The Exemplary Service Award (ESA) is an honor presented to volunteers who’ve made a significant impact on SigEp for 20 years or more. In typical years, the ESA is bestowed at the Carlson Leadership Academy in the spring, but due to the pandemic, the award was presented virtually, enabling more brothers to join in celebrating the recipients. At the 57th Grand Chapter Conclave, Rick Bennet, Central Missouri ’74, and Keith Boatright, Tennessee-Martin ’98, received the award during the Board of Governors reception for their decades-long impact.

Rick diligently served as a member of the National Board of Directors for over a decade, including terms as Grand Secretary and Grand President. While Grand President, he encouraged undergrads to take on additional leadership roles outside of the Fraternity and challenged each chapter to make SigEp the top student organization on their campus.

He’s also volunteered on numerous national task forces and committees and has attended nearly every SigEp leadership program as a keynote speaker or board liaison. A Citation recipient, Rick currently shares his business acumen with the Fraternity as secretary of the Educational Foundation.

A former chapter president and regional director, Rick continues to be highly engaged with his chapter as a member of the alumni and volunteer corporation. The example he’s set encourages all our young alumni to follow his lead by continuing to stay involved with their chapters.

Keith knows what it takes to build an award-winning chapter. Not only does he facilitate two chapter retreats each year, he also sets high standards for chapter leaders. Since he began serving as chapter counselor in 2013, the chapter has consistently held a GPA above 3.0. It’s won two Buchanan Cups and multiple campus awards.

Keith is also highly respected by the university staff. His strong relationship with the Fraternity and Sorority Life staff has resulted in buy-in to the Balanced Man Program across the entire Greek community. An invaluable asset to the AVC, he’s also personally recruited several active volunteers and advises them on the fundamentals of the BMP.

The contributions of these phenomenal volunteers are what makes it possible for SigEp to thrive and continue to educate and motivate today’s college men. You can read the accomplishments of all of this year’s Exemplary Service Award recipients here.