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.

2023 Honorees

DIANE HAWKINS EGGERT

Outstanding Volunteer Award

PHI 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 Award

TRI 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 Award

DELTA 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 Award

DELTA 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 Award

KAPPA 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 Award

ALPHA 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 Award

ALPHA 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 Award

TRI 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 Award

ALPHA 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 Award

TAU 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 Award

ALPHA 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 Award

SIGMA 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 Award

KAPPA 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 Award

ZETA 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.