Eric Smith, Valparaiso ’17, is the most recent SigEp to receive the Undergraduate Award of Distinction from the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). The award recognizes undergraduates who have leveraged their fraternity experience to develop personally and as leaders. Of the thousands of undergraduate fraternity men around the country, Smith was one of six chosen to receive the 2017 award. He was recognized by NIC President and CEO Judson Horras at SigEp’s 2017 Conclave.

As a sophomore, Smith joined the chapter’s executive board when there was a sudden vacancy, helping to provide stability for the chapter. That same year, he collaborated with a senior sorority woman to develop a campus-wide initiative to provide sexual misconduct and Title IX education for Valparaiso’s fraternities and sororities.

Smith held several leadership roles within his chapter and served as IFC president. A 2017 SigEp Zollinger Senior, Smith maintained a 3.96 GPA while balancing a wide variety of co-curricular activities.

“Eric is one of the finest young men with whom I have had the opportunity to work in my 19 years as a fraternity and sorority advisor,” said Carolyn Whittier, Valparaiso’s assistant dean of students for Greek life, leadership and volunteer programs. “His commitment to excellence is unparalleled, and he expects the best from himself and all those around him at all times.”