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.

Picture of William Comstock.

Comstock, William A.

Term: Phi Alpha from 1908–1909. The Comstock Trophy is named in his honor. "The Vision of Bill Comstock" is known as his desire to unite all the chapters through the publication of a newsletter known as "The Circle," which he first published in 1909. Awarded the Zeta Psi Distinguished Service Award Posthumously, in 1958.

Chapter: Xi, 1899

DOD: July 2, 1877 – June 16, 1949

Connelly, Jr., George W.

Achievements: One of the leading federal tax litigators in the United States. Awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by Texas Lawyer Magazine (2019).

Chapter: Omega, 1967

Cook, Dennis Michael

Achievements: A bond trader for Cantor Fitzgerald at the World Trade Center

Chapter: Alpha Omega (Villanova University), 1990

DOD: April 27, 1968–September 11, 2001

Cooper, John Dean “Jeff”

Achievements: Author, multiple books including "To Ride, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth"

Chapter: Mu, 1941

Coulson, John L.

Term: Phi Alpha from 1966-1969. Zeta Psi Distinguished Service Award 1968

Chapter: Psi Epsilon, 1939

DOD: January 24, 2002

Cousens, Lyman A.

Term: Phi Alpha from 1913–1914

Chapter: Lambda, 1902

DOD: March 3, 1880 - June 1, 1941

Cowell de Gruchy, William

Achievements: James J. Carey Leadership Award, 2018

Chapter: Iota Omicron, 2009

Coyne, Dennis “Denny”

Achievements: 1967 MVP of the North-South Shrine All-Star Football game.

Chapter: Omega, 1968

Photo of James Coyne.

Coyne, James B.

Term: Phi Alpha from 1938-1939. Father of James E. Coyne (Pi Epsilon, 1931), who is listed in the Government section of Notable Zetes.

Chapter: Theta Xi, 1901

DOD: August 24, 1878 - June 16, 1965

James E Coyne

Coyne, James E.

Achievements: 2nd Governor, Bank of Canada (1955-1961). Rhodes Scholar. Canadian Press named him Canadian Newsmaker of the Year in 1961. 2012 appointed Member of The Order of Manitoba.

Chapter: Pi Epsilon, 1931

DOD: July 17, 1910 – October 12, 2012

Cross, Thomas L.

Term: Phi Alpha from 1953-1954

Chapter: Theta Xi, 1924

DOD: 1900-1977

Joseph Cullman III

Cullman, III, Joseph

Achievements: Former CEO, Phillip Morris; Chairman, US Open

Chapter: Eta

Dahmer, John R.

Achievements: Elected as a member of the House of Commons of Canada in 1988, however, he was terminally stricken with pancreatic cancer and never saw the first day of the 34th Canadian Parliament. Dahmer's widow received a severance that was used to establish the John Dahmer Community Involvement Scholarship at Lakeland College. Prior to running for office, he was a director at Lakeland College.

Chapter: Mu Theta, 1961

DOD: (September 5, 1937 – November 26, 1988)

Darling, Charles H.

Term: Phi Alpha from 1904–1905

Chapter: Kappa, 1884

DOD: May 9, 1859 - October 31, 1944

Daviau, Daniel, J.

Achievements: President and Chief Executive Officer of Canaccord Genuity Group Corp. (2015-)

Chapter: Theta Phi, 1985

Davidson, Michael Allen

Achievements: Worked for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 104th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Chapter: Delta, 1997

DOD: June 7, 1974–September 11, 2001

The Michael Allen Davidson Foundation was created to remember their son and brother and ultimately decided it should benefit children and recreation.

It has built multiple playgrounds in NJ. The foundation also awards scholarship funds and has contributed to a variety of other charitable causes.

View the Michael Davidson Foundation Page

Gray Davis

Davis, Gray

Achievements: Former Governor - California

Chapter: Mu

Dr Howard Dean

Dean, Dr. Howard

Achievements: 79th Governor of Vermont; (August 13, 1991 – January 8, 2003), Former Chairman, Democratic National Committee (February 12, 2005 – January 21, 2009)

Chapter: Eta, 1971

Delaney, James E., “Jim”

Achievements: Two Time NCAA Men's Double Tennis Champion. 1973, with fellow Zete, "Sandy" Mayer, and 1974 with fellow Zete, John Whitlinger. Four time All-American (1972-1975). A member of the Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame.

Chapter: Mu, 1975

DeLong, Clarence H.

Term: Phi Alpha from 1964-1966. Zeta Psi. Distinguished Service Award (1966)

Chapter: Alpha Epsilon, 1920

DOD: July 23, 1897 - November 1984

Father John Denning

Denning, Father John

Achievements: C.S.C, President of Stonehill College. Undergraduate Chapter Phi, 1979/1980.

Chapter: Beta Tau, 1980

Desmond, Thomas J.

Achievements: Zeta Psi Educational Foundation Education Director (1946-1947). Zeta Psi Executive Secretary (Fraternity and Foundation) (1947-November 1948)

Chapter: Alpha Epsilon, 1929

Dice, Cael

Achievements: Red Grange Athlete of the Year honoree 2024 (Swimming)

Chapter: Omicron, 2024

Dick, Edison W.

Term: Phi Alpha from 1976–1978. Zeta Psi Distinguished Service Award 1980.

Chapter: Eta, 1959

Brian Dickson

Dickson, Robert George Brian

Achievements: 15th Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Canada (1984-1990), served a total of 17 years on the Supreme Court. Companion of the Order of Canada (1990)

Chapter: Pi Epsilon, 1938

DOD: May 25, 1916 – October 17, 1998

Dilger, Ken

Achievements: Tight End, Colts (1995-2001) – Buccaneers (2002-2004). All-Big Ten, 1994.

Chapter: Alpha Epsilon

DiPietro, David S.

Achievements: Television Writer and Producer

Chapter: Gamma, 1992

Distler, Ph. D., Theodore A.

Term: Phi Alpha from 1947-1948. 1941-1954, President of Franklin & Marshall College. Zeta Psi Distinguished Service Alumni Honoree, 1959.

Chapter: Epsilon/Phi, 1922

DOD: April 7, 1991

Donaldson, Douglas P.

Term: Phi Alpha from 1993-1995. Inaugural Henry Elliot Volunteer of the Year 2001. Zeta Psi Distinguished Service Award 2003. Namesake of the Douglas P. Donaldson Young Alumni of the Year Award. Member of The Worthy. James J. Carey Leadership Award 2009

Chapter: Theta, 1972

Photo of John Dorr.

Dorr, John V. N.

Term: Phi Alpha from 1930–1931. First President of the Zeta Psi Educational Foundation (1947). Zeta Psi Distinguished Service Award (1957).

Chapter: Delta, 1894

DOD: 1962