The NIC’s Undergraduate Award of Distinction recognizes fraternity men who, throughout in their collegiate experience, have found an outlet for development as both a leader and a better man. They are exemplary members of their organizations and serve their brothers, campuses and fraternity/sorority communities with humble confidence.

2023 HONOREES

Jacob Beavers – Pi Kappa Phi (University of Missouri) 

Knowing that interfraternalism is key to the success of fraternity, Jacob Beavers has served the University of Missouri IFC community as an executive board member. His first taste of fraternity and service came at the height of the pandemic when he chose to join and become a founding member of Pi Kappa Phi. He went on to become the chapter president. Jacob has continued his service by serving on the Council of Archons, an elite board of students who advise the Pi Kappa Phi staff on initiatives. Jacob served as the chair, and as a result is the student representative to their National Council, serving as the voice for more than 10,000 undergraduates nationwide.

Matthew Fischer – Alpha Gamma Rho (University of Wisconsin-River Falls)  

Fostering positive and meaningful alumni relationships has been a passion for Matthew Fischer. Serving his chapter as the vice noble ruler (vice president) of alumni relations, Matthew has increased the frequency and timeliness of communications to the chapter’s alumni base as well as to the national office. His ability to communicate well translated into connections with fellow students — allowing him to be elected to serve on the Interfraternity Council. In his role as IFC president, he has reinvigorated the council after a rough few years during the pandemic. Most recently, Matthew was recognized by his university as a 2023 recipient of the Chancellor’s Award. 

Dominic Frattura – Sigma Nu (Arizona State University)  

As a founding member of Sigma Nu at Arizona State University, Dominic Frattura made it his mission to promote leadership, academic excellence and community service within the chapter. He played a crucial role in organizing most events over the chapter’s entire recent existence, as well as spearheading initiatives that encouraged his fellow fraternity members to give back to their community, get involved on campus and uphold the highest standards of the organization. Dominic’s impact extended beyond his chapter as he worked tirelessly to create new traditions on campus, with a focus on leadership development and anti-hazing initiatives throughout the IFC community. He has a clear vision for how he can use his skills and experiences to make a positive impact on society. He has a passion for community service and a commitment to promoting ethical leadership in everything he does. 

Jonathan Guaetta – Phi Mu Delta (Robert Morris University)   

After dwindling chapter membership and unsuccessful recruitment attempts, Jonathan Guaetta began his role as chapter president and implemented new strategies to grow membership and increase the morale of his brothers. Jonathan instituted new meetings to help divide and conquer the different aspects of the chapter and their brotherhood. Additionally, he has served in two different roles on the IFC. Jonathan’s commitment to his chapter and the broader Greek Life community is exceptional. Throughout his presidency, Jonathan held multiple leadership positions across campus and within the chapter, worked 40-hours as a full-time employee and maintained a 3.95 GPA as a full-time student. 

Ryan McMinn – Pi Kappa Alpha (Mississippi State University)   

Post pandemic, the lack of social interaction and involvement was evident across the Mississippi State University campus and within the Greek community. However, Ryan McMinn led the charge to plan and execute the first event post-pandemic. Serving the MSU IFC executive committee as director of programming, he created a cooking competition that brought fraternity and sorority members together. In addition to the IFC, Ryan has served his chapter in areas of philanthropy, external relations and now as chapter president. His dedication to philanthropy is evident as his group received the Volunteer Group of the Year award by the Starkville Downtown Association Main Street program for their extensive volunteering in the community. Additionally, he is a 4.0 GPA mechanical engineering major and works part-time in the general counsel office. Ryan’s active engagement on campus and in the community is a constant form of inspiration for his Pike brothers.

Nicolas Medel – Delta Sigma Phi (Purdue University) 

Full of ambition and drive, Nicolas Medel knew immediately after joining Delta Sigma Phi that he wanted to be recruitment director. As a freshman he was elected to serve in this role, almost unanimously. The chapter increased their recruitment by 150% under his leadership and he remains involved by mentoring new recruitment directors. Nicolas’s ability to recruit members led him to be elected to the IFC and he has helped struggling chapters recruit more members than ever before. Nicolas was able to do all of this within his three years at Purdue University while maintaining a 4.0 cumulative GPA in the honors program. His dedication to studies were recognized when he received the Most Outstanding Sophomore Award for biomedical health science.  

Reed Ofsthun – Sigma Chi (University of Idaho)

Reed Ofsthun has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on his chapter at the University of Idaho, and provided the broader Interfraternity Council community with a model of what it truly means to be a fraternity man and leader as a chapter president. After tragedy struck, Reed worked through his own personal grief to empower those around him. Through his support during this difficult time, the chapter has continued to achieve excellence. The chapter raised more than $24,000 for their philanthropy while maintaining a 3.38 GPA. Reed has led with unmatched empathy and integrity while guiding his chapter and being a role model for the community. 

Chuck Perry – Beta Theta Pi (Truman State University)  

Living out the Truman FSL community vision, Chuck Perry works tirelessly within his chapter, IFC and the entire community to ensure the best fraternity experience is available to students. Chuck has served on the IFC and worked for the orientation office on campus all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA during his entire undergraduate career. Every student in the community knows Chuck. They know he is a hard worker, wants the best for the FSL community and plays a key role in making things happen. His ability to listen to others, create a plan and put the plan into action serves his chapter and community well. In 2021, he received the campus IFC Emerging Leader Award. 

Nathan Satterfield – Beta Theta Pi (University of Michigan)  

Managing to keep his chapter as safe as possible during the height of the pandemic, Nathan Satterfield was the perfect person to serve as president and lead his chapter. Subsequently, he led his peers through the process to be able to plan for and implement the reopening of campus and student activities. The most important activity was planning, organizing and executing the chapter’s 175th anniversary celebration. Nathan was able to craft a very meaningful experience for students, alumni, staff and faculty that honored public health guidelines while gathering in person for a very momentous occasion. Nathan’s ability to lead was realized his freshman year when he received the IFC emerging leader award. Nathan also served as a member of the Eligibility Requirement Analysis Committee (ERAC) examining the eligibility requirements for first year student participation in recruitment within IFC.

John Shoemaker – Phi Gamma Delta (Clemson University)   

Those who knew John Shoemaker knew he would be heavily involved in leadership within his fraternity as soon as he joined in the spring of 2021. By the following fall he was elected president of the Chi Alpha Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at Clemson University, leading a chapter of 114 men through a successful series of recruitments, philanthropy events and more. John modeled the virtues of what a true fraternity member is all about. This led to unanimous support for his candidacy to be president of the Interfraternity Council at Clemson University. He supports each organization, but also makes the effort to support each member of the community as well. John is a true president of the members and works to be a constant reflection of fraternity done right and demonstrates strength of character within the IFC at Clemson. 

Elliot Siekmann – Sigma Nu (Southeast Missouri State University) 

Elliot Siekman has no fear when it comes to being a leader. He has served in seven different officer roles within his chapter and is serving as its current president. These roles have allowed him to gain valuable experience and trust from his brothers. During the duration of Elliot’s presidency, the Mu Kappa Chapter has had great success in areas of scholarship, service, involvement and achievement. With a chapter of more than 100 men, it can be difficult to meet and understand the needs of all members. Elliot has created service teams and study programs helping the chapter to earn the highest GPA among fraternities on campus with a 3.413 GPA in the fall 2022 semester. He is involved with numerous campus organizations and has earned many accolades from Sigma Nu, Order of Omega and more.    

Dennis Taner – Delta Chi (Temple University) 

Identifying as a Black, Queer, Jewish man, Dennis Taner has become an advocate for social justice and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ fraternity brothers on the Temple University campus. Dennis strives to help others by educating them about their words and actions. As a founding member of Delta Chi, he has taken the initiative to educate and grow others on the values of his fraternity. He has remained a constant voice within the community, is involved in the IFC, Student Government and other campus organizations. He also participates in philanthropic ventures led by Delta Chi or within the fraternity/sorority life community. Dennis leads by example and continues to be a voice for marginalized individuals.