Zeta Beta Tau
University of Maryland
SINCE 2014
ABOUT ZBT
"A powerhouse of excellence."
The Beta Zeta Epsilon colony of the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity was recolonized on the University of Maryland's campus in the Spring of 2014. The founding father class consisted solely of freshman and sophomores.
Because UMD rushes in the spring, the colony could not officially be recognized until February. There was, however, a ton of work that was put into the process. Representatives from national worked closely with the brothers. Matt Weinreb was a driving force behind the founding. He contacted ZBT national and worked them and the advisors in order to help make our colony what it is today.
We strive to uphold the values and ideals that the founding fathers of ZBT had when they first founded this organization.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
/ CORE VALUES
01
The Beta Zeta Epsilon colony prides itself on being different. Although ZBT nationally has no pledging (which is unique in and of itself), the BZE colony is working to give a better name for fraternities and to make Zeta Beta Tau one of the best organizations on campus. We believe in brotherhood and that everyone in the fraternity should always be there for their brothers. In life, you are never alone because you will always have a brother by your side.
/ TRADITION OF DIVERSITY
02
The Zeta Beta Tau fraternity became a non-sectarian organization in 1954. We are accepting of men of different cultures and heritages. ZBT will not discriminate when it comes to choosing its members. All brothers will be embraced and treated as a brother the minute that they are initiated.
03
/ SCHOLARSHIP
ZBT has a proud academic history. All members must maintain a 2.5 GPA in order to actively participate in the fraternity. To even be considered for an executive board position, a member has to have a 3.0 GPA.
OUR HISTORY
01
/ JEWISH
ZBT was founded in New York as a Jewish organization by Professor Richard Gottheil in 1898. During this time, Jewish men were not allowed to participate in a fraternity experience. Thus, a group of men decided to band together and form the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. Our motto here on campus is that "we are not a fraternity of Jews, we are a Jewish fraternity." Essentially, what this means is that we are not composed of all Jewish members (our current total is 80% Jewish), but we do give back to the Jewish community and are understanding of the Jewish culture and Jewish needs.
/ MERGING OF THE FRATERNITIES
02
ZBT is a brotherhood composed of five fraternities. The history of mergers in the Zeta Beta Tau Brotherhood followed a pattern of linking common traditions. In 1959, Phi Alpha merged into Phi Sigma Delta, and in 1961 Kappa Nu merged into Phi Epsilon Pi. In 1969-70, Phi Sigma Delta and Phi Epsilon Pi merged into Zeta Beta Tau.
/ THE FUTURE
03
In the future, the BZE colony is expecting to become a chapter. We are hoping that we will obtain a permanent chapter house on-campus, as well as triple our membership. We are looking for quality young men that are interested in becoming better, not only socially but growing as an individual.