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.

2023 HONOREE

Stan Bugh – Sigma Nu Fraternity 

Stanley A. Bugh is one of Sigma Nu’s most dedicated, local volunteers and has served in multiple roles for the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at Oklahoma State University since 1997. He led the fundraising, project design and construction oversight for a new $11 million chapter home to replace the 90-year-old facility. His support of the collegiate chapter in navigating this project, including finding alternative group housing while demolition and construction were taking place, as well as his development of innovative mentoring and career networking opportunities, display his above and-beyond volunteer efforts. Stan was recognized as Sigma Nu Fraternity’s House Corporation Officer of the Year in 2022.  

Dr. Juan Guardia – Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc.  

For more than 20 years, Dr. Guardia has been a student affairs and higher education administrator on a variety of campuses across the country. He is passionate about researching and creating a community and place for Latinx/a/o fraternity and sorority members. Although he did not have a traditional undergraduate fraternity experience, as he was initiated as a Ph.D. student, he has displayed true dedication and love for Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He has served as national leadership training institute co-facilitator, southeast province governor, co-trip leader for the service immersion trip to Peru and completed a three-year term on the board of trustees for Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 

Patrick Jessee – Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity  

Patrick has served as chapter advisor for the Delta Sigma Phi Chapter at Purdue University and as a member of the Fraternity and Sorority Community Alumni Advisory Council at Purdue University. He is truly servant-minded and spends countless hours working through chapter and community issues to build strong leaders. His commitment to service in the fraternal movement and non-profit industry extends far beyond Purdue. In addition to founding Thrivant Consulting, LLC in 2021, Patrick has served the President of the Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis, Fraternal Risk Management Trust (FRMT. Ltd) and the Fraternity & Sorority Political Action Committee. He donates great time and service to those around him and is an exceptional leader. 

Andrew Nunemaker – Sigma Chi International Fraternity 

Andrew Nunemaker is strongly committed to Sigma Chi and Valparaiso University. Andy is a founding member of the Sigma Chi chapter at Valpo and has been volunteering with the fraternity and the university since that time. He has served in multiple positions within Sigma Chi Fraternity both locally and nationally and maintains a strong relationship with each of the men in the undergraduate chapter. In addition, Andy is serving on the Valparaiso University Trustees, was part of the campaign advisory committee for the “Forever Valpo” campaign and is active in the recruitment of future Valpo students. Andy truly embodies every tenant of The Jordan Standard of Sigma Chi in that he is “a man of good character; a student of fair ability; with ambitious purposes; a congenial disposition; possessed of good morals; having a high sense of honor and a deep sense of personal responsibility.”

Terrance Ruona – Acacia 

Terrance Ruona is known for his friendly and humble demeanor, making him impossible not to like. His ability to make others feel comfortable was evident when he assisted with starting the Acacia chapter at Louisiana State University, serving as the colony advisor when they returned to LSU in 2018. Now, the LSU chapter is the largest chapter of Acacia. During the last biennium, the chapter was recognized with the best new colony/chapter award and placed second overall. This success and growth of the chapter have been propelled by Terrance and his positive example for making connections. During the last year, Terrance was awarded the Acacia Fraternity Chapter Advisor of the Biennium and the IFC Chapter Advisor of the Year at LSU. He continually challenges his chapter members to the highest of standards and expectations while also maintaining their love and respect.