Individual Awards of Distinction
The Foundation for Fraternal Excellence Awards of Distinction provide the fraternal foundation community an annual opportunity to recognize organizations excelling and innovating in a particular area. Fraternal foundations are often known as the “heart” of our organizations and provide financial support to a variety of philanthropic causes as well as their collegiate and alumni members/local communities. It is an important responsibility of the FFE to recognize this critical role fraternal foundations play and the excellent work produced by our organizations. We also strive to recognize the accomplishments, contributions and influence of the individual men and women who have made a difference in interfraternal fundraising and without whom our industry would not be what it is today.
2024 Honorees
BETH MARTIN LANGFORD
Outstanding Foundation Volunteer AwardKAPPA DELTA
One of Kappa Delta’s biggest strengths is the collaborative partnership between the Sorority and Foundation boards, a partnership Beth nurtured as National President and then as Foundation Board Chair.
KELLEY A. BERGSTROM
Outstanding Philanthropist AwardPI KAPPA PHI
Through his willingness to give to institutions and organizations that have guided him through life, he has shown members, alumni and fraternal friends alike that commitment to university and fraternity is lifelong and has no bounds.
CINDY H. STELLHORN
Outstanding Philanthropist AwardKAPPA ALPHA THETA
She believes in sorority, and what it has to offer, and is a passionate advocate for its longevity. She has devoted her career, her time, her talent, her treasure and her influence to this industry.
MAGGIE COONS
William D. Jenkins Outstanding Foundation Professional AwardKAPPA KAPPA GAMMA
Whether in donor meetings, board meetings, and even casual team conversation, Maggie’s commitment to the value of the member experience was always paramount.
2023 Honorees
DIANE HAWKINS EGGERT
Outstanding Volunteer AwardPHI MU
Under Diane’s leadership, she has helped us become a stronger, more agile organization and her personal generosity sets an example for every Phi Mu woman to strive toward.
GINGER HICKS SMITH
Outstanding Volunteer AwardTRI DELTA
Embracing Tri Delta’s founding tenet of being “kind alike to all,” Ginger Hicks Smith inspires all who know her through her dedicated service, thoughtful leadership and purposeful philanthropy.
JULIE WHITNEY DAWSON
Outstanding Philanthropist AwardDELTA GAMMA
She truly gives her ALL in creating a better world, and Julie’s ALL is making a transformative difference in innumerable lives. The term “philanthropist” is personified by this singular sister.
MAURIE J. PHELAN
William D. Jenkins Outstanding Foundation Professional AwardDELTA TAU DELTA
Maurie is genuine, honest and driven by relationship building, fundraising and stewardship. She carries out her various responsibilities with patience, grace and a willingness to ensure that donors and those who benefit from DTD grants are put first.
BEN W. SATCHER JR.
William D. Jenkins Outstanding Foundation Professional AwardKAPPA ALPHA ORDER
Ben has been instrumental in developing and implementing fundraising plans that have led to increased philanthropic impact and donor engagement. He is not afraid to take risks and is always willing to try new approaches to achieve the KAOEF’s goals.
2022 Honorees
TRACY GARNER
Outstanding Volunteer AwardALPHA DELTA PI
With a big heart and a passion for helping others, Tracy L. Garner motivates and leads teams in her volunteering efforts, raises money for the causes that she believes in and donates her time, talents and skills to organizations and causes wholeheartedly.
MARY BETH TULLY
Outstanding Volunteer AwardALPHA PHI
With a passion for instilling a sense of philanthropy in everyone she meets and mentoring young collegians as they develop into strong capable graduates, Mary Beth Cooleen Tully is a leader of distinction. She has a proven track record of leading with foresight, determination, courage and a calm demeanor to support the causes near and dear to her heart.
BETH BURKES
William D. Jenkins Outstanding Foundation Professional AwardTRI DELTA
Beth Burkes epitomizes the drive and passion for the fraternal experience through her fundraising efforts, impacting the lives of generations of sorority women. She is paving the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps and practice donor-centered, ethical fundraising.
2021 Honorees
DONALD AND CHERI DE JONG
Outstanding Philanthropist AwardALPHA GAMMA RHO and SIGMA KAPPA
The De Jong investment and the motivational encouragement that De Jong leads with has sparked early momentum in the quiet phase of the campaign which positively changes the trajectory of the campaign while ultimately enhancing the bright future of the Alpha Gamm Rho Fraternity.
ELMER SMITH
Outstanding Volunteer AwardTAU KAPPA EPSILON
Elmer is the embodiment of philanthropy, volunteerism and leadership in TKE Nation, and his generosity inspires our Board, TKE volunteers, staff and collegiate members to also give of their time, talent and treasure.
JENNIFER WEBB
William D. Jenkins Outstanding Foundation Professional AwardALPHA DELTA PI
Jen always goes the extra mile and shows our staff that we truly are a team working towards the same goals. Jen is a creative leader, committed to providing our team the opportunity to have pride in our work and professional growth.
2020 Honorees
JERRY AND LINDA GREGG FIELDS
Outstanding Philanthropist AwardSIGMA NU and CHI OMEGA
Jerry and Linda’s philanthropy is measured by transformational change for thousands of young men and women and advancement of both fraternal organizations,” said Brad Beacham, Sigma Nu Educational Foundation President.
MARY JANE JACKSON CRIST
Outstanding Volunteer AwardKAPPA KAPPA GAMMA
Her impact is measurable in dollars, but … it’s hard to imagine a Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation even existing without Mary Jane’s extraordinary volunteerism and generosity,” said Maggie Sims Coons, Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation Executive Director.
FARON LEWITT
William D. Jenkins Outstanding Foundation Professional AwardZETA BETA TAU
“He is encouraging and supportive of reaching beyond what has proven to work in the past to try a different approach that pushes boundaries. He is known for setting high standards and expectations for due diligence,” wrote Zeta Beta Tau Foundation staff.