L100 Philanthropist Members of the Month
Leadership 100 is blessed with members whose generosity, vision, and devotion to our faith strengthen the Church and transform lives across the world. To honor that extraordinary spirit, we are launching a new monthly feature: L100 Philanthropist Members of the Month.
Each month, we will spotlight members whose philanthropy reflects the very best of Hellenic and Orthodox values; individuals and families whose leadership inspires us, whose service uplifts communities, and whose commitment to the Church ensures a vibrant future for generations to come.
We are proud to begin this series by honoring two remarkable members whose lives exemplify faith in action.
June L100 Philanthropist Members of the Month:
Stavros (Steve) & Frosene Zeis
Stavros (Steve) & Frosene Zeis
Few couples embody the spirit of Leadership 100 as fully as Stavros (Steve) and Frosene Zeis, whose lifelong commitment to philanthropy, education, and the Greek Orthodox faith continues to transform communities across the Southeast and beyond. Their recognition this spring by the University of North Carolina Asheville, where both received honorary degrees, is a fitting tribute to their decades of service and generosity.
Their legacy at UNC Asheville is profound. The Zeis Science and Multimedia Building, named in their honor, stands as a testament to their belief in the power of education and innovation. Their historic $3 million gift, the largest private contribution in the university’s history, has strengthened academic programs and expanded opportunities for generations of students.
But their generosity extends far beyond a single campus. With a $1.5 million gift to North Carolina State University, Steve and Frosene established the Zeis Textiles Extension for Economic Development (ZTE), which is a program that has since trained more than 12,000 students, delivered over 600 courses, and generated nearly $300 million in economic impact across four states. Their philanthropy has fueled progress in healthcare as well, including the creation of the Steve and Frosene Zeis Children’s Cancer Center at Mission Hospital’s SECU Cancer Center.
The arts community has also flourished thanks to their vision. From the Steve and Frosene Classical Court at the North Carolina Museum of Art to two named spaces at the Asheville Art Museum, their support has enriched cultural life and expanded access to the arts for countless families.
At the heart of their philanthropy, however, is a deep and abiding love for the Greek Orthodox Church. The Zeises are long-standing and fulfilled members of Leadership 100, steadfast supporters of parish life, national ministries, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Their contributions include major support for Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Asheville, the founding of the Tony and Helen Morris Hellenic Cultural Center, significant gifts to the Diakonia Retreat Center, and an endowment for the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine. As fulfilled FOUNDERS of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, they continue to champion the protection and vitality of the Mother Church.
Their commitment to the future of Orthodoxy is equally evident in their establishment of perpetual scholarships at Hellenic College Holy Cross, ensuring that future clergy and lay leaders receive the formation they need to serve the Church with excellence.
Invested as an Archon in 2018 with the offikion Skevophylax, Steve has brought the same dedication to his service within the Order that he and Frosene bring to every philanthropic endeavor.
Leadership 100 is honored to celebrate Steve and Frosene Zeis - Axioi!
Their lives remind us that philanthropy is not simply generosity, but a calling rooted in faith, gratitude, and love for community.
