NC State University Foundation Recognizes Steve '61 and Frosene Zeis with the Prestigious 2024 Menscer Cup Award
NC State University recognised Steve and Frosene Zeis for their extraordinary generosity, unwavering support, and commitment to higher education accessibility. The couple received the 2024 Menscer Cup Award, the highest accolade presented by the NC State University Foundation.
"Steve and Frosene have played crucial roles in advancing NC State," said Chancellor Randy Woodson. "We are deeply grateful for their dedication to NC State through their philanthropic leadership and volunteer service."
Established in 1997, the Menscer Cup Award honours individuals and families whose leadership, dedication, and philanthropy embody the exceptional legacy of NC State alumnus Darrell Menscer and his late wife, Carolyn. This year, the Zeises were deemed the ideal recipients for their decades-long contributions to the university.
Unfortunately, due to health-related issues, the Zeises could not attend the award ceremony on Dec. 5, 2024, but they shared their heartfelt gratitude and reflections with the NC State community through a video message.
The couple's connection to NC State began in 1957 when Steve emigrated from Istanbul, Turkey, with dreams of studying textiles. Worlds collided in Asheville, North Carolina, where Steve and Frosene met and married in October 1961.
Following his graduation in 1961 with a bachelor's degree in textile technology, Steve embarked on a career in research and development before he and Frosene founded ZTM Sales and Service Inc., a textile machinery sales business. Their subsequent professional success in the textile industry enabled them to make a lasting impact on the university they adored.
Upon retiring, the Zeises focused on philanthropy with an emphasis on higher education. They established two life-changing Centennial Scholarships at the Wilson College of Textiles, dedicated to celebrating the college's 100th anniversary in 1999. These scholarships provide merit-based aid to exceptional incoming students, offering significant tuition assistance totalling up to $22,000 yearly, in addition to enrichment funding of $7,500 for travel, leadership training, and career exploration programs.
In 2019, the couple furthered their support for student success through their role as founding benefactors of the Textile Pioneer Scholarship Program, targeting students from North Carolina's non-metropolitan areas and first-generation university attendees. Their Frosene M. Zeis Endowed Pioneer Scholarship and the Steve E. Zeis Endowed Pioneer Scholarship aim to broaden access to education and foster opportunity for students across the state.
"Helping students fulfill their potential in textiles has been a long-standing ambition of ours," said Frosene. "We believe in the power of education to reshape the future of the industry, and we are honoured to contribute to that vision."
The Zeises' devotion to the textile industry's future is apparent in their support for education, workforce development, and faculty excellence. As members of the R.S. Pullen Society, they rank among NC State's most generous donors. In 2006, the couple made a $1.5 million gift to benefit textile students and establish the Steve and Frosene Zeis Textiles Extension for Economic Development (ZTE). Since its inception, ZTE faculty and staff have taught over 600 courses to more than 12,000 students, generating a near $300 million economic impact for clients and partners.
Their philanthropy toward the Wilson College of Textiles and the North Carolina Textile Foundation—the college's philanthropic arm—has continued to grow, with the 2021 endowment of the Steve and Frosene Zeis Distinguished Professorship in Technical Textiles.
"Steve and Frosene's philanthropic vision has significantly impacted the Wilson College of Textiles and the larger textile industry," said David Hinks, dean of the Wilson College of Textiles. "Their generous naming of the Zeis Textiles Extension, support for both merit and need-based scholarships, and establishment of a distinguished professorship have equipped many students, staff, faculty, and interdisciplinary programs with the necessary resources to excel. Steve and Frosene exemplify our Wilson for Life philosophy, and their legacy will continue to shape the future of textiles for generations to come."
Beyond their financial contributions, the Zeises' leadership extends to their service on various boards, including the North Carolina Textile Foundation Board of Directors and the Alumni Association Volunteer Network. Their earlier work as student leaders on the Bragaw Board of Governors further demonstrates their enduring commitment to NC State.
Steve's accolades—including the Wilson College of Textiles' Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2006 and his recognition as Textile Leader of the Year in 2010—reflect the profound impact of their shared vision on the university and the textile industry. With their enduring dedication, exemplified by their Menscer Cup Award recognition, the Zeises have ensured that the Wilson College of Textiles will continue to lead in education, research, and industry impact for future generations.
- Steve and Frosene Zeis' dedication to higher education accessibility has been recognized by NC State University with the 2024 Menscer Cup Award, the highest accolade presented by the NC State University Foundation.
- The Zeises' connection to NC State University began in 1957 when Steve, a dreamer from Istanbul, Turkey, decided to study textiles at the university.
- Upon retiring, Steve and Frosene focused on philanthropy, with an emphasis on higher education, establishing two Centennial Scholarships at the Wilson College of Textiles in 1999.
- The Zeises furthered their support for student success in 2019 through the Textile Pioneer Scholarship Program, targeting students from North Carolina's non-metropolitan areas and first-generation university attendees.
- Their philanthropy also funded the Steve and Frosene Zeis Textiles Extension for Economic Development (ZTE), contributing to over 600 courses taught to more than 12,000 students, generating a near $300 million economic impact.
- The couple's support for the Wilson College of Textiles and the North Carolina Textile Foundation extends beyond financial contributions, with their service on various boards such as the North Carolina Textile Foundation Board of Directors and the Alumni Association Volunteer Network.
- Steve's accolades include the Wilson College of Textiles' Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2006 and his recognition as Textile Leader of the Year in 2010, reflecting the profound impact of their shared vision on the university and the textile industry.
- The Zeises' philanthropic vision has significantly impacted the Wilson College of Textiles and the larger textile industry, equipping many students, staff, faculty, and interdisciplinary programs with the necessary resources to excel.
- Steve and Frosene Zeis' legacy will continue to shape the future of textiles for generations to come, as they exemplify the importance of education, self-development, personal growth, career development, learning, skills training, and innovation in the textile industry.
