INDIANAPOLIS, June 19, 2024 – The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is pleased to announce two 2024 Gold Medal honorees: Allen W. Groves and Dr. Richard N. McKaig.
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.
Allen Groves is an ardent supporter of the fraternal experience. He began his membership journey in 1979 when he was initiated into Pi Kappa Alpha’s Delta Upsilon chapter at Stetson University; following graduation, he spent time on the PIKE staff, quickly rising to the role of Executive Director, serving from 1984-87. After his tenure at Pi Kappa Alpha Memorial Headquarters, he began a 16-year career as a litigation attorney, over time becoming nationally recognized for his work.
Upon retiring from his legal career, Groves seamlessly transitioned back to student affairs at the University of Virginia where he served in various capacities for 15 years. In 2021, Allen began serving as Syracuse University’s Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer.
“Allen has provided encouragement, comfort, wise counsel and at times tough love to more fraternity men than one could possibly remember. In my over 25 years working with fraternities and fraternity men, there are very few men who match both the experience, character and intellect of Allen Groves.” said Justin Buck, Pi Kappa Alpha Executive Vice President and Chair of the NIC Governing Council.
Above and beyond his professional roles supporting the fraternal experience, Groves boasts an extensive volunteer resume. His service spans 10 years on Pi Kappa Alpha’s International Fraternity Supreme Council, including as International President from 2004-06; six years on the NIC Board of Directors, serving as Board Chairman from 2012-14; Virginia’s Governor’s Task Force on Combating Campus Sexual Assault from 2014-15; Stetson University College of Arts & Sciences Board from 2013-18; and more.
A staunch advocate for fraternity, Dr. Richard N. McKaig, a Delta Chi initiate from Ball State University, worked tirelessly to advance the fraternal experience throughout his impressive 40-year career in higher education. Retiring from Indiana University in 2009 as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, the impact of his leadership can still be seen throughout IU, Delta Chi and the interfraternal community.
While at Indiana University, Dr. McKaig was instrumental in the work of the Center for the Study of the College Fraternity, serving as its executive director for more than 30 years. In his role with the Center, he advocated for the need to research the benefits of the fraternity and sorority community. Today, the Piazza Center at Pennsylvania State University builds off the research and work of the Center that he so carefully stewarded. Additionally, for more than 35 years, Dr. McKaig served as the Director of the Interfraternity Institute (IFI), a program co-sponsored between the Fraternity Executives Association and IU, mentoring hundreds of campus and interfraternity leaders.
“Dr. Richard McKaig is the most committed and ardent supporter of the fraternity community, and he embodies the qualifications of the NIC Gold Medal. His 40 years of service has elevated the fraternity experience by using research, collaboration, and good will,” wrote Patrick Alderdice, Delta Chi’s International President, and Karl Grindel, Delta Chi’s Executive Director & CEO, in support of his nomination.
In addition to serving the interfraternal community, Dr. McKaig’s volunteer leadership to Delta Chi includes two terms on the Fraternity’s Board of Regents; serving as an advisor to the Educational Foundation for 20 years; and co-chairing the President’s Anti-Hazing Task Force.
The NIC is thrilled to honor Allen Groves and Dr. Richard McKaig with Gold Medals and looks forward to recognizing them alongside their respective organizations 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
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