2019 Awards Winners
Merit Awards
Seth M. Tersteeg (Minnesota) - Man of the Year
Seth Tersteeg graduated from University of Minnesota with a 3.84 GPA majoring in Neuroscience and Philosophy. He served Gamma Tau Chapter as Spring Formal Chairman in 2019, Eminent Commander in 2018, Chaplain in 2017, and Assistant Philanthropy Chairman in 2016. He also served on the Alumni Relations Committee, Finance Committee, Bylaws Committee, and the Philanthropy Committee.
Within his campus community he has coached for the local Special Olympics program and served two terms as the Special Olympics Club President. Tersteeg also served as a camp counselor for young boys with muscular dystrophy, working to ensure they had a memorable summer camp experience.
Gavin R. Boone (Oklahoma State) - Scholar of the Year
Gavin Boone graduated from Oklahoma State University with a 4.0 GPA majoring in Finance. He served Epsilon Epsilon Chapter as Creative Director for Spring Sing Philanthropy in 2019 and was member of the Mentor Program, Judicial Board, and the Tulsa Recruitment Team in 2016.
Within his campus community he was a part of the Blue Key Service Honors Society, where he had the opportunity to serve others at Oklahoma State and in the Stillwater community. Boone also shared his love for OSU with incoming students as a member of the Camp Cowboy Counselor program from 2017-2018.
“Boone’s positive attitude, work ethics, knowledge base, and leadership experience are representations of a person with many talents, whom would continue to be an asset to any group each and every day,” said Epsilon Epsilon Chapter Brother Ike Glass.
Ritwik Chatterjee (Rhodes) - Athlete of the Year
Ritwik Chaterjee is currently studying Computer Science at Rhodes College and carries a 3.49 GPA. He served Epsilon Sigma Chapter as Risk Reduction Chair in 2018. Chaterjee was also a member of the Executive, Financial, Recruitment, Housing, Marshal, Social, and Bylaws Committees.
Ritwik is a three-year captain of Rhodes’ Varsity Tennis team. He is currently 7th on the team’s most career wins list with 100 wins, just 17 shy of the #1 spot. He was the first Rhodes tennis player to win the Southern Atlantic Association’s Newcomer of the Year Award and first player to be named First Team All-Southern Athletic Association on two separate occasions.
At Rhodes he also worked as a Resident Assistant where he was able to help other students adjust to college life, academically and socially. He was also an International Peer Assistant, in this position he assisted first year international students adjust to like in the United States. He has also previously served on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
“Ritwik has been a phenomenal tennis player since his freshman year, but more importantly, his compassion for others and his character have been first-class,” said Rhodes College Tennis Coach Tyler C. Cempre. “As a rising senior Ritwik has already established himself as one of the best tennis players in Rhodes’ history.”
Alpha Affiliates
Justin D. Barnes, Alpha #650 (Washington State)
Justin Barnes graduated from Washington State University with a 3.23 GPA majoring in Political Science. He served Delta Iota Chapter (Washington State) as Collegiate Grand Councilman in 2018, Eminent Commander in 2018, Lt. Commander in 2017, and Philanthropy Chairman in 2016.
Justin was a Grand Chapter Delegate and Delta Iota Brother of the Year in 2016. He also served as a Greek Standards Board Member in 2017.
“During his few years in office, he was vital in increasing accountability of the officer and committee structure and was instrumental in the chapter’s highest Pursuit of Excellence ratings in at least five years,” said Alumni Advisory Board Chairman Adam Bremmeyer.
Zack K. Buhlmann, Alpha #651 (Oregon State)
Zack Buhlmann graduated from Oregon State University with a 3.62 GPA majoring in Economics: Law and Policy. He served Delta Tau Chapter (Oregon State) as Commander in 2018, Lt. Commander in 2017, and Assistant Recruitment Chairman in 2016. Zack was also the recipient of Delta Tau Chapter Alumni Scholarship twice and received the Most Involved Membership award twice.
Within his campus community he was Vice President of Hawley Buxton Residence Hall, Oregon State University Club Tennis President, Associated Students of Oregon State University Presidential Candidate Runner Up and was on the Chairman Sports Club and Special Programs Committee.
“Few students take advantage of these types of undergraduate research opportunities, thus Zack had a unique experience that not all students are able to engage in and he has shown a desire to learn and continue to build his skills first-hand outside of the classroom,” said Assistant Professor of Economics Paul N. Thompson.
Rhys A. Collins, Alpha #652 (East Carolina))
Rhys Collins graduated from East Carolina University with a 2.9 GPA majoring in Music Education. He served Eta Beta Chapter (East Carolina) as IFC President in 2018, Homecoming Chairman in 2018, Commander in 2017, and Social Chairman in 2016.
Within his campus community he was Social Chair for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia from 2015-2019, National Association for Future Music Educators Vice President from 2015-2019, and Chancellor’s Round Table Member from 2017-2018.
“As president of Sigma Nu, he noticed and acknowledged gaps in leadership and values congruence in his own chapter, the fraternal community, and campus community and was intent on holding his peers accountable for the privileges and expectations of membership for Greek organizations at ECU,” said Assistant Director of Greek Life Jessica L. Ashton.
David J. Lituchy, Alpha #653 (Caste Western Reserve)
David Lituchy graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a 3.68 GPA majoring in Electrical Engineering. He served Delta Alpha Chapter (Case Western Reserve) as LEAD Chairman in 2019, Commander in 2018, Executive Councilman from 2017-2018, Chaplain in 2017, and was an IFC Representative in 2016.
Within his campus community he was heavily involved with Community Greenhouse Partners. During his candidate semester he was introduced to CGP as a place where his brothers would serve. He would return every semester to help update greenhouses, move dirt, remove weeds, prepare for design changes, and more. Lituchy also worked as an Orientation Leader in 2017 at Case Western Reserve.
“David believes that the LEAD program is critical to helping his members and fraternity develop,” said Director of Greek Life Mark Starr. “With the help of several of his brothers he has begun envisioning how the chapter implements the LEAD experience.”
Marco A. Gargano, Alpha #654 (Arkansas)
Marco Gargano graduated from University of Arkansas with a 3.67 GPA majoring in Economics. He served Gamma Upsilon Chapter (Arkansas) as Treasurer in 2018, Lt. Commander in 2017, and served on the Finance Committee and Sustainability Chair in 2016.
Within his campus community he served as the Associated Student Government as a Freshman Leadership Forum Delegate as well as a Proxy Board Member for the Office of Financial Affairs in 2018. Marco also served as both Treasurer and President of the Pre-Dental Society.
“Marco has led various community service & philanthropic events and provided educational training and support for the chapter’s leadership,” said Director of Greek Life Parice S. Bowser. “Under his leadership, Marco has done an excellent job with improving working relationships with his chapter and including other internal and external stakeholders.”
Benson J. Hull, Alpha #655 (Washington State)
Benson Hull graduated from Washington State University with a 3.10 GPA majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He served Delta Iota Chapter (Washington State) as Homecoming Chariot Design Team in 2017 & 2018, Interim House Manager in 2018, Eminent Commander in 2017, and Recorder in 2015 & 2016.
Within his campus community he served as the Director of PR, Treasurer, and Vice President of the University’s 3D Printing Club. Benson also spent a year and a half as the Payloads Team Lead for Cougs in Space.
Benson also served as a collegiate board member for the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation.
“Although some collegians find interacting with alumni leaders intimidating, Benson was an active participant in board meetings and continued to seek ways to support the board’s work between meetings,” said Past SNEF President Joe Gilman (Morehead State/Georgia).
Thomas P. Kilger, Alpha #656 (Stetson)
Thomas Kilger graduated from Stetson University with a 3.50 GPA majoring in Political Science. He served Delta Mu Chapter (Stetson) as Commander in 2018, LEAD Chairman from 2017 to 2018, Recruitment Committee member, Finance Committee member, and Lt. Commander Committee member.
Within his campus community he was very involved with community service projects such as My Angels with Paws and Autism Speaks. Thomas also earned the 2018 Good Samaritan Award through his chapter.
“As the leader of a fraternity chapter, the Commander is frequently faced with tough decisions that test his resolve and willingness to stick to his values,” said past Leadership Consultant Rob Grabowski. “Kilger has made educated decisions, while also adhering to Sigma Nu’s core values: Love, Honor and Truth. This is a skill not held by many in the fraternal world.”
Luke M. McConnell, Alpha #657 (Tennessee)
Luke McConnell graduated from University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a 3.72 GPA majoring in Business Analytics. He served Epsilon Eta Chapter (Tennessee) as Commander in 2018 and Lt. Commander in 2017. He was also 2017 Epsilon Eta Chapter Man of the Year and 2018 IFC Chapter President of the Year.
Within his campus community he served as the Vice President of Membership for the Student Alumni Associates. Their mission is to serve students past, present, and future by representing the university at many outreach events. Luke was able to share his stories and opinions as a student when volunteering at these events.
“Last calendar year, Luke served as our Vice President of Membership. In this role, Luke was integral in creating a membership plan that would lead to excellent recruitment and induction of new members,” said Center for Student Alumni Programs Assistant Director Sam Jackson. “Luke invested time to get to know members and worked well with his fellow executive staff.”
Braxton S. Noble, Alpha #658 (Oklahoma State)
Braxton Noble graduated from Oklahoma State University with a 3.65 GPA majoring in Finance. He served Epsilon Epsilon Chapter (Oklahoma State) as LEAD Committee member in 2019, Temple Classic Committee member in 2016 and 2019, LEAD Chairman in 2017, and Philanthropy Chairman in 2016. He was also a Collegiate Grand Councilman in 2018, IFC External Vice President in 2017, and Recruitment Compliance Officer in 2016.
Within his campus community he was very involved with the Spears School of Business. He served as the President and Social Chair of Business Student Council, as well as the first Campus Involvement Advisor on the Student Government Association.
“His involvement spans our college, his fraternity, and the university. As President of our Business Student Council, he has worked diligently to elevate the activities of the group and to inspire the members to higher levels of performance,” said Dean of the Spears School of Business, Ken Eastman.
Seth M. Tersteeg, Alpha #659 (Minnesota)
Seth Tersteeg graduated from University of Minnesota with a 3.84 GPA majoring in Neuroscience and Philosophy. He served Gamma Tau Chapter as Spring Formal Chairman in 2019, Eminent Commander in 2018, Chaplain in 2017, and Assistant Philanthropy Chairman in 2016. He also served on the Alumni Relations Committee, Finance Committee, Bylaws Committee, and the Philanthropy Committee.
Within his campus community he has coached for the local Special Olympics program and served two terms as the Special Olympics Club President. Tersteeg also served as a camp counselor for young boys with muscular dystrophy, working to ensure they had a memorable summer camp experience.
Alumni & Volunteer Awards
Chapter Advisor of the Year - Scott C. Rutledge (Arizona State)
The Chapter Advisor of the Year award recognizes a Chapter Advisor who demonstrates a genuine commitment to the ideals of Sigma Nu and has modeled them through attendance at officer and chapter meetings, support for chapter goal-setting and achievement, assistance in the development of special chapter events and programs, and support for The Ritual and its values.
Scott C. Rutledge has served as the Alumni Advisory Board Chairman and Chapter Advisor for the Zeta Upsilon Chapter at the Arizona State University since 2017. Since taking on these roles he has assisted in the re-chartering process and ensured that the chapter maintains a spot in Arizona State’s new Greek Leadership Village. Rutledge has been a vital part in helping the chapter members remember their core values and helping them to become professional and successful individuals.
Rutledge’s nominators characterize him as, “Not only an advisor but a mentor to the collegiate brothers, teaching them what it truly means to be a Sigma Nu.” Further, “his close relationships with the chapter officers and to personally involve himself in the chapter’s programs has set the standards for other brothers to follow.”
Division Commander of the Year – Jason L. Dooley (Kennesaw State)
The Division Commander of the Year award recognizes those regional volunteers who have provided years of service to the Fraternity and have had special achievements noted during the past twelve months.
Since becoming an alumnus, Jason has never ceased in his tireless devotion to Sigma Nu as his commitment in serving in key volunteer roles for Sigma Nu has shined for over a decade. His dedication to Love, Truth, and Honor is more than exemplified through his actions as he continues to lead the young men in our chapters to excellence.
In addition to his duties as Division Commander, Brother Dooley has been a devoted volunteer for the Fraternity for many years. Jason is an original member of Task Force Hopkins – tasked with collecting best practices from our best chapters and making them available to all Sigma Nu Chapters. At the national level, in addition to serving on Task Force Hopkins, Jason has served as Division Commander of the Southeast Alpha Division since 2004, on numerous Grand Chapter committees, and as multi-time College of Chapters faculty member.
As Division Commander, Brother Dooley is known for dedicating special attention to each of the chapters in his region as if they were his only chapter. While he comes from a strong chapter, Jason is mindful that while each chapter faces similar challenges, the solutions for these challenges are not one-size-fits-all. His leadership style encourages each chapter to break down the issue, consider various approaches and then take appropriate action. Under his guidance and support, no fewer than seven Rock Chapter awards have been conveyed to chapters within the Southeast Alpha Division.
“Jason is a man of action and along with a personable nature, he is a man of positive influence,” said a fellow brother on Brother’s Dooley’s volunteer service. “With all of this noted, Jason is a humble leader. Jason has made a meaningful, substantive contribution to our Fraternity – and to the lives of many men within the Southeast Alpha Division.”
House Corporation Officer of the Year - Richard "Dick" J. Mitchell (Washington State)
The major emphasis in the selection of a recipient for the House Corporation Officer of the Year award is a housing corporation officer whose active participation in the affairs of the chapter and the General Fraternity has been a noteworthy example and who has demonstrated leadership, involvement, and overall achievement. The House Corporation Officer of the Year is one who demonstrates a genuine commitment to the ideals of Sigma Nu and has modeled them through his efforts with the chapter’s House Corporation.
Dick served on the House Corporation for the Delta Iota Chapter at Washington State from 2003-2006, then in 2011 began serving again until 2018. He played an instrumental part in the transition of the chapter house when they suffered through a fire which closed the chapter for a short period of time. He went above and beyond in negotiating and dealing with the finances to get eh house back up and running.
He annually hosts the chapter’s Etiquette Dinner and invests his time and money into helping members to learn and practice their proper etiquette skills. Dick is also the loan guarantor on the house lease and he personally funds the Senior Live-In Scholarship. He opens his home for use of the annual officer’s transition retreat as well as alumni board meetings.
“I would argue that if someone wanted to write the definition of a dedicated alumnus to both fraternity and school, I would just point to Dick and simply say, ‘Do that!’” says fellow alumnus and past advisor, Mark Patrick.