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University of Alabama President Dr. Robert E. Witt
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The Awards Luncheon at the Annual Meeting of the North American Interfraternity in early April took on a flair of crimson, as the University of Alabama was recognized with two separate awards. Founded in 1909, the North-American Interfraternity Conference is the trade association representing international and national men's fraternities. Through advocacy, collaboration, and education, the NIC works to ensure that fraternities can operate in an environment conducive to their success.
The Beta Delta Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega received the NIC Award of Distinction. The Chapter Award of Distinction recognizes the undergraduate chapter which is highly functioning, in compliance with NIC Standards, seeks to educate others about the benefits of a values based fraternity experience, and works to maintain a healthy relationship with their inter/national organization. It is the highest recognition bestowed up on an undergraduate chapter by the NIC, and Alpha Tau Omega is the first chapter from the University of Alabama to ever receive the award.
"The Beta Delta chapter of ATO is honored to receive such a prestigious award," said Mark Foley, president of the chapter. "It is a testament to years of hard work by our current and past members as well as our alumni. We will continue to strive for excellence and develop men that value scholarship, fellowship, and character."
President Robert Witt and the University of Alabama fraternity community were also recognized as recipients of the Laurel Wreath Award. The Laurel Wreath Award is presented to organizations or individuals implementing industry leading initiatives that have advanced the fraternal movement. Dr. Witt is the first university president to be recognized with a Laurel Wreath Award. To read the NIC's announcement regarding the Laurel Wreath Award, click here.
"The University of Alabama Fraternity Community along with President Dr. Robert E Witt are an example of how institutional commitment to building relationships with stakeholders has led to unprecedented growth and a higher functioning fraternity community," noted Pete Smithhisler, CEO of the NIC. "President Witt has motivated undergraduate chapters and mobilized large groups of alumni to reengage with the university through housing campaigns and enhanced resources to fraternity life."
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