Awards
The chapter boasts a number of awards generously funded by our alumni for the benefit of chapter members. These are disbursed on the basis of need, scholarship, character, and commitment to the fraternity.
The Jeffrey W. DeGumbia Memorial Award
Local scholarship of $1000 (may be split between more than one student). To be awarded to someone who best represents the spirit of Jeff: enthusiastic, involved, dedicated to Alpha Zeta and Cornell, academically, serious, ambitious, friendly and fun loving. Usually awarded in the Spring around March 20th, Jeff's birthday.
The Middaugh Award
Local, not need-based scholarship of several awards of $1000 or more (split between more than one student). The Middaugh Memorial Fund was established in 1965 in memory of Wessels S. Middaugh '26, who dedicated his life to service through a career in international agriculture. In 1972, his son, W. Stephen Middaugh '62, died unexpectedly and a trustee action changed the name of the fund to include the gifts received in his memory.
The Kent L. Wells Memorial Award
Local scholarship of $650. The Kent L. Wells Alpha Zeta Memorial Scholarship was established in 1969 following the untimely death of Brother Wells '64. This was the first endowed scholarship set up through the National Alpha Zeta Foundation. The award was put under local management of the CALS Charitable Trust in 2017. Income from the fund is awarded to a deserving junior or senior member of Alpha Zeta. Criteria for the scholarship are financial need, strong academic performance, and "evincing the spirit of Alpha Zeta." The recipient must be nationally initiated.
The Jeremy R. DeBlock '05 Award
Local award of $1000. The Jeremy R. DeBlock Award was established in 2005, following the untimely death of Brother Jeremy R. DeBlock '05, shortly after graduation. The criteria are financial need, strong leadership, involvement and commitment to Alpha Zeta, to CALS and to the Ithaca community.
Robert C. Baker '43 Award
Local scholarship of $1000 not based on financial need. Preference will be given to students majoring in horticulture or food science who have demonstrated significant leadership and/or commitment to Alpha Zeta. This award is the first to come out of the AZ Alumni Leaders Fund, established to recognize the significant leadership and commitment for the fraternity by an AZ alumus. Since graduating, Bob Baker was involved in one way or another with AZ, most significantly as President of the Corporation Board from 1981 to 2000. During this time, the feasibility study and actual reconstruction of the present house was undertaken under Dr. Baker's leadership, and $1.6 million was raised for the reconstruction of the house. Dr. Baker passed away in March of 2006.
Dyson Scholarships
Four scholarships were established for Alpha Zeta members in 1998 through Cornell's Scholarship Challenge Campaign by John Dyson '65.
-
A. Joseph Fairbank '48 Scholarship
-
David J. and Martha Nolan Scholarship
-
James R. Weisbeck Scholarship
-
Robert V. Call Jr. Scholarship
​
These awards are need-based and intended for Greek undergraduates who demonstrate leadership qualities or hold a leadership position in their respective chapter. Students who qualify for grant and work-study through the Cornell Financial Aid Office and demonstrate a significant leadership role in their chapter are eligible. In the event a student meeting the financial-aid criteria cannot be identified in the group of nominees, another deserving member of the chapter who meets the necessary requirements may be selected to receive the scholarship. Awards are for the following year and graduating seniors are not eligible to apply. Applications are submitted annually to the OSFL by June 1st.
Cornell Chapter New Member Award
In 2018 the active members of the fraternity established a local investment fund managed by the Chapter. A portion of the interest from the investments helps to fund a local new member award to cover the $275 new member dues. After members are initiated, they can apply for the award through the Corporation Board. Awardees will be determined based on their financial need, embodiment of the spirit of Alpha Zeta, and the amount of available funds.