SigEp’s continued leadership within the Greek community has been recognized with three 2019 Awards of Distinction from the North American Interfraternity Conference. Brothers received awards in the undergraduate and chapter categories. In addition, the Fraternity was honored with a Laurel Wreath Award for the Balanced Man Program App.

As North Carolina Gamma’s vice president of member development, Matthew Conley, Duke ’19, exhibited true leadership time and time again. The Undergraduate Award of Distinction recipient set the tone for his chapter by frequently reminding brothers that it’s not enough to talk about being different — they must also put that concept into practice and serve as role models on their campus. In his role as president of the Duke Interfraternity Council, he was equally vocal about the need to restructure the norms surrounding fraternity, and he built relationships with students, faculty and staff to advance that goal. As one of his nominators stated, Conley “truly focuses on changing the fraternity experience — not just changing the optics.”

SigEp’s Louisiana Beta chapter has also set itself apart, despite the challenging campus environment at Louisiana State University. The group’s achievements were recognized with a Chapter Award of Distinction. Brothers say their substance-free facility is a welcome contrast to the party-centric atmosphere found at most other fraternity houses on campus. Parents and potential members have also taken notice of the home’s positive environment. And there’s even a waiting list to live there.

Louisiana Beta brothers are leaders in the classroom and in their community. They hold a number of leadership positions on campus, including student body president. The chapter’s GPA has been above 3.0 for the past 10 semesters, and it consistently ranks in the top two among fraternities. Furthermore, brothers are supported by a well-implemented BMP and invested in their own personal development. Highly involved alumni also play a key role in member development, fostering strong connections with their mentees. In addition, the chapter engages with the wider community by participating in service projects and donating to local organizations that support children with disabilities.

Lastly, the national Fraternity was recognized with the Laurel Wreath Award for its 2017 launch of the Balanced Man Program App. The app has helped brothers set personal goals and manage their progress through each of the four phases of the BMP using their desktop and mobile devices. Balanced man stewards have also benefitted from the app, which puts challenge suggestions and activity ideas at their fingertips and makes it easy to foster development among members. It simplifies officer transitions as well, because plans from the past year are readily available. And because the app shares progress data with chapter leaders and volunteers, it is easier for members, challenge coordinators and volunteers to collaborate to achieve members’ goals.

These awards reflect the growing impact SigEp is making on the fraternity world through its member development programming and ongoing commitment to innovation.