Sigma Nu Recognized with 2022 NIC Awards of Distinction
Our Fraternity’s Vision of Excelling with Honor was on display with the recent announcement of the North American Interfraternity Conference’s selections for their annual Awards of Distinction. The NIC annually recognizes excellence in the fraternal experience by conferring Awards of Distinction to individuals and groups who exemplify leadership, service, and fraternal values.
Of the awards conferred, Sigma Nu saw recognition in almost every category. The Fraternity’s 2022 recipients are:
The NIC Gold Medal
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- Dr. Victor Boschini (Mount Union)
The Laurel Wreath Award
Advisor Award of Distinction
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- Will DeViney (Idaho)
- Jeff Hollings (Purdue)
Undergraduate Award of Distinction
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- Cole Barnhill (Mississippi)
- Logan Phillips (Southeast Missouri State)
Below are recaps of the awards and recipients with the information provided by the NIC. A full summary of all award winners can be found at the hyperlinked titles above or by clicking here.
The NIC Gold Medal
The presentation of the NIC Gold Medal and NIC Silver Medal dates back more than 70 years, making it one of the oldest interfraternal traditions. The Gold Medal is the highest honor the Conference can bestow and recognizes lifelong service to the interfraternal community and/or the NIC.
Dr. Victor Boschini – Chancellor, Texas Christian University
“A fraternity man with a lifetime of service to higher education, Dr. Victor Boschini has made an impact on numerous institutions, organizations, and communities. In 2003 Boschini began his tenure as the 10th Chancellor of Texas Christian University – where under his leadership the physical campus has been transformed, applications have more than doubled and the University completed the largest capital campaign in its history. A hallmark of his entire career though has been his unflinching belief in and demonstrable support of the Greek-letter movement for men and women, a notable example of which is one of the most significant institutional investments in fraternity and sorority housing in recent history at Texas Christian University.
Boschini has served as Chairman of the Big 12 Conference and Mountain West Conference as well as the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. He has dedicated countless hours to serving on boards of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the Van Cliburn Foundation, Moncrief Cancer Institute, Fulbright Scholar Advisory Board, and Mount Union University. His service and dedication have been recognized by the Institute of International Education as well as his own organization, Sigma Nu Fraternity.”
The Laurel Wreath
The Laurel Wreath Award is presented to individuals or groups in recognition of their unique programs, community outreach, or influence within the fraternal world.
College of Chapters
“Sigma Nu’s College of Chapters, an ethical leadership and training program for collegiate chapter Commanders (presidents), has existed since the 1950s – and now, after its 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. “
Advisor Award of Distinction
The Advisor Award of Distinction, awarded for the first time in 2017, recognizes exceptional commitment to advising a fraternity chapter, Interfraternity Council, or fraternity/sorority community. Each recipient demonstrates dedication to guiding and mentoring the fraternity members with whom they work and exemplifies the highest standards of character, leadership, and interfraternalism both personally and professionally.
Will DeViney – Sorority and Fraternity Advisor, University of Tulsa
“Will DeViney addresses critical problems and advocates for positive systemic change. His unrelenting enthusiasm, positivity, and advocacy for the Greek community have lifted the morale of Sorority and Fraternity Life at TU from the doldrums of COVID-19 into a thriving system of Greek excellence. He has an instinct for leadership and has demonstrated the ability to motivate others to action; he goes above and beyond to help Greek leaders realize their own potential by serving as a coach and mentors. One letter of recommendation stated that even with everything else on his plate, “Will has somehow always been available and ready to support us by any means necessary."
Jeff Hollings – Beta Zeta Chapter Advisor at Purdue University
“As an undergraduate, Jeff Hollings thrived as a member of the Sigma Nu Beta Zeta Chapter (Purdue). And now, as an alumni advisor, he puts in the work to demonstrate the value and meaning of fraternity for Beta Zeta brothers and everyone in his sphere of influence. Hollings does his research, seeks to understand complex dynamics, builds partnerships and works to draw a circle of intellect, goodwill, and genuine care and concern around him. It is clear that with accolades and praise from the current Beta Zeta Commander (president) to his fellow alumni advisors, to Purdue staff and the team at Sigma Nu Headquarters, Hollings is an exceptional servant leader.”
Chapter Award of Distinction
The NIC’s Chapter Award of Distinction recognizes exceptional fraternity collegiate chapters demonstrating excellence in operations, involvement in their fraternity/sorority and campus community, and a commitment to a positive fraternity experience.
Mu Kappa (Southeast Missouri State) Chapter
“This chapter regularly performs at the highest levels and serves as a model for Sigma Nu and other fraternity chapters. Having been awarded numerous honors from Sigma Nu – including receiving the Rock Chapter Award, which signifies enduring excellence, two consecutive award cycles – it is evident that they truly understand and value the meaning of fraternity. The chapter excels at executing the LEAD program, a multi-phase, multi-year ethical leadership development program for all collegiate members, and consistently earns semester GPAs of above 3.25. Recruitment and retention are strong for Sigma Nu and are proud to report that every brother is involved in at least one additional campus organization with numerous holding key leadership positions."
Undergraduate Award of Distinction
The NIC’s Undergraduate Award of Distinction recognizes fraternity men who, throughout 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.
Cole Barnhill – Epsilon Xi (Mississippi) Chapter
“An honorable leader of his chapter, campus community, and IFC, Cole Barnhill is thoughtful, composed, and focused on the betterment of individuals and organizations he interacts. Not only did he boast a 3.93 GPA while at Mississippi, but he also held an impressive number of leadership roles, which were all executed with his full attention. Barnhill served Sigma Nu locally as Alumni Relations Chairman, LEAD Chairman, and Philanthropy Chairman – for the largest single-chapter philanthropy in the Greek world – as well as on the Fraternity’s High Council and the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. In addition, he dedicated time to the Mississippi fraternal community serving as Interfraternity Council president, vice president of standards, and a member of the Judicial Board. He is a natural leader, an altruistic individual who leads by example, and a diligent student with a commitment to excellence.”
Logan Phillips – Mu Kappa (Southeast Missouri State) Chapter
“Logan Phillips has given his best efforts to leave a lasting impact on the SEMO Greek community and each position he has held. A founding member and leader of Iota Chi – an organization that works to educate members of the fraternity and sorority community about sexual assault prevention and resources for survivors of sexual assault – Student Government president, Sigma Nu chapter president, secretary and alumni relations chairman, Phillips has dedicated his undergraduate experience to serving others. He is genuine, pitches in to assist with projects, big or small, asks the tough questions, challenges the process to improve protocols or procedures, and operates with conviction and integrity. He believes in fraternalism, supports his brothers and is loyal to his chapter affiliation.”