Steve ’62 and Frosene Zeis Receive the 2024 Menscer Cup Award, the Top Honor from the NC State University Foundation

Steve and Frosene Zeis’ commitment to giving back has created a lasting legacy that continues to shape the future of NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles.

In recognition of their exceptional generosity, unwavering support and commitment to making higher education accessible, the NC State University Foundation honored the couple with the 2024 Menscer Cup Award.

“Steve and Frosene have played important roles in the advancement of NC State,” says Chancellor Randy Woodson. “We are truly grateful for their commitment to NC State through their philanthropic leadership and volunteer service.” 

The Menscer Cup Award, which is the highest accolade presented by the NC State University Foundation, was established in 1997 to honor individuals and families whose leadership, dedication and philanthropy embody the extraordinary legacy of NC State alumnus Darrell Menscer and his late wife, Carolyn.

This year, the award found its rightful recipients in the Zeises, whose remarkable contributions to the university span decades of involvement and impact.

Though unable to attend the ceremony, which took place on Dec. 5, 2024, due to health-related challenges, the couple shared their heartfelt gratitude and reflections with the NC State community through a video message.

A lifetime of dedication to NC State

Steve and Frosene Zeis’ connection to NC State began in 1957 when Steve emigrated from Istanbul, Turkey, with aspirations of studying textiles. It was in Asheville, North Carolina, where Steve and Frosene met and married in October 1961.

“Growing up in my father’s fabric store sparked my passion for textiles, which led me to NC State in 1957,” Steve recalls. “The opportunities I found here were transformative, and I’m proud to support the university that set me on a path to success.”

Following his graduation in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in textile technology, Steve embarked on a career in research and development before he and Frosene co-founded ZTM Sales and Service Inc., a textile machinery sales business. The couple’s professional success in the textile industry provided them with the means to make a lasting impact on the university they both cherished.

After retiring, the Zeises turned their focus to philanthropy, with an emphasis on higher education. 

They established two life-changing Centennial Scholarships at the Wilson College of Textiles. Established to celebrate the college’s 100th anniversary in 1999, the Centennial Scholarship Program provides merit-based scholarships to exceptional incoming students. In addition to significant tuition assistance, totaling up to $22,000 each year, these scholarships provide an additional $7,500 in enrichment funding that students can use to study abroad, attend leadership training and participate in career exploration programs. 

Steve and Frosene have played important roles in the advancement of NC State. We are truly grateful for their commitment to NC State through their philanthropic leadership and volunteer service.

In 2019, the couple furthered their dedication to student support through their role as founding benefactors of the Textile Pioneer Scholarship Program, the college’s first need-based scholarship program targeting students from our state’s non-metropolitan areas and first-generation university attendees. Their Frosene M. Zeis Endowed Pioneer Scholarship and the Steve E. Zeis Endowed Pioneer Scholarship serve as a catalyst for change, helping to increase access to education and fostering an environment of opportunity for students from all corners of North Carolina.

“Helping students realize their potential in textiles has been a passion of ours for many years,” Frosene says. “We believe in the power of education to shape the future of the industry, and we’re honored to contribute to that vision.”

Supporting the future of textiles

The Zeises’ dedication to the future of textiles shines through their support for education, workforce development and faculty excellence.

As members of the R.S. Pullen Society, the Zeises are among NC State’s most generous donors. In 2006, the couple made a $1.5 million gift to benefit textile students and to create a continuing education center that now bears their name, the Steve and Frosene Zeis Textiles Extension for Economic Development (ZTE). Since its inception, ZTE faculty and staff have taught more than 600 courses to over 12,000 students. In turn, this has led to a total economic impact of nearly $300 million for ZTE clients and partners.

The couple’s generosity to the Wilson College of Textiles and the North Carolina Textile Foundation — the college’s philanthropic arm — has continued to grow, and in 2021, they endowed the Steve and Frosene Zeis Distinguished Professorship in Technical Textiles. 

“Steve and Frosene’s philanthropic vision has had a transformative impact on the Wilson College of Textiles and the broader textile industry,” says David Hinks, dean of the Wilson College of Textiles. “Through their generous naming of the Zeis Textiles Extension, support for both merit and need-based scholarships, and establishment of a distinguished professorship, they have equipped many students, staff, faculty and interdisciplinary programs with the tools they need to succeed. Steve and Frosene epitomize our Wilson for Life philosophy. Their legacy will continue to shape the future of textiles for generations to come.”

The Zeises’ leadership extends beyond their financial contributions. Steve served on the North Carolina Textile Foundation Board of Directors from 2007 to 2014 and has been actively involved in the Alumni Association Volunteer Network. His earlier work as a student leader on the Bragaw Board of Governors further demonstrates his enduring commitment to NC State.

Steve and Frosene’s philanthropic vision has had a transformative impact on the Wilson College of Textiles and the broader textile industry. The couple epitomizes our Wilson for Life philosophy, and their legacy will continue to shape the future of textiles for generations to come.

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 — underscore the profound impact of their shared vision.

With their enduring dedication, exemplified by their recent recognition as recipients of the prestigious Menscer Cup Award, the Zeises have ensured that the Wilson College of Textiles will continue to lead the way in education, research and industry impact for generations to come.