2022 NIC Award Winners
NIC Gold Medal
The Gold Medal is the highest honor the Conference can bestow and recognizes lifelong service to the interfraternal community and/or the NIC.
Dr. Victor Boschini (Mount Union) Chancellor, Texas Christian University
A fraternity man with a lifetime of service to higher education, Dr. Victor Boschini has made an impact on numerous institutions, organizations and communities. In 2003 Boschini began his tenure as the 10th Chancellor of Texas Christian University – where under his leadership the physical campus has been transformed, applications have more than doubled and the University completed the largest capital campaign in its history. A hallmark of his entire career though has been his unflinching belief in and demonstrable support of the Greek-letter movement for men and women, a notable example of which is one of the most significant institutional investments in fraternity and sorority housing in recent history at Texas Christian University.
Boschini has served as Chairman of the Big 12 Conference and Mountain West Conference as well as the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. He has dedicated countless hours to serving on boards of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the Van Cliburn Foundation, Moncrief Cancer Institute, Fulbright Scholar Advisory Board and Mount Union University. His service and dedication have been recognized by the Institute of International Education as well as his own organization, Sigma Nu Fraternity. Dr. Boschini is the sixth Sigma Nu to receive the NIC Gold Medal.
Laurel Wreath Award
Sigma Nu Fraternity – College of Chapters
Sigma Nu’s College of Chapters, an ethical leadership and training program for collegiate chapter Commanders (presidents), has existed since the 1950’s – and now, after it’s 10-year focus on Chapter Strength intended to equip and support chapters in achieving organizational excellence, the program is thriving with student evaluations averaging 4.64 on a 5-point scale (where 5 is Excellent). What makes College of Chapters a unique and incredibly valuable program for brothers is that it weaves together elements of a traditional institute model with chapter-specific and individual attendee coaching, as well as first-class keynote experiences from Sigma Nu alumni concluding with a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to the Fraternity’s Headquarters and the campus of Virginia Military Institute
Undergraduate Award of Distinction
Cole Barnhill (Mississippi)
An honorable leader of his chapter, campus community and IFC, Cole Barnhill is thoughtful, composed and focused on the betterment of individuals and organizations he interacts with. Not only did he boast a 3.93 GPA while at Mississippi, he also held an impressive number of leadership roles, which were all executed with his full attention. Barnhill served Sigma Nu locally as Alumni Relations Chairman, LEAD Chairman and Philanthropy Chairman – for the largest single-chapter philanthropy in the Greek world – as well as on the Fraternity’s High Council and the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. In addition, he dedicated time to the Mississippi fraternal community serving as Interfraternity Council president, vice president of standards and as a member of the Judicial Board. He is a natural leader, an altruistic individual who leads by example and a diligent student with a commitment to excellence.
Logan Phillips (Southeast Missouri State)
Logan Phillips has given his best efforts to leave a lasting impact on the SEMO Greek community and each position he has held. A founding member and leader of Iota Chi – an organization that works to educate members of the fraternity and sorority community about sexual assault prevention and resources for survivors of sexual assault – Student Government president, Mu Kappa Commander, secretary and alumni relations chairman, Phillips has dedicated his undergraduate experience to serving others. He is genuine, pitches in to assist with projects, big or small, asks the tough questions, challenges the process to improve protocols or procedures, and operates with conviction and integrity. He believes in fraternalism, supports his brothers and is loyal to his chapter affiliation.
Advisor Award of Distinction
Will DeViney (Idaho) - Sorority and Fraternity Life Advisor, University of Tulsa
Will DeViney addresses critical problems and advocates for positive systemic change. His unrelenting enthusiasm, positivity and advocacy for the Greek community has lifted the morale of Sorority and Fraternity Life at TU from the doldrums of COVID-19 into a thriving system of Greek excellence. He has an instinct for leadership and has demonstrated the ability to motivate others to action; he goes above and beyond to help Greek leaders realize their own potential by serving as a coach and mentor. One letter of recommendation stated that even with everything else on his plate, “Will has somehow always been available and ready to support us by any means necessary.”
Jeff Hollings (Purdue) – Beta Zeta Chapter Advisor
As an undergraduate, Jeff Hollings thrived as a member of the Beta Zeta Chapter (Purdue). And now, as an alumni advisor, he puts in the work to demonstrate the value and meaning of fraternity for Beta Zeta brothers and everyone in his sphere of influence. Hollings does his research, seeks to understand complex dynamics, builds partnerships and works to draw a circle of intellect, good will, and genuine care and concern around him. It is clear that with accolades and praise from the current Beta Zeta Commander to his fellow alumni advisors, to Purdue staff and the team at the General Fraternity, Hollings is an exceptional servant leader.
Chapter Award of Distinction
Mu Kappa Chapter (Southeast Missouri State)
This chapter regularly performs at the highest levels and serves as a model for Sigma Nu and other fraternity chapters. Having been awarded numerous honors from Sigma Nu – including receiving the Rock Chapter Award, which signifies enduring excellence for two consecutive award cycles – it is evident that they truly understand and value the meaning of fraternity. The chapter excels at executing the LEAD Program, a multi-phase, multi-year ethical leadership development program for all collegiate members, and consistently earns semester GPAs of above 3.25. Recruitment and retention are strong for the chapter and they are proud to report that every brother is involved in at least one additional campus organization with numerous holding key leadership positions.
