Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity was honored at both the national and chapter level by the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) in May, exemplifying the organization’s commitment to excellence in leadership, education and service within the fraternal world.
The fraternity was awarded the Laurel Wreath Award, presented to individuals or groups in recognition of unique programming, community outreach and fraternal world influence in conjunction with Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity for women, Sigma Nu Fraternity and Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity women for their educational poster series.
The poster series, which tackles health and safety topics including tobacco usage, alcohol consumption, social media, hazing and sexual assault, was recognized for theirusefulness in discussions pertaining to fraternity/sorority members.
“The relevant messaging of these posters provides educators a helpful point of entry for important health and safety conversations,” said the NIC in a statement regarding the award-winning posters.
CEO of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Mark Timmes was presented the Laurel Wreath Award by Archie Messersmith-Bunting, vice president of campus operations, health and safety for the NIC, at the Fraternity & Sorority Life Summit of the Carolinas on June 28th, hosted by Pi Kappa Phi at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
One of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity’s high achieving chapters, the Omega Chapter at Purdue University, was also recognized as one of five chapters among NIC member organizations with the Chapter Award of Distinction, recognizing involvement in its fraternity/sorority life community and commitment to positive fraternal experiences.
According to a statement from the NIC, the Omega Chapter’s performance is validated by strong performance metrics and statistics, but its member’s commitment to service sets them apart.
“They work to make the world a better place, primarily through their volunteer and fundraising efforts for Pi Kappa Phi’s national philanthropy, The Ability Experience,” reads the NIC’s statement. “The chapter boasts 100% participation in philanthropic efforts to engage people with disabilities. This chapter displays an outstanding commitment to humble leadership, stakeholder engagement and dedication to service and philanthropy.”
Brandon Cutler, associate dean of students for fraternity, sorority and cooperative life, nominated the chapter for the award in recognition of their engagement with Purdue’s fraternity/sorority life community, citing the chapter’s “outstanding commitment to humble leadership, stakeholder engagement and dedication to service and philanthropy.”
Timmes also nominated the chapter, referencing how the Omega Chapter consistently strives for excellence in member experience.
“Both collectively and individually, the student members of the chapter continue to distinguish themselves at the local and national level by providing an uncommon fraternity experience grounded in community involvement and servant leadership,” Timmes said.
The educational poster series is publicly available and can be found here. The Omega Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi can be found at their website here.