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.
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 BET 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.
