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.
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
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
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
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.
Davis, Gray
Achievements: Former Governor - California
Chapter: Mu
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
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
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
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