By Laurence A. Bolotin, Ed.D, CAE, Alpha Zeta (University of Florida) 2001, the Fraternity’s Interim CEO

For more than 100 years, the brothers of Zeta Beta Tau at the University of Florida built a strong and enduring chapter without a permanent place to call home.

Alumni recall gathering in residence halls, rented houses and borrowed spaces, to create brotherhood wherever they could.

But this semester, ZBT has made historic news: ZBT National Housing Corp. (NHC) has officially purchased a house at 667 Fraternity Row at the University of Florida. For the first time in chapter history, Alpha Zeta now has a permanent home and yard in the heart of campus.

Some alumni may know this house as the house that had previously been occupied by either Phi Sigma Kappa, Phi Gamma Delta, or as the house currently rented by the Alpha Zeta Chapter since 2021.

This moment would not have been possible without the extraordinary commitment of ZBT NHC, Zeta Beta Tau Foundation, and the many generous alumni and donors who gave their time, talent and treasure to make this vision a reality.

We extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to Brother Cliff S. Schneider, Esq. Alpha Zeta 2000.  Brother Schneider has served for more than two decades including such roles as Alpha Zeta Chapter Advisor, ZBT Supreme Councilor and, most recently, as the Immediate Past President of the NHC. His persistence, generosity, guidance and leadership were instrumental throughout this entire process. The purchase was possible because of his unwavering commitment to find a permanent home for Alpha Zeta.

While the purchase is complete, ZBT’s work is just beginning.  In the months ahead, NHC and the Chapter will focus on enhancing the house and creating a space that reflects the strength, values, and legacy of our brotherhood. There will be additional opportunities to support naming spaces, purchase commemorative bricks, and honor the brothers who helped shape the journey.

We are also excited to begin planning a formal ribbon cutting and house dedication ceremony to likely take place this fall. This will be a powerful moment to bring generations of ZBT brothers back together in Gainesville to celebrate what we have accomplished and what comes next.