The North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) recognized one chapter and one recent graduate with Awards of Distinction — the Chapter Award of Distinction and the Undergraduate Award of Distinction.
New Jersey Alpha RLC – Stevens Institute of Technology — Chapter Award of Distinction
The Chapter Award of Distinction recognizes the undergraduate chapter that is highly functioning, in compliance with NIC Standards, seeks to educate others about the benefits of a values-based fraternity experience, and works to maintain a healthy relationship with their international organization.
From the NIC:
From leading Stevens fraternities in academics for the last four years to serving as 10-15% of the campus’ Resident Assistants and 20% of the orientation leaders, the chapter ‘stands out from the average in nearly everything it does,’ said one nominator.
The men excel in providing a valuable experience for brothers, dedicating much of their programming and development to the ideals and values of the fraternity. One of the chapter’s most impactful initiatives to date was the development of “LIFT,” which trains area Sigma Phi Epsilon chapters on leadership, individual fitness and teamwork. The men have even helped Sigma Phi Epsilon pilot national educational programming and were selected to do so because “they provide distinct development challenges for every phase of a man’s college career and … facilitate a culture of participation and deep buy-in.”
Our brothers at Stevens have been consistent and intentional with their successes. We’ve seen the brothers discover the true meaning of fraternity, attend an international experience guided by prominent alumni and university faculty, inspire higher education professionals to become key volunteers, serve their community in times of need and receive the Buchanan Cup at the last four consecutive Conclaves. The chapter symbolizes what it truly means to be A Valued Partner in Higher Education.
Kenneth L. Nilsen, the Stevens dean of students, says, “Since the chapter adopted the Balanced Man Program, they have been a model for the campus. They are currently the largest chapter on campus, with the highest GPA and provide substance-free housing. The men who participate in SigEp are some of our best leaders.”
Associate Director of Student Life Thea Zunick says, “I have an immense sense of pride for the men of New Jersey Alpha RLC. I hope that this accomplishment is just the beginning for what they can accomplish as a valued partner in higher education. It is my honor to serve as their advisor, and I am committed to their future development and encouragement of these men. The Stevens Greek community is continuing to do great things!”
Ryan D’Ercole, Christopher Newport ’16 — Undergraduate Award of Distinction
The Undergraduate Award of Distinction seeks to recognize fraternity men who have found in their experience an outlet for developing as both a leader and a better man. The recipients are those who embody the values of their fraternity and expect the same from those with whom they associate.
Ryan says, “SigEp provided me with mentors that always pushed me to take on new challenges and always saw the man that I could become, even if I didn’t. From new member orientation to the Carlson Leadership Academy, or from Ruck Leadership Institute to Life After College, the Fraternity gave me many different avenues to develop into a better leader and a better man.”
Our brothers at Christopher Newport have been consistent and intentional with their successes. We’ve seen brothers like Ryan serve as positive role models and leaders on campus, lead the school as student body presidents, secure new housing for the chapter, earn the chapter’s accreditation as a Sigma Phi Epsilon Residential Learning Community, help bring home a Buchanan Cup from Conclave and earn seven university awards, including Fraternity of the Year.
The NIC wrote, “Beyond the chapter’s success, as one nominator said, ‘Ryan is a positive change agent on his campus,’ leading a campaign to combat sexual assault as well as developing a program on global competency.”
Starting next week, Ryan will join our Fraternity staff as a regional director.
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