Notable Zetes
For over 170 years, Zeta Psi has scaffolded our undergraduate brothers to be better leaders in their careers, communities, and in service to all humankind. We have been fortunate to have played a role in countless inspirational men’s lives throughout the years. Here is a list of some Zetes who have powerfully impacted the world.
You can find more photos and information about Zetes here on our new digital museum page.
Badagliacca, Mark
Achievements: CFO, Paramount Pictures
Chapter: Psi, 1978
Barron, Lawrence Ira “Larry”
Achievements: Television Producer (The Amazing Race, Paradise Hotel, and Couples, among others). Founder of Syracuse's Z89FM. Inducted into the WJPZ Hall of Fame in 2012.
Chapter: Gamma, 1987
DOD: February 13, 1965 - December 23, 2020
Budion, John J.
Achievements: Writer and Director of the film "Rockaway." Recognized by Zeta Psi as Zeta Psi "40 Under 40" for 2020.
Chapter: Phi, 2003
Cain, Dean
Achievements: Actor, Producer. He is best known for playing the role of Clark Kent/Superman in the TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993-1997). Cain was the Producer/Host of Ripley's Believe It or Not! (2001-2003).
Chapter: Omicron Epsilon
Ciancarelli, Paul F.
Achievements: Television Writer and Producer
Chapter: Gamma, 1993
DiPietro, David S.
Achievements: Television Writer and Producer
Chapter: Gamma, 1992
Gibson, Duane “D.O.”
Achievements: Author, "Stay Driven", On July of 2003, D.O. set a Guinness World Record by freestyling for 8 hours and 45 minutes. Brother Gibson is also a motivational speaker
Chapter: Theta Xi, 2001
Harrington III, James M. “Jay”
Achievements: Television Actor. Credits include: "S.W.A.T.", "Benched", and "Better off Ted."
Chapter: Gamma, 1992
DOD:
Leacock, Stephen
Achievements: Political Writer and Humorist; namesake of The Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal of Humour 1937 Winner of the Lorne Pierce Medal. Which is awarded every two years by the Royal Society of Canada to recognize achievement of special significance and conspicuous merit in imaginative or critical literature written in either English or French.
Chapter: Theta Xi
DOD: 30 December 1869 – 28 March 1944
Matthews, Billy
Achievements: NBC Sports & Olympics (1987-present), director and producer.
Chapter: Delta, 1988
Reed, Darren Arthur, A/K/A Dizzy Reed
Achievements: American musician and occasional actor. He is best known as the keyboardist for the rock band Guns N' Roses, with whom he has played, toured, and recorded since 1990.
Chapter: Psi, 2006
Renaud, Chris
Achievements: Hollywood Director and Animator. Director of "Despicable Me" and "The Secret Life of Pets." Two time Oscar Nominee (2007 & 2014). Winner, 2007 Annie Award for "No Time for Nuts."
Chapter: Gamma, 1989
Ross, Lancelot “Lanny” Patrick
Achievements: Singer, pianist, songwriter, and radio performer, mostly in the 1930's and 1940's. A Major in the US Army during WWII. His estate established the Lancelot P. Ross Scholarship in 1997, and funds the “Lanny Ross Undergraduate Music Program” at Yale in support of the University’s diverse music activities.
Chapter: Eta, 1928
DOD: January 19, 1906 – April 25, 1988
Smerconish, Michael
Achievements: Satellite Radio and CNN Anchor
Chapter: Tau Delta, 1984
Stiff, Dave
Achievements: Television Producer with Canada's TSN. Events covered include: 10 Olympic Games, 3 World Series, multiple NHL and NBA Playoffs and 2 Pan Am Games.
Chapter: Theta Xi
Sullivan, Brian
Achievements: Anchor, CNBC.
Chapter: Alpha Pi
Trillin, Calvin
Achievements: Journalist, humorist, food writer, poet, and novelist. Chairman of the Yale Daily News while a student at Yale. Recipient, Thurber Award for American Humor, 2013
Chapter: Eta, 1957
Wolf, Dick
Achievements: Creator and Executive Producer of "Law and Order" and "Chicago" Television Franchises. 2007, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7040 Hollywood Boulevard. 2013 Inductee into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.
Chapter: Sigma