AWARDS
2018-19 Award Recipients
Click here to download a copy of the 2018-19 Award Recipients. Awards were presented during the 187th Annual Convention in St. Louis, MO on August 3, 2019.
Annual Recognition Awards
Order of the
Sword & Spear
The Order of the Sword and Spear is given on an annual basis to designate the most outstanding undergraduate brother. It is the highest award the fraternity can bestow on an undergraduate.
Each chapter may nominate one recipient per year. The recipient is selected solely on the basis of his personal contribution to his chapter, school, and community.
Applications are distributed in March and are due in May.
E.O. BLACKMAN AWARD
FOR CHAPTER EXCELLENCE
E.O. Blackman, ILL 1928 served as president of the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity in 1972. Each year, this award is presented to the most outstanding chapter(s). Recipients are selected on an overall combination of chapter operations including recruitment, new member education, literary and philanthropy programming, risk management practices, chapter finances, and campus and alumni relations
ANDREW ONDERDONK AWARD
FOR ALUMNI EXCELLENCE
In honor of the outstanding service of Andrew Onderdonk, PK 1934, Alpha Delta Phi presents this award each year to the most outstanding alumni chapter(s). Recipients are selected on an overall combination of alumni chapter operations, fundraising, communications, reunion events, and financial management.
ROBERT G. McKELVEY AWARD
FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Robert G. McKelvey, MID 1959 served as president of the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity from 1978 to 1981. Each year, this award is presented to the chapter with the highest overall grade point average. Recipients are selected after reviewing the annual chapter and grade reports. The award is presented annually at the convention.
Special Recognition Awards
The Alpha Delta Phi Award
This award, established in 1963, is the highest award the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity can bestow on a member. The Alpha Delta Phi Award is only given on rare occasions when the Board of Governors adopts an authorizing resolution preceded by an explanatory preamble. This award is given to honor a lifetime of service to the fraternity. Less than 25 members have ever received the Alpha Delta Phi award since its creation.
Samuel Eells Award
Named after the fraternity's founder, this award, established in 1939, is given in recognition of distinguished public service to education, meritorious literary or artistic achievement, and eminence in the business or professional world. This award is given by the Board of Governors and may be given multiple times throughout the year.
Board of Governors Award
This award, established in 1961, is given to individual brothers for extraordinary service to the international fraternity or to a particular or both. Recipients of the award are nominated by alumni brothers and are approved by the Board of Governors. This award may be given multiple times throughout the year.
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Award
For Public Service
This award, named for John D. Rockefeller, Jr., BRN 1897 - one of the finest philanthropists - was created in 2015. The award is given to friends of the Alpha Delta Phi for their extraordinary efforts in public service. Recipients of this award are selected by the Board of Governors and may be given multiple times each year.
G. Lauriston Walsh Award
For Historic Preservation
Named after G. Lauriston Walsh, COR 1962, this award is given to alumni brothers who have made an exemplarily service and passion for maintaining the history or historic artifacts of Alpha Delta Phi. Recipients are selected by the Board of Governors and may be given multiple times each year.
President of the Year Award
For Leadership Excellence
This award, created in 2007, is presented to the best president(s) each year. Candidates for this award are selected by the Chapter Service Consultant(s) for their service to their chapter. Criteria includes: communication, chapter finances, and campus and alumni relations.
Most Improved Award
For Chapter Excellence
This award is presented each year to the chapter demonstrating the most improvement in its overall status in the Fraternity. Candidates include chapters who have experienced crisis situations and have now regained a leadership role in the Fraternity. The award is presented at the annual convention.
Most Improved Award
For Alumni Excellence
This award may be presented each year to the alumni chapter who demonstrated the most improvement in its overall status in the organization. Candidates include alumni chapters who have experienced crisis situations and have now regained a leadership role in the Fraternity. This award, if given, is presented at the annual convention.
Chapter Programming Awards
Andrew Pochter Award
For Philanthropic Excellence
In honor of Andrew Pochter, K 2015, this award is presented annually to the chapter(s) with the best overall philanthropic program. Andrew was killed during the Arab Spring protests while studying abroad in Egypt. We honor his memory and his dedication to International service charities with this award each year at the annual convention in August.
Robert Ludlum Award
For Literary Excellence
Presented annually, this award is given to the chapter with the best literary programming. Criteria for judging is based on the annual report filed by each chapter. Awards are presented at the annual convention in August.
Harlan F. Stone Award
For Risk Management Excellence
Presented annually, this award is given to the chapter with the most effective risk management plans and practices. Criteria for judging is based on the annual report filed by each chapter. This award is presented each year at the annual convention.
Grant Tinker Award
For Communication Excellence
Presented annually, this award is given to the chapter(s) with the best overall chapter communications. Criteria for selected is based on appropriate and information use of social media, a chapter website with balanced content, updated resources, and positive and appropriate contact with alumni and the campus Greek community. Awards are presented at the annual convention in August.