Reflecting on Zeta Psi’s 178th Convention: Detroit, Michigan

When Zetes gather, something special happens, and this year’s 178th Convention in Detroit was no exception. A gathering of actives, alumni, and leaders from across the globe, the convention is a chance to reconnect, reflect, and recommit ourselves to the ideals that have bound us together since 1847. This year, our 178th Convention brought us to the vibrant city of Detroit, Michigan, where historic venues, local Zete-owned businesses, and meaningful ceremonies set the stage for a week none of us will soon forget.
From the moment brothers arrived, the energy was palpable. In the heart of Corktown, we kicked off the week with lawn games and Detroit-style BBQ provided by Slow’s Bar BQ, a Zete-owned favorite. The setting offered a perfect backdrop for reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones, reminding us that even across countries and generations, the spirit of our Circle remains strong.
As the week unfolded, we honored chapters and individuals whose commitment to excellence uplifts our fraternity every day. At the Phi Alpha’s Luncheon, we celebrated five chapters—Rho Alpha (MIT), Psi Epsilon (Dartmouth), Theta Xi (Toronto), Theta Eta (Brock), and Theta Psi (Queen’s)—for earning Gold Chapter status, a distinction reserved for those setting the highest standards in operations, brotherhood, and impact.
The luncheon also included the presentation of the George S. Woodhull Phi Alpha’s Awards, where several undergraduate brothers were recognized for outstanding leadership and service to their chapters and the fraternity as a whole: Brs. Jeffrey Johnson (Iota), Mark Dilapi (Gamma Epsilon), Liam McCollough (Pi Kappa), Tyler Jackson (Theta Psi), Homer Reynolds (IE University), and Chase Harvey (Psi Epsilon).
Later in the week, during our Grand Chapter Meeting, we turned our attention to the very heart of our identity: the Ritual. The Gold and Silver Escutcheon Awards, bestowed upon chapters that demonstrated exemplary Ritual performance throughout the year, were awarded to five chapters. The Gold Escutcheon went to Theta Xi (Toronto), Gamma Epsilon (Georgetown), and Psi (Cornell), while the Silver Escutcheon was awarded to Alpha Mu (Dalhousie) and Tau Theta (Ontario Tech). These honors underscore our chapters’ dedication to the timeless traditions that define who we are as Zetes, and we couldn’t be more proud of this year’s recipients.
The week reached its crescendo at the Grand Chapter Banquet on Saturday night. Here, the highest honors were presented, including the Gregory E. McElroy Chapter of the Year, awarded to Psi Epsilon (Dartmouth), and the William A. Comstock Award, earned by Theta Psi (Queen’s) for their extraordinary commitment to inter-chapter unity.
We also celebrated academic excellence, with Alpha Psi (McGill) and Rho Alpha (MIT) each receiving the William R. Duryee Award, and strong communication efforts, with Alpha Pi (Virginia Tech) and Chi Tau (Clemson) honored with John Birchfield Communications Awards for their exemplary elder and active communications efforts.
Individual excellence was also in the spotlight. The Henry Elliott Service Award went to Joshua Lee (Psi Epsilon), while Dominic LoPiccolo (Phi Epsilon) was named Young Alumni of the Year. Tom Moberg (Pi) received the James J. Carey Leadership Award, and Ben Libon (Zeta Tau) was recognized as Alumni Advisor of the Year.
That evening also marked a profound moment in our fraternity’s history: a heartfelt send-off for Lauck Walton, who retired from his role as Executive Director of the Zeta Psi Educational Foundation. Lauck’s years of service, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to our mission were honored with resounding applause and more than a few tears.
Amid the celebrations, one of the most enduring moments of the week came not from an award, but a resolution. In a time when the world often feels divided, the Grand Chapter reaffirmed a declaration first made in 1862, during the American Civil War:
“… that no dispute, political or otherwise, shall separate Brothers from the union of Tau Kappa Phi.”
This Resolution served as a powerful reminder that Zeta Psi’s strength is in its unity—across political lines, national borders, and life paths. Click here to read more about this year’s reading of the Resolution and what it means for our Circle today.
And of course, no Convention would be complete without a little fun—on Friday, brothers gathered at Comerica Park for the Detroit Tigers vs. Seattle Mariners game, followed by an on-field concert from country star Jordan Davis. It was the perfect mix of fraternity, fun, and Detroit flair.
As the week came to a close, one theme rang true in every speech, award, and conversation: the Circle of Zeta Psi endures. It endures through laughter, service, tradition, and fellowship. And it continues into next year, when we hope to see all of you once again at the 179th Zeta Psi Convention in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Mark your calendars. Rally your brothers. The Circle is waiting.