INDIANAPOLIS, July 7, 2025 – The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is pleased to announce the 2025 Gold Medal honoree, Kevin O’Neill, and two Silver Medal honorees: Dr. Robert Britton “Brit” Katz and Dr. Richard Walker. 

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.  

Kevin O’Neill is a stalwart fraternity man dedicated to the membership experience from the local to federal level. A partner at Washington, D.C.’s Arnold & Porter firm since 2015, O’Neill began his professional career as director of chapter services at his fraternal organization Lambda Chi Alpha. Initiated at Syracuse University, he was deeply involved and invested in the institution, serving the student government association, as the Orangeman mascot and more.  

“No fraternity man has done more to shape and champion fraternity public policy than Kevin O’Neill. His unwavering commitment to our mission has left an enduring legacy, and I am deeply grateful for his service,” said NIC President and CEO Judson Horras. 

With nearly 25 years of lobbying experience, O’Neill has been instrumental in the NIC’s lobbying and advocacy efforts, especially related to the annual Fraternal Government Relations Coalition Capitol Hill Visits, support of the Anti-Hazing Coalition and the passage of the Stop Campus Hazing Act in 2024. O’Neill’s legislative accomplishments for his clients have led him to be one of D.C.’s most acclaimed lobbyists, earning “Top Lobbyist” recognition from Chambers USA, The Legal 500, The Hill and the National Institute of Lobbying and Ethics. 

The Silver Medal is presented for exemplary service or leadership in a role or task that has advanced the fraternal movement. It has been awarded since 1980. 

A Sigma Nu alumnus from Mississippi State University, Dr. R. Brit Katz is steadfast in his dedication to the fraternity experience and a vocal champion for the right of students to join fraternal organizations. For more than 40 years, Dr. Katz has supported students on campuses including University of South Carolina Upstate, Millsaps College, Emory University, Northeast Louisiana University, University of Southern Mississippi, and most recently at Southwestern University as vice president of student life and SGA advisor. 

In support of his nomination, Sigma Nu Executive Director Brad Beacham wrote, “He has personally advised and counseled countless hundreds of young men in their leadership of local chapters and interfraternity councils, going above and beyond the call of duty.” 

Dr. Katz continually shares his expertise with higher education institutions, associations, affiliated organizations and conference attendees. Throughout his tenure he has been tapped to lead presentations more than 45 times, covering topics such as sexual misconduct prevention, institutional partnerships, strategic planning, leadership and success, and more. In addition, Dr. Katz’s work has been cited or published in higher education publications more than 18 times. 

University of Houston-Clear Lake President, Dr. Richard Walker, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon initiated at Middle Tennessee State University, has provided a lifetime of service to the interfraternal community across multiple college campuses and professional organizations. A true advocate for students and the fraternal experience, he has provided leadership to intentionally advance and enhance the quality and experiences fraternal organizations offer on college campuses nationwide. 

Dr. Walker has held numerous volunteer roles with Sigma Alpha Epsilon, including National New Member Education Committee Chair, National Leadership School Faculty, and Planning Committee member and more. Beyond SAE, he has served as president of the Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisers and served the AFA Foundation as both a board member and treasurer. AFA awarded him the National Distinguished Service Award in 1989 and the Dr. Kent Gardner Award in 2018. He has also received accolades from multiple NIC member organizations, student groups and associations for his efforts. 

“For 40 years, Dr. Walker has been not only a Brother Hero for Sigma Alpha Epsilon, but he has also been a staunch supporter of fraternities and sororities across the country, advocating for students within the interfraternal community in each position he has held over his professional career,” shared Mark W. McDonough, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Eminent Supreme Archon and Christopher W. Hancock, former Eminent Supreme Recorder/CEO. 

The NIC presented Kevin O’Neill with the Gold Medal this past April and looks forward to presenting Dr. Katz and Dr. Walker with their medals later 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