IFC Awards: Current Recipients

The IFC Awards Program honors those who advance the fraternal movement and have a direct, positive impact on fraternity. 

In addition to the NIC’s Awards of Distinction, we look forward to continuing to celebrate student success through the expanded IFC Awards Program, recognizing those campuses and councils that exemplify NIC Standards and aim to align with IFC Standard Operating Procedures. 

2023 IFC Award Winners 

Outstanding IFC 

The Outstanding IFC Award recognizes Interfraternity Councils (IFCs) that excel in operations and positively impact their member chapters, their fraternity/sorority communities and host institutions. 

Augusta University Excellent website and communications, record recruitment, academic achievement, revised governing documents and reestablished a framework for effective peer governance. “As the Director of Student Engagement, I have recognized this council’s endearing efforts to embody the core values of our institution while being change agents for our student body,” wrote Dr. ShaRon S. Dukes. 

Clemson University Strong institutional partnership with advisors and administration, highly-respected council leaders, effective programming and special events. Aly Thieman-Ruhl, Associate Director of Chapter Services, wrote that “They hold their member organizations to a high standard and facilitate building relationships between the chapters and university/community officials. They are strong partners with the university and are proactive with their partnerships and communications. Clemson IFC demonstrates excellence in all areas…” 

Kansas State University Tremendous leadership and interfraternal spirit, impactful community service and philanthropy, commitment to peer governance, and have successfully navigated reaffiliating with the university. Dee Hawks, new Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, shared that “The passion of K-State students was something I felt the moment I stepped onto campus. The students are deeply committed to their university, to their community, and more directly to each other. They challenge each other every day and weave their values throughout their experience. The community sets their standards high and works to bring everyone up, together.” 

The Ohio State University Robust health, wellness and prevention education, high-functioning judicial and peer accountability processes. Hunter Hartwig, Associate Director of Council Leadership and IFC Advisor, wrote: “Since my arrival to Ohio State’s campus in 2016, I have personally witnessed the council transform into an engaging and premiere student leadership experience for Buckeyes in fraternity who are committed to improving our entire campus community and surrounding Columbus area.” 

University of Tennessee, Knoxville Consistent commitment to leadership development, peer governance, DEI and responsible growth. “The mindset in the community has really shifted to a ‘what next motto.’ Instead of sitting on changes that have been made, the IFC constantly looks for ways to keep improving, and even if something works, they look at how it can be improved,” wrote IFC Coordinator Ben Libon. 

University of Texas at Austin Streamlined standards, safety protocols and governing documents. Commitment to transparency, inclusivity and responsiveness. Marilyn Russell, Director of Sorority and Fraternity Life, expressed “They are an organization that challenges and supports their member organizations and they have created a stronger, safer, and more ethically minded fraternity experience at UT Austin that is deserving of the highest accolades.” 

Virginia Tech Prioritizes health, safety, wellbeing and risk management resources for the community. Strong engagement with university leadership and campus athletics. Record recruitment and responsible growth. Abbi Hanson Allen, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, endorsed: “The member organizations excel in their academics, recruitment, member development, programming, philanthropic efforts, and many other areas. The executive board are a hard-working group of collegians who care about making sure that fraternities are leading the way at Virginia Tech.” 

Outstanding Community Service  

This award recognizes Interfraternity Councils that participate in and provide opportunities for meaningful service within their campus community. 

• Iowa State University IFC Fall and Spring Days of Service 
• Kansas State University Partnership with Kansas Big Brothers, Big Sisters, B+ Foundation and more 
• Michigan Tech Community outreach with Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly 
• Pepperdine University Aligned recruitment events with Step Forward Day, the university’s annual day of community service 
• Texas Christian University Fort Worth local schools outreach, Movember awareness and Boys and Girls Club event 
• University of Arizona Support of Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona and Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse 
• University of New Hampshire Support of numerous philanthropic endeavors and socially-responsible initiatives, including partnership with Southern District YMCA 

Category title updated to “Outstanding Community Impact” beginning in 2024

Outstanding Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion  

This award recognizes Interfraternity Councils that actively practice adherence to the NIC DEI Position Statement recognizing that human diversity and embracing differing points of view allows for innovation and growth. 

• Texas Christian University DEI committee with representatives from all chapters, advocates for LGBTQ+ community and sexual assault survivors  
• Texas State University Advocacy alongside LGBTQ+ community, including Pride Month and National Coming Out Day, and multiple events celebrating multicultural awareness and identity 
• University of Arizona Hosted Qy’Darrius Z. McEachern, renowned national speaker and consultant, among other efforts 
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville Written DEI commitment plan and education modules, partnership with Bias Education in the Office of the Dean of Students 

Category title updated to “Outstanding Commitment to Belonging & Inclusion” beginning in 2024

Outstanding Peer Governance  

This award recognizes Interfraternity Councils that excel in operations and adhere to the IFC Standard Operating Procedure: Governance. 

• Ball State University Re-established council judicial board, initiated voluntary pause of social events to enhance prevention and education training 
• Clemson University Robust “Honor Court” in coordination with Office of Community and Ethical Standards 
• Cornell University IFC Recommitment to Safe Social Events program 
• Kansas State University Thrived in absence of professional staff before reaffiliating with the university 
• The Ohio State University Refreshed governing documents, conducted community assessment on recruitment practices 
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville All around high-functioning council with strong commitment to code of conduct and risk reduction 
• University of Texas at Austin Overhaul of governing documents and commitment to transparency 

Outstanding IFC President 

The Outstanding IFC President Award recognizes IFC Presidents whose leadership has been a driving force for growth, positive change and interfraternalism on their campus. 

Outstanding IFC Advisor 

This award recognizes campus-based professionals working in fraternity/sorority life providing exceptional support to an Interfraternity Council in a manner that contributes to overall Council excellence, enhances peer-governance among students, exemplifies interfraternal values and models effective partnerships.

Please direct any questions about the awards process and the development of this program to awards@nicfraternity.org.