The North American Interfraternity Conference annually recognizes excellence in the fraternal experience by conferring Awards of Distinction to individuals and groups who exemplify leadership, service and fraternal values. These honors play a significant role in the advancement of the NIC mission and vision, as well as the industry as a whole. Recognizing the value and impact of individual and group efforts on college/university campuses and within interfraternal organizations conveys the importance of innovation, courage and commitment to a positive fraternal experience.
To read the full release, visit https://nicfraternity.org/aod-current-recipients/
NIC GOLD MEDAL AWARD
Dr. Richard “Dick” McKaig, a Delta Chi initiate from Ball State University, worked tirelessly to advance the fraternal experience throughout his impressive career in higher education. Serving at Indiana University for 38 years and retiring as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Dick’s devotion and commitment to fraternity was acknowledged by his peers as he was affectionally known as the “Fraternal Dean.”
Even since retirement, the impact of Dick’s service can still be seen throughout IU, Delta Chi and the interfraternal community. His passion for fraternity and sorority life is evident through his advocacy for research on the experience — leading the Center for the Study of the College Fraternity for over 30 years — and his mentorship of hundreds of campus and interfraternity leaders over more than 35 years through the Interfraternity Institute (IFI).
His service to Delta Chi includes two terms on the Fraternity’s Board of Regents; an advisor to the Educational Foundation for 20 years; and co-chairing the President’s Anti-Hazing Task Force.
Dr. Richard "Dick" McKaig
CHAPTER AWARDS OF DISTINCTION
MIAMI CHAPTER
The Delta Chi chapter at Miami University has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to expanding and strengthening their membership. Among other accolades, they received the Andrew Herman Memorial Chapter Excellence Award at the university’s Student Engagement, Activities, and Leadership Awards ceremony, given to the chapter that commits itself to the values of their community. “They have shown exemplary operational performance while promoting a strong values-based fraternal experience and creating a measurable impact for their members, campuses, and communities.”
TRUMAN STATE CHAPTER
The Delta Chi chapter at Truman State University holds high academic standards, averaging over a 3.5 cumulative GPA among their members. Their member are involved in all phases of campus activities, have served Pantry for Adair County, the Adair County YMCA, the Salvation Army, the Bruce Normile Juvenile Justice Center, and more; and fundraised for the Jimmy V Foundation, Project HAPPIE, Truman Serve Center, and Kirksville Parks and Recreation. “I see them live their value both internal and externally in every interaction. I routinely hear from chapter leaders and members about reflections and constructive dialogue on how the chapter can continue to do better.”
LAUREL WREATH AWARD
The Dale Carnegie Scholars program is a testament to the organization’s core values of promoting friendship, developing character, advancing justice and assisting in the acquisition of a sound education. After some significant feedback from participants in its inaugural year, the Delta Chi Dale Carnegie Scholars program shifted in 2024 to an in-person experience with a virtual introductory session. The shift from a fully virtual experience led to an increase in the number of scholars declared, and program graduates increased by 20%. The positive impact of the program has quickly been felt within the organization as a whole, as Dale Carnegie Scholars have more often than not become chapter and community leaders, applied and been hired for staff positions with Delta Chi and have committed to the overall growth of the organization.
