2025 Collegiate Merit Award Winners
ALPHA AFFILIATE AWARD RECIPIENTS
In 1962, the Grand Chapter adopted a proposal by Brother Ora M. Baldinger, an initiate of the Alpha Chapter at VMI, to establish the Alpha Affiliate Award. Baldinger’s idea was inspired by a conversation he had with Founder Hopkins in 1909 during Alpha Chapter’s second installation. Hopkins’ heartfelt request to him was, “Don’t ever let Alpha Chapter die—don’t ever let it die.”
When VMI later abolished fraternities, Baldinger sought a symbolic way to honor that promise. He created the Alpha Alumni Chapter Affiliate Award to preserve Alpha Chapter’s legacy by recognizing the Fraternity’s most outstanding graduating seniors. Each academic year, ten exceptional seniors are selected to receive Alpha Chapter initiate numbers and be honored as Alpha Affiliate Award Recipients for their achievements.
Alpha #710 - Brendan I. Ball (UC Davis)
Brendan Ball graduated from the University of California, Davis with a 3.30 GPA in Biotechnology. He led Zeta Xi Chapter as Commander and served the General Fraternity as a Collegiate Advisor to the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation’s Board of Directors. On campus, Brendan distinguished himself through broad involvement and leadership, serving as President of the Order of Omega honor society and competing as a member of the Davis Sailing Team.
“Over the past 35 years in manufacturing and finance, I have managed hundreds of employees and managers… I can honestly say that Brendan is as good an individual contributor and leader as I have seen in either my career or personal life. He is the kind of man that I look for and promote in my own business endeavors. He is extremely talented, and he has the character, work ethic, persistence, and teachability that it takes to succeed.” – Michael Wheeler (UC Davis), Zeta Xi Chapter Advisor
Alpha #711 - Tyler A. Bartman (Jefferson)
Tyler Bartman graduated from Thomas Jefferson University with a 3.78 GPA in Marketing. He led Mu Pi Chapter as Commander and Lt. Commander and served the General Fraternity in 2024 as a Collegiate Advisor to the High Council. Within his campus community, Tyler demonstrated exceptional leadership and involvement as Founder and Team Leader of the Jefferson Case Competition Team, Sophomore and Junior Class President in the Student Government Association, Admissions Ambassador, and Peer Mentor.
“In my time working with student leaders, few have stood out with the same level of professionalism, respect, and commitment to service as Tyler. He is a student of exceptional character who embodies the core values of Sigma Nu and represents our university with integrity and pride.” – Dr. Geoffrey Cromarty, Senior Vice President, Thomas Jefferson University
Alpha #712 - Stegner E. Bell (Arizona State)
Stegner Bell graduated from Arizona State University with a 3.70 GPA in Business Data Analytics and Marketing. He served the Zeta Upsilon Chapter as LEAD Chairman and Recruitment Chairman. Service to the General Fraternity included a one-year term as a Collegiate Advisor to the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation’s Board of Directors. On campus, he was the Founder and Executive Director of ASU Greek Fest, Vice President of Professional Development for the Order of Omega honor society, President and Co-Founder of XHunger, and Director of Government Affairs for ASU Student Government.
“What sets Stegner apart is not just his long list of accomplishments, but how he leads—with humility, compassion, and unwavering integrity. He is the embodiment of what it means to be a Sigma Nu: a servant-leader, a scholar, and a man of character.” – Scott Rutledge (Arizona State), Zeta Upsilon Chapter Advisor
Alpha #713 - Lawson T. Ewing (Texas Christian)
Lawson Ewing graduated from Texas Christian University with a 3.98 GPA in Marketing, minors in Finance and Leadership, and a Consultative Sales Certificate. He led the Lambda Epsilon Chapter as Commander and LEAD Chairman. On campus, he served as President of the Neeley Leadership Program Cabinet, Vice President of RiffRamRead, Frog Camp Facilitator, Frog Aid, and Sales Coach for the TCU Sales Center. He was also selected as a Clark Society Scholar, an honor awarded to the top 12 juniors.
“Lawson leads by example and does an amazing job of motivating chapter members to commit to campus involvement and service opportunities with him. He is the kind of person who always puts the chapter’s needs before his own…Lawson is a perfect example of what represents the best of Sigma Nu.” – Dr. Victor Boschini (Mount Union), Chancellor, Texas Christian University
Alpha #714 - Preston R. Ewing (Alabama)
Preston Ewing graduated from The University of Alabama with a 3.98 GPA in Operations Management. He served Theta Chapter as Commander, Lt. Commander, and Community Service and Philanthropy Chairman. Within his campus community, he served as Head of Fundraising for The Fight Against Suicide LLC at the University of Alabama. In 2025, he was selected to the Jason’s Senior Men’s Honorary, distinguishing himself as one of the 40 most influential men on campus. He was also a recipient of the University’s Most Outstanding Senior and Most Outstanding Transfer awards.
“From the time I met Preston last year after he was elected Commander, I have continuously been impressed with the work he has been able to accomplish...Preston is the epitome of what we hope our Greek men and women aspire to be like.” – James Spry, University of Alabama Assistant Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life
Alpha #715 - Jackson M. A. Gordon (Southern Methodist)
Jackson Gordon graduated from Southern Methodist University with a 3.47 GPA in Economics. He served the Iota Theta Chapter as Risk Management Chairman and Sentinel. On campus, he led the Interfraternity Council as President and Vice President of Recruitment, earning the NIC’s 2024 Outstanding IFC President Award. He also served on the NIC IFC Advisory Board and the Student Advisory Board for the Vice President of Student Affairs. A recipient of the A. Kenneth Pyle Award, Jackson was recognized as one of six outstanding SMU graduating seniors.
“What makes Jackson unique is not just his ability to lead—but how he leads. He brings others with him. He carries himself with humility, intentionality, and an unwavering focus on elevating those around him. Whether in one-on-one conversations or in front of a room full of his peers, Jackson inspires trust and respect—not through title or authority, but through authenticity.” – Dominic Frattura (Arizona State), NIC Director of Advocacy
Alpha #716 - James W. Moon, V (Wofford)
James Moon graduated from Wofford College with a 3.99 GPA in Biology. He served Eta Omicron Chapter as Lt. Commander and LEAD Chairman. On campus, he was Chair of the Wofford Activities Council, Chair of the Judicial Commission, and President of the Alpha Epsilon Delta honor society. A student-athlete, he captained Wofford’s NCAA Division I Cross Country and Track teams and earned recognition on the Southern Conference All-Academic Honor Roll and All-Academic Team.
“Among the 200 students I have had at Wofford in recent semesters, without exaggeration, James stands out as the most committed, hard-working, and self-motivated individual among them all.” – Dr. Michael Lee Cato, Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology, Wofford College
Alpha #717 - Aidan P. O’Brien (Northern Illinois)
Aidan O’Brien graduated from Northern Illinois University with a 3.47 GPA in Marketing and earned Professional Selling and Digital Marketing Certificates. He led Theta Eta Chapter as Commander, Recruitment Chairman, Marshal, and LEAD Chairman. On campus, he served as President of the Student Activities Board and as a Student Trustee for the Student Government Association. In 2025, he was honored by NIU Fraternity & Sorority Life as President of the Year.
“In my decades of work in higher education and student affairs, it is not hyperbole that Aidan ranks among the top 1–2% of students I have ever worked alongside. His impact is not solely the result of his extensive leadership roles or campus accolades but rather the way he embodies those roles with soul, strategy, and sincerity. He is, quite simply, the kind of man I admire deeply and hope to have in my professional and personal life for many years to come.” – Dr. Clint-Michael Reneau, Vice President, Northern Illinois University
Alpha #718 - Jake P. Wagner (Illinois State)
Jake Wagner graduated from Illinois State University with a 3.71 GPA in K–12 Physical Education. He led Theta Rho Chapter as Commander, Alumni Relations Chairman, and Scholarship Chairman. On campus, he served as President of the Order of Omega honor society. He earned several awards across his collegiate career from Illinois State Sorority & Fraternity Life, including Fraternity Man of the Year, Executive Member of the Year, and President of the Year.
“I wholeheartedly believe that students, faculty, and staff are extremely lucky to work with and alongside Jake. He is honorable in all that he is committed to, never promising to do something he cannot see through completely… It is my belief that the Illinois State University is a better and brighter campus due to Jake’s dedication and leadership both inside and out of the classroom.” – Adam Gentry, Program Coordinator, Illinois State University Sorority & Fraternity Life
Alpha #719 - Jacob C. Zink (Montana State)
Jacob Zink distinguished himself as a scholar and leader during his time at Montana State University, graduating with a 3.52 GPA in Business Management and Political Science. Within Zeta Nu Chapter, he served in key leadership roles, including Community Service and Philanthropy Chairman, Risk Reduction Chairman, and Sentinel. Beyond the chapter, Jacob made a lasting impact on campus as IFC Vice President of Communications and as a two-term Student Body President. He also founded and led the Stop-Hazing Montana Club, promoting safer and more ethical campus communities. At the national level, Jacob served the Fraternity as a Collegiate Advisor to the High Council in 2024. His exceptional leadership and service to the fraternal movement earned him the 2025 NIC Undergraduate Award of Distinction, recognizing him as one of the nation’s top fraternity leaders.
“Jacob is simply one of the most outstanding and articulate student leaders I have worked with during my time at Montana State University. He is the definition of a servant leader and he demonstrates honor and integrity during every interaction I have with him.” – Dr. Matthew R. Caires (Washington State), Dean of Students, Montana State University
Sigma Nu is pleased to also recognize Brother Zink as the Fraternity’s 2025 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.
“In my 29 years working with students in my various roles at Montana State University, I have never encountered a stronger leader than Jacob. He is highly respected by his peers, who recognize him as a leader with their best interests and welfare in mind.” - Dr. Steven P. Swinford, Vice President for Student Success at Montana State University
Scholar of the Year
Jaxon P. Naviaux (Rose-Hulman)
Jaxon Naviaux is entering his senior year at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology with a 3.96 GPA in Computer Engineering. A strong leader on campus and within the Fraternity, he has served as Commander of the Beta Upsilon Chapter, Social Chairman for the Lilly Scholars Network, and is a member of the Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society. In the classroom, Jaxon contributes as a teaching assistant for Java programming and as an assistant in the Signal Processing Lab. He is also a captain of the Rose-Hulman Varsity Football Team and has been recognized with a placement on the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic All-Conference Team.
“[Jaxon’s] work ethic is second to none, and it shows both on the playing field and in the classroom. Not only is Jaxon a strong contributor on the football field, but what is equally as impressive is the academic success that he has seen at our institute.” – Ryan A. Brimberry, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Talent of the Year
George Louis Waddell (Arkansas)
Louis Waddell graduated from the University of Arkansas with a 3.60 GPA in Theatre. He recently relocated to California to pursue opportunities in film and theater. His artistic credits include directing That Heroic Age, starring as the lead in the feature film The Space in Between, and performing in stage productions of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Trojan Women, The Prom, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In addition to his work on stage and screen, Louis is a talented singer and skilled musician, proficient in guitar, ukulele, and bass guitar.
“Louis not only provided incredible monologues and intimate moments throughout the film but also brought a kindness and confidence to the production that reflected in the final production. Other actors felt inspired and comfortable around him, which led to some of the best performances of their careers. I attribute this solely to Louis’ ability to make people feel seen while still giving an unbelievable energy to the film.” – Sam Conine, Writer and Director, The Space In Between
Athlete of the Year
Marshall L. H. Koch (Rose-Hulman)
Marshall Koch starts his senior year at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology pursuing a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.E.M. in Engineering Management and maintaining a 3.45 GPA. A dedicated leader, he has served as Commander of the Beta Upsilon Chapter and Treasurer of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. On the field, Marshall is a two-year captain of the Rose-Hulman Varsity Football Team. His athletic achievements include HCAC First Team All-Conference honors, Division III National Team Player of the Week, two-time HCAC Defensive Player of the Week, and recognition as the 2024 Rose-Hulman Football Defensive Player of the Year.
“In my nine years of coaching and educating, I have encountered numerous players and coaches with talent and passion. Marshall, however, is near the top of the list. While other players may be happy doing the minimum or letting their teammates do enough to just get by, Marshall does not… [He] helps drive others to reach their full potential by pushing them on the field, in the classroom, in the weight room, and in the community.” – Jeffery D. Stanton, Rose-Hulman Football Defensive Coordinator