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.
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.
2019 Honorees
ELISSE JONES FREEMAN
Outstanding Volunteer AwardALPHA DELTA PI FOUNDATION
When I think about Elisse’s involvement with the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation, I can honestly say that she has been one of the most passionate ambassadors that our Foundation has ever had working on our behalf,” said Tracy L. Garner, President of the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation. “Elisse believes deeply in our mission.”
THE CLIFFORD FAMILY
Outstanding Philanthropist AwardPI BETA PHI FOUNDATION
As her children grew, Jan began to believe that they should be part of her philanthropic decisions. Now, with the input of Katie, Michael and Brian, they are letting their philanthropy be a heartfelt and personal mission,” said Vicki Laughlin McCluggage, President of the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation. “Her love for Pi Beta Phi is clearly one of her deepest loyalties.”
STEPHEN K. ROWLEY
Outstanding Volunteer AwardDELTA UPSILON EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
Steve’s humility, his quiet confidence, strong character and level-headed manner, have had an incalculably positive effect on the way the Foundation functions. It’s no surprise that his tenure as Chairman spans two decades – a testament to his enduring popularity as a leader and a friend,” said Richard M. Holland, former Foundation Trustee and Delta Upsilon Headquarters staffer.
ROXANNE LAMUTH
William D. Jenkins Outstanding Foundation Professional AwardDELTA GAMMA FOUNDATION
She sets the gold standard for development and for management of a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization,” said Wilma Johnson Wilbanks, International President of Delta Gamma Fraternity.
2018 Honorees
PAT & ED EVANS
Outstanding Philanthropist AwardALPHA DELTA PI FOUNDATION
Pat and Ed are living examples of what they were both taught through their membership in Alpha Delta Pi and Sigma Alpha Epsilon,” said Tracy Garner, Alpha Delta Pi Foundation President.
STEPHEN “TIO” & JANELL KLEBERG
Outstanding Philanthropist AwardPHI DELTA THETA FOUNDATION
Tio and Janell Kleberg support the Phi Delta Theta Foundation with their treasure and their time. Their transformational gift to the “Building on the Bond” campaign and participation in leadership events for students demonstrate their passion and commitment for the organization.
THOMAS D. CASSADY
Outstanding Foundation VolunteerBETA THETA PI FOUNDATION
Tom Cassady has excelled in every volunteer and professional role he has chosen because he is motivated to serve others,” said Jonathan Brant, Beta Theta Pi Foundation Director. “His leadership, commitment and Beta Spirit are second to none in Beta Theta Pi.
JULIE WAITMAN
William D. Jenkins Outstanding Foundation Professional AwardALPHA GAMMA DELTA FOUNDATION
As Executive Director of Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, Julie’s colleagues say it has flourished under her leadership because of her drive to implement innovative fundraising techniques and new ways of reaching and supporting members.
