Crafting an Enduring Legacy of Love, Kindness, and Importance

Crafting an Enduring Legacy of Love, Kindness, and Importance

Married for over six decades, Steve '61 and Frosene Zeis, a loving couple, exude an undeniably strong bond. This bond is evident in their conversations, soft smiles, and charming nicknames—Steve is affectionately known as "Stavros," while Frosene is called "Frosenie."

The couple first crossed paths in 1957, in Asheville, North Carolina. Steve had recently immigrated to the United States from Turkey with ambitions to study textiles at North Carolina State University's then-School of Textiles. Their shared Greek heritage, fondness for Mediterranean cuisine, and strong connection to the Greek Orthodox Church forged a lasting connection between them.

Steve reminisces about growing up in his father's fabric store in Istanbul, where his dream was to study the production of colorful fabrics. After meeting Frosene, the highlight of his life came when she beamed with pride in 1961 as he graduated with a bachelor's degree in textile technology.

Upon graduation, Steve embarked on a career characterized by his dedication to the textile industry. He worked in various positions but always maintained a presence in the sector. Steve's career trajectory took him from conducting research and developing new textile yarns and materials at Joseph Bancroft and Sons, Co., to leading technical services at Northrop Carolina, where he oversaw the development and manufacturing of critical textile machinery.

David Hinks, Dean of the Wilson College of Textiles, applauds Steve as a prime example of an exceptional alumnus. His distinguished career underscores his dedication to the textile industry.

In 1983, Steve and Frosene made a bold move, establishing ZTM Sales and Service, Inc., a textile machinery selling agency. They represented some of the largest textile machinery manufacturers in Europe, including Sant'Andera Novara, Cormatex, S.I.M.A., and Tessilmeccanica Saronno. Steve represented the European companies, while Frosene, a graduate of St. Genevieve of the Pines in Asheville, oversaw their business and finance sector.

The couple spent very few periods apart since their marriage on October 9, 1961. The longest time they spent apart was during Steve's international travels to explore business opportunities. Together, they have voyaged to numerous parts of the world, which expanded their understanding of diversity, interfaith relations, and cultural differences.

As the couple approached retirement in the early 2000s, their focus shifted towards giving back more significantly to their community. Their shared question, which guided their journey, was simple: "What tracks will you leave behind?" This question led them to make a substantial $1.5 million gift to benefit textile students and to create the Steve and Frosene Zeis Textiles Extension for Economic Development (ZTE) at their alma mater, the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State.

Since its establishment in 2006, the ZTE faculty and staff have taught more than 600 courses to over 12,000 students, positively impacting the economy with nearly $300 million in total impact for clients and partners.

Their generous gift also established two transformative Centennial Scholarships, offering significant tuition assistance and enrichment funding for students to study abroad, attend leadership training, and participate in career exploration programs. In 2019, they became founding benefactors of the college's first need-based scholarship program, the Textile Pioneer Scholarship program, which specifically targets students from non-metropolitan areas and first-generation university attendees.

Leah Reid, a Textile Pioneer Scholarship recipient, expressed the impact of their support: "Thanks to this scholarship, I have had an amazing two years at the Wilson College of Textiles thus far. Being able to focus on my studies and professional opportunities without financial concerns has been a blessing. My life continues to be enhanced because of this scholarship, and I still have the goal to one day support another student the way you two have supported me."

Steve's continuous contributions to Wilson College of Textiles are not limited to financial support. He has championed the philanthropic arm of the college, the North Carolina Textile Foundation, through his eight years of service on the foundation's board of directors. For his exceptional leadership in the textile industry and his dedicated service, Steve was recognized as the college's Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in 2006 and the Textile Leader of the Year by members of the Kappa Tau Beta Leadership Fraternity and the Phi Psi Fraternity in 2010.

The Zeises' generosity extends beyond higher education, impacting medicine, the arts, and places of religious worship. As they look to the future, they harbor dreams of working with the Wilson College of Textiles, ZTE, and the Asheville-Buncombe Christian Church Ministries to establish a cottage manufacturing complex in rural Western North Carolina. This initiative aims to teach residents textile machinery skills, empowering them to produce marketable textile products and establish locally owned and operated small businesses.

1. Steve, with a bachelor's degree in textile technology, began his career in the textile industry, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to the field.
2. The Zeises, both graduates of North Carolina State University's School of Textiles, made a significant gift to establish the Steve and Frosene Zeis Textiles Extension for Economic Development.
3. The ZTE has impacted over 12,000 students, with a total impact of nearly $300 million for clients and partners since its establishment in 2006.
4. The Zeises' generous gift also created two Centennial Scholarships, supporting students to study abroad, attend leadership training, and participate in career exploration programs.
5. In 2019, they became founding benefactors of the college's first need-based scholarship program, the Textile Pioneer Scholarship, targeting students from non-metropolitan areas and first-generation university attendees.
6. Leah Reid, a Textile Pioneer Scholarship recipient, expressed gratitude for the scholarship's impact, providing her with financial assistance and professional opportunities.
7. Steve has served on the North Carolina Textile Foundation's board of directors, championing the philanthropic arm of the Wilson College of Textiles.
8. The Zeises' contributions extend beyond higher education, impacting areas such as medicine, the arts, and places of religious worship.
9. In the future, they aim to work with the Wilson College of Textiles, ZTE, and the Asheville-Buncombe Christian Church Ministries to establish a cottage manufacturing complex in rural Western North Carolina.
10. This initiative plans to teach residents textile machinery skills, empowering them to produce marketable textile products and establish locally owned and operated small businesses, impacting the local economy and lifestyle.

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