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.
We’re grateful for all fraternity advocates who help us recognize individuals and programs making a difference!
The NIC Awards of Distinction program has three categories that recognize outstanding fraternity men, chapters, supporters and initiatives.
- Gold and Silver Medals recognize lifelong service to the interfraternal community and/or the NIC
- Award of Distinction (Undergraduate, Chapter, Advisor, Alumnus) honor people and groups who rise above in fraternity communities
- Laurel Wreath Award celebrates unique programs and initiatives influencing the fraternity community and greater world
2025 Awards of Distinction Applications Now Open
Application Deadline: Monday, April 21 (extended from April 15)
To read more about the process and access each category’s application link, click on the Prepare Your Nomination or Make a Nomination toggle below.
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.
Undergraduate Award of Distinction
Must be a current undergraduate in good standing with their organization or young alumnus who graduated in the past year
- Illustrates clear leadership that has shaped the future of their organization, their peers and the campus community.
- Models and teaches ethical servant leadership and elevates the Ritual and values of their member fraternity.
- Deeply committed to the advancement of the fraternal experience and lives the highest standards of fraternity.
Application Deadline: Monday, April 21 (extended from April 15)
Chapter Award of Distinction
Must be in good standing with the inter/national organization and in alignment with NIC Standards
- Goes above and beyond to establish fraternal values that are woven into multiple facets of the experience, community and group attitude.
- Holds high standards for all individual members and thoughtfully strives to develop members into better men.
- Shows excellence in all aspects of chapter operations, academics, service and interfraternalism.
Application Deadline: Monday, April 21 (extended from April 15)
Advisor Award of Distinction
An individual who has provided tenured support to a chapter and/or community through inter/national headquarters affiliation
- Exemplifies fraternity values, mission, purpose.
- Shows collaborative leadership in addressing critical problems and affects systemic change for good.
- Inclusively committed to the personal development of all individuals, challenges students to be the best they can be, encourages progressive change.
Application Deadline: Monday, April 21 (extended from April 15)
Alumnus Award of Distinction
Recognizes accomplished leadership and service the local, regional or national level
- Provides exceptional and sustained service to their own fraternity and/or campus community and/or the extended interfraternal world.
- Exhibits a strong belief in interfraternalism and has committed to action that supports interfraternal values.
- Fosters positive change that advances the fraternal movement.
Application Deadline: Monday, April 21 (extended from April 15)
Laurel Wreath Award
Recognizes unique programs, community outreach, or influence within the fraternal world by an NIC member organization.
Application Deadline: Monday, April 21 (extended from April 15)
Gold and Silver Medals
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.
Application Deadline: Monday, April 21 (extended from April 15)
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.
