The Lafayette Company has had the privilege of working closely with Greek organizations to advance their core values and missions, even in the face of challenging public narratives. 

We’ve led efforts to support countless fraternities and sororities with strategic public relations and crisis communications. Our clients have included ATO, Theta Chi, KA, and national organizations such as NIC and FSAF. Known for our personal, energetic, and agile approach, we focus on delivering real results that matter. 

In February 2024, the University of Maryland abruptly suspended all Greek Life following an anonymous report alleging hazing and alcohol abuse. Though the claims were later proven false, the damage was real. The university imposed sweeping restrictions,  including a no-contact order that even applied to siblings and roommates, and hired an outside law firm to conduct invasive investigations, denying students legal representation in the process.

The move drew national backlash. Civil liberties groups like FIRE called the actions unconstitutional, and students were left in limbo under what many saw as a prejudiced crackdown on Greek culture.

That’s when several organizations turned to us.

Working alongside legal counsel, we helped coordinate a high-stakes response, filing for a restraining order, and preparing for legal action. The university backed off within 24 hours. A year later, a judge dismissed the case after finding the school had ceased its unconstitutional practices.

We managed all media relations throughout the ordeal, placing stories in top-tier outlets and authoring op-eds, including in The Baltimore Sun. We hosted high-profile events, including a panel at the National Press Club, to shed light on the broader implications. As concerns continued to mount about the future of student civil liberties, we extolled the virtues of Greek life through op-eds, including in the Wall Street Journal. 

Most importantly, we helped elevate this issue from a campus controversy to a national conversation. Millions of Greek-affiliated students and alumni saw their experiences validated, their voices amplified, and their rights defended.

The fight isn’t over, but this case made one thing clear: Students have the right to associate freely, and when that right is threatened, we’re ready to respond.

If you’re looking for public relations assistance, don’t hesitate to contact me here: ellen@thelafayettecompany.com or visit thelafayettecompany.com. 

Indianapolis, August 12, 2025 – The North American Interfraternity Conference and Foundation for Fraternal Excellence jointly announce the hiring of Danny Ayres-Kobren as director of marketing. In this role, he will develop and execute proactive, industry-wide campaigns to tell the story of the fraternity experience; drive NIC and FFE educational program-related communication to increase attendance and engagement; and more.

“We are eager to have Danny join our team given his experience in higher education and fraternity communications. He will play a key role in ensuring our message about the value of the fraternal experience reaches the right audiences with clarity, consistency and impact — strengthening our connection with stakeholders and supporting our strategic goals,” said Judson Horras, NIC President and CEO.

Ayres-Kobren most recently worked at the Indiana Commission for Higher Education where he served as a communications specialist. In this role he led the agency’s mass marketing transition to Salesforce, in addition to crafting scripts, press releases, tracking news coverage and supporting social media. Prior to the Commission, he worked at his fraternal organization, Phi Sigma Kappa, as director of membership engagement and associate director of communications, as well as at multiple higher education institutions.

Chief Communications Officer Hillary Brewer shared, “We look forward to welcoming Danny to the NIC/FFE team this month. His wide range of skills and proven track record of adapting messaging to various audiences, overseeing email campaigns, crafting content calendars, and more, will elevate our collective work to share the value of the fraternal experience.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the NIC/FFE team. As a staunch advocate for the future of fraternity, the goals of these two organizations are close to my heart. I look forward to utilizing my years of fraternity communication experience to expand the reach of our mission,” said Ayres-Kobren.

Assuming the position held by Hillary Brewer, he will begin on August 18 and can be reached at danny.ayreskobren@fraternalexcellence.org following his start date. Ayres-Kobren holds a BS in professional journalism from the University of Minnesota and an MA in higher education administration from George Washington University.

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The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) a trade association that represents national and international men’s fraternities, including a diverse range of culturally and religious-based organizations, on campuses in the United States and Canada. The NIC is committed to supporting opportunities for young men to seek and form positive, enriching fraternal bonds. The health and safety of students guides our advocacy, standards and education.

The Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE) is comprised of more than 65 men’s, women’s and co-ed fraternal educational foundations and operates to advance the various needs of the dynamic industry. The FFE provides operational support for new and emerging fraternal foundations, working hand-in-hand with various fraternal communities and the NIC to strengthen and improve the entire fraternity/sorority experience through a culture of care, connection and research.

INDIANAPOLIS, July 7, 2025 – The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is pleased to announce the 2025 Gold Medal honoree, Kevin O’Neill, and two Silver Medal honorees: Dr. Robert Britton “Brit” Katz and Dr. Richard Walker. 

One of the oldest traditions of the NIC, the presentation of the Gold Medal dates to 1940. The Gold Medal is presented for lifelong service to the interfraternal community and is the highest interfraternal honor the NIC can bestow.  

Kevin O’Neill is a stalwart fraternity man dedicated to the membership experience from the local to federal level. A partner at Washington, D.C.’s Arnold & Porter firm since 2015, O’Neill began his professional career as director of chapter services at his fraternal organization Lambda Chi Alpha. Initiated at Syracuse University, he was deeply involved and invested in the institution, serving the student government association, as the Orangeman mascot and more.  

“No fraternity man has done more to shape and champion fraternity public policy than Kevin O’Neill. His unwavering commitment to our mission has left an enduring legacy, and I am deeply grateful for his service,” said NIC President and CEO Judson Horras. 

With nearly 25 years of lobbying experience, O’Neill has been instrumental in the NIC’s lobbying and advocacy efforts, especially related to the annual Fraternal Government Relations Coalition Capitol Hill Visits, support of the Anti-Hazing Coalition and the passage of the Stop Campus Hazing Act in 2024. O’Neill’s legislative accomplishments for his clients have led him to be one of D.C.’s most acclaimed lobbyists, earning “Top Lobbyist” recognition from Chambers USA, The Legal 500, The Hill and the National Institute of Lobbying and Ethics. 

The Silver Medal is presented for exemplary service or leadership in a role or task that has advanced the fraternal movement. It has been awarded since 1980. 

A Sigma Nu alumnus from Mississippi State University, Dr. R. Brit Katz is steadfast in his dedication to the fraternity experience and a vocal champion for the right of students to join fraternal organizations. For more than 40 years, Dr. Katz has supported students on campuses including University of South Carolina Upstate, Millsaps College, Emory University, Northeast Louisiana University, University of Southern Mississippi, and most recently at Southwestern University as vice president of student life and SGA advisor. 

In support of his nomination, Sigma Nu Executive Director Brad Beacham wrote, “He has personally advised and counseled countless hundreds of young men in their leadership of local chapters and interfraternity councils, going above and beyond the call of duty.” 

Dr. Katz continually shares his expertise with higher education institutions, associations, affiliated organizations and conference attendees. Throughout his tenure he has been tapped to lead presentations more than 45 times, covering topics such as sexual misconduct prevention, institutional partnerships, strategic planning, leadership and success, and more. In addition, Dr. Katz’s work has been cited or published in higher education publications more than 18 times. 

University of Houston-Clear Lake President, Dr. Richard Walker, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon initiated at Middle Tennessee State University, has provided a lifetime of service to the interfraternal community across multiple college campuses and professional organizations. A true advocate for students and the fraternal experience, he has provided leadership to intentionally advance and enhance the quality and experiences fraternal organizations offer on college campuses nationwide. 

Dr. Walker has held numerous volunteer roles with Sigma Alpha Epsilon, including National New Member Education Committee Chair, National Leadership School Faculty, and Planning Committee member and more. Beyond SAE, he has served as president of the Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisers and served the AFA Foundation as both a board member and treasurer. AFA awarded him the National Distinguished Service Award in 1989 and the Dr. Kent Gardner Award in 2018. He has also received accolades from multiple NIC member organizations, student groups and associations for his efforts. 

“For 40 years, Dr. Walker has been not only a Brother Hero for Sigma Alpha Epsilon, but he has also been a staunch supporter of fraternities and sororities across the country, advocating for students within the interfraternal community in each position he has held over his professional career,” shared Mark W. McDonough, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Eminent Supreme Archon and Christopher W. Hancock, former Eminent Supreme Recorder/CEO. 

The NIC presented Kevin O’Neill with the Gold Medal this past April and looks forward to presenting Dr. Katz and Dr. Walker with their medals later this summer. 

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Founded in 1909, the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is a trade association that represents national and international men’s fraternities, including a diverse range of culturally and religious-based organizations, on campuses in the United States and Canada. The NIC is committed to supporting opportunities for young men to seek and form positive, enriching fraternal bonds. The health and safety of students guides our advocacy, standards and education. 

Media Contact: awards@nicfraternity.org 

The Foundation for Fraternal Excellence and the North American Interfraternity Conference are excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 Men’s College Scholarship, which is designed to identify and reward outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated an ability to excel in the areas of academics, extracurricular activities and community involvement.

In 2022, to inspire college attendance and academic success among young men, a diverse group of fraternity alumni founded the Men’s College Scholarship. In the last five years, numerous news outlets — like The Wall Street Journal, Pew Research Center, NPR and more — have reported on the male enrollment crisis, a testament to the need for more targeted funding for young men to attend college.

The American Institute for Boys and Men reports that over the last several decades, girls have overtaken boys by nearly every metric in educational outcomes, and that boys are less likely to take advanced-placement courses and graduate from high school. There are 2.4 million more female undergraduates than their male counterparts on U.S. college campuses (8.9 million women compared to 6.5 million men).

A college education is essential and opens numerous opportunities to students, including the many potential benefits of fraternity membership, which can instill a sense of belonging on campus, thereby furthering students’ well-being and increasing their chances of graduating. Research indicates that fraternities foster positive mental health, serve as a success accelerator for members, and encourage tremendous loyalty and connections among alumni, who in turn support their alma mater.

Fraternity members can tap into built-in alumni networks, which can help them find jobs more quickly than their peers. Research shows that almost half had a brother who helped them find an internship or job and provided them with career advice. Fraternity alumni report being more fulfilled in their careers and lives in every aspect of well-being measured, from career to community and from financial to physical, because of the relationships and resources they can leverage.

This year, after reviewing more than 5,343 completed applications from young men across the United States, the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence is thrilled to award 74 scholarships totaling $42,000. Recipients come from 48 states and Washington, D.C., with 23 identifying as first-generation college students. We look forward to seeing this program continue to grow in future years and thank all Fraternities Matter Campaign donors for making this scholarship a reality.

Congratulations to each recipient. We can’t wait to see your educational successes in the years ahead!

2025 Scholarship Recipients:

If you would like to make a gift in support of the Men’s College Scholarship, contact NIC President & CEO Judson Horras.

By Dr. Lori Hart, Director of Educational Initiatives, Holmes Murphy Fraternal Practice

My son had a rough start to college this past summer. On July 1, he reported for duty to the United States Coast Guard Academy. I hugged hard and watched him march away to begin a career in the military.

The Rear Admiral Michael Johnson, the 43^rd Superintendent, met with all the parents that day and I remember what he said:

• Less than 1% of Americans serve in the military. We place the safety of our country with less than 1% of the people. That is powerful.
• This summer will be the hardest summer of your child’s life.
• Week one, we will medically test them and some of them will be medically disqualified (meanwhile, I looked around the poor parents and wondered who it would be, because it wasn’t my child…).
• Weeks two, three and four we will introduce stress, we will ramp up the stress, we will then teach leadership and introduce perseverance under stress.
• Weeks four, five and six, we will work with them on the college transition.
• Write to your kids because you will have no other contact.

I am from a military family; I value people who serve our country, and I appreciated the transparency of Superintendent. Until day five, my phone rang. It was my son. He was medically disqualified for his eyes.

In the next 72 hours, he had to make adult decisions about his plan. The one question I asked him was, “What do you want to do with your life?” and without hesitation, he said, “I want to serve my country as a military officer.” 

Prior to reporting to USCGA, he received some good coaching from an Army Officer who told him to hold on to his Army ROTC scholarship and not “hit no” on the button in case something happened. In doing his research, he quickly learned the eye and vision requirements differ between the U.S. Army, Coast Guard, and maritime academies due to the unique demands and standards of each service. And after a call with the Army ROTC Lieutenant Colonel, it was confirmed his eyes would work just fine for the Army.

How many parents get to watch their child get sworn in to two different military branches in the same year? The second time was during halftime at Neyland Stadium with 100,000 people watching, which was cool!

This past fall, he started talking about joining a fraternity and it was part of his weekly conversations. While I am not a helicopter parent, I also know the precarious balance of ROTC, a full scholarship and adding fraternity on top of that. In January, he joined a fraternity. The day he joined, my first email was to the chapter advisor. My second email was to a colleague at the national headquarters. What Coast Guard Rear Admiral Johnson reinforced for me is that we should all be willing to be transparent about expectations, and I wanted people to know my expectations of fraternity: to build relationships and safety.

My son had a few minor bumps; however, he was able to hold his power and speak up, and he is happy to be initiated. His new member experience was a positive one, but he expected that, the fraternity offered that, and a thirty-year Chapter Advisor supported and reinforced that. Within less than two weeks of being initiated, he is now Risk Chairman proving the apples doesn’t fall far from this tree!

WHAT IF….every time a new member class comes together that we ask our undergraduate leaders to take a nod from the Rear Admiral: the President and New Member Educator should stand up in front of the new members, members, and parents to walk through the process, to let the men know their initiation date, to detail what IS expected and what is NOT.

Transparency would serve us all well within our chapters and organizations because it requires leaders to be honest, to be truthful, to tell the new members joining what is expected of them and then the new members have the opportunity to live up to that expectation. I believe the chapters who practice this today – and there are many – experience brotherhood in ways other chapters do not. They retain members, dues are paid on time, events are safer and lifelong friends are made.

The next time I am working with a fraternity chapter, and they want to “fix” things, I am going to start with their ability to be transparent, and I hope you will, too. Transparent leadership cultivates a culture of openness, and mutual respect—which are foundational to an organization focused on safety and building healthy relationships.

The North American Interfraternity Conference has selected 13 undergraduate fraternity men to serve as members of the 2025-2026 IFC Advisory Council. These students have held numerous chapter and campus leadership positions and currently serve their respective Interfraternity Councils.

The IFC Advisory Council presents a unique opportunity for undergraduate fraternity members to engage with industry leaders, helping to influence and shape the fraternity experience. They will assist with developing IFC resources, inter/national policy and mentoring other IFC officers. Service begins with orientation in mid-May and concludes after one year.

Caleb Askelson

Theta Chi, Iowa State University

Leadership Experience: IFC President, IFC VP of Philanthropy, Chapter President, International Chapter Advisory Board

Brennan Belanger

Sigma Nu, Louisiana State University

Leadership Experience: IFC President, Chapter Alumni Relations Chair

Wyatt Carlson

Sigma Phi Epsilon, University of Missouri

Leadership Experience: IFC President, Chapter President, Chapter Secretary, MizzouThon Dance Marathon Leadership Team Member, Mizzou Engineering Ambassador, Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentor

Robert Gosser

Kappa Alpha Order, University of Colorado Boulder-Independent

Leadership Experience: IFC President, Chapter President, Chapter Mental Health Chairman

Maxwell Hamill

FarmHouse, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Leadership Experience: IFC President, IFC Director of Philanthropy and Community Service, Chapter Director of Philanthropy, UNL Executive Vice Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board, NHRI Leadership Mentor

Cooper Hillman

Beta Theta Pi, Kansas State University

Leadership Experience: IFC President, Chapter President, Order of Omega President, Chimes Junior Honorary Vice President,
Student Senator, Kansas State Foundation Lead Student Gift Officer

Parker Huizinga

Phi Gamma Delta, Oklahoma State University

Leadership Experience: IFC President, IFC Director of Recruitment, IFC Compliance Officer, Chapter Philanthropy Chair, Chapter Social Committee, OSU Presidential Leadership Council, OSU College of Education and Human Sciences Ambassador, Eagle Scout, Wishes For Water Non-Profit, Emerging Leaders Alliance

Keeten Levin

Pi Kappa Alpha, Texas A&M University

Leadership Experience: IFC President, IFC Vice President of Membership Development, IFC Director of Marketing, Chapter Internal Vice President, Chapter Philanthropy Chairman, SGA Development Commissioner, Student Senator, Association of Former Students at Texas A&M Student Ambassador

Abishek Nirmal Kumar

Delta Sigma Phi, Michigan State University

Leadership Experience: IFC President, Chapter Vice President of Recruitment, City of East Lansing University Student Commission – IFC Chapter Delegate, MSU Libraries Student Advisory Committee – IFC Representative, Elenchus Undergraduate Philosophy Journal Editor

Dylan Seamster

Theta Chi, North Carolina State University

Leadership Experience: IFC President, IFC Standards Board Member, FSL Ambassador, Chapter Public Relations Chair, Chapter Recruitment Chair, Chapter Formal/Mountain Weekend Chair, Chapter Standards of Excellence/Alter Award Board Member, Association of General Contractors

Michael Short

Beta Theta Pi, University of Louisville

Leadership Experience: IFC Executive Vice President, Chapter Vice President of Finance, Chapter Scholarship and Academics Director, SGA Student Activities Board, SGA Director of Marketing, Fryberger Greek Sing Vice Chair, RaiseRed Dance Marathon, Order of Omega, Beta Alpha Psi Business Fraternity, UofL College of Business Student Council, Student Marketing Association 

Joseph Traskaski

Theta Xi, Bradley University

Leadership Experience: IFC President 2025, IFC Director of Finance, Chapter Treasurer, Chapter Philanthropy Chairman, Chapter Director, Phi Chi Theta Business Fraternity President

Jade Zazzara

Beta Theta Pi, Boise State University

Leadership Experience: IFC Chief Public Relations Officer, Two-term Chapter President

Indianapolis, April 22, 2025 – The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE) jointly announce a significant staff leadership transition. 

FFE Executive Director Ashley VanDewark will be stepping down from her role to join Tri Delta’s team as the Chief of Staff. With the vacancy created by her departure, Will Foran has been appointed to the role of FFE Executive Director. 

VanDewark has been a valued member of the NIC/FFE team since 2017. During her tenure she implemented major changes for FFE including the adoption of a new brand; growth of flagship programs; the successful completion of the Foundation’s first strategic plan; maintained and developed meaningful connections through the NIC/FFE Alliance Partner program; and was instrumental in leading the Amplifying Sorority Campaign (ASC). 

Since 2022, Foran has served the NIC as Chief Operating Officer. Throughout his nearly 20 years on the NIC team, he has worked closely with fraternity/sorority life professionals, institutional administrators, NIC member organizations and the Governing Council, the NIC Campus Support team, as well as industry stakeholders and partners to enhance and elevate the fraternity experience for the future.  

 “I have had the honor of working closely with Ashley over the past eight years as Alpha Chi Omega Foundation’s chief development officer and member of the FFE board. It was evident the day we met that she was personally invested in my success — and I know others have felt that same support from her. She is passionate about the success of FFE, and her leadership has helped the organization accomplish great things to move the industry forward. I wish her nothing but the best!

“Change is hard but creates opportunity. I believe that Will will continue to move FFE in a positive direction with the support of a professional staff well-equipped to deliver best-in-class programs and services for our member organizations and Alliance Partners. I am excited about the new opportunities created for our staff and FFE,” said FFE President Marsha Grady. 

With this shift in leadership, Russell Best, who has served as a Vice President of Campus Support since 2022, has been promoted to the role of NIC Chief Operating Officer and will oversee the Campus Support team and the NIC’s Engage initiative.  

Desiree Paulhamus has also accepted the role of FFE Assistant Executive Director in which she will continue to oversee FFE’s flagship programs — Seminar, Summit, Advance and Aspire — industry survey data collection and assume VanDewark’s role in supporting ASC fundraising efforts.  

Additionally, Hillary Brewer will now serve as Chief Communications Officer of the NIC and FFE. She will continue to support the strategic communication initiatives of both entities and assume VanDewark’s role supporting the ASC Research Committee. 

Lastly, a new role will be created in the coming months to strengthen and enhance communications and public relations with the goal of further sharing the value of the fraternal experience.  

Foran will begin transitioning into the FFE Executive Director role effective immediately and can be reached at will.foran@foundationfe.org; VanDewark’s last day as a member of the NIC/FFE team will be on May 16. 

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The North American Interfraternity Conference is the trade association representing 60 inter/national men’s fraternities. The NIC’s member organizations boast more than 6,000 chapters located on more than 550 campuses in the United States and Canada, with approximately 250,000 undergraduate members and nearly 4.2 million alumni. 

The Foundation for Fraternal Excellence is comprised of more than 65 men’s, women’s and co-ed fraternal educational foundations and operates to advance the various needs of the dynamic industry. FFE provides operational support for new and emerging fraternal foundations, working hand-in-hand with various fraternal communities and the NIC to strengthen and improve the entire fraternity/sorority experience through culture of care, connection and research.