Fraternity Awards Program

The Walter L. Cronkite, Jr. Award is the highest honor the Fraternity can bestow upon an Alumnus. It is given for humanitarian, social or political achievement which benefits our country, educational system or society. Established at the 1990 Congress in Atlanta, Georgia, the award is named for the first recipient, Walter L. Cronkite, Jr., Nu 1937.

Brother Cronkite, as the first recipient of the award, made this request: “I would hope that in future years, as our Grand Council ponders the names of potential honorees, that it look long and hard at those who may not gain national fame but who devote great effort and much of their time trying to improve their local communities and the lot of their neighbors.”

It is with Brother Cronkite’s intent in mind that we ask each of you consider nominating a deserving Chi Phi Alumnus who meets the Cronkite Award criteria. Recommendations should include an outline of the Brother’s accomplishments and the reasons for your endorsement of him. A vitae sheet or resume is most helpful, although for obvious reasons the nomination should not be discussed with the person. Letters of support from Brothers will also be critical to a successful nomination.

To make a nomination, visit this page and complete the online form. Materials may also be sent directly to awards@chiphi.org. There is no deadline for a Cronkite Award nomination; however, the Grand Council must be able to meet and discuss the nomination ahead of Congress, so it is recommended that materials be submitted by the same June 6, 2021, deadline as other awards.

The following awards will require a submission packet from the Chapter. Please be sure to review the requirements carefully and contact Director of Member Engagement Dan Coutcher at coutcher@chiphi.org with questions. Submissions should be made via Dropbox. Letters of recommendation may be sent to awards@chiphi.org should the writer prefer.

THOMAS GEHRING AWARD FOR CHAPTER EXCELLENCE

The 1980 Chi Phi Congress passed a resolution to recognize Chi Phi’s outstanding Chapters annually. The Award for Chapter Excellence was named after Dr. Thomas Gehring, Iota Delta 1960, who entered Chapter Eternal in 1980 during his term as Grand Zeta. The Gehring Award recognizes Chapters which exemplify Chi Phi’s Values and demonstrate the standards to which other Chapters should hold themselves.

Applicants for the Gehring Award should strive to apply for at least two (2) other Chapter Awards.

Note: At the discretion of the Awards Committee, multiple Gehring Awards may be given in any year. In addition, a Gehring Award for Most Improved may be given

The Chapter should submit the following items:

• Provide a Year in Review narrative that addresses the Chapter’s challenges, achievements, improvements, and overall journey during the 2020-2021 academic year. This should be a detailed, honest reflection of the Chapter.
  • For 2020-2021, please include a section in your Year in Review on how COVID-19 has affected your campus situation and how the Chapter has worked to overcome it. This information will be important for our Awards Committee to ensure that the program is equitable this year.
• A written letter/statement detailing why the Chapter is deserving of the Gehring
• List of short- and long-term Chapter goals which were identified at the beginning of the year with progress updates (from throughout the year) on
• Description of risk management policies and how the Chapter excels in this area – include specific examples.
• Description of all philanthropy and community service events hosted and/or participated in throughout the year along with a description of how the Chapter’s efforts have made a positive impact on the
• Description of how the Chapter has worked on Alumni engagement and outreach and the effects of those
• Description of all Total Membership Education performed throughout the year along with a description of how these educational sessions have made a positive impact on the Chapter and/or
• Identify participation at National Programming events (i.e. Alphas and Thetas Academy, Regional Leadership Alliances, Regional Ritual Retreats, and Fall Officer Webinars) and discuss the impact these programs have had on the
• Three (3) Letters of support from Key Alumni, Advisors, Community Leaders, and/or current University

BATES BLOCK CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT AWARD

Named for E. Bates Block, Gamma 1940, Eta 1942, Psi Delta 1970, a former Grand Alpha, Grand Gamma, and Grand Eta, this award is presented annually to the Chi Phi Chapter that has demonstrated the best participation, visibility, and involvement in the leadership of extracurricular activities, student functions, and interrelated programs that promote good will and strengthen their respective College or University.

The Chapter should submit the following items:

• A written letter/summary that addresses:
  • Achievements, successes, and improvements made by the Chapter regarding campus involvement during the 2020-2021 academic year. This should be a detailed, honest account of the strides the Chapter has made in this area, the challenges they have faced along the way, as well as successes and growth made throughout the
  • Why is the Chapter deserving of this award?
  • How is your campus involvement different or superior to other Chapters on campus?
• List and provide a description of all activities on your campus led by or participated in by Chi Phi
• Three (3) letters of support from Key Alumni, Community Leaders, and/or current University Administrators.
• For 2020-2021, please include a Year in Review on how COVID-19 has affected your campus situation and how the Chapter has worked to overcome it. This information will be important for our Awards Committee to ensure that the program is equitable this year.

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE

This award recognizes Chapters that have achieved an exceptional impact on their communities through acts of service above and beyond simply making a financial donation.

The Chapter should submit the following items:

• A written letter/summary that addresses the Chapter’s involvement with and commitment to community service. Please include details on how the COVID-19 Pandemic may have affected community service this year.
  • List and provide a description of all community service efforts (including total number of service hours) led by or participated in by Chi Phi members. Verification of these hours is
  • At least two (2) letters of support from Key Alumni, Advisors, Community Leaders, current University Administrators, and/or organizations with which the Chapter served.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS

This award recognizes Chapters that have a significant influence on the success of Chi Phi’s official philanthropy as adopted by Congress: The Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

The Chapter should submit the following items:

• A written letter/summary that addresses the Chapter’s involvement with and commitment to BGCA. Please include details on how the COVID-19 Pandemic may have affected your service with BGCA.
  • List and provide a description of all involvement with the Boys and Girls Club throughout the 2020-2021 academic year. The Chapter is welcomed to note any previous experience with the organization as well as any future (continued)
  • Types of activities done with the BGCA, number of Brothers involved, hours volunteered (if applicable), money donated, and impact made on the
  • At least two (2) letters of support from Key Alumni, Advisors, Community Leaders, current University Administrators, and/or organizations with which the Chapter served. It is highly recommended that at least one letter comes from an official with the BGCA.

PHILANTHROPIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

This award recognizes Chapters that achieve an overall level of philanthropic success, on all levels and in all ways.

The Chapter should submit the following items:

• A written letter/summary that addresses:
  • Achievements, successes, and improvements made by the Chapter in the area of philanthropy during the 2020-2021 academic year. This should be a detailed account demonstrating the efforts, challenges, and obstacles the Chapter faced and, hopefully, overcame throughout the year in order to make Philanthropic efforts a priority for all
  • Why is the Chapter deserving of this award?
  • Please include details on how the COVID-19 Pandemic may have affected your philanthropic service this year.
  • List and provide a description of all philanthropy efforts (including dollars raised) led by or participated in by Chi Phi
  • At least two (2) letters of support Key Alumni, Advisors, Community Leaders, current University Administrators, and/or organizations with which the Chapter served.
  • Please note: Hours spent holding a fundraising event may not be considered a philanthropy event or a community service

OUTSTANDING RISK MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

The Award for Outstanding Risk Management Practices was established by the 140th Congress of the Fraternity to recognize those Chi Phi Chapters which demonstrate excellence in overall risk management programming and practices.

The award will be given to a Chapter that excels in the definition and implementation of their Social Event Policy plan and Crisis Management Plan as well as the level of education provided to all members and the community regarding best risk management practices.

The Chapter should submit the following items:

• policies and procedures for events with alcohol, crisis management plan, and a description of Risk Management education/programming for the 2020-2021 academic
  • If applicable, please include materials regarding your Chapter’s ongoing COVID-19 precautions/policies.
  • A letter containing a detailed description of how these policies are implemented, and successes and challenges faced regarding risk management. Specific examples are to be included. Please include details on how the COVID-19 Pandemic may have affected your risk management policies or procedures this year.
  • Detailed goals adopted by the Chapter to achieve stronger risk management practices within the Chapter and/or the community and steps the Chapter has taken to meet those
  • At least two (2) letters of support Key Alumni, Advisors, Community Leaders, or current University Administrators.

OUTSTANDING RECRUITMENT PRACTICES

The Award for Outstanding Recruitment Practices was established to recognize those Chi Phi Chapters which demonstrate excellence in overall recruitment efforts and planning. The award will be given to a Chapter that demonstrates its ability to establish relationships during recruitment which turn Friends into Brothers.

New Member retention and other data may be considered in a finalist for this award.

The Chapter should submit an application that addresses/includes the following items:

• Copies of the Recruitment Plan, including a list of all events and members of the Recruitment Committee.
• A written letter/summary that addresses:
• A detailed description of how these events are implemented, and successes and challenges that the Chapter has faced regarding Recruitment.
• Details on how the COVID-19 Pandemic altered the recruitment plans on your campus in 2020-2021 and the steps your Chapter took to overcome that challenge.
• Detailed goals adopted by the Chapter to further improve their Recruitment Practices and focus on their Chapter’s growth.
• At least two (2) letters of support Key Alumni, Advisors, Community Leaders, or current University Administrators

MOST IMPROVED RECRUITMENT

The Award for Most Improved Recruitment was established to recognize those Chi Phi Chapters which demonstrate their efforts to improve their recruitment through both practice and results. The award will be given to a Chapter which has placed emphasis on improving their recruitment and strengthening their Chapter through growth.

New Member quantity, retention, and other data may be considered in a finalist for this award.

The Chapter should submit the following items:

• Copies of the Recruitment Plan, including a list of all events and members of the Recruitment Committee.
• A written letter/summary that addresses:
• A detailed description of how the Chapter has taken steps to improve its recruitment process over the past year, including the successes and challenges that the Chapter has faced in these steps.
• Details on how the COVID-19 Pandemic altered the recruitment plans on your campus in 2020-2021 and the steps your Chapter took to overcome that challenge.
• Detailed goals adopted by your Chapter to further improve your Recruitment and focus on Chapter growth.
• At least two (2) letters of support Key Alumni, Advisors, Community Leaders, or current University Administrators.

OUTSTANDING TOTAL MEMBERSHIP EDUCATION PROGRAM

At the 149th Chi Phi Congress in Austin, Texas, this award was approved in order to recognize Chapters who have implemented outstanding, comprehensive total membership education programming which incorporates education for the betterment of fraternal understanding, personal development, and leadership development.

The Chapter should submit the following items:

• A detailed outline of all TME programs performed throughout the course of the year. Information should include date, time, those in attendance (percentage of Chapter/any Alumni attendees), and specific information regarding the program(s) (i.e. if a speaker was present, content covered, details involved in planning, follow up after the program, ).
• A written letter/summary that addresses:
• Details how these programs benefited Brothers and the entire Chapter—what changes/improvements were seen amongst the Brotherhood?

• Detailed goals/plans adopted by the Chapter for TME in the upcoming year and/or what changes would the Chapter make to the TME program from the previous year.

OUTSTANDING ALUMNI EVENT

At the 149th Chi Phi Congress in Austin, Texas, this award was approved in order to recognize an outstanding Chapter Event that promotes positive Alumni relations. The event will be reviewed for effort, outreach, and impact made on both the Alumni and Undergraduate men.

Submissions from Alumni Associations or other Alumni entities are also accepted.

The Chapter should submit the following items:

• Detailed explanation of the Alumni event: date, time, those in attendance (number of undergraduates as well as Alumni), and specific details surrounding the event. Explain what took place, how Alumni and undergraduates were involved/engaged with each other,
• A written letter/summary should that addresses:
  • How does Alumni involvement benefit the Chapter?
  • What positive outcomes are seen from this event?
  • What changes/alterations does the Chapter plan to make to ensure this event remains a success?
  • What else is needed from Alumni in regards to support?
• A letter of confirmation and support from an Advisor or Alumni Association Officer is recommended, but not required.

OUTSTANDING NEWSLETTER

This award is designed to recognize the achievements, successes, and improvements in the area of Alumni newsletter development. The newsletters will be reviewed for pertinent and relevant content along with Alumni outreach and engagement.

Submissions from Alumni Associations or other Alumni entities are also accepted.

Newsletters may be in print or digital edition.

The Chapter should submit the following items:

• A copy of the newsletter that was distributed to all Alumni in both fall AND spring. (Scans of printed newsletters are acceptable.)
• Digital distribution: A copy of the email in which the Alumni newsletter was distributed should be included.
• A written letter/summary explaining the contribution the Chapter made in writing, organizing, and distributing the Alumni newsletter. The summary should also include information regarding the effect the newsletter has on Alumni relations with the Chapter:
• Does it encourage Alumni to be more involved with the Chapter?
• Do Alumni offer ideas to encourage more Alumni attendance or ways to improve the Chapter?
• What next steps would the Chapter like to take to ensure this newsletter stays effective and engaging?
• A letter of confirmation and support from an Advisor or Alumni Association officer is recommended, but not required.

OUTSTANDING COMMUNICATION/PUBLIC RELATIONS

This award is designed to recognize those Chapters that have excelled in promoting the values of the Fraternity through various social media outlets (website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.). The Chapter’s public relations and communications efforts will be reviewed for level of activity, engagement, and promotion of values and philanthropic/service efforts.

The Chapter should submit the following items:

• Links/names to/of each social media account (Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, etc.) and website maintained by the
• Three (3) screenshots (or links or other examples) of your best social media posts/engagements (no more than 1 year old, as of your submission date).
• A written letter/summary of actions taken over the past academic year to improve the quality, quantity, and success of your communications efforts and how you plan to maintain these efforts over the course of the next year and beyond. Summary should also include which Officer/Chairman/Brother(s) are responsible for maintaining your
• If your Chapter does not maintain any of the following, include an explanation why: website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

NOTE: Nominations for Alumni organization awards can be made by any Chi Phi Brother. All nominations will be accepted via Dropbox. Submissions should be made no later than June 6, 2021.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR

This award was created to recognize the outstanding efforts of a Chapter’s Alumni Association throughout the past year. The Alumni Association should demonstrate exceptional efforts at bringing together Alumni to support the Chapter and each other.

Chapter Advisory Boards are not eligible for this award.

The application should include the following items:

• A written letter/summary outlining the Alumni Association’s accomplishments and contributions to the local Chapter and/or National Fraternity.
• At least two (2) letters of support from Alumni members (not Association Officers), Chapter Advisors, Undergraduate members, and/or current University

CHI PHI CLUB OF THE YEAR

This award was created to recognize the outstanding efforts of a Chi Phi Club throughout the past year. The Club should demonstrate exceptional efforts at improving Alumni relations in their city and other support given to Chi Phi Brothers.

The application should include the following items:

• A written letter/summary outlining the City Club’s accomplishments and contributions to the local Alumni, Chapters, and/or National Fraternity.
• A schedule of all Club meetings and social activities from the 2020-2021 academic year.
• At least two (2) letters of support from local Alumni members (not Club Officers) or others familiar with the Club’s operations.

NOTE: Nominations for individual awards can be made by any Chi Phi Brother. Individual nominations will be accepted via Dropbox. Submissions should be made no later than June 6, 2021.

WILLIAM M. BYRD ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR

This award, named for William M. Byrd, Nu 1953, a former Trustee of the Chi Phi Educational Trust and Grand Zeta, recognizes a Chi Phi Alumnus who has distinguished himself in activities and service to (and on behalf of) the Fraternity.

The application should include the following items:

• A written letter/summary outlining this Brother’s accomplishments and contributions to society and the Chi Phi Fraternity along with why he is deserving of this
• Contributions to the Fraternity may include activities associated with Chapters, Alumni Associations, House Corporations, City Clubs, or National boards/offices.
• At least three (3) letters of support from Key Alumni, Advisors, Undergraduate members, current University Administrators, and/or others familiar with the Brother’s accomplishments.

CHAPTER ADVISOR OF THE YEAR

This award distinguishes the top Chapter Advisor(s) within the Fraternity.

Nominees should have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the local Chapter and National Fraternity and our Values of Truth, Honor, and Personal Integrity in their role as Chapter Advisor. Letters of recommendation should speak to the Chapter Advisor’s ability to mentor, challenge, and develop the Chapter’s leaders and general membership.

Non-members acting in the capacity of Chapter Advisor are eligible for this award.

The application should include the following items:

• A written letter/summary from the Chapter addressing why this individual is deserving of the Chapter Advisor of the Year
• At least three (3) letters of support from Key Alumni, Advisors, Undergraduate members, and/or current University Administrators describing this person’s effect on the lives of Undergraduate members and Chapter It is recommended that at least one letter be from a non-Undergraduate member.

CAMPUS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

This award was created to recognize the outstanding efforts of a campus professional who advises the Greek/Fraternity and Sorority Community on their campus. The nominee should demonstrate the values of the Greek Community and the ability to serve as an advocate for the fraternity/sorority experience.

Letters of recommendation should speak to the Administrator’s ability to mentor, challenge, and develop the community’s leaders and general membership.

Nominees do not need to be a member of Chi Phi or any other Greek organization.

The application should include the following items:

• A written letter/summary outlining the campus administrator’s accomplishments and contributions to Chi Phi and the entire Greek Community.
• At least three (3) letters of support from Key Alumni, Advisors, Undergraduate members, and/or current University It is recommended that at least one letter be from a non-Undergraduate member.

CARL J. GLADFELTER LEADERSHIP AWARD

This award is presented to a graduating Chi Phi Brother who has exemplified himself in leadership and service to his Chapter and to the Fraternity. It is named for Carl Gladfelter, Alpha-Tau 1933, a former Grand Alpha and National Director. One of the most influential leaders in our Fraternity’s long history, Brother Gladfelter was a long-time advocate of undergraduate leadership development and recognition throughout Chi Phi.

Brothers who graduated this past fall and spring are eligible for this award.

The application should include the following items:

• A written letter/summary from the Chapter/nominator addressing why this Brother is deserving of the Carl J. Gladfelter Leadership Award.
• A list and description of all campus, Chapter, community, and Fraternity activities participated in or led by this Brother during his collegiate
• At least three (3) letters of support from Key Alumni, Advisors, Undergraduate members, and/or current University It is recommended that at least one letter be from a non-Undergraduate member.

WILLIAM D. PARR ZETA AWARD

This award is presented annually to a current or former Chapter Zeta that has demonstrated excellence in performing the duties of that office. It is named for William D. Parr, Pi (Kentucky Military Institute) 1880, a former Grand Zeta, in recognition of the importance that our customs and heritage have within our Fraternity.

The application should include the following items:

• A written letter/summary addressing why this Brother is deserving of the William D. Parr Zeta Award.
• List and describe the required and additional responsibilities undertaken by this man that make him deserving of this award.
• How and why was this man an excellent Chapter Zeta?
• At least two (2) letters of support from Key Alumni, Advisors, Undergraduate members, and/or current University It is recommended that at least one letter be from a non-Undergraduate member.

AWARD FOR ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE

The Award for Athletic Excellence was established by the 137th Congress of the Fraternity to recognize a Chi Phi Brother who demonstrates excellence in athleticism, bringing distinction upon himself and upon his Fraternity.

The application should include the following items:

• A written letter/summary addressing why this man is deserving of the Athletic Excellence Award.
• Include any activities the member has participated in and how he is a positive influence on the
• At least two (2) letters of support from athletic coaches, trainers, Key Alumni, Advisors, Undergraduate members, and/or current University It is recommended that at least one letter be from a non-Undergraduate member.

BEN WAYNE GREIG, JR. AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CHAPTER SCHOLASTIC CHAIRMAN

The Award for Outstanding Chapter Scholastic Chairman was established by the 141st Congress of the Fraternity to recognize a current or former Chapter Scholastic Chairman who demonstrates excellence in overall scholastic programming and practices.

The application should include the following items:

• A written letter/summary addressing why your Chapter’s Scholastic Chairman is deserving of the Outstanding Scholastic Chairman Award.
• Address the influence the Chairman had on the Academic Plan, any academic progress made within the Chapter, along with any additional ideas the Chairman has implemented to ensure that academics stay a priority for all
• At least two (2) letters of support from Key Alumni, Advisors, Undergraduate members, and/or current University Administrators. It is recommended that at least one letter be from a non-Undergraduate member.

GEORGE MACDONALD OUTSTANDING RISK MANAGER (ETA) AWARD

The award for the George MacDonald Outstanding Risk Manager (Eta) Award was established at the 152nd Congress of the Fraternity to recognize a Brother who best personifies the values exemplified by Brother MacDonald.

Brother George MacDonald, Kappa Delta 1971, Iota Zeta 1989, Eta Theta 2011, served as the Grand Eta from 1997-­‐ 2005 and then again from 2009-­‐2017, and he also served as legal counsel to the Educational Trust from 1997-­‐2017. During his guidance, Brother MacDonald has ensured the longevity of the Fraternity, mentored and advised Brothers in regards to responsible risk management practices, and positively impacted countless Brothers across the country.

The application should include the following items:

• A written letter/summary addressing why your Chapter’s Eta is deserving of the Outstanding Risk Manager Award.
  • The influence the Eta had on risk management
  • Challenges, obstacles, successes faced throughout his tenure as
  • Any changes to the risk management policies and procedures at the Chapter level he made that had a positive
  • Additional ideas the Eta has implemented to ensure that risk management is understood and followed by all
• At least two (2) letters of support from Key Alumni, Advisors, Undergraduate members, and/or current University Administrators. It is recommended that at least one letter be from a non-Undergraduate member.