From collection Member List
Israel Coriell Pierson was born on August 22, 1843. He received his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees from New York University, where he was a member of Phi Chapter of Zeta Psi. During his time at NYU, Pierson served as secretary for the Council of NYU. When the school moved to the University Heights campus, Pierson was the one who found a new house for Phi Chapter.
Following his education, Pierson made a successful career as an actuary for several different firms. He also wrote as an insurance journalist for the American Underwriter. Pierson was elected president of the Actuarial Society of America and the International Congress of Actuaries.
Pierson served as Phi Alpha of Zeta Psi from 1886–1887. During his term, Mu Chapter at Stanford University and Alpha Beta Chapter at the University of Minnesota were chartered. Pierson was Alpha Phi Alpha prior to his term as Phi Alpha and afterwards served as Delta Alpha until his death.
Pierson left a large legacy to Zeta Psi. Along with brothers John Howard Ford and Pomeroy Ladue, Pierson published the Semi-Centennial Catalogue of Zeta Psi. He also helped publish songbooks and wrote “Greetings,” a hymn for Zeta Psi. He was responsible for organizing important documents and records and keeping them in safe deposit boxes. His death on September 10, 1908, and the subsequent loss of his recordkeeping were part of the inspiration for the creation of The Circle of Zeta Psi.
Following his education, Pierson made a successful career as an actuary for several different firms. He also wrote as an insurance journalist for the American Underwriter. Pierson was elected president of the Actuarial Society of America and the International Congress of Actuaries.
Pierson served as Phi Alpha of Zeta Psi from 1886–1887. During his term, Mu Chapter at Stanford University and Alpha Beta Chapter at the University of Minnesota were chartered. Pierson was Alpha Phi Alpha prior to his term as Phi Alpha and afterwards served as Delta Alpha until his death.
Pierson left a large legacy to Zeta Psi. Along with brothers John Howard Ford and Pomeroy Ladue, Pierson published the Semi-Centennial Catalogue of Zeta Psi. He also helped publish songbooks and wrote “Greetings,” a hymn for Zeta Psi. He was responsible for organizing important documents and records and keeping them in safe deposit boxes. His death on September 10, 1908, and the subsequent loss of his recordkeeping were part of the inspiration for the creation of The Circle of Zeta Psi.
