A new fraternity has established roots at the College of Charleston. The Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity colonized this fall and initiated 24 young men into the organization. While Zeta Beta Tau was originally founded in New York City in 1898 as the world’s first Jewish fraternity, in 1954 it became nonsectarian and now allows non-Jewish members to join. This is the first time it has had a chapter at the College.

“To be a founding father is an opportunity that is both uncommon and groundbreaking,” says new member and junior Philip Traxler. “To create an experience as opposed to joining one which has been around for years or decades shows we are capable of raising the standard. It’s unreal, there’s nothing quite like it.” 

Campus representatives were present during the fraternity’s public pinning ceremony, including Assistant Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life Carson Lance; sisters of Sigma Delta Tau, Kappa Delta, Sigma Kappa and Alpha Delta Pi; and friends of the new initiates.

“I am thrilled with the addition of Zeta Beta Tau at the College of Charleston,” says Lance. “Not only does this organization provide a unique experience for its members, but it has a well-positioned opportunity to lead the Interfraternity Council community in the prevention of power-based violence, hazing and bias-related incidents.”

The new initiates are: Holden Armor, Class of 2021; John P. Astudillo, Class of 2021; Alexander P. England, Class of 2021; Andrew G. Godfrey, Class of 2021; Daniel M. Gray, Class of 2021; Charles B. Havens, Class of 2021; Robert O. Herbert, Class of 2020; Anthony E. Intrieri, Class of 2021; Benjamin S. Kanter, Class of 2020; Jordan T. Kochman, Class of 2020; John R. Long, Class of 2020; Tate C. Macdonald, Class of 2021; Angel G. Martinez, Class of 2021; Zachary B. Odessa, Class of 2022; Donovan J. Pate, Class of 2021; Joseph F. Rinaldi, Class of 2021; Kory G. Roberts, Class of 2019; Adam R. Robertson, Class of 2021; Ben D. Shamah, Class of 2020; Grant D. Stadler, Class of 2021; Alwyn B. Strange, Class of 2021; Tanner Tolson, Class of 2021; Philip L. Traxler, Class of 2019; and Spencer D. Wolmark, Class of 2021.

Individuals at the College who are interested in joining Zeta Beta Tau should contact Carson Lance at lancec@cofc.edu.


Lilly Frederick is a junior from San Diego studying English and creative writing at the College of Charleston. She is also an Orientation Intern for the Office of New Student Programs.