The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) annually recognizes outstanding individuals and groups for their contributions to their fraternity chapter, Interfraternity Council or fraternity/sorority community through their Awards of Distinction program. This year, two members of Pi Kappa Phi have been recognized; Jacob Beavers and David (Dave) Shook.
Jacob Beavers, a founding member of the Beta Epsilon Chapter (Missouri-Columbia), was one of 12 undergraduate fraternity members in the country to be recognized with the NIC’s Undergraduate Award of Distinction. According to the NIC, “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.” Jacob joined Pi Kappa Phi as a re-founding father at the height of the pandemic, making his first impression of fraternity life unique, to say the least. Despite an unusual start, he thrived within the chapter, not only serving as archon, but also being selected to serve on the Council of Archons, a Pi Kappa Phi national student leadership committee, where he additionally serves as the liaison to National Council as the current sitting chairman of the Council of Archons. Furthermore, Jacob has been a recipient of three national scholarships for academic excellence.
Dave Shook, Alpha Psi (Indiana), and current Alpha Psi chapter advisor was one of six fraternity advisors to be recognized with the NIC’s Advisor Award of Distinction. The award, as described by the NIC, “… 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.” During his time as Alpha Psi’s chapter advisor, Dave has dedicated his time to not only the leaders of the chapter, but all members, their families and the campus community. In addition to volunteering his time as an advisor, he serves on the alumni board and housing board of the Alpha Psi Chapter, and actively supports the mission of the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation.
Jake Henderson, Pi Kappa Phi’s chief executive officer, submitted nominations for the two men on behalf of Pi Kappa Phi. In his letter nominating Jacob for the Undergraduate Award of Distinction he shared, “Often, we are unable to witness firsthand what a student is truly capable of when given opportunities, and much less so when they create opportunities for themselves. On paper, we can track the status of a student chapter and identify what leaders are able to have an impact on the continued success of their organization, but to be able to witness Jacob working with his chapter, community, interfraternal peers and nationally with alumni and fellow students in Pi Kappa Phi chapters has been a true testament to who he is.” His nomination went on to note Jacob’s numerous accolades within the chapter, which include keeping the chapter financially stable as the treasurer through the pandemic by working with members to maintain an unprecedented 100% collection rate, developing a War of the Roses philanthropy event that is now one of the leading events on campus, more than doubling the chapter in size, retaining members and fostering a culture of campus involvement among his chapter brothers.
In his letter nominating Dave for the Advisor Award of Distinction, Henderson wrote, “Dave has gone above and beyond in helping and volunteering his time and effort into the chapter. Dave sacrifices his personal time to the chapter to make sure the men have the support that they need. When talking with Dave you can tell the passion and love that he has for the Alpha Psi chapter as well as Pi Kappa Phi… Dave will help any member no matter what that person may need and is always there for the brothers of the Alpha Psi chapter.”
More information regarding the NIC Awards of Distinction program as well as this year’s recipients can be found by visiting the NIC website.