2023 Alpha Affiliate Award Recipients
In 1962, the Grand Chapter adopted a proposal by Brother Ora Baldinger, an initiate of the Alpha Chapter at VMI, to create the Alpha Affiliate Award. Brother Ora Baldinger made the proposal based on a conversation he had many years earlier with Founder Hopkins in 1909, on the occasion of Alpha Chapter’s second installation.
Hopkins' request of Baldinger was, “Don’t ever let Alpha Chapter die, don’t ever let it die.” Regrettably, not many years later, VMI abolished fraternities permanently.
Baldinger conceived of the Alpha Alumni Chapter Affiliate Award to symbolically meet Founder Hopkins’ request. The program was designed to award an Alpha Chapter initiate number to the Fraternity’s most outstanding graduating seniors in recognition of their achievements. Each academic year, ten outstanding seniors are selected to be honored with the Alpha Affiliate Award.
Alpha #690 – Charles W. Coffey, III (MIT)
Charles Coffey graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a 3.12 GPA majoring in Biological Engineering. He served Epsilon Theta Chapter (MIT) as Commander, Recruitment Chairman, Social Chairman, and Publicity Chairman.
Within his campus community, he served as the Interfraternity Council’s (IFC) Diversity Committee Chairman, an Orientation Leader, and a Unit Leader for Camp Kesem. Charles was recognized by the MIT interfraternal community as IFC Man of the Year in 2022.
“Charles continuously demonstrates excellent judgment, and he has the humility not to set himself above others (even if, at times, this is actually true). In working with him, it’s sometimes easy to forget that he is still a student rather than someone with a great deal more life experience. It’s why I have no doubt that he will influence real change in the world through his future pursuits. It has been a true pleasure watching him grow as a person and as a leader over the two years I advised him.” - Liz Jason, Associate Dean, Office of Fraternities, Sororities, & Independent Living Groups at MIT
Alpha #691 – Jackson T. Conner (Oklahoma)
Jackson Conner graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a 3.98 GPA in Political Science and Public Relations. He served Delta Epsilon Chapter (Oklahoma) as Commander, Historian, and Social Chairman.
Within his campus community, he served as Vice Chair of Communications for the Gaylord College Ambassadors, Student Liaison for Gaylord College Media, and on the Restructuring Committee for Lindsey + Asp Student Advertising Agency. Jackson was recognized by the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication as the 2023 Overall Outstanding Senior. He was also recognized by Arkansas Boys State with the Loyd McDermott Spirit Award.
“In my eight years as dean, I am fortunate to have interacted with hundreds of students across all areas of study in our college. Never in this position have I met a young man as impressive as Jackson. He is mature beyond his years, has terrific interpersonal skills, and has an ‘it’ factor that people – faculty, staff, and fellow students – gravitate to and want to follow.” - Ed Kelley, Dean, Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma
Sigma Nu is pleased to also recognize Brother Conner as the Fraternity’s 2023 Scholar of the Year. This award recognizes a collegiate brother who has demonstrated the highest level of excellence in scholarship.
Alpha #692 – Harper F.T. Doerr (Louisiana State)
Harper Doerr graduated from Louisiana State University with a 3.77 GPA majoring in Political Science, Philosophy, and Sociology-Criminology. He served Phi Chapter (Louisiana State) as Commander, Recruitment Chairman, and member of the Judicial Board.
Within his campus community, he served as Creator and Chairman of the Interfraternity Council’s (IFC) Senior Advisory Committee, senior facilitator for EMPOWER, and Creator & President of Film Club LSU. Harper was recognized by the LSU community with the Tiger Twelve, Ross Willis Memorial, and Greek Leader of the Year awards.
“Working with Harper, daily, is a highlight of my role at LSU. His genuine and caring personality, his intentional relationship building, and his desire to grow is what sets him apart from his peers.” - Shawnna R. Eberhard-Smith, Director, LSU Greek Life at Louisiana State University
Alpha #693 – Ricardo G. Guevara (Central Arkansas)
Ricardo Guevara graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a 3.38 GPA in Health Services Administration. He served Lambda Phi Chapter (Central Arkansas) as Commander and Social Chairman.
Within his campus community, he served as President of the Latino Student Association, Mentor for the Minority Leadership Program, and Senior Class Representative for the Student Government Association. Ricardo was recognized by the UCA community as Registered Student Organization President of the Year in 2022, Outstanding Greek in 2022, Greek Man of the Year in 2023, and with a Bear CLAWS Award in 2023.
“Ricardo is dedicated and devoted to all that he does. He is a mature, warmhearted individual who leads by example while upholding his personal values.” - Maria Negrete Padron, Assistant Director, Office of Diversity and Community at the University of Central Arkansas
Alpha #694 – Andrew B. Hengstler (Washington)
Andrew Hengstler graduated from the University of Washington with a 3.42 GPA in Construction Management. He served Gamma Chi Chapter (Washington) as Commander, LEAD Chairman, Alumni Relations Chairman, and House Manager.
Within his campus community, he served as a Senator of the Associated Students of the University of Washington, Administrative Director for Greeks Take Action, and Stand-In Justice for the Interfraternity Council (IFC) Judicial Board. Andrew was recognized by the University of Washington community as a member of the 2022 Husky 100, 2022 LEED Green Associate, and as the 2022 IFC Greek Man of the Year.
“Beyond the metrics and measurable impact, Andrew upholds himself with a great deal of maturity and high moral character. He is passionate, well-spoken, honest, and respectful. He was an exceptional chapter president, who I found to be proactive and communicative, and who authentically upholds the values of Sigma Nu.” - Lindsay Wright, Assistant Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life at the University of Washington
Alpha #695 – Raaif I. Majeed (Northern Illinois)
Raaif Majeed graduated from Northern Illinois University in May 2023 with a degree in Psychology. He served Theta Eta Chapter (Northern Illinois) as Commander, Recorder, and LEAD Chairman.
Within his campus community, he served as NIU Student Body President, Executive Vice President of the Interfraternity Council, Secretary of Order of Omega, Founder & President of Operation Smile NIU, and Vice President of MEDLIFE NIU. Raaif was recognized by the NIU interfraternal community as the 2023 Fraternity Member of the Year.
“Raaif is a stunning example of setting precedence, exceeding expectations, and striving for unbridled excellence to better serve his communities. He sees challenges and hardships as opportunities to overcome and better not only himself but our chapter, the Greek community, and the NIU community.” - John Irwin, Theta Eta Alumni Advisory Board Member
Alpha #696 – J. Stewart McCullough (Mississippi)
Stewart McCullough graduated from the University of Mississippi with a 3.92 GPA in Accounting. He served Epsilon Xi Chapter (Mississippi) as Commander and Philanthropy Chairman – where he led the largest single-chapter Greek philanthropy event in the country.
Within his campus community, he served as Vice President of Recruitment for the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Logistics Committee Chair for the Ole Miss Big Event. Stewart was recognized by the Ole Miss community as the 2023 Fraternity/Sorority Life Chapter President of the Year and as a member of Who’s Who at the University of Mississippi in 2023.
“During my time working with our chapter, I have had the pleasure to work with and mentor many determined, promising young men. Stewart distinguishes himself as not only a natural leader but as an altruistic individual who leads by example. He is one of the more accomplished young men to come through our chapter in all my happy years of affiliation, and I am proud of the way he has conducted himself as a representative of our fraternity.” -
John Green, Epsilon Xi House Corporation President
Alpha #697 – Logan T. Phillips (Southeast Missouri State)
Logan Phillips graduated from Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) with a 3.71 GPA in Corporate Communications and Political Science. He served Mu Kappa Chapter (Southeast Missouri State) as Commander, Recorder, Risk Reduction Chairman, and Alumni Relations Chairman.
Within his campus community, he served as Student Body President, Founding Member and New Member Educator for Iota Chi, President of Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society, and Justice for the SEMO All-University Judicial Board. Logan was recognized by the SEMO interfraternal community as Man of the Year in 2021. He was also recognized by the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) with a 2022 Undergraduate Award of Distinction.
“Logan is a steady, calm, and respected presence on our campus in so many ways. He embodies many of the best qualities of a Southeast student and holds himself to an incredibly high standard. He listens to learn, values the educational role of Greek Life in the collegiate experience, and lives the type of honorable life Sigma Nu hopes to see in every one of its members.” - Katie Krodinger, Director of New Student Programs at Southeast Missouri State University
Alpha #698 – Joel M. Philpott (Southeast Missouri State)
Joel Philpott graduated from Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) with a 3.74 GPA majoring in Finance. He served Mu Kappa Chapter (Southeast Missouri State) as Treasurer, Chaplain, and Alumni Relations Chairman.
Within his campus community, he served as Student Body President, Founding Member and President of the Strategic Investing Club, Presidential Ambassador, and Judicial Board Justice of the Interfraternity Council (IFC).
“Joel is exactly the type of individual who I am proud to know we have attending Southeast. Joel’s leadership within our Greek community, service as a student leader, and his focus on his professional career demonstrates the very best of what a Fraternity Man is about.” - Dr. Bruce Skinner, Associate Vice President for Student Life at Southeast Missouri State University
Alpha #699 – Elliot C. Siekmann (Southeast Missouri State)
Elliot Siekmann graduated from Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) with a 3.85 GPA in Business Administration and Marketing Management. He served Mu Kappa Chapter (Southeast Missouri State) as Commander (President), Recruitment Chairman, Social Chairman, and Sorority Relations Chairman.
Within his campus community, he served as President of Iota Chi, Vice President of the Order of Omega, and as a member of the Greek Week Steering Committee. He was recognized by his campus community as Interfraternity Council (IFC) New Member and Chapter President of the Year, SEMO Man of the Year, and Southeast Missouri State President’s Spirit of Southeast Award winner. He is also a 2023 recipient of the North American Interfraternity Conference’s (NIC) Undergraduate Award of Distinction.
“I have interacted with thousands of students during my 15 years at Southeast, and Elliot is one of the best I have ever had the privilege of working with and mentoring. Elliot is one of the most gregarious, intelligent, and service-oriented leaders I have ever met.” - Dr. Erin Rae Fluegge, Department of Management, Harrison College of Business and Computing at Southeast Missouri State University
Sigma Nu is pleased to also recognize Brother Siekmann as the Fraternity’s 2023 Man of the Year. This award recognizes a collegiate brother who has demonstrated the highest level of excellence in leadership, chapter and campus involvement, and scholarship.