugh, Phi Theta Gamma; Jorge J. Delgado, Alpha Psi; Trung Q. Nguyen, Eta Gamma; Thomas D. Lawrence, Beta Mu; Ryan J. Bartunek, Zeta Delta; Jeremy D. Blackburn, Beta Tau (Buffalo State University); David M. Rosenzweig, Beta Epsilon; Andrew M. Uzzle, Beta Epsilon; Michael J. Tomkiewicz, Zeta Alpha; Stefano V. Fasulo, Gamma Phi; Jacob M. Orrin, Beta Delta; Nathaniel E. Williams, Mu (University of Georgia); Robert G. Porcelli, Epsilon Tau; Joshua M. Silberberg, Psi; Joshua I. Mogilefsky, Zeta Omega; Ryan J. McKenica, Zeta Omega; Gino M. Pascarella, Epsilon Tau; David J. Poggioli, Delta Psi; Zachary S. Milner, Psi; Steven E. Schuerman, Psi; Christopher J. Painter, Lambda (Case Western Reserve University); David J. Kon, Beta Alpha Theta; Brian M. Horton, Zeta Upsilon; Adam C. Brown, Zeta Omega; Joshua A. Gillespie, Zeta Omega; Adam M. Bader, Eta Beta; Shane M. Mascho, Beta Tau (Bloomsburg University Of Pennsylvania); Matthew D. Sedam, Zeta Phi; Christopher B. Davidson, Zeta Phi; Jose R. Colon, Kappa Nu Kappa; Andrew W. Samuto, Zeta Xi; Shane M. Robertson, Beta Kappa; Ronald H. Sze, Kappa Nu Kappa; Isaac S. Pinhas, Psi
  • 2004 Not known
  • 2005 Isaac S. Pinhas, Psi; Matthew S. Sommer, Lambda (Case Western Reserve University); Brian M. Geffen, Beta Alpha Theta; Lowell S. Eschen, Beta Alpha Theta; Jonathan A. Schwartz, Gamma Xi;   Ross L. Silverman, Eta Lambda; Brett M. Landsman, Alpha Zeta; Josh R. Landsman, Alpha Zeta;   Anthony J. Bartoluzzi, Delta Lambda; Daniel P. Riley, Rho Iota; Adam J. Baker; Matthew S. Toia, Omicron (Tufts University); Stephen W. Goldenzweig, Delta Xi; Josh P. Smeltzer, Beta Alpha Chi; Patrick A. McAuliffe, Beta Alpha Chi; Stephen L. Schaffer, Beta Alpha Chi
  • 2006 Not known
  • 2007 Adam C. Rosen, Alpha Zeta
  • 2008 Jason A. Salit, Lambda
  • 2009 Silvester Salazar, Zeta Upsilon; Brian C. Wilhelm, Zeta Xi; Jonathan D. Colon, Delta Eta; Nathan M. Hennagin, Phi Alpha Alpha; David J. Hutchings, Xi (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
  • 2010 Patrick J. Shea, Eta Delta
  • 2011 Blake A. Meyrowitz, Psi
  • 2012 Adam T. Edwards, Beta Alpha Theta
  • 2013 Hunter J. Lang, Gamma Mu
  • 2014 Daniel A. Balva, Delta Iota
  • 2015 Laitin W. Beecham, Gamma Mu
  • 2016 Sagar D. Mistry, Delta Iota
  • 2017 Jonathan E. Gross, Alpha Psi
  • 2018 Cody J. Taylor, Gamma Xi (University of California, Santa Barbara) 2019
  • 2019 Kyle M. Cherry, Eta Mu (California Polytechnic State University) 2019
  • 2020 Zach D. Katz, Psi (University of Alabama) 2020
  • 2021 Rodolfo J. Garcia, Delta Lambda (Monmouth College) 2021
  • 2022 Matthew I. Gutkin, Beta Phi (University of Pittsburgh) 2023
  • 2023 Nicholas L. Broms, Gamma Xi (University of California – Santa Barbara) 2025

Phil Goodman Award (Outstanding Campus Leader)

The Phil Goodman Award is presented to a brother who excels in campus leadership and involvement.

  • 2013 Frederick Adenuga, Zeta Alpha (Florida State University) 2013
  • 2014 Gage Crispe, Iota (University of Denver) 2014
  • 2015 Ricky E. Kirby, Gamma Mu (University of Memphis) 2015
  • 2016 Nathan D. Sousa, Rho Iota (University of Rhode Island) 2016
  • 2017 Anthony W. Haddad, Eta Mu (California Polytechnic State University) 2017
  • 2018 Aiden T. Keene, Rho Iota (University of Rhode Island) 2019
  • 2019 Joshua I. Chodor, Omega (University of Missouri) 2019
  • 2020 Max K. Harberg, Lambda (University of Texas- Austin) 2020
  • 2021 Jason D. Rothfarb, Psi (University of Alabama) 2021
  • 2022 Owen R. Mane-Davies, Delta Lambda (Monmouth College) 2023
  • 2023 Wyatt R. Gill, Alpha Delta (University of Southern California) 2023

Best Founding Father

This award is given to the individual who had the largest impact for his Prospective Chapter to receive its charter. This award does not have a time limit; this may be any Alumni who was a Founding Father who the Chapter would like to recognize for their support and contributions to the chapter.

  • 2009 Bryan Kornsweit, Alpha Mu (University of Washington) 2010
  • 2010 Jake Schneider Eta (Union College) 2012
  • 2011 Michael F. Easton, Alpha Alpha (Purdue University) 2012
  • 2013 Michael Gersman, Nu (The Ohio State University) 2014
  • 2014 Zachary P. Nahmias, Gamma Mu (University of Memphis) 2010
  • 2015 Zachary F. Cohen, Beta Zeta Epsilon (University of Maryland) 2016
  • 2016 Joseph M. Dray, Eta Rho (Florida International University) 2015
  • 2017 Jason K. Peiser, Omega (University of Missouri) 2018
  • 2018 Daniel A. Hadad, Alpha Nu (Muhlenberg College) 2018
  • 2019 Jonathan C. Mizrahi, Epsilon Delta (Binghamton University – State University of New York) 2020
  • 2020 Jack H. Hadad, Delta Xi (Virginia Polytechnic University) 2022
  • 2021 Joseph A. “Jac” Chiodo, Delta Xi  (Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University) 2022
  • 2022 Richard “Connor” Wynne, Beta Epsilon (Michigan State University) 2024
  • 2023 TBA November 4

The Maxwell Hyman Chapter Advisor Award (Outstanding Advisor)

The Maxwell Hyman Chapter Advisor Award is named for a founder of Phi Sigma Delta Fraternity and a member of that Fraternity’s Alpha Chapter at Columbia University. Brother Hyman figured prominently in the early history of Phi Sigma Delta as an advocate for, and trainer of, Chapter Advisors.

  • 2008 Myles H. Kahn, Alpha Nu (Muhlenberg College) 1984; Alpha Mu Chapter, University of Washington
  • 2009 Kenneth A. Grodner, Psi (University of Alabama) 1981; Psi, University of Alabama
  • 2010 Marc Tischler, Ph.D, University of Arizona
  • 2011 Lee A. Schnitzer, Beta Delta (Rutgers, State University of New Jersey) 1992; Epsilon Mu,  University of Kansas
  • 2013 Dr. Gary Strasberg, Gamma Mu (University of Memphis) 1973; Gamma Mu, University of Memphis
  • 2014 Bernard (Buddy) E. Weissman, Ph.D., Xi (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) 1975; Alpha Pi, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • 2015 Iota Chapter Advisory Board, University of Denver
  • 2016 Iota Chapter Advisory Board, University of Denver
  • 2017 Jason J. Colombini, Eta Mu (California Polytechnic State University) 2013; Eta Mu California Polytechnic State University
  • 2018 Stephen P. Ehrlich, Iota (University of Denver) 1970; Iota, University of Denver
  • 2019 Keith M. Brauer, Beta Delta (Rutgers State University of New Jersey) 1982; Beta Delta, Rutgers State University of New Jersey
  • 2020 Jacob R. McLean, Delta Lambda (Monmouth College) 2015; Delta Lambda (Monmouth College)
  • 2021 Eta Mu Chapter Advisory Board at California Polytechnic State University
  • 2022 Fred E. Levinson, Alpha Omega (University of Miami) 1986
  • 2023 David I. Burrows, Kappa (Cornell University) 1991

Best Faculty Advisor Award

This award is presented to the most outstanding Faculty Advisor.

  • 2010 and 2011, Dr. Megan Wampler, California State University – Long Beach
  • 2013 Hannah Udell, Tulane University
  • 2014 Douglas Bodner, Xi (Georgia Institute of Technology) 1987, Georgia Institute of Technology
  • 2015 Abraham Lavender, Ph.D., Alpha Theta of Phi Epsilon Pi (University of South Carolina) 1965, Florida International University
  • 2016 Greg Grauberger, University of Denver
  • 2017-2023 Not awarded

NIC Awards of Distinction

The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) Awards of Distinction recognize individuals, chapters, councils and organizations annually to highlight those who exemplify excellence in leadership, service and education within the fraternal community.  Zeta Beta Tau is a Governing Council organization among NIC members.

Gold Medal

The presentation of the NIC Gold Medal and NIC Silver Medal dates back more than 70 years, making it one of the oldest interfraternal traditions. The Gold Medal is the highest honor the Conference can bestow and recognizes lifelong service to the interfraternal community and/or the NIC.

  • 1989 Stanley I. Fishel, Delta (Columbia University) 1934, Past International President
  • 1997 Richard (Dick) S. Simon, Phi (University of Michigan) 1943, Past International President
  • 2013 James E. Greer, Jr., Beta Pi (California State University – Long Beach) 1964, Executive Director Emeritus

 

Silver Medal

The NIC Silver Medal recognizes exemplary service or leadership in a role or task that has advanced the fraternal movement.

  • 1992 James E. Greer, Jr., Beta Pi (California State University – Long Beach) 1964, Executive Director Emeritus, and Dr. Ronald J. Taylor, Iota Phi Alpha (Washington & Jefferson College) 1966, Past International President

Undergraduate Award of Distinction

This award seeks to recognize fraternity men who have found in their experience an outlet for developing as both a leader and a better man. The recipients are those who embody the values of their fraternity and expect the same from those with whom they associate.

  • 2014: Jason J. Colombini, Eta Mu (California Polytechnic State University) 2014
  • 2018: Douglas A. Abramowitz, Alpha Alpha (Purdue University) 2018
  • 2019: Joshua I. Chodor, Omega (University of Missouri) 2019
  • 2020: Maxwell K. Harberg, Lambda (University of Texas at Austin) 2020
  • 2022: Matthew R. Myers, Alpha Omicron (University of Arizona) 2022

Chapter Award of Distinction

This award recognizes exceptional fraternity collegiate chapters demonstrating excellence in operations, involvement in their fraternity/sorority and campus community, and a commitment to a positive fraternity experience.

  • 2023: Eta Mu Chapter at California Polytechnic State University

Alumnus Award of Distinction

The NIC’s Alumnus Award of Distinction recognizes the fraternity man who has given specifically of his time, talents, and service to the betterment of the fraternity or campus community. The service can be given at the local, regional or national level.

2011: Stephen P. Ehrlich, Esq., Iota (University of Denver) 1970, Past International President


Individual Certificates

The below honors are provided to multiple individuals who shine during their time as ZBT undergraduates.

The Gamma-Van Raalte Award (Individual Varsity Athletes)

The Gamma-Van Raalte Award is named for ZBT’s Gamma Chapter at New York University and Brother Morton Van Raalte of the Delta Chapter at Columbia University. Gamma Chapter was a perennial winner of this award in the early years of the Fraternity and thus the Chapter’s designation was incorporated into the name of the award.

Brother Van Raalte, a Delta Chapter alumnus and a varsity athlete himself, first presented this award at ZBT’s Convention in 1915. The Gamma-Van Raalte Award is presented to those Brothers who have participated in varsity athletics during an academic year. The demands of membership on a varsity sports team paired with the rigors of an undergraduate academic course load may seem daunting to some, yet many Brothers give proof that the two can be successfully combined.

Kahn-Greendlinger Award (Individual Senior Academics)

The Kahn-Greendlinger award is named for Brother Julius Kahn, Alpha Eta Chapter (UC-Berkeley) 1909 who served as National President from 1921-1924, and a distinguished member of Congress during the World War I era. Brother Greendlinger, an honorary member of Phi Sigma Delta, first presented his award to the member of Phi Sig that provided the most prominent articles of the fraternity’s annual magazine.

The Kahn-Greendlinger Award is presented to those Brothers who have achieved a grade-point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale during their senior years as undergraduates. These men exemplify dedication to scholastic excellence. These Brothers give us proof that, through the rigors of one’s senior year, one can maintain focus on academic achievement.

Richard S. Simon Award (Individual Academics)

This award is named for Past International President Richard S. Simon. Dick, an initiate of the Phi Chapter at the University of Michigan, served for many years as the Chairman of the ZBT Foundation’s Scholarship Committee before his passing in 2020. Dick wasalso a Past President of the North American Interfraternity Conference and a recipient of the NIC’s prestigious Gold Medal. The Richard S. Simon Award is presented to Brothers who have maintained a grade-point average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale before their senior year as an undergraduate member of ZBT. These brothers demonstrate to us that fun and work can mix.