Awards of Distinction: Current Recipients

J. Scott Cleland embodies the spirit of a fraternal advisor through decades of dedicated service to Acacia Fraternity, Ohio University and the broader interfraternal community. A refounding father and early chapter president, Scott has served as an advisor for over 30 years. Most recently, he led a successful chapter rebuilding effort, revitalizing membership, finances, alumni engagement and chapter culture. His commitment to interfraternalism is reflected in 15 years of leadership on Acacia’s International Council and his founding of the Acacia Leadership Academy in 1995. In August 2024, he was re-elected as International First Vice President. Scott’s lasting impact through mentorship, leadership and advocacy makes him a model advisor and champion of fraternal values.

Ed Robinson is known on Bucknell’s campus and within the alumni body for knowing each undergraduate brother in his chapter personally. He meets them the day they join as new members and has memorized each of their names and faces by the next time he sees them. Every year he writes letters of recommendation for graduate school or gives reference interviews for jobs. He has provided countless hours of encouragement and assistance to the officers and members of Delta Chapter to develop and implement their own vision, goals, programming and other objectives. He has modeled a special kind of wisdom, empathy and compassion that is unique. This recognition coincides with his retirement from over ten years as the Purple Legionnaire (principal graduate advisor) for the chapter.

For over two decades, Bill Good has been the heart and soul of Phi Kappa Psi’s Iowa Beta Chapter at Iowa State University. His leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication have not only shaped the chapter’s success but have also profoundly impacted the lives of hundreds of young men. Bill’s influence extends far beyond operations. He and his wife lived in the chapter house, offering daily mentorship and modeling the values of integrity, humility, and compassion. He guided students through personal and academic challenges, celebrated their successes and held them accountable when needed.

Under Richard Pierce’s advisement, the chapter has thrived, becoming the top fraternity on campus in terms of size, GPA, philanthropy and involvement. His greatest achievement is in the lives he has touched and the men he has helped become leaders, committed to making a difference in their communities. He actively seeks to connect brothers to a network of alumni, ensuring that they have the support and guidance needed to succeed post-graduation. Richard’s collaborative leadership extends beyond the individual level, as seen in his approach to systemic issues. During a time when hazing was becoming a concern across campus, Richard took it upon himself to initiate a larger conversation with the institution to address the issue at a systemic level. Beyond his direct work with the CofC chapter, he also volunteers on a broader scale training as a key contributor to the Chapter Advisor Training program.

Martin Cobb has over 25 years of Beta volunteer experience and has served in a variety of roles for three different Beta chapters. Most recently, he served as the House Corporation President for the Epsilon Omicron Chapter at the University of Kentucky where he was instrumental in the construction of their chapter house. Under his guidance, the chapter has grown and thrived. Martin has served the NIC, Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors and Fraternity Communications Association thorughout his career. During nearly 30 years of devotion to the fraternal movement, Martin has created deep friendships and served as a role model for what lifelong service looks like.

Dr. Michael Hiller has served as the Alumni Advisory Board Chairman for the Phi Chapter at Louisiana State University for more than 15 years, and as a member of the Advisory Board since 2007, when the chapter was restarted. Throughout his tenure, he has overseen the stabilization and strategic redirection of the chapter through rough patches and its recommitment to the pursuit of excellence. His efforts have been crucial in re-establishing a strong alumni network and enhancing the chapter’s operational effectiveness through consistent leadership and mentorship. His steadfast commitment is demonstrated through his significant influence on the chapter’s numerous achievements, including LSU’s Greek Chapter of the Year Award and Sigma Nu’s Rock Chapter Award.

Joe Pavicic is a dedicated and influential member of Pi Kappa Alpha, currently serving as an advisor for the Lambda Mu chapter at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. He has been instrumental in cultivating a culture of growth and accountability, ensuring the chapter adheres to the values and traditions of both Pike and Embry-Riddle. His mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping the development of many brothers, guiding them toward success in their personal and professional lives, including helping secure aerospace industry jobs for several members. Joe’s dedication to fostering continuous improvement and progressive change has ensured the chapter’s thriving presence both at the university and in the wider community.

For more than five decades, William A. “Bill” Utic has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the advancement of fraternal values through his leadership, philanthropy and strategic vision. A founding director and longtime officer of both the Acacia Fraternity Foundation and the newly formed Acacia Fraternity National Housing Corporation, Bill has played a pivotal role in strengthening the infrastructure that supports generations of undergraduate brothers. His service extends beyond his own chapter, having profoundly impacted chapters across the country through his mentorship and stewardship.

Since its founding in 2015, the chapter has modeled the values of scholarship, service and brotherhood. Over the past year, their continued academic excellence — maintaining the highest GPA among IFC fraternities since Spring 2022 — combined with raising over $13,000 for Family Promise Birmingham, demonstrates their commitment to holistic member development and community impact. In 2024, the chapter earned national accolades from Alpha Tau Omega, including the prestigious True Merit Award and recognition in scholarship and service. The chapter’s sustained excellence and proactive engagement set a standard for fraternity life and make them highly deserving of this national recognition.

This chapter has a well-rounded experience. With a focus on recruitment and retention they now average between 50-60 new members each year with an average attrition of just 10-27% in the past three years. Further, the chapter has maintained high levels of academic success, ranking number one over the last three semesters. Their work in the area of chapter housing and adherence to accountability and a substance-free experience is one that is should be celebrated. Their coordination with the General Fraternity House Corporation has been a true crucible moment for the chapter as their home has become attractive to their members in a way that has them enhancing their accountability mechanisms to adhere to Beta’s substance free housing policy and set a new standard for fraternity at Iowa.

This chapter’s sustained success in leadership, operations, service and brotherhood positions them as a model for fraternal excellence within the campus community and Delta Tau Delta. Members hold leadership roles in numerous student organizations, and the chapter has consistently earned campus recognition for its impact. Over the past year, the chapter has achieved measurable growth in both academic performance and membership, outperforming the all-fraternity average in both categories. What sets them apart is its impressive focus on service and advocacy. Their most impactful and innovative programming stems from a long-standing partnership with the Center for Family Justice. Their annual rally brings together university leaders, local officials, law enforcement and students to raise awareness about domestic violence and promote the role of men in creating safer communities.

Over the past year, the chapter has prioritized academics, brotherhood, philanthropy and impactful programming. Their commitment to mentorship through interclass engagement stands out. Members averaged 11 community service hours each, exceeding their 9-hour goal. Notable events included an alcohol safety program co-hosted with another fraternity and their annual professor meet-and-greet. These initiatives have strengthened ties with faculty, peers, alumni and the broader community, helping members grow into values-driven leaders. Nationally, the chapter was awarded the Memorial Trophy, the highest honor for a Theta Xi chapter, for the 2023-2024 school year. The chapter also received first place in Habitat for Humanity Service Efforts among the 47 other chapters.

ZBT at Monmouth College prioritizes strong leadership, enhances campus life, and consistently positions itself for both local and national recognition. While Delta Lambda has experienced the highs and lows familiar to all fraternities, consistent leadership and values-based education have led to consistent growth and stability. The success of ZBT stems from generations of dedicated individuals committed to improving the chapter, the college and the greater fraternity. ZBT brothers, both active and alumni, are highly engaged in campus life. Members are involved in student government, performing arts, athletics and residence life. Alumni brothers remain connected, holding key roles on the Alumni Board and Board of Trustees.

As the Pi Kappa Phi President and IFC VP of Administration, Justin Bonanno was a driving force for thoughtful engagement, decision making and community building. He inherited considerable challenges in these roles and his work was grounded in rebuilding trust, stability, and integrity within his peer and advising networks. Justin is an outstanding person who earns his opportunities through hard work, intelligence and perseverance. He is a strategic leader that can address complex issues and create dynamic solutions through collaboration and sound process. His methodical approach clearly demonstrates his sincere commitment to learning, connecting and teaching.

Rhett Crain exemplifies the highest ideals of fraternity life through his leadership, character, and unwavering commitment to others. He has made a significant and lasting impact at Ball State University, not only within his own Sigma Chi chapter, where he served as president and held multiple key roles, but also across the wider fraternity community as IFC President. His leadership is defined by purpose, servant-minded action, and an ability to unite and inspire those around him. Beyond fraternity life, Rhett is actively engaged in campus leadership and community service, earning respect from students, faculty, and administration alike. He is the kind of leader who doesn’t just hold positions but uses them to create meaningful change.

Emilio Ferrara served Mu Chapter as Lieutenant Commander (vice president), where he significantly increased member leadership participation by 40% and was instrumental in organizing the chapter’s 150th-anniversary celebration, which saw over 375 attendees. Emilio was also deeply involved in the chapter’s community service initiatives, serving as an afterschool volunteer coordinator for the chapter’s work with Extra Special People and helping secure funding for melanoma research. In addition, he held two of UGA’s highest undergraduate scholarships, the Foundation Fellowship and the Stamps Scholarship. In 2023, he was named a national Barry Goldwater Scholar, and in 2024, he was a national finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship.

Zane Grizzle embodies the ideal of a servant-leader who has significantly shaped the future of his chapter, the greater fraternity and sorority community, and the campus at large. His leadership was especially critical during challenging moments, but in every situation, Zane has led with integrity, professionalism, and a focus on doing what was right for the chapter. He has championed a culture of accountability and respect and has set a standard for excellence that future members of the chapter and the Greek community can follow. Zane has been deeply engaged with Delta Tau Delta on a national level, attending several leadership programs and conferences, earning scholarships, and even speaking at Karnea, the fraternity’s international convention.

Greg Trezza’s legacy is best understood through the profound and lasting results he achieved during his two terms as chapter president. In a time when many chapters struggled with retention, operations or accountability, Greg brought structure, consistency and vision. Under his leadership, the chapter achieved back-to-back Court of Honor Awards, placing them in the top 20 of all DTD chapters nationwide for two consecutive years. That success was the result of tireless work, strategic leadership and a deep commitment to Delt’s values. One of his greatest contributions was implementing a strong culture of accountability. Greg balanced firmness with empathy and ensured that every member understood expectations, felt supported and was empowered to grow.

Through intentional goal-setting, transparent communication, and a servant-leader mentality, Auden Van Laeken inspired his chapter. He led officer retreats that focused on mission and accountability, overhauled financial systems and ensured officer transitions that protected institutional knowledge for future leaders. His leadership has resulted in a stronger, more sustainable chapter culture centered around excellence, respect and responsibility. Auden’s influence extends well beyond fraternity. As VP of Judicial Affairs for the IFC, he shouldered one of the most demanding roles on campus. Balancing fairness and education, he redefined what it means to hold peers accountable. His work helped build trust in a process that is often viewed with skepticism, and his leadership elevated the standard of conduct across the fraternity community.

Jacob Zink is the two-term Study Body President of Montana State University. In addition to four years in Student Government, he has served in several prominent campus roles: Founder and President of Stop-Hazing Montana – organizing with students, legislators and researchers to propose the state’s first criminal anti-hazing law; board member for the MSU Bookstore, MSU Alumni Foundation and the Museum of the Rockies; and more. His service also includes the IFC’s Anti-Hazing Task Force and as VP of Communications, attending the inaugural First Amendment Institute and participation in the FGRC Congressional Visits & FSPAC Dinner. Jacob served his chapter as Community Service & Philanthropy Chairman, Risk Reduction Chairman, and Finance Committee member. In 2024 he served as a Collegiate Advisor to the High Council of Sigma Nu.

The Dream Manager program is a staff development initiative focused on attracting and retaining talented professionals. As a team that is primarily made up of remote employees, this program was implemented to provide a way for employees to feel more connected to their work, the organization and staff. The program is structured based on the book The Dream Manager and emphasizes the importance of connection between the dreams of employees and the goals of Delta Chi. Staff have put together a virtual “dream board” to showcase what they are seeking to achieve outside of the day-to-day work; they give regular updates on their progress and celebrating those achievements together.

In 2025, Delta Sigma Phi hosted its first-ever Career Accelerator, a national program designed to help both undergraduate members and young alumni prepare for their next career steps through practical, career-focused education. As the Fraternity’s first national educational program to engage young alumni directly, the Career Accelerator expands Delta Sig’s impact beyond the undergraduate experience. Seventy participants took part in two days of interactive sessions led by alumni, employer partners and industry professionals. Topics included resume writing, managing up, understanding company culture, budgeting, networking, resilience in the workplace and the use of artificial intelligence on the job.

A three-day regional retreat for the newest Phi Kappa Psi brothers, built upon the common knowledge and lessons from Embark. Launch is the first opportunity for Phi Psi’s newest members to make connections with other Phi Psi’s from across the country. Participant will begin to understand and appreciate their personal values, deepen their understanding of the Fraternity’s values and increase their commitment to the brotherhood.

Sigma Chi is proud to introduce a modern, scalable solution in House Corporation Academy, an online training program hosted on the Fraternity’s Maple learning management system, designed to meet the evolving needs of both alumni volunteers and undergraduate members. The cornerstone of the program is House Corporation Fundamentals. This foundational course is a reimagined and far more impactful version of the legacy House Corporation Advisor training. It serves as both an onboarding tool for new House Corporation officers and a reference resource that can be accessed at any time. By transitioning this curriculum to an online format, Sigma Chi has removed major logistical barriers and made it easier than ever for alumni to get the information and guidance they need when and where they need it.

Combatting Campus Antisemitism, created and offered by Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity, positively impacts hundreds of students each year by addressing the growing issue of antisemitism on college campuses and on social media. In the months following the terrorist attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, college campuses saw a staggering 477% increase in protests and encampments. As a response, ZBT enhanced and expanded this workshop — both in content and outreach — to provide critical hate prevention education, reaching ZBTs and their peer students to promote safety, wellness, mental health and incident response training.