A marketing major from Norcross, GA, Zach Katz is a busy young man. He serves Psi Chapter as President (which some might argue is a full-time job by itself), is a Capstone Man, and is active in the Student Government Association as Director of Unity. Here are some of this thoughts on ZBT and campus life today.
What prompted you to consider and ultimately join Psi Chapter?
"Both of my parents grew up in Tuscaloosa as children and attended the University of Alabama. They both participated in Greek life and, more specifically, my dad was a ZBT. Growing up, I attended Alabama football games regularly and each visit included a trip to the ZBT house. Going to Alabama and being a ZBT has always been an aspiration of mine and I feel lucky everyday getting to live it."
How has the fraternity made a difference in your life? How have the leadership positions you’ve held in ZBT shaped you?
"Since the day I began my journey with ZBT I have been put into leadership positions. Besides being President today, I was elected Freshman class president, the secretary of the fraternity, and the new member educator. I have learned how to deal with personalities and people of all kinds. ZBT has provided me an opportunity to grow both as a leader and person and because of that I couldn’t be more thankful."
What do you tell potential new members about ZBT and fraternity life during rush?
"Rushing and being in a fraternity is an experience that will benefit your college career and the rest of your life. Meeting, living, and experiencing four years with your fellow brothers is unlike any organization anyone could ever be in. Specifically, at ZBT we are a combination of people from every corner of the United States with personalities of all kinds. Whether you are Jewish or not this is a place that allows you to connect with ZBT’s past, present, and future."
What are some of the greatest challenges you face as
President?
"Being President provides new challenges - and new opportunities - every day. Whether it is dealing with a brother in need, budgeting, or an internal problem within the house everything falls in some way on my shoulders. Being President has required me to be disciplined and organized so I can do my job to the best of my ability. This means being a great representation of our house and helping make the right decisions to keep this chapter prospering so one day my son can be a ZBT at Alabama."
How does ZBT fit into the Greek system at Alabama today?
"ZBT at Alabama fits perfectly into the Greek System, and also stands out in many ways. In one sense ZBT has leaders spread all over campus. Between SGA, campus and school ambassadors, or any other student organization, ZBT’s are often the presidents or executive board members within.
"In another sense, ZBT is a minority organization that allows for Jewish men - or any other undergraduates - to have a place where they feel comfortable and still have the traditional Alabama fraternity experience."
What would you say to those alumni who support the
Championing Our Second Century
campaign with their time and their financial gifts?
"To all that donate, as the President of Psi chapter, the entire house says thank you. These contributions do not go unnoticed and have helped shape the ZBT experience that we have all come to know and love. What speaks so highly about you is that, even though your 4-year undergraduate experience is over, you continue to support the fraternity that has given you so much so that others can have the same experience as you. I hope one day I can give back because ZBT Psi chapter is a brotherhood for a lifetime."
