UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The annual Greek Column Awards event recognizes the achievements, leadership and community contributions of fraternities and sororities on the University Park campus, honoring organizations for their outstanding accomplishments across various categories, from academic excellence to philanthropic efforts. With its blend of celebration and tradition, the Greek Column Awards not only highlights the success of individual organizations but also reinforces the core values of fraternity and sorority life: academic achievement, leadership, service and philanthropy, and brotherhood/sisterhood.
The awards ceremony fosters a sense of pride among members and promotes a healthy, supportive environment for growth, according to Megan Pepper, director of Penn State’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. By acknowledging the hard work of Greek-letter organizations, the event reinforces the idea that fraternity and sorority life is about more than just socializing; making a positive impact both on campus and in the world. The Greek Column Awards allows the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, a unit in the division of Student Affairs, to encourage and celebrate members of the community who continue to strive for personal and organizational excellence.
“At its core, the Greek Column Awards serves as an acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication displayed by members of Penn State’s fraternity and sorority community throughout the last calendar year," Pepper said. “It’s a time to shine a spotlight on the organizations and individuals who go above and beyond, whether it’s maintaining high academic standards, supporting charitable causes, or fostering inclusivity within the community. The ceremony encourages our fraternities and sororities to continually strive for excellence in all their endeavors.”
Categories of awards
The awards given out at the ceremony typically span a variety of categories, so that all aspects of fraternity and sorority life are represented. Below highlights specifically the chapter awards that were presented at the ceremony on Mar. 26.
Standards of Excellence Achievement Award
The Standards of Excellence Achievement Award is presented to the chapters that have met standards for six or more focus areas in Standards of Excellence.
- Alpha Delta Pi
- Alpha Epsilon Pi
- Alpha Omicron Pi
- Alpha Phi
- Alpha Rho Chi
- Alpha Sigma Alpha
- Alpha Tau Omega
- Alpha Xi Delta
- Beta Sigma Beta
- Delta Gamma
- Delta Phi Epsilon
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
- Delta Zeta
- Gamma Phi Beta
- Kappa Alpha Theta
- Kappa Delta
- Kappa Kappa Gamma
- Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc.
- Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority Inc.
- Omega Phi Alpha
- Phi Kappa Psi
- Phi Sigma Rho
- Phi Sigma Sigma
- Sigma Alpha
- Sigma Kappa
- Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc.
- Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc.
- Sigma Omicron Pi Sorority Inc.
- Sigma Sigma Sigma
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
- Zeta Tau Alpha
Academic Achievement Award
The Academic Achievement Award is presented to the chapters that demonstrate a strong commitment to academic excellence and maintain the highest cumulative grade point average within their respective governing council.
- Alpha Kappa Delta Phi International Sorority Inc.
- Beta Sigma Beta
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
- Delta Gamma
Excellence in Alumni and Family Engagement Award
The Excellence in Alumni and Family Engagement Award is presented to the chapters that exemplify excellence in alumni and family engagement, who maintain active and positive relationship with their alumni, graduate chapters, families, and growing support systems.
- Alpha Rho Chi
- Delta Zeta
- Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc.
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Excellence in Community and Campus Involvement Award
The Excellence in Community and Campus Involvement Award is presented to the chapters who have gone above and beyond in demonstrating their commitment to fostering positive relationships with the campus and local community, as well as engaging in University and State College community events focused on campus pride and traditions, career and academic enhancement, and inclusion and belonging.
- Alpha Rho Chi
- Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc.
- Phi Sigma Sigma
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Most Service Hours Per Member Award
The Award for Most Service Hours per Member is presented to the chapters who have exceeded expectation in participating in hands on community service opportunities and collectively engaging in community service projects.
- Sigma Alpha
- Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc.
- Triangle
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Most Dollars Raised Per Member Award
The Award for Most Dollars Raised per Member is presented to chapters who have demonstrated exceptional fundraising, leveraging their collective member efforts to make a significant impact on their local and national philanthropic causes.
- Alpha Tau Omega
- Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc.
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
- Zeta Tau Alpha
Excellence in Cross Council Involvement Award
The Excellence in Cross-Council Involvement Award is presented to the chapters who exhibit outstanding collaboration and engagement across all governing councils, fostering unity within the larger fraternity and sorority community.
- Beta Sigma Beta
- Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc.
- Omega Phi Alpha
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Excellence in Education & Learning Award
The Excellence in Education and Learning Award is presented to the chapters who demonstrate commitment to personal and professional development of their members by providing high-impact experiences and learning opportunities.
- Alpha Rho Chi
- Delta Gamma
- Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc.
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Excellence in Brother/Sister-hood Award
The Excellence in Brother- and Sister-hood Award is presented to the chapters who exemplify fostering meaningful connections and embodying the essence of brother- and sister-hood within their chapters.
- Alpha Rho Chi
- Delta Zeta
- Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc.
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Most Improved Chapter
The Most Improved Chapter Award is presented to the chapters that had substantial growth in the number of Standards of Excellence focus areas met or exceeded from the previous year.
- Alpha Tau Omega
- Sigma Omicron Pi Sorority Inc.
- Sigma Sigma Sigma
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Chapter of Excellence Award
The Chapter of Excellence Award is presented to the chapters that have demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and impact, embodying the highest standards in all aspects of fraternity and sorority life. This award is the highest honor a chapter can achieve.
- Alpha Rho Chi
- Delta Gamma
- Delta Zeta
- Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc.
- Omega Phi Alpha
- Phi Sigma Sigma
- Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc.
When fraternities and sororities are celebrated for their leadership, community service, and academic achievements, it helps to foster a more inclusive and understanding atmosphere on campus, said Pepper. For more information on the Penn State fraternity and sorority life at University Park, explore their webpages on the Student Affairs website and follow them on Instagram @pennstatefsl.