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.
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.