Zeta Psi, Nu Sigma Chapter at Seton Hall has officially been re-founded, marking its return to campus a decade after its suspension.
In 2016, Zeta Psi was placed on a five-year suspension after an underage student suffered from alcohol poisoning after attending a fraternity party, as previously reported by The Setonian.
The chapter had also faced prior probation, failing to follow “requirements, policies and expectations the university has for its fraternities and sororities,” ultimately receiving a cease and desist, Michael Davis, then-assistant director of leadership development (Greek liaison), said.
At the time, the chapter provided evidence that the allegations were mistaken, but evidence was not deemed “evident enough” by the University.
According to The Setonian, Zeta Psi’s President at the time, Joseph Giuliani, said the chapter planned to regain University recognition. Lauck Walton, executive director at Zeta Psi Fraternity International Headquarters, echoed that goal in an email, stating that “Zeta Psi IHQ and the [Seton Hall] Alumni Association intend to return to campus and regain University recognition when the suspension period ends.”
The chapter followed through on that promise and announced its return on Thursday via Instagram, highlighting the fraternity’s new era of brotherhood on campus.
“Through dedication, resilience, and brotherhood, they have worked tirelessly to bring Zeta Psi back to campus,” the post said. “This is more than a return: it’s the beginning of a legacy.”
Elliot Cavuto, a junior business management and philosophy major and current chapter president, said he reestablished Zeta Psi because of a family legacy: his father.
“He was a brother of Zeta Psi in the 90s and he told me about his amazing experience,” Cavuto said. “I saw that there had been a chapter here beforehand and from that moment on, halfway throughout my Fall sophomore semester, I gave this project all of my free time.”
For the past year and a half, Cavuto has been working to make this project a “reality” and went the extra mile—literally.
“I've had the opportunity to travel and meet 15 other chapters of Zeta Psi, including ones from Canada, Athens, England, Morocco, and France,” Cavuto said. “I've gotten the opportunity to explore and see how higher education is practiced all over the world.”
Cavuto credited the chapter’s Vice President, Connor Powers, a junior economics and business management major, and the rest of the 10 brothers for making the effort possible.
“[Thank you] to Connor Powers, for being the best VP anyone could ask for and sticking with this whenever things seemed impossible,” Cavuto said. “[Thank you] to all of [the] new brothers of my chapter for believing in this mission and going on this journey with me.”
Powers said joining Zeta Psi has had a meaningful personal impact.
“I chose to help re-found Zeta Psi here at SHU because I was told that being a member meant I would see my life turn around for the better,” Powers said.
“Thankfully, it was true, and I'm honestly just proud of what me and the other guys have accomplished,” Powers added. “Now I just want to see what Zeta Psi can give back to Seton Hall and its communities.”
When thinking about the future of the returning fraternity, Cavuto said that he is “excited.”
“Many people have wanted to know why I did this, besides the family ties mentioned before I did this because I wanted to leave something behind at Seton Hall,” Cavuto said. “Something I could be proud of.”
“I wanted a living legacy, so what better way than sculpting the future generations of undergraduates at Seton Hall into men ready to face the world with their heads held high,” he added.
University Relations wrote in a statement to The Setonian that, as the Greek community at SHU grows, they are "thoughtful about expansion and the long-term impact on our students."
"The decision to bring back Zeta Psi was based on their values, national support, and ability to complement the five existing fraternities in the Interfraternity Council, which are already contributing to a well-established and engaged community," University Relations said. "Our goal is to enhance opportunities for student involvement, leadership development, and community engagement while maintaining a strong, collaborative Greek community."
Sofia Kasbo is the Managing Editor of The Setonian. She can be reached at sofia.kasbo@student.shu.edu.
