Originally posted by the North-American Interfraternity Conference. The Advisor Award of Distinction recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to guiding and mentoring a chapter, council or community.

Dr. Carolyn Whittier
Assistant Dean for Greek Life, Leadership and Volunteer Programs, Valparaiso University

Dr. Carrie Whittier, a member of Alpha Omicron Pi, has a storied history of volunteerism within the fraternity and sorority industry and as a campus fraternity/sorority advisor.

“I think Carrie was made for this field,” a campus nominator wrote. “Her passion for her work with the fraternity and sorority community and the students in it is evident to anyone who talks to her.” Not only does Dr. Whittier represent and advocate for the fraternity/sorority community at Valparaiso, but she also invests much of her time in volunteering for and advancing the fraternal movement and profession in greater capacities. She is a past president of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA), current Vice Chair of the AFA Foundation, a consultant to other campuses regarding their fraternity/sorority communities, and a regular keynote speaker and presenter at national fraternal leadership events and workshops.

During her time as a volunteer for Sigma Phi Epsilon, which began in 1997 as a graduate student, Dr. Whittier has served in a variety of roles. At each of the institutions she has called home, whether for her own academic pursuits or as a fraternity/sorority life professional, she has continued supporting Sigma Phi Epsilon in capacities such as chapter counselor, a steward of the Balanced Man Program, and a member of alumni and volunteer corporations. “It is rare that anyone, let alone someone who is not even a member of SigEp, with other professional and personal responsibilities, would hold as many roles and do as good a job as Dr. Whittier,” one nominator wrote. “In short, her commitment to the success of SigEp and fraternities and sororities is phenomenal.”

In 2016, Dr. Whittier received SigEp’s Distinguished Volunteer Award. In addition to her role at Valparaiso, Dr. Whittier also volunteers for SigEp as a Carlson Leadership Academy facilitator and on SigEp’s Member Safety Team and is responsible for providing valuable member safety education to executive boards and chapter members in their surrounding area.