Serve in the Light of Truth

Merit Awards 

Man of the Year

Michael P. Walsh (MIT)

Michael Walsh graduated with a 3.68 while studying physics and computer science at MIT. Michael served the Epsilon Theta Chapter as Commander, Sentinel, and governance chairman.  On campus Michael took multiple leadership roles, serving as captain of the tennis team, chair of athletics for student government, one of three undergraduates on the MacVicar Faculty Fellows selection committee, and vice president of the student government.

Michael’s work with Sigma Nu and the student government led him to see the world in a broader perspective. As Michael said recently, “one commonly held humanistic goal of the day is to leave the world in better condition than when we arrived…my experiences at MIT and Sigma Nu have nourished my philosophical view that there is no other recourse.”

For Michael’s work with the student government he was named Senator of the Year and was given the Student Leader award by student life. Speaking about Michael, University President L. Rafael Reif said, “Michael has done outstanding work for the MIT Undergraduate Association, where he was involved with everything from advocating for better shuttle service to promoting athletics and building community events.”

Michael is pursuing his Ph.D. in quantum computing at MIT. He plans to pursue a career in consulting or science policy advocacy.

Scholar of the Year

Thomas M. Briggs (Oklahoma State)

Thomas Briggs finished his academic career at Oklahoma State University with a 4.0 GPA and degree in nutritional sciences. Thomas served the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter as Marshal, Scholarship Chairman and on several committees such as the Brotherhood, Bylaws, and Scholarship Committee. Thomas was also a part of several academic and honorary societies including Blue Key Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honors Fraternity, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and Alpha Epsilon Delta Honorary Society. Thomas served as Treasurer of Phi Eta Sigma.

Thomas was on the President’s Honor Roll for eight semesters for having a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Thomas was named a finalist for IFC’s Outstanding Junior, Sophomore, and Freshman member. His senior year he was selected as part of the Homecoming Royalty.

Part of Thomas’ life experience has been to grow through service and mission trips. Thomas has taken trips abroad to Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras. Taking these trips caused his interest in pursuing medicine as a career path to pique. “I realized that skilled physicians are needed everywhere, and by becoming a doctor, I would be able to serve people around me with a much needed skill,” said Thomas.  Chris Cooper, a mentor to Thomas, said recently, “The beautiful thing about Thomas…he doesn’t do things for praise or accolades, he does them because he loves people.”

Thomas is now in medical school at University of Oklahoma. He plans on practicing medicine in under-privileged communities in the United States and abroad.

Alpha Affiliate

Jake E. Bechert, Alpha #590 (Huntingdon)

Majoring in accounting and business administration, Jake was able to achieve a 4.0 GPA while serving as the Nu Beta Chapter’s Commander, Lt. Commander, and Treasurer. Jake was also heavily involved in several leadership roles on campus, serving as the Student Government president, vice president, and treasurer; president of the Order of Omega; and as the IFC secretary.

For Jake’s involvement and academic achievement he was awarded the Accounting Achievement Award and was named Greek Man of the Year in 2011. Reflecting on his Sigma Nu experience Bechert said, “Sigma Nu represents the highest attainment that a man can hope to achieve.” Jake is attending graduate school in Birmingham and aims to attain his CPA.

Anderson E. Brown, Alpha #591 (Virginia Wesleyan)

Anderson (Andy) Brown majored in psychology and maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.7 while serving as Iota Beta Chapter’s Commander, Lt. Commander, Marshal, Sentinel, and House Manager. In addition to his involvement in the chapter, Andy served as the IFC vice president for standards, student government treasurer and senator, and Psi Chi vice president and treasurer.

In 2012, Andy was named Greek Man of the Year at Virginia Wesleyan and was able to accept a Rock Chapter Award on behalf of the Iota Beta Chapter. “Being the man to accept the first Rock Chapter for the Iota Beta Chapter is one of the most special moments of my life because of how much it means to our chapter,” remarked Brown on the experience. Andy intends to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology and work in a therapeutic setting.

Robert L. Corban, Alpha #592 (Mississippi)

Robert served in several roles of prominence for the Epsilon Xi Chapter including Commander and Lt. Commander. This did not detract from his studies, as he double majored in history and sociology and attained a GPA of 3.86. For Corban’s strong academic achievement he was inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society in the spring of 2013. He was also honored as the top graduating senior in the department of sociology.

Speaking of Robert Corban, Chapter Advisor Dr. James Davis said, “In the twenty years that I have served as faculty advisor, he is without doubt the strongest brother to hold the office.” Robert has started his Ph.D. in history at Syracuse University.

J. Wells Ellenberg, Alpha #593 (Georgia)

Wells Ellenberg served the Mu Chapter as Commander, LEAD Chairman, and Recruitment Chairman, while achieving a GPA of 3.74 in political science. In addition to his chapter involvement, Wells was able to serve on three separate boards of directors as a student. Wells served as a Collegiate Grand Councilman for Sigma Nu’s High Council, as a board member of the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee, and a member of the board of the University of Georgia Athletic Association.

Placing a capstone on his college career, Wells was selected as the Man-of-the-Year for Sigma Nu in 2012 and Man of the Year for the Southeastern Interfraternity Conference. As a keynote speaker for Sigma Nu’s College of Chapters in 2013, Wells set the pace for future chapter leaders.  During his address he remarked, “Leaders with vision and courage survive, leaders with vision and courage succeed.” Wells is currently working as the political director for a U.S. congressman in Saint Simons Island, Georgia.

Austin Harrison, Alpha #594 (Mississippi)

While maintaining a GPA of 3.5 in public policy leadership, Austin Harrison served the Epsilon Xi Chapter as Lt. Commander, Recruitment Chairman, and candidate class president. Outside of Sigma Nu Austin served as the president of Omicron Delta Kappa, president of Freshman Focus, and on the executive committee of the University of Mississippi Food Bank.

During Austin’s junior year he was bestowed with the honor of Campus Favorite and in the fall of his senior year was elected Mr. Ole Miss. Speaking of Austin, Dr. Thomas Reardon, a campus administrator said, “Austin Harrison epitomizes every virtue that a college administrator looks for in a student leader.  He is above all honest and a man of high integrity.” Austin will be enrolling in the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service to pursue law and public service degrees.

Ramin Nejaddehghan, Alpha #595 (Maryland)

Serving as Commander, House Manager, and Social Chairman, Ramin Nejaddehghan was able to maintain a 3.5 GPA in government and politics. In addition to Ramin’s service to his chapter, he was able to serve as the team captain of the Maryland Mock Trial for two years, found a chapter of Face Your Challenges (a suicide prevention organization), and served as the fundraising chairman of Terp Thon.

Ramin was inducted into the Kalegethos Society, an honorary society for outstanding Greek students at the University of Maryland. Speaking about Ramin, Delta Phi House Cooperation President Brian Saroken said, “When I think about the amazing development of the Delta Phi Chapter over the past few years and the outlook for the next few, it is largely due to the hard work, strong character and positive influence of Ramin.” Ramin will work for the law firm of Krooth & Altman for the next two years as a paralegal and then attend law school following two years of service to the firm.

Kyle J. Sikes, Alpha #596 (Oklahoma State)

Kyle Sikes served the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter as Lt. Commander, LEAD Chairman, and Recorder while maintaining a 3.5 GPA as an honors biology major. Kyle was involved in several different endeavors including serving as the vice president of the Arts and Sciences Student Council, treasurer of the Blue Key Honor Society, and secretary of Phi Eta Sigma.

In 2012, Kyle was named Sigma Nu’s LEAD Chairman of the Year and was chosen as one of five men to serve as Homecoming Royalty. Speaking about his Sigma Nu experience Kyle said, “Sigma Nu is the greatest thing that ever happened to me.” Kyle will be preparing to enter dental school this fall.

John B. Stuart, Alpha #597 (Oklahoma State)

John (J.B.) Stuart graduated from Oklahoma State with a 3.51 GPA in finance. He served his chapter as Commander and Recruitment Chairman. Outside of his chapter, J.B. served as a college leader for Young Life, was a member of Resolutions Committee at Grand Chapter 2012, and was a member of Blue Key Honor Society.

During J.B.’s senior year, he founded the Greek Faith Council and a clothing ministry for the homeless called “The Vine.” Michael Decker, a mentor of J.B.’s recently said, “As a father of both a son and daughter I can only wish that my son will strive to have the same vision that J.B. does; and one day my daughter will find a young man like J.B.” J.B. will be attending Dallas Theological Seminary in the fall pursuing a master’s in divinity.

Robert M. Tudor, Alpha #598 (Eastern Kentucky)

Graduating with a 3.68 GPA and a degree in homeland security, Robert (Matt) Tudor served his chapter as candidate class Commander, Sentinel, Recorder, and Commander. On campus Matt was the advisor to the VP of risk management of IFC, a member of President’s Roundtable, and a member of Order of Omega. In 2012–2013 he served as Collegiate Grand Councilman on the High Council of Sigma Nu.

In 2012, Matt’s executive council was awarded as the most outstanding on campus by the IFC. Speaking about his love for Sigma Nu, Matt said, “As long as I have breath I will praise the name of Sigma Nu…I love this Fraternity with every last piece of my being.” Matt is now pursuing a career in federal law enforcement.

Michael P. Walsh, Alpha #599 (MIT)

Michael Walsh graduated with a 3.68 while studying physics and computer science at MIT. Michael served the Epsilon Theta Chapter as Commander, Sentinel, and governance chairman.  On campus Michael took multiple leadership roles, serving as captain of the tennis team, chair of athletics for student government, one of three undergraduates on the MacVicar Faculty Fellows selection committee, and vice president of the student government.

Michael’s work with Sigma Nu and the student government led him to see the world in a broader perspective. As Michael said recently, “One commonly held humanistic goal of the day is to leave the world in better condition than when we arrived…my experiences at MIT and Sigma Nu have nourished my philosophical view that there is no other recourse.”

For Michael’s work with the student government he was named Senator of the Year and was given the Student Leader award by student life. Speaking about Michael, University President L. Rafael Reif said, “Michael has done outstanding work for the MIT Undergraduate Association, where he was involved with everything from advocating for better shuttle service to promoting athletics and building community events.”

Scholarship Awards

Gallaher Cup

Pennsylvania (3.55)

Bronze Plaque Cup

Duke (3.54)

Certificate of Commendation

Washington and Lee (3.47)

Certificate of Merit

Washington University in St. Louis (3.44)

LEAD Awards

LEAD Chairman of the Year

Nicholas S. Kolega (Kansas)

LEAD Chapter of the Year

Duke University

Innovation in LEAD Programming

Duke University

Alumnus LEAD Facilitator of the Year

Joseph S. Baxter (Cal. State Fullerton)

Manpower Awards

100+ Members:

Alabama

Arkansas

Auburn

Colorado

Georgia

Indiana

Iowa

Louisiana State

Mississippi

Missouri

Oklahoma State

Purdue

South Carolina

Southern California

Texas Tech

80+ Members:

Butler

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Duke

Florida

James Madison

Kansas

Maryland

Nevada

North Carolina State

Stanford

South Florida

UCLA

UC San Diego

Washington University in St. Louis

Alumni Awards

Chapter Advisor of the Year

Dr. Mark Himmelein (Mount Union)

Dr. Mark Himmelein has been serving as the Beta Iota Chapter Advisor since 1998 and has twice been recognized by the University of Mount Union as the Greek Life Advisor of the Year. Dr. Himmelein was integral to the success of the chapter’s housing campaign in 2004-2005. He worked with the University to help approve important projects and focused the design efforts to include many of the old designs of the former chapter house.

Dr. Himmelein’s efforts were also a key reason the chapter chose to work with the Ponery Orphanage near Kursk, Russia, for its annual philanthropy project. Speaking about the annual philanthropy trip in Russia, Himmelein said, “[The social agencies in Russia] are astonished that a group of young men living so far away care enough to continue to assist and show interest in them and their problems.” Dr. Himmelein was part of an exchange program between Mt. Union and the university near the Ponery Orphanage. In this process Dr. Himmelein was able to facilitate many opportunities for philanthropy between the chapter and the community. This partnership resulted in the current arrangement between the chapter and the orphanage.

Dr. Himmelein has been a valuable asset to the chapter. He has officiated member’s weddings, given rides to members whose cars broke down, and participated in chapter brotherhood events. Speaking about Dr. Himmelein, past Beta Iota Commander Matt Miller said, “To me, Dr. Himmelein is the reason that Beta Iota has had sustained success for the past decade.”

Division Commander of the Year

Dr. Jamison Keller (Cal. State San Bernardino)

Dr. Jamison Keller began serving as a Division Commander in 2001 and currently works with the chapters in the Southwest Alpha Division. Much of Dr. Keller’s work has been focused on managing the relationships with the undergraduate chapters in the Southwest Alpha Division and the chapter alumni. Dr. Keller has spent significant time on helping alumni understand the changes that have taken place on the college campus since their time as an undergraduate. This is helped by Dr. Keller’s work as a higher education professional at Cal. State Northridge.

Speaking about his role with Sigma Nu Dr. Keller said, “I think for me the rewards have been at two levels: chapter and individual. Leading a chapter through strategic planning and goal setting and seeing members make key decisions that they’ve reached on their own and then seeing them achieve their goals and potential is very rewarding.”

House Corporation Officer of the Year

Peter R. Burgum (Pennsylvania)

Peter Burgum has served on the Beta Rho Property Company Board for approximately 33 years. Brother Burgum began served on the board from 1970-1980 and again from 1990-present. For the past five years Burgum has served exclusively as the Property Company Board president. Burgum has been the primary liaison between the chapter and the university regarding housing issues and has worked closely with chapter brothers to improve housing. He recently led a $100,000 renovation campaign on the Beta Rho Chapter house.

Speaking about Brother Burgum, the Beta Rho executive board said, “His hard work and dedication to honor have helped our chapter survive and thrive over the years. We are confident that he will continue to help the chapter for many years to come.” Speaking about his own experience, Burgum noted that “What I have enjoyed the most and found the most rewarding is being part of Beta Rho arising from the depths to being one of the strongest houses on the Penn campus.”

Alumni Chapter Officer of the Year

Stanley D. Dupuy (Louisiana Tech)

Stanley Dupuy has served as the Lousisiana Tech Alumni Chapter president since 2011. Dupuy began volunteering his time with the chapter in the 2010 following his son Daniel joining the chapter. During his tenure, Dupuy has led the chapter in a commitment to leadership on campus and alumni mentorship through a revitalized LEAD Program.

Starting in the fall of 2010, the chapter and alumni mentors began meeting quarterly for a cookout and created an alumni mentorship program that meets with members and candidates multiple times a year. Each class of the chapter is assigned several alumni mentors and these mentors facilitate a LEAD session. As Chapter Advisor Joe Reyes said, “the amount of respect this chapter has for this man is immense.” Speaking about his time as alumni chapter president, Dupuy said, “This has been the most rewarding thing that I have enjoyed doing for Sigma Nu. It is another way that I could give back to an organization that helped shape me during my collegiate years.”

Greek Advisor of the Year

Clarybel Peguero (Duke University)

Clarybel Peguero began her career as a higher education professional at the University of South Carolina as a graduate assistant. After receiving her graduate degree Clarybel has worked at American University, Johns Hopkins University, Boston College, and the University of Virginia. In 2008, Clarybel Peguero became the director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Duke University. Clarybel has been recognized by a variety of organizations for her service to the Greek community. In 2008 Clarybel was named Undergraduate Chapter Advisor of the Year for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and was also named the Chapter Advisor of the Year at the University of Virginia in the same year.

Speaking about her work with sororities and fraternities Clarybel stated, “Being able to work with students that are high achieving and are called to be a part of something that is so much larger than them is great. Watching them navigate their local culture and instilling the values of their national organization is very powerful. These young men and women are given a daunting task and when they get it right it is amazing. They are able to bring to life what the founders believed in and integrate it in daily life through service and the brotherhood/sisterhood. This is going into year six for me at Duke, and I absolutely love my interaction with students.”

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