2015 Award Winners
Features
Alpha Affiliates
Marc A. Caputo, Alpha #610 (Oregon)
Marc Caputo double majored in Business Administration and Digital Art, earning a 3.53 cumulative GPA as a member of the Robert D. Clark Honors College. During his tenure as an undergraduate member of Gamma Zeta Chapter, he served as Lt. Commander, Recorder, Public Relations Chairman, and was a member of several committees including the chapter’s Honor Board.Within the interfraternal community Marc served as IFC Vice President of Civic Engagement and member of the Greek Week committee. He was acknowledged for his involvement and achievements in 2014 by receiving the Fraternity Man of the Year award from the University of Oregon. Marc also served as an Orientation Leader for the University of Oregon and his academic advisor, Jamie Hoag Barnett, said, “He possesses many of the qualities I consider representative of the best of University of Oregon students.” Marc plans on seeking a position for Nike’s Human Resources department and eventually returning to school for his MBA.
Adam J. Croissant, Alpha #611 (Washington)
Adam Croissant is a graduate of the University of Washington’s prestigious Computer Science department earning a 3.52 cumulative GPA while also double majoring in History. Despite the workload that comes from being a student in his chosen field he remained engaged in Gamma Chi Chapter operations by holding numerous positions including Lt. Commander, LEAD Chairman, and Risk Reduction Chairman.Outside of his excellent academic performance and chapter involvement Adam was also a member of the men’s club soccer team for two years and ultimate frisbee team for four years, serving as team captain for a year. Professionally, Adam worked as a Software Engineer intern for Carbonite in Sunnyvale, Calif., for nine months. “His character, values-based leadership and commitment to the greater fraternal movement made him an ideal candidate for this distinction,” said James Ehrmann (Beta Mu), Assistant Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life. Adam is currently a Software Development Engineer for Dell in Texas.
Henry D. Ellison, Alpha #612 (Washington in St. Louis)
“Henry strikes a rare balance between confidence and humility; intelligence and personality; fairness and integrity,” said fellow Alpha Affiliate Wells Ellenberg (Georgia) of Henry Ellison who graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.77 in Biochemistry. Henry’s focus on academics and admittance to medical school did not detract from his involvement within Gamma Omicron Chapter, evidenced by his service as Commander, Recruitment Chairman, and Alumni Relations Chairman. Perhaps most impressive of these commitments to Sigma Nu was Henry’s term as a Collegiate Grand Councilman on the High Council.On campus Henry was a member of Order of Omega, club golf team and Dr. Jason Woods’ Pulmonary Imaging Lab. As someone aspiring for medical school Henry spent a whole summer studying for the MCAT and scored in the top half of a percentile. He also took summer classes to graduate a semester early. As a current student in University of Virginia’s School of Medicine, Henry’s goal of becoming a medical doctor is coming to fruition.
Nicholas A. Frost, Alpha #613 (Duquesne)
Nicholas Frost served as Commander for Kappa Delta Chapter while achieving a 3.74 cumulative GPA with a double major in Journalism and Political Science. His other chapter involvement includes Service & Philanthropy Chairman, Alumni Relations Chairman and member on several committees critical to chapter operations. In addition to this, Nicholas served the Duquesne Greek community as IFC Executive Vice President and was President of GAMMA. Nicholas’ campus achievements include anchor, producer and technical director for DUQ-TV News, practice player for the Duquesne University basketball team, and recipient of several the Rev. Sean Hogan C.S.Sp. Leadership Award. Nicholas credits his achievements to a phrase his father told him, “You never know if that one piece of work is all a person will know you by.” Nicholas is currently a student at Duquesne University’s School of Law.
Mark P. Gockowski, Alpha #614 (Kent State)
While earning a cumulative GPA of 3.16 in a Sports Administration and Broadcast Journalism double major, Mark Gockowski served Zeta Gamma Chapter as Commander, Recorder and Alumni Relations Chair. Mark’s involvement also includes tenures on the chapter’s Ritual and LEAD committees. His involvement in the Greek community included IFC Vice President of Member Education and two terms as Vice President of Public & Alumni Relations. Mark was also integral in utilizing social media to reengage with alumni, resulting in a sizeable increase in alumni involvement with the LEAD Program.Mark’s campus involvement includes serving as a sports reporter for Blue Squirrel Radio and assistant producer for TV2 Kent State. “In my opinion, he is the perfect model for student engagement and involvement within our community,” said Assistant Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life Meredith Bielaska. Mark is currently a Leadership Consultant for Sigma Nu Fraternity Headquarters.
James A. House, Alpha #615 (UC Santa Barbara)
James served Kappa Eta Chapter as Commander and Philanthropy Chairman while maintaining a 3.2 GPA in Political Science. He was also a member of several committees including the chapter’s Honor Council and LEAD committee. James’ interfraternal work includes two terms on UC Santa Barbara’s Greek Week committee, serving as chairman in 2014.As one of the re-founding fathers for Kappa Eta Chapter, James played an integral role in drafting the then-colony’s 350 page chartering petition. James’ goal of eventually pursuing law school was echoed in his membership in the Mock Trial team for two years. Fellow re-founding father Sean Malone had this to say about James, “James lives and breathes Sigma Nu, not only as a founding father and not just as a legacy to his brother’s founding at UC Davis, but as an everyday person.” James is currently a Leadership Consultant for Sigma Nu Fraternity Headquarters.
Davis L. Rogers, Alpha #616 (Mississippi)
Davis Rogers graduated from the University of Mississippi with a 4.0 GPA in Physics. He served Epsilon Xi Chapter as Marshal, Scholarship Chairman, and Assistant LEAD Chairman. Davis’ involvement however was not limited to his chapter as he served in the Associated Student Body as Residential Senator, Director of Academic Affairs, and President. His additional memberships include Order of Omega, Omicron Delta Kappa, Gamma Beta Phi, and Ambassador for the University of Mississippi Sally McDonnel Barksdale Honors College for all four years.In 2012 Davis worked as an assistant to the Mayor of Oxford and a ropes course facilitator at the Ole Miss Outdoors Rebel Challenge Course from 2012 to 2014. “I am impressed by his dedication, self-discipline, and ability to balance a rigorous academic schedule with a wide variety of extracurricular activities. We are proud that Davis is a part of the Ole Miss family,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Morris Stocks. Davis is currently attending Johns Hopkins University’s School of Medicine.
Mark L. Scalzo, Alpha #617 (Stevens)
Graduating with a 3.79 GPA in Biomedical Engineering, Mark Scalzo served his chapter as candidate class Commander, Recruitment Chairman, Commander, and IFC representative. In the Greek community Mark was a member of the Greek Week committee and the IFC bylaws committee. On campus, he was a member of Student Government Association for four years including roles as Vice President and Speaker of the Senate.Every semester Mark was the recipient of the Edwin A. Stevens Scholarship named in honor of the founder of Stevens Institute of Technology. Additionally, Mark was awarded the Emerging Leader Award and acknowledged as a Greek Leader of Distinction during his time in school. “I expect great things from Mark in the future. I am confident he will be among the captains of industry in the future. He is what I called the ‘whole man’ – a multi-dimensional person of honor, integrity, and intelligence and in touch with what it really means to be a leader,” said Dr. Robert Cloutier. Mark is currently on the Technical Services team for the medical software company Epic.
Joseph C. Thomas, Alpha #618 (Butler)
Joseph (Joey) Thomas graduated from Butler University with a 3.93 GPA in Chemistry. Joey served Epsilon Mu Chapter as Commander, LEAD Phase II Chairman, Alumni and Parent Relations Chairman, and Co-Housing Manager. Joey also held the distinction of serving as a Collegiate Grand Councilman on the High Council, as well as an active participant on the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition in 2015.In 2014, Joey was a recipient of the Kemar Bailey Award, awarded by the Intercollegiate YMCA to a student that demonstrates the four core values of the YMCA: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. He was also awarded the Outstanding Senior Chemistry Award for showing outstanding academic performance in the field of chemistry throughout his tenure at Butler University. Chapter Advisor Adam Novotney said of him, “Those who can excel in this realm are those who can reach a balance of academic achievement, campus and community service, and social development and I can say that Joey Thomas is a model of excellence in these areas.” Joey is currently attending Indiana University’s School of Medicine in Indianapolis.
Dakota N. Watson, Alpha #619 (DePauw)
During Dakota Watson’s collegiate tenure, he served Beta Beta Chapter as Commander, Recorder, Chaplain, Recruitment Chairman, Scholarship Chairman, and Alumni Chairman while earning a 3.28 GPA with a double major in Computer Science and History. Adding to his extensive chapter involvement, Dakota was the Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Recruitment for DePauw University’s IFC. Within the greater campus community, Dakota was Student Body President and Vice president of Academic Life for DePauw Student Government. He also was a member of the Soccer Club for four years, including a year and a half as president. During his Junior year, he was awarded the Randal L. Wilson Memorial Union Board Award presented to a Junior whom the administration has determined to have contributed the most to DePauw in their first three years at DePauw. “Cody’s work ethic, his character, his generous spirit, and his natural leadership will take him far. Over the course of his life, I have no doubt that he will be one of those alumni whose reflected glow will be a benefit to both DePauw and Sigma Nu,” said Vice President of Student Life Christopher Wells. Dakota is currently working for the Technology Services Group in Chicago.
Scholarship Awards
These awards recognize the chapters with the highest GPA over the course of the 2014 calendar year nationwide in ranking order.
Gallaher Cup: Duke (3.60)
Bronze Cup:Pennsylvania (3.54)
Certificate of Commendation:Penn College (3.53)
Certificate of Merit:Washington and Lee (3.49)
LEAD Awards
LEAD Chairman of the Year: Robert M. Arostigue (Cal State Fullerton)
LEAD Chapter of the Yea: Minnesota
Innovation in LEAD Programming: Washington, Minnesota.
Manpower Awards
100+ Members: Indiana, Iowa, Auburn, North Carolina State, South Carolina, Oklahoma State, Butler, Southern California, UCLA, Michigan State, Mississippi, Western Kentucky, Northwestern, Colorado, Arkansas, James Madison, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, UC San Diego, Georgia, Louisiana State, Missouri, Alabama, Texas Tech.
80+ Members: Washington State, Delaware, Nevada, Tennessee, Florida, Duke, Illinois, Minnesota, Oregon, Appalachian State, Kansas, Clemson, San Jose State, UC Davis.
25% Increase in Manpower: Indiana, California, North Carolina State, Stetson, George Washington, Wyoming, Tennessee, UCLA, Old Dominion, West Texas A&M, Kettering, Western Kentucky, Colorado School of Mines, Kentucky, Colorado, Montana, Jacksonville State, North Georgia, Furman, Appalachian State, UC Santa Barbara, Dayton, UC San Diego, Washington and Lee, Minnesota State, Rochester, Eastern Michigan, Birmingham-Southern, Hartford, Southern Mississippi, Georgia Southern, Missouri State, Houston, Kent State, Montana State, North Texas, Texas Tech, Lamar.
Pursuit of Excellence Program Awards
Pursuit of Excellence Program Award in Values-Based Leadership: Stanford, Appalachian State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Washington and Lee, Southeast Missouri State, Arkansas at Fort Smith, Texas Tech.
Pursuit of Excellence Program Award in Personal Development and Membership Value: North Carolina State, Case Western Reserve, Columbia, Oklahoma State, Butler, Rhodes, Louisiana Tech, Duke, Stevens, James Madison, Washington and Lee, Georgia, Georgia Southern.
Pursuit of Excellence Program Award in Operational Excellence: Columbia, Colorado State, Butler, Georgia Tech, Northwestern, Stevens, Albion, Minnesota, Appalachian State, Washington and Lee, Georgia, Georgia Southern.
Community Service & Philanthropic Achievement
Two new awards for this year recognize chapters for their significant contributions to community service and philanthropic organizations and for having the highest per member average contributions in either service hours or philanthropic dollars.
Lambda Chapter (Washington and Lee) received the Community Service Contribution Award with a per member average of nearly 90 hours served over the course of the academic year to causes such as Habitat for Humanity; tutoring at local schools; a nursing home; and an outreach organization dedicated to reducing date, domestic, and sexual violence.
Epsilon Xi Chapter (Mississippi) was recognized with the Philanthropy Contribution Award as the chapter with the highest per member philanthropic contribution at an average of $576 per member. Epsilon Xi Chapter raised and donated approximately $130,000 this year, with $55,000 going to support the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital and another $75,000 given to this year’s Charity Bowl recipient, Marcus Banks, who suffered a paralyzing spinal cord injury in 2014.
Merit Awards
Man of the Year
Joseph C. Thomas (Butler)
Joseph (Joey) Thomas graduated from Butler University with a 3.93 GPA in Chemistry. Joey served Epsilon Mu Chapter as Commander, LEAD Phase II Chairman, Alumni and Parent Relations Chairman, and Co-Housing Manager. Joey also held the distinction of serving as a Collegiate Grand Councilman on the High Council as well as an active participant on the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition in 2015.In 2014 Joey was a recipient of the Kemar Bailey Award, awarded by the Intercollegiate YMCA to a student that demonstrates the four core values of the YMCA: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. He was also awarded the Outstanding Senior Chemistry Award for showing outstanding academic performance in the field of chemistry throughout his tenure at Butler University. Chapter Advisor Adam Novotney said of him, “Those who can excel in this realm are those who can reach a balance of academic achievement, campus and community service, and social development and I can say that Joey Thomas is a model of excellence in these areas.” Joey is currently attending Indiana University’s School of Medicine in Indianapolis.
Scholar of the Year
Davis L. Rogers (Mississippi)
Davis Rogers graduated from the University of Mississippi with a 4.0 GPA in Physics. He served Epsilon Xi Chapter as Marshal, Scholarship Chairman, and Assistant LEAD Chairman. Davis’ involvement however was not limited to his chapter as he served in the Associated Student Body as Residential Senator, Director of Academic Affairs, and President. His additional memberships include Order of Omega, Omicron Delta Kappa, Gamma Beta Phi, and Ambassador for the University of Mississippi Sally McDonnel Barksdale Honors College for all four years. In 2012 Davis worked as an assistant to the Mayor of Oxford and a ropes course facilitator at the Ole Miss Outdoors Rebel Challenge Course from 2012 to 2014. He was awarded the University’s oldest and one of its most prestigious awards, the Carrier Scholarship, in addition to being one of the 25 seniors at Mississippi to be recognized with the Distinguished Senior Scholarship.“I am impressed by his dedication, self-discipline, and ability to balance a rigorous academic schedule with a wide variety of extracurricular activities. We are proud that Davis is a part of the Ole Miss family,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Morris Stocks. Davis is currently attending Johns Hopkins University’s School of Medicine.
Athlete of the Year
David J. Evans (Stevens)
David Evans graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology with a 3.8 GPA majoring in Electrical Engineering. During his time as an undergraduate member of the Gamma Delta Chapter he served as Scholarship Chairman, Risk Reduction Chairman, Chaplain, and Reporter.On campus, David was a peer mentor for incoming freshmen, Order of Omega member, Vice President of the engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi, and President of the electrical engineering honor society Eta Kappa Nu. In addition to his academic and fraternity involvement, Evans interned for three summers at Delphi and UBS.Perhaps the most impressive of David’s achievements however is his role as a member and team captain of Stevens’ men’s volleyball team. During his time on the team David assisted in leading his team to win the 2015 NCAA Division III National Championship, the first ever NCAA team national title in school history. Evans was also awarded Player of the Year in the conference, a First Team All-American, and the National Player of the Year. He was also acknowledged with the Irvin “Buzz” Seymour Athlete of the Year award which is awarded to the most outstanding student-athlete at Stevens Institute of Technology.“He has an ever present smile on his face, looks you in the eye when he is speaking to you and truly cares about others. I will miss him tremendously and always be forever grateful for what this special young man has done for our institution and athletic program,” said Director of Physical Education, Athletics & Recreation Russell Rogers.David is currently pursuing a professional volleyball career in Europe.
Alumni Awards
Chapter Advisor of the Year
Dr. Robert A. Linden (Cornell)
Dr. Robert “Bob” Linden began serving as Gamma Theta’s Chapter Advisor in 2013 and has been a key individual in guiding the chapter’s success over the past several years. When Dr. Linden took over the role of advisor, the chapter was struggling financially and alumni engagement had dwindled. However, in a short amount of time he has increased involvement of the chapter’s alumni, guided the chapter back to financial success, and has served as a key role model and source of advice and counsel to the chapter’s officers.As a testament to his commitment and level of involvement, Dr. Linden visits the chapter several times a year to meet with students, alumni, facilitate LEAD sessions, and oversee the chapter property despite living over 300 miles away. Dr. Linden also maintains regular contact with the Assistant and Associate Deans of Students. In addition to this he has regular conference calls with both the Alumni Advisory Board and the chapter’s Executive Board. “Do the right thing because it is the right thing to do,” is the mantra he has instilled at Gamma Theta Chapter. Division Commander Jason Lyons (Philadelphia) said of Dr. Linden’s efforts, “Seldom have I seen the actions of one man completely change the course of a Sigma Nu Chapter. If you had mentioned Gamma Theta and Rock Chapter in the same sentence to me before Bob’s involvement, I would have thought you were joking ... not anymore.”Dr. Linden is currently a retired physician in Connecticut.
Division Commander of the Year
Dr. Jason M. Lyons (Philadelphia)
Dr. Jason Lyons has served as Division Commander since 2005 in the Northeast region. It would be incredibly difficult to find a gap in time when Dr. Lyons has not served Sigma Nu in some way going all the way back to his first chapter officer position as Chaplain in 1997. From there he served as Lt. Commander, Commander, Worthy Commander, and Chapter Advisor. He is also an Alpha Affiliate and past Alumni Chapter Officer of the Year award recipient.In 2009 Dr. Lyons joined the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation Board of Directors where he currently serves as Secretary and Chairman of the Headquarters Commission. Additionally, if you had attended a Grand Chapter or College of Chapters in the last decade you have more than likely seen Dr. Lyons where he served as a facilitator and member of several key committees.Fellow Division Commander Sean Killion said of Dr. Lyons’ role, “Jason actively communicates with his collegiate and alumni leaders, attempts to schedule calls and meetings to engage his chapters, works tirelessly to establish Alumni Advisory Boards, and most importantly makes meaningful connections with the brothers in his Division.”Dr. Lyons is currently the Principal Scientist and R&D Manager of Polymer Additives for Arkema, Inc.
House Corporation Officer of the Year
James P. Harvey (South Florida)
James “Jim” Harvey has served on the Theta Alpha House Corporation since its inception over 22 years ago. During that time, he served twice as President, Vice President, Fundraising Chairman, and Scholarship Chairman. Harvey was a driving force in bringing Greek housing to the University of South Florida since 1992 and was involved closely in developing the lease, architectural plans, site selection, fundraising, construction, and grand opening. In 2005, he made a large donation to initially fund the house corporation’s scholarship to award $1,200 annually to any qualifying collegian who lived in the house. That initial donation has resulted in over $25,000 in scholarships being awarded to members living in the house over the years.In 2011, Jim initiated the “50-50-50 Campaign” to fund major renovations to the house and chapter room by raising $50,000 through a minimum $50 donation from each alumnus to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the precursor colony of the Theta Alpha Chapter. The goal was met; and, in 2012, a significant remodel took place with Jim personally designing the kitchen and recruiting contractors from the alumni ranks so that all work was performed by alumni.Speaking to Jim’s dedication, current House Corporation President Jim Crotty said, “Jim lives the creed of Love, Honor and Truth in his personal and professional life and sets the highest standards of service to the Fraternity and the active and alumni members of the Theta Alpha Chapter.”Harvey is currently the President of Kolter Land Partners, LLC in Tampa, Florida.
Greek Advisor of the Year
Lindsay Sell (Colorado State University)
Lindsay Sell earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication at Colorado State University, where she held the position of President of the Panhellenic Council and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Lindsay also earned her Master of Science degree in the Student Affairs in Higher Education program at Colorado State University. Prior to her professional work at Colorado State, she served as Assistant Director for Fraternity & Sorority Life at the University of Connecticut. In 2011, she returned to Colorado State to work as the Assistant Director for Student Advancement Program in the Office of Events & Constituent Engagement. In 2013, she joined the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life as its Director.Speaking about her impact on the community, Delta Rho Chapter member Tyler Kliedon stated, “Lindsay is always looking to help any chapter in their goal to grow and succeed as a chapter on campus. Her goal is to do what’s best for any chapter and what is best for the community. While it is a tough task to be in her role, it is obvious to see that her love for her job and the fraternities and sororities on our campus is what motivates her to be such a great advisor.”