Volunteers

Gutter: Rewarding new brotherhood role

Issue: Spring 2025

Pictured: Brother Gutter with two Delta Iota Chapter officers at a Regional Officer Institute.

Article by Jonathan H. Levin, Alpha Kappa (University of Wisconsin-Madison) 2002, the Fraternity’s Director of the Alumni Experience

Lending and giving a helping hand is an important tenet of being a brother of a Fraternity. One of ZBT’s newest Chapter Advisors is finding a great reward in supporting the Chapter near where he lives.

Stuart R. Gutter, Gamma Beta (University of New Haven) 1990, is originally from the Northeast and attended New Haven in the late 1980s. Now living in the Orlando suburbs, he stepped up earlier this school year to advise the Delta Iota Chapter at the University of Central Florida.

“It has been my favorite ZBT experience so far,” he said.

Through his new role, he’s been able to meet many new brothers, attend national programs and extend his Brotherhood for a Lifetime experience.

“I stay engaged because all of my best friends are brothers.”

Brother Gutter and his wife, Patti, own a high-end event decoration business, American Balloon Decor. Brother Gutter is a Certified Balloon Artist with a big-name list of clients like the Orlando Magic and UCF.

“My business can always use a helping hand from a college student. I have been able to put several brothers to work during their college experience.”

He said he would encourage other alumni to volunteer with ZBT: “Take the time to become a mentor. Allow yourself to give back in one way or another.”

Engagement opportunities with ZBT

Inspired by Brother Gutter? Many current chapters need additional advisors, and it doesn’t have to be the group where you joined as an undergraduate brother.

  • Apply to become a Chapter Advisor! In this role, you will help mentor and support undergraduate brothers and shape the ZBT chapter culture. The advisor’s job is to promote a successful ZBT.
  • Join or start an alumni association! A top priority for ZBT is to provide an outlet for alumni to maintain their passion for the Fraternity. ZBT has growing alumni associations across the United States, such as Southern California, Atlanta, Boston, New York, Chicago, South Florida, Washington, D.C., and others.

Contact Brother Jonathan H. Levin, Alpha Kappa (University of Wisconsin-Madison) 2002, the Fraternity Director of the Alumni Experience, for questions 463-317-6227 or jlevin@zbtnational.org.