ZETA NU
Montclaire State University

FOUNDED ON
3.3.1928

LOCATION
Montclaire, NJ

HISTORY
In November 2009, Ryan Priedel contacted Alpha Sigma Phi Headquarters to express an interest in starting a chapter at Montclair State University. Ryan’s brother was initiated at Albright College. Director of Expansion and Growth Matt Humberger, Bowling Green ‘03, contacted Stephanie Wright, Greek Life Advisor at Montclair State University, and was told that Alpha Sigma Phi was not permitted to expand. Not deterred by Ms. Wright’s refusal to allow a group to be formed at a public institution, Ryan and others proceeded.

Eventually, Ms. Wright indicated that we could form a group if Ryan recruited at least 20 people with no assistance from the national organization and without displaying any flyers or utilizing any on-campus space. Despite these barriers, 22 men indicated an interest in joining the group. Josh Franke, Otterbein ‘06, traveled to campus in February of 2010 to make a presentation to the Greek Council. That meeting was cancelled.

Over the course of the next two years, the Greek Council, under the advisement and encouragement of Ms. Wright, repeatedly voted by secret ballot to not recognize Alpha Sigma Phi. The Dean of Students, Mary Howell, was contacted seeking assistance to help the group and the Fraternity was told by Dean Howell, “I can’t help you.” The men in the group alleged harassment, intimidation and hazing by members of the Greek Council, and the Fraternity hired an attorney to represent the members and sue the Greek Council and University to be recognized under the guarantee of Freedom of Association. After years of trying to get recognized, a settlement agreement was reached in June of 2012 in which the Colony would be fully recognized and not have to pay Greek Council dues for two years as a result of the injustice that occurred.

The group was officially colonized on February 19, 2010, and the first Initiation Ceremony was held on November 18, 2011. The Colony officially chartered on September 7, 2013 as the Zeta Nu Chapter. The Ceremony was held at the Best Western Regency in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. Undergraduate Grand Councilor Josh Pawley, Colorado State ‘11, gave the Keynote Address. Doug Jones, Cornell ‘09, represented Fraternity Staff. Justin Scully, Montclair ‘11, was the Founding President. 

In November of 2014, the undergraduate membership of the Zeta Nu Chapter sent an email to Fraternity Staff indicating that “effective immediately the Zeta Nu Chapter will be ceasing all operations as a chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi.” Fraternity Staff offered their support but the undergraduate membership continued with the closing of the Chapter. Thirty-five men were initiated into Zeta Nu.

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