The Western Kentucky Chapter took home eight chapter awards and two individual awards at the university’s Greek Awards Ceremony for its hard work and dedication to the principles of Sigma Phi Epsilon and the university.

The awards include:

Alumni Development – Requires that the chapter have a strong alumni program that includes a newsletter, events, etc.

Campus Involvement and Leadership – Requires the chapter be involved in other areas of campus life besides Greek life.

Chapter Development – Requires educational components for members around alcohol, gender, stress, etc.

Greek Involvement – Recognizes the chapter’s all-around involvement in the Greek community.

Outstanding Intramurals – Recognizes strong sportsmanlike conduct and participation.

Outstanding New Member Program – Recognizes a great new member program.

Philanthropic Service – Requires that the chapter members met a specific service requirement (28 hours) and donate $30 worth of goods/services throughout the year.

Scholastic Achievement – Requires the chapter meet scholarship requirements.

Jonny Garcia, Western Kentucky ’16, was grateful to be awarded Greek Man of the Year to carry on the legacy of his roommate and best friend, David Miller, ’15, who won the title last year.

“Being named Greek Man of the Year is very near and dear to my heart because of the love I have for SigEp, Greek life and my university,” said Garcia. “I owe this honor to SigEp that has developed me and encouraged me to be a balanced man everywhere I go.”

Western Kentucky has produced six Greek men of the year within the past 25 years, but it wasn’t SigEp who nominated Garcia.

“I actually became a part of the running thanks to the beautiful women of Phi Mu,” Garcia said. “They turned in the nomination and paperwork on my behalf.”

Garcia says the award encourages him to be more of a role model and an influence to his younger chapter members. He wants the award to be a reflection on the type of men that Greek life is intended to build.

Dalton Harshbarger, ’18, won the award for New Member of the Year and said he wasn’t shocked when he heard his name.

“As a sophomore new member, I had more time to get involved and become a bigger part of the Greek community than did the normal freshman new member, so when I heard that I was nominated for this award, I knew that I had a good chance at winning it,” said Harshbarger.

Harshbarger, although a sophomore, has accomplished more than the average student by working hard in his extracurricular activities around campus.

“There are lots of other very deserving Greek men, so to be chosen among all of these people is very humbling,” said Harshbarger. “I have worked hard over the last year in the numerous things that I am involved in, so this award was a nice piece of recognition for my efforts.”

“The SigEp chapter here at Western Kentucky University is a chapter filled with great men,” said Greek Affairs Coordinator Alexandria Kennedy. “These awards show that the chapter excels in various areas of chapter development.

“There are many SigEps involved in various campus roles within the university, Greek life, and within the community,” said Kennedy. “This has made a positive impact and has shattered the stereotype that sometimes is cast on fraternity men.”

Is your chapter making an impact on campus or in the community? Share your story with us at communications@sigep.net.