National Awards & Recognition Program

Individual Awards

The Charles S. Rising Outstanding Chapter President Award​

Charles S. Rising was the first National President of Phi Mu Delta. Through his leadership, the National Fraternity laid the foundation for our success over the past 88 years. The Charles S. Rising Outstanding Chapter President Award recognizes the contributions and leadership of a chapter president.
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The David T. Smittle Emerging Leader Award

David T. Smittle is a longtime volunteer of Phi Mu Delta and a member of the Mu Beta Chapter at Ohio Northern University. Dave served on the National Council for over 30 years in many capacities, including as National Treasurer, National Secretary, and as National President. His dedication and service to the National Fraternity and to his chapter have provided enormous opportunities for emerging leaders to develop into their role. The David T. Smittle Emerging Leader Award recognizes the continued development of an undergraduate member in all aspect of fraternity life.

The Robert C. Lomison Outstanding Undergraduate Member Award

Brother Robert C. Lomison served as National President from 1982 until 1990. He joined the National Council as the Undergraduate Representative in 1976. At that time, the National Fraternity was facing many challenges and Brother Lomison was part of a team of brothers who saved the organization. The Robert C. Lomison Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of any undergraduate member to his chapter, campus, or greater community.

The Dr. Albert D. Nutting Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award

The Dr. Albert D. Nutting Outstanding Advisor Award is named in honor of the longtime advisor to the Nu Epsilon Chapter at the University of Maine. Dr. Nutting was a founding member of the chapter and returned to the University as a Professor of Forestry. He served the Nu Epsilon Chapter for over 30 years as its faculty and alumni advisor. Chapters and host institutions are asked to submit a nomination using the form provided. Nominees may serve in any advisory capacity to the chapter.

The James A. Vitale Outstanding Volunteer Award

Mr. James A. Vitale was named a Distinguished Service Chapter Member in 1999. Brother Vitale served as Executive Secretary of the Fraternity in 1964 and was able to open the very first National Headquarters in 1966. This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of a member of the National Council. Anyone may nominate a current volunteer for work done throughout the year. 

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Chapter/Association Awards

The Commons Club Outstanding Alumni Association Award

In 1899, a new generation of men at Wesleyan University sought to break the power on campus held by the older, well established fraternities.  These fraternities were undemocratic, elitist and discriminatory in terms of race, religion and social status.  Their answer was to form the Commons Club; an organization that welcomed any man of good character regardless of his race, religion, or background.  The National Federation of Commons Clubs grew to an impressive 19 chapters, when three broke away to form Phi Mu Delta in 1918. Recognizing the spirit and ongoing commitment of our alumni, the Commons Club Outstanding Alumni Association recognizes the outstanding efforts of our alumni to continue the journey of brotherhood for members of Phi Mu Delta.  This year Phi Mu Delta Fraternity honored two outstanding groups.

The Perce R. Appleyard Award for Outstanding Community Service

Perce R. Appleyard served as National President from 1948 until 1950. Perce was a member of the Alpha Sigma Omega Fraternity that became the Mu Alpha Chapter at Susquehanna University in 1924. From the moment Mu Alpha was chartered, Brother Appleyard dedicated himself and the Fraternity to community service and philanthropy programming. This award recognizes the chapter or provisional chapter with the greatest contribution of community service and/or philanthropy programming from the academic year. 

The Robert G. LeBlanc Academic Achievement Award

Dr. Robert G. LeBlanc was a member of the Nu Beta Chapter at the University of New Hampshire. After his graduation, Brother LeBlanc pursued a Ph.D. in Geography and returned to UNH as a professor. In 2001, Brother LeBlanc was traveling to a conference in Los Angeles when the flight he was aboard was one of the planes to strike the Twin Towers. In 2002, the Academic Achievement Award was named in his honor. The award recognizes the chapter/provisional chapter with the highest annual Grade Point Average. 

The Outstanding Membership Growth Award

The Outstanding Membership Growth Award is presented to the chapter that has the highest percent growth from starting fall semester to starting fall semester.

The Outstanding Recruitment Award

The Outstanding Recruitment Award is presented to the chapter that initiates the highest number of new members during the entire academic year. 

​The Outstanding Chapter Programming Award

This award is presented to the chapter that hosts an outstanding program for its members during this academic year. This could be an educational program, philanthropy event, or chapter function.

The Eli C. Henry Most Improved Chapter Award

Eli C. Henry was National President during the difficult times in the late 1970’s. Together with a small band of dedicated alumni, Brother Henry is credited with saving the National Fraternity and putting the organization back on track for success. Unfortunately, Brother Henry suddenly passed in the early 1990’s and the Most Improved Chapter Award was named in his honor. The chapter that has demonstrated the greatest improvement during the academic year in the areas of chapter management, scholarship, and recruitment will be considered for this award.

The Chapter of Excellence Award

Clarence Dexter Pierce, the founder of Phi Mu Delta, stood for the strongest of ideals for the remainder of his life. He went on to be a successful doctor in Batavia, New York and was committed to serving others throughout his life. The Chapter of Excellence Award honors those chapters who have committed themselves to our highest ideals and have created an environment where our members can thrive. Chapters must be strong in all areas of chapter management, scholarship, recruitment, and service to the community.  

*All Chapter/Association Awards are determined by accreditation data provided by the Chapter/Association throughout the year. No nomination application is required.

Special Recognition Awards

The Ronald H. Jury Interfraternal Friendship Award

The Ronald H. Jury Interfraternal Friendship Award was created to honor Past National President, Ronald H. Jury in 2002. Initiated into the Mu Zeta Chapter at Lock Haven University in 1970, Ron was a champion for Phi Mu Delta since his undergraduate years. He joined the National Council in 1982 when he was asked to serve by his close friend and chapter brother, Bob Lomison. Ron would be elected National President in 1990, succeeding his friend. In 1994, Ron was the first Phi Mu Delta to be elected to the Board of Director of the North-American Interfraternity Conference. There he was mentored by men like Dru Bagwell of Phi Sigma Kappa and Sigma Phi Epsilon's Frank Ruck. Ron was a tireless advocate for the strength of inter-fraternalism and understanding that a strong Greek community meant a strong Phi Mu Delta. Unfortunately, Ron passed away in 2008. Today, we honor his memory by recognizing the support and efforts of our inter-fraternal friends. There is no nomination form for this award. The award is given at Conclave every two years, when applicable, and the recipient is selected by the National Council.

The Dr. Paul R. Kittle, Jr. Outstanding Professional Award

Dr. Paul R. Kittle was initiated into the Mu Pi Chapter of Phi Mu Delta at California University of Pennsylvania. He remained at Cal U for his Master’s Degree and then pursued his career in Higher Education.  First at St. Francis College in Pennsylvania, then Clemson, Auburn and now he serves as Assistant Vice President for Student Life at High Point University in North Carolina.  Paul has always been committed to excellence in the Greek Life profession and this award seeks to recognize those who are exemplary in the field of Higher Education.