Roundtable Interview: Jeff Zych

Apr 07, 2020 – As IBM's LEAD Services Partner for Allstate and Allianz Insurance, Jeff Zych, DePaul (IL), is an international operations and finance executive.

Jeff Zych HeadshotHis commitment to Delta Sigma Pi is evident through his volunteer service and philanthropic leadership. He has served in many volunteer roles, including as a member of the Fraternity Board of Directors as the VP-Finance and as the President of the Chicago Alumni Chapter.

In 2019, Zych made a $50,000 gift to establish the Jeffrey E. Zych Presidents' Academy Fund. The purpose of the fund is to provide an annual grant that directly supports the award-winning Presidents' Academy. He has reached the Fifth Founder level ($50,000-$99,000) for lifetime giving and has been a member of the Deltasig Investors Roundtable since it was created.

The Roundtable recognizes those distinguished Deltasigs who financially support Delta Sigma Pi at a strategic level through annual gifts totaling $1,200 or more. The Roundtable is the premier annual giving society of the Delta Sigma Pi Leadership Foundation. In a recent interview, Zych shared his passion for the Roundtable.

LF: In your own words, what is the Deltasig Investors Roundtable? 

JZ: The Roundtable symbolizes a passion for philanthropy shared by brothers who believe that the best way to make a true difference in the lives of others is to invest in them. Roundtable members do this by giving large financial gifts to the Foundation over a long period of time.

LF: What inspires you to give back to Delta Sigma Pi philanthropically? 

JZ: I am inspired to give back to an organization that provided me with opportunities that I was able to take advantage of and drove my success. Delta Sigma Pi did not necessarily give me something tangible. Rather, it presented me with opportunities to take advantage of and thereby succeed.

LF: Why did you make the choice to be a Roundtable member?

JZ: I have been blessed in many ways from my wife Jenn, Lewis (IL), to my children, my friends inside and outside Delta Sigma Pi and my success from hard work. From this success comes the obligation to give back and do all I can to give others more opportunities for their own success. The lazy will miss the chance, but those who see the chance and take it will surpass my success tenfold, if they work hard. Then they should make the commitment to sit at the Roundtable and pay it back also! 

LF: What encouragement would you offer to your fellow brothers for them to join you as a Roundtable member? 

JZ: Work so hard early on and save all you can so that someday, you can cross that threshold that allows you to say "I need to give away more." Then, come to the table and do it. 

LF: What is your favorite Deltasig memory? 

JZ: Driving to Grand Chapter Congress in Washington D.C. in 1991 with Peter Bjelan, George Panagopoulos, and Matt Neary, all Alpha Omega [DePaul] brothers. It was a week loaded with memories, brotherhood and a few "giggles" we still remember to this day.

LF: Do you have final thoughts? 

JZ: There is room at this table for YOU and we want you here. 

Joining Jeff as a member of the Deltasig Investors Roundtable can be accomplished in a variety of ways depending on your annual philanthropic goals. You can make a one-time investment ($1,200 annually), quarterly investment ($300 per quarter) or monthly investment ($100 per month). You can also make a five-year investment by establishing a financial pledge with the Foundation (minimum of $1,200 per year, $6,000 total). If your philanthropic plans are more complex, you can monitor your annual progress by using the Roundtable Tracker on your Donor Profile.

Get to Know Brother Zych: 

What was your first job? 
I was a 17 year-old heat treatment laborer in a metal spring manufacturing plant where I cooked metal springs in an oven set at 500 to 1,000 degrees all summer. I lost 30 lbs. 

What is the most recent experience you have crossed off your bucket list? 
Celebrating Chinese New Year in China and then evacuating because of COVID-19.

You know it is a good day when...
You wake up and you are alive. Then your kids and wife tell you they love you before you head out the door to work. 

What are we likely to find in your refrigerator? 
My son and daughter as they eat us out of house and home.

What is the best advice you have received? 
Say thank you more than you look for it. You will be much happier.
Tags:
  • Deltasig Spotlight