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.
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
Rothberg, Jay L.
Term: Phi Alpha from 1985–1987. Zeta Psi Distinguished Service Award 1995 James J. Carey Leadership Award 2011
Chapter: Delta Chi, 1969
Ruel, Christopher G.
Achievements: Author, "Oracle 11g for Dummies"
Chapter: Theta
Rumsey, Ralph S.
Term: Phi Alpha from 1980–1982. James H. McLaughlin Interfraternity Award 1992. Zeta Psi Distinguished Service Award 1996.
Chapter: Xi, 1965
Russ, Harvey W.
Achievements: Zeta Psi Educational Foundation Education Director (1951-1953) Zeta Psi General Secretary (Fall 1953-June 1955)
Chapter: Tau, 1951
Sadleir, Richard Hay
Achievements: Co-founder Trent University in Peterborough where he served as Dean of Men, Head of the English Department, Vice President and Acting President. Upper Canada College Principal (1975-1988).
Chapter: Theta Xi, 1949
DOD: February 12, 2021
Satterlee, F. Le Roy
Term: Phi Alpha from 1896–1897
Chapter: Phi, 1865
DOD: November 12, 1917
Satterlee, Livingston
Term: Phi Alpha from 1860–1862
Chapter: Epsilon, 1858
DOD: March 1, 1839 - April 3,1902.
Schimmelpenninck van der Oye, Prof. David
Achievements: Author, "Toward the Rising Sun: Ideologies of Empire and the Path to War with Japan" and "Russian Orientalism: Asia in the Russian Mind from Peter the Great to the Emigration"
Chapter: Theta Xi
DOD: March 14, 2022
Schwerin, Jr., Max
Term: Phi Alpha from 1883–1884
Chapter: Theta, 1870
DOD: March 11, 1850 - February 13, 1889
Scrivener, Paul
Achievements: James McLaughlin Interfraternity Service Award Honoree 2024
Chapter: Theta Xi, 1971
Shea, William
Achievements: NYC Attorney; namesake of Shea Stadium. Founder of the Continental League, a proposed 3rd Major League, which forced the expansion of MLB, and led to the formation of the NY Mets. Instrumental in convincing the NHL to expand and award a franchise to Long Island (The NY Islanders). Namesake of the "The William A. "Bill" Shea – Distinguished Little League Graduate Award" which is presented to a former little leaguer in Major League Baseball who best exemplifies the spirit of Little League Baseball. "
Chapter: Phi
Shuhany, Richard G.
Term: Phi Alpha from 1987–1989 Distinguished Service Award 2002
Chapter: Mu Theta, 1968
Sims, David L.
Term: Phi Alpha from 2004-2005. Zeta Psi Distinguished Service Award 2009.
Chapter: Sigma, 1976
Sinclair, Dr. Alexander C.
Achievements: Br. Sinclair joined the Canadian Expeditionary Forces in 1915 at the age of 33 as a driver who worked with horses and pack mules to bring ammunition to the front lines. While serving in Belgium and France, Alexander wrote a number of poems that captured the horrors of war and included famous battlegrounds such as Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele. The poems were published posthumously, by his nephew as "Life and War Poems by Alexander Sinclair"
Chapter: Pi Epsilon
DOD: 1882-1962
Singer, Peter A., MD, OC
Achievements: Author, "The Grandest Challenge: Taking Life-Saving Science from Lab to Village"
Chapter: Theta Xi
Skillman, Charles H.
Term: Phi Alpha from 1855–1856
Chapter: Delta, 1851
DOD: November 30, 1833 - April 19, 1862
Smerconish, Michael
Achievements: Satellite Radio and CNN Anchor
Chapter: Tau Delta, 1984
Smith, Al E.
Achievements: Author, "Those Who Get It and Those Who Don’t: A humorous look at those who don’t get it; And what we can learn from those who do"
Chapter: Theta/UConn, 1965
Smith, Jr. James Somers
Achievements: 1957 Zeta Psi Distinguished Service Award. Son of Past Phi Alpha, J. Somers Smith, Sigma, 1887.
Chapter: Sigma, 1912
DOD: November 16, 1889 - January 29, 1972
Smith, Jr., J. Somers “Jas”
Term: Phi Alpha from 1916–1917.
Chapter: Sigma, 1887
DOD: May 26, 1866 - March 15, 1956
Smith, Richard W.
Term: Phi Alpha from 1984–1985 Distinguished Service Award 1987
Chapter: Omicron, 1933
DOD: August 12, 2004
Snowden, Edward (“E.Y.”)
Achievements: As President of Universal Optical (’86-’88), oversaw launch of flexible metal segment of eyewear in America; As President of APC/Sprint Spectrum (’94-’98), oversaw launch of America’s first PCS and first GSM network – introducing our country to texting. CEO of NASDAQ:BCGI (’98-’07). CEO of Tatara Systems (’07-’11). Founder & CEO of One Door (’14-’20).
Chapter: Mu, 1976
Soltman, Walter E.
Achievements: Executive Director of the Zeta Psi Fraternity (1946-1947)
Chapter: Phi, 1918
Sommers, John B. Y.
Term: Phi Alpha from 1850–1851
Chapter: Phi, 1849
DOD: August 15, 1829 -November 23, 1863
Spock, Benjamin M., MD
Achievements: Author, One of the most famous names in America in pediatric health, wrote "The Common Sense Book on Baby and Child Care"; and other child care books. Gold medalist, as a member of the American eight-man crew at the 1924 Paris Olympics, whose time of 6 minutes and 33 seconds was almost 16 seconds faster than the second-placed Canadian crew.
Chapter: Eta
DOD: March 15, 1998
Spohn, John
Achievements: James J. Carey Leadership Award (2016)
Chapter: Pi, 1981
Steers, Ian “Barry” C. C.
Achievements: Canadian Ambassador to Japan from 1981 to 1989, Ambassador to Brazil from 1971 to 1976, as well as Canada's first Commissioner to Bermuda from 1976 to 1979.
Chapter: Theta Phi, 1951
DOD: January 15, 1927 – November 20, 2011
Steffens, Lincoln A.
Achievements: Credited as the proverbial father of muckraking reporting, Author, "The Shame of the Cities" and his own Autobiography.
Chapter: Iota, 1892
DOD: April 6, 1866 – August 9, 1936