[1] Charles W. Burkett and John F. Cunningham, roommates and students at the College of Agriculture at Ohio State University, founded the Alpha Zeta fraternity on November 4, 1897.

[10] In 1942, Alpha Zeta began issuing scholarships to a select number of members for graduate studies.

Alumni Association helped form the National Alpha Zeta Foundation of America, Inc. in 1960, allowing the expansion of the scholarship program.

[11][6] The foundation accepts and manages donations for "scientific, educational and charitable purposes which best advance agriculture for the public good.

[11] The fraternity is overseen by a seven-member High Council that is elected by student representatives of each chapter at Biennial Conclaves held on odd calendar years.

[2] To be eligible for membership in Alpha Zeta, students must be majoring in agriculture or a related field, must have completed one year of study, and must be in the upper two-fifths of their class.

[6] Honorary members can be nominated by chapters every ten years after their Charter date.