One of the best parts of our annual Chi Phi Congress is our Awards Program! Chi Phi recognizes our Chapters, members, and partners for the amazing work and service they do on campus, in the Fraternity, in their careers, and in society at large.
Nominations open in the spring. Awards are presented annually at Congress.
Click on the Award(s) named below to see descriptions, details, and to follow through with the application process.
Award nominations are OPEN for 2024
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 Chapterservices@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 10, 2024, deadline as other awards.
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.
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.
Outstanding Community Service Award
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.
Outstanding Philanthropic Service Award
This award recognizes Chapters that have a significant influence on the success of Chi Phi’s philanthropy organizations.
Outstanding Risk Management Practices Award
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 the Chi Phi Risk Management Policy and Procedures as well as the level of education provided to all members and the community regarding best risk management practices.
Outstanding Recruitment Practices Award
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.
Most Improved Recruitment Award
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.
Outstanding Total Membership Education Program Award
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.
Outstanding Alumni Event Award
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.
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.
Outstanding Communication/Public Relations Award
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
