The Laurel Wreath Award is presented to individuals or groups in recognition of their unique programs, community outreach or influence within the fraternal world.
2022 HONOREES
Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity – Scholarship and Character in Phi Sigma Kappa
Phi Sigma Kappa’s Scholarship and Character programs provide a framework for implementing ongoing education and engagement opportunities for all undergraduate members. Launched in July 2021, Scholarship and Character in Phi Sigma Kappa are two separate but complementary programs that round out the Cardinal Journey, the fraternity’s membership education program; Scholarship focuses on skill development for life after graduation, and Character focuses on relationship skills. For those who have taken advantage of these twin programs already, members’ and advisers’ feedback has highlighted the flexible nature of the two programs, the customization to chapter interests and needs, and the potential long-term benefits to both individual members and the local chapter.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity – Emerging Leaders Academy
A program specifically for first- and second-year brothers, as well as those who have yet to hold leadership positions, Emerging Leaders Academy provides members the skills and confidence needed to tackle future leadership responsibilities, lead fearlessly and Rise Above challenges they never dreamed possible. Historically held in-person, in 2021 ELA was intentionally shifted to a virtual program after reassessing possible barriers for attendance including finances and missed classes. With sessions covering Student Leadership Practices Inventory, SAE’s creed and five-year goals, personal mission statements and more, ELA provides an interactive and comprehensive experience sure to leave a lasting impact.
Sigma Chi International Fraternity – Authentic Leadership Certificate
Through the intensive 20-hour Authentic Leadership Certificate course, Sigma Chi brothers strengthen their capacity for self-management, resiliency and versatility with the ultimate goal of a more integrated lifestyle and leadership framework. During the most critical course workshop, AUTHENTIC MASCULINITY, participants focus on challenges of masculinity related to societal norms and expectations. Learning how to apply their core values to everyday situations, actions and decisions, Sigma Chi members learn to recognize and celebrate their passion(s) and purpose which leads to transformational change. And the impact speaks for itself when 93.7% of students agreed that defining and describing crucibles, personal stories and reframing will be helpful when returning to a leadership role on my campus.
Sigma Nu Fraternity – College of Chapters
Sigma Nu’s College of Chapters, an ethical leadership and training program for collegiate chapter Commanders (presidents), has existed since the 1950’s – and now, after it’s 10-year focus on Chapter Strength intended to equip and support chapters in achieving organizational excellence, the program is thriving with student evaluations averaging 4.64 on a 5-point scale (where 5 is Excellent). What makes College of Chapters a unique and incredibly valuable program for brothers is that it weaves together elements of a traditional institute model with chapter-specific and individual attendee coaching, as well as first-class keynote experiences from Sigma Nu alumni concluding with a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to the Fraternity’s Headquarters and the campus of Virginia Military Institute.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Interfraternity Council – Recognizing Bias to Build an Inclusive Greek Organization
Coming together as a Greek community, WPI’s IFC and Panhellenic Council worked in collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Affairs to host a two-hour virtual workshop for Greek leaders and members of the larger WPI community. Workshop discussions included topics surrounding micro/macroaggressions, general diversity, equity and inclusion vocabulary and information as well as actionable steps for leaders to become more inclusive. In advance of the workshop, participants completed a preparation exercise to provide context to presenters, and following the workshop 30-, 60- and 90-day surveys were sent to evaluate ways in which the workshop could improve in future years. Because of this workshop, DEI committees and positions were put in place and the community has been more engaged with the Office of Multicultural Affairs regarding expanding programming.
