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.
Perry, Thomas E.
Achievements: Author of over 28 novels. 1983 Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best First Novel. In 2002 he was the first recipient of the Gumshoe Award for best novel.
Chapter: Psi, 1969
Peters, Donald J.
Achievements: Author, "A Contrarian Strategy for Growth Stock Investing: Theoretical Foundations and Empirical Evidence"
Chapter: Beta Tau, 1980
Phelps, M. D., Charles
Term: Phi Alpha from 1865–1866
Chapter: Epsilon, 1855
DOD: December 12, 1834 – December 30, 1913
Pierson, Israel C.
Term: Phi Alpha from 1887–1888
Chapter: Phi, 1865, After serving as Phi Alpha, Brother Pierson was named to the office of Delta Alpha in 1895, holding this office until his death in 1908.
DOD: August 22, 1843 - September 10, 1908
Pilcher, James T.
Term: Phi Alpha from 1936-1937
Chapter: Phi and Xi, 1902
DOD: May 31, 1880 - April 6, 1947
Plezia Decz, Gregory
Achievements: Zeta Psi Fraternity Executive Director (1998-2000)
Chapter: Xi , 1995
DOD: February 7, 2021
Porter, Jr., Newton H.
Term: Phi Alpha from 1958-1959
Chapter: Delta, 1928
DOD: December 18, 1973
Porter, Robert D.
Achievements: 7th President of the Zeta Psi Educational Foundation (1954-1956)
Chapter: Phi Lambda, 1928
Posner, David
Achievements: NCAA Div 1 Men’s Basketball Referee Ice Cube’s Big3 (Basketball) league Referee, including working the championship game in 2018 USA Women’s National (Basketball) team scrimmages Referee, prior to the 2012 London Olympics
Chapter: Phi Epsilon, 2001
Procter, John W.
Term: Phi Alpha from 1925–1926
Chapter: Iota, 1898
DOD: Oct 19, 1875 - October 6, 1937
Prodan, Miles
Achievements: President & CEO at the British Columbia Wine Institute (2010-)
Chapter: Theta Phi, 1993
Pruce, Alex
Achievements: 2021 Douglas P. Donaldson Young Alumni of the Year honoree. 2024 Henry Elliot Volunteer of the Year Honoree
Chapter: Psi, 2013
Pryor, Stephen
Achievements: President, Exxon Mobil Chemical Company
Chapter: Tau
Purdy, Harry, L., MD.
Achievements: Zeta Psi Distinguished Service Award Honoree 1962
Chapter: Sigma Epsilon 1926
DOD: 1901- 10/21/1974
Raven, John H.
Term: Phi Alpha from 1912–1913
Chapter: Delta, 1891
DOD: October 3, 1870 - February 25, 1949
Redfield, Amasa A.
Term: Phi Alpha from 1863–1864
Chapter: Phi, 1860
DOD: May 19, 1837– October 19, 1902
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
Reynolds, Robert (Bob) O’Dell “Horse”
Achievements: A 2 time All-America Tackle, and a 1961 inductee into the College Hall of Fame. In 1952 he partnered with Gene Autry and served as the president of Golden West Broadcasting. He was co-founder, co-owner and president of the California Angels MLB team from 1960–1975. 1963 to 1972 co-owner of the NFL Los Angeles Rams. In 1972, he received the Distinguished American Award from the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame.
Chapter: Mu, 1935
DOD: March 30, 1914 – February 8, 1994
Rice, Alan
Achievements: Big Ten champion and an All-American Wrestler for the University of Minnesota. In 1956 he won double national titles in Greco-Roman and freestyle. Placed fifth at the 1956 Olympics and was coach of the 1972 USA Greco-Roman Olympic team. Namesake of the "Alan Rice Leadership Award" of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2011. Zeta Psi Distinguished Service Award 1999, Zeta Psi Red Grange Athlete of the Year Award 2013.
Chapter: Alpha Beta
Roberts, Brian
Achievements: Chairman and CEO, Comcast
Chapter: Sigma
Roberts, C.R.
Achievements: 2023 Distinguished Service honoree
Chapter: Phi Lambda, 1970
Robertson, Jr., Julian
Achievements: Founder, Tiger Management
Chapter: Upsilon
DOD: August 23, 2022
Robinson, Bruce P.
Achievements: The 21st pick of the 1st round of the June 1975 MLB Amateur Draft, by the Oakland A's. Inventor in 1979 of the "Robby Pad," a hinged flap on the right/throwing shoulder of a catcher's chest protector. It began seeing widespread use in the early 1980s and can be viewed on most every catcher's chest protector from the major leagues to youth leagues. One of the original two "Robby Pads" is in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
Chapter: Mu, 1976
Roerden, Thomas P.
Achievements: Zeta Psi Educational Foundation President (2020- 2022), 2016 Henry Elliot Volunteer of the Year honoree. James J. Carey Leadership Award Honoree 2024
Chapter: Cornell, 1983
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