RECOGNIZING INTERFRATERNAL EXCELLENCE
The North American Interfraternity Conference annually recognizes excellence in the fraternal experience by conferring Awards of Distinction to individuals and groups who exemplify leadership, service and fraternal values. These honors play a significant role in the advancement of the NIC mission and vision, as well as the industry as a whole. Recognizing the value and impact of individual and group efforts on college/university campuses and within interfraternal organizations conveys the importance of innovation, courage and commitment to a positive fraternal experience.
Awards of Distinction
The NIC is proud to continue our tradition of recognizing excellence in the fraternal experience. The Awards of Distinction program plays a significant role in the advancement of the NIC vision and community impact, as well as the industry as a whole. Taking time to nominate and recognize individual and group efforts on college/university campuses, and within interfraternal organizations, helps emphasize the value and impact of a positive fraternal experience.
Application deadline is Monday, April 20, 2026.
NOMINATE FOR 2026 AWARDS
Nomination Process
ALL AWARD APPLICANTS SHOULD
- Excel among peers and exemplify what it means to be a fraternity member
- Support NIC Positions and align with NIC Standards
- Innovate and lead others to greater heights
HOW TO NOMINATE
Open the online submission portal for the award type by clicking the “Make a Nomination” header below and clicking the applicable “Apply Now” button. Here’s what you will need to complete the form:
Narrative (100 to 500 words)
Be thoughtful and creative. The NIC purposely doesn’t provide strict criteria for awards because we want to see innovation, enthusiasm and diversity — but we need you to tell us the story of your nominee in the best way you can. The more information you provide, the more likely your nomination is to stand out.
Letters of endorsement
At least one is required for all entries. Multiple letters are encouraged. There is no length requirement.
- Undergraduates and Chapters – Both inter/national fraternity and university/college endorsement required
- Advisor/Volunteer – Either fraternity or university endorsement is required
- Alumnus – Fraternity endorsement required
Additional documentation (optional)
We welcome links to articles, videos, webpages and any other relevant additional information.
Gold and Silver Medals
The presentation of the NIC Gold Medal and NIC Silver Medal dates back more than 70 years, making it one of the oldest interfraternal traditions. The Gold Medal is the highest honor the Conference can bestow and recognizes lifelong service to the interfraternal community and/or the NIC. The Silver Medal recognizes exemplary service or leadership in a role or task that has advanced the fraternal movement.
Alumnus Award of Distinction
The NIC’s Alumnus Award of Distinction recognizes the fraternity man who has given specifically of his time, talents, and service to the betterment of the fraternity or campus community. The service can be given at the local, regional or national level.
Advisor Award of Distinction
The Advisor Award of Distinction, awarded for the first time in 2017, recognizes exceptional commitment to advising a fraternity chapter and positive impact on the broader community. Each recipient demonstrates dedication to guiding and mentoring the fraternity members with whom they work, and exemplifies the highest standards of character, leadership and interfraternalism both personally and professionally.
Chapter Award of Distinction
The NIC’s Chapter Award of Distinction recognizes exceptional fraternity collegiate chapters demonstrating excellence in operations, involvement in their fraternity/sorority and campus community, and a commitment to a positive fraternity experience.
Undergraduate Award of Distinction
The NIC’s Undergraduate Award of Distinction recognizes fraternity men who, throughout in their collegiate experience, have found an outlet for development as both a leader and a better man. They are exemplary members of their organizations and serve their brothers, campuses and fraternity/sorority communities with humble confidence.
Laurel Wreath Award
The Laurel Wreath Award recognizes unique programs, community outreach, or influence within the fraternal world by an NIC member organization.
If you have multiple programs, please submit a new form for each.
Nominations should be for programs between April 1, 2025, and April 1, 2026, that advance the mission of fraternity or the interfraternal movement.
IFC Awards Program
In 2022 the NIC expanded our awards program. The IFC Awards Program recognizes Interfraternity Councils and campus-specific roles for their work to advance fraternity.
Please direct any questions about the awards process to awards@nicfraternity.org.
