The WSU chapters for Phi Kappa Tau and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternities each received awards at their respective fraternities’ national conferences this summer.
At their 53rd annual Stead Leadership Seminar in July, Lambda Chi Alpha received the Phoenix Award for making the most strides toward improvement for three consecutive years, and the Outstanding Scholarship program award for best academic achievement.
Lambda Chi Alpha President John McMullan said he is proud of the brothers’ work in membership growth, depth of programming, academic achievement and risk-free operations.
“This is a great honor that recognizes the achievements of a great group of men,” McMullan said. “We have continuously worked to push ourselves to be the strongest chapter we are capable of being.”
Chapter Scholarship Chair Scott Knoben assisted in the creation of an academic program that records members’ hours of study, supports diverse study habits and rewards positive study behavior like visiting professors and seeking tutoring. To earn the Outstanding Scholarship program award, the chapter made the highest spring semester chapter GPA of 3.27 and helped last year’s freshmen in averaging a 3.67 GPA.
John Holloway, director of chapter services for Lambda Chi Alpha, presented the chapter with the Phoenix Award at the conference. He said he is proud of their efforts and is looking forward to seeing their future improvements.
“These men have come a long way,” Holloway said. “They started with an empty house, struggling operations and have now become a leading chapter on all fronts of Greek Life.”
In relation to their Phoenix award, the chapter started with 15 members in 2007 and now has 85 members. McMullan said in 2007 the few members the chapter had were handed a house that was basically bare bones.
“They worked and recruited to create a fraternity that could be the top,” McMullan said. “We have become a group of individuals that work to inspire and create the best possible house environment.”
McMullan said they put in a lot of hard work, and the award has inspired them to continue to improve their GPA. He said they are grateful for the alumni and support from their fifth-year seniors and are continuing to build on their foundation.
“The recognition really inspired us because we are now setting the pace nationally and are helping other chapters,” McMullan said. “We hope to continue to build the brotherhood, be the most outstanding Lambda Chi Alpha chapter.”
At the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity’s inaugural Conclave in August, the WSU chapter received a community service award. Lori Foister, the Phi Kappa Tau executive offices’ administrative assistant for the chapter’s services and awards liaison, said the award was for completing an average of at least 20 hours of service per member in the chapter.
“WSU averaged 29.36 hours per man,” Foister said. “We are trying to recognize those chapters that did a lot of community service and encourage other chapters to do that as well.”
Sean Haschak, the president of WSU’s Phi Kappa Tau chapter, said last year they worked with their members on the importance of giving back to the community. He said in light of this, the award means a lot to them.
“It shows everyone that we are making a lot of progress and are moving in the right direction,” Haschak said. “I feel like it’s a solid accomplishment for our house. It’s definitely something we can build on, and it’s something we can use to make even bigger improvements in the future.”
Haschak said the chapter’s goals this year are to get their members involved in on-campus groups beyond those in the Greek community. He said they are never content with meeting their past goals and are well on their way to surpassing what they did last year.
“The award tells us that we are moving in the right direction,” Haschak said. “However, there is still a lot to be done and a lot that we can accomplish.”
