North-American Interfraternity Conference - advocate • collaborate • educate

Robert Kraft of Zeta Beta Tau is on the Cover of Sports Illustrated

With Super Bowl XLVI being the nation's big weekend event, the February 6th issue of Sports Illustrated features New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, a member of Zeta Beta Tau at Columbia, on the cover and in a feature profile entitled "Kraftwork". The profile describes how Kraft has turned the Patriots into the National Football League's model franchise. Also playing prominent roles in Sunday's game will be Patriots head coach Bill Belichick (Chi Psi at Wesleyan), New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (Sigma Nu at Mississippi), Patriots defensive end Ron Brace(Iota Phi Theta at Boston College) and Giants long snapper Zak DeOssie (Theta Delta Chi at Brown).

Two Greeks Named Head Coaches by NFL Teams

Two of the seven new head coaches hired so far by National Football League clubs since the end of the 2011 season are in NIC member fraternities. On January 20th, the Miami Dolphins named Joe Philbin, a Lambda Chi Alpha from Washington & Jefferson, as the 10th head coach in club history. He spent the last nine years on the Green Bay Packers coaching staff with the last five as offensive coordinator. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hired Greg Schiano, a Phi Gamma Delta from Bucknell, on January 26th after 11 seasons as head coach at Rutgers. Previously, he was an NFL assistant coach with the Chicago Bears from 1996 to 1998.

KA’s Snedeker Wins Over A Million in his third PGA championship

At the PGA Tour's Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego, Brandt Snedeker, a member of Kappa Alpha Order at Vanderbilt, tied for the lead after four rounds with a 272 total, then won the second playoff hole to earn $1,080,000 for his third victory since joining the PGA Tour. Before earning his first Tour win in 2007, he trailed by five shots entering the final round. His second title at the 2011 Heritage came after trailing by six shots after three rounds. The Farmers event was similar to his earlier wins as he started the fourth round seven shots behind.

Greeks Receive Academy Award Nominations

With the official announcement of Oscar candidates on January 25th, several of Hollywood's leading Greeks in the motion picture industry will be in the spotlight when Oscar night happens on February 26th. Best Actor nominee Brad Pitt (Sigma Chi) starred in Best Picture-nominated Moneyball and also was a co-producer of the film. Pitt also had a leading role in Best Picture nominee The Tree of Life. Another Best Picture nominee, War Horse, was directed byStephen Spielberg (Theta Chi), who, surprisingly, did not get a Best Director nomination. Grant Heslov (Phi Kappa Psi) is a co-nominee for Adapted Screenplay on The Ides of March, which he co-produced.  

Announcing the 2011 NIC All-Fraternity All-American Football Teams

The college football season and all the bowl games concluded a week ago. Players from a large number of fraternities and colleges have been selected on the attached press release. To review the leading Greek players and head coaches, click here.

Beta Theta Pi’s Ben Flajnik is “The Bachelor”

The 23rd season of ABC-TV's popular show, "The Bachelor", premiered on January 2nd with Ben Flajnik, a member of Beta Theta Pi from the University of Arizona, in the spotlight. The 29-year old California winemaker will "face off" against 25 single women who will be vying for his interest over the next several months. Prior to the show's opening episode, Flajnik was interviewed on the network's "Good Morning America" show. 

Sigma Chi’s Donald Wraps up Historic Double

Luke Donald (Sigma Chi from Northwestern) has become the first golfer to win both the PGA Tour and European Tour money titles in the same year. After taking five weeks off from golf due to the death of his father and birth of his second child, he returned to play in the European Tour's Dubai World Championship and placed third with a four-round 272 total. Donald's earnings in Dubai put him more than $1.34 million ahead of second place finisher Rory McIlroy on the final European Tour money list.

Delt Randy Bullock Wins Lou Groza Award

At the ESPN College Football Awards Show in Lake Buena Vista, FL, Texas A&M's Randy Bullock, a member of Delta Tau Delta, was named winner of the Lou Groza Award as the top collegiate placekicker in 2011. The award's namesake was a member of Alpha Tau Omega at Ohio State before a lengthy pro career and ultimate election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Bullock led the NCAA in field goals with a 2.08 per game average on 25 of 29 attempts, scored 127 points in 2011 and became the school career scoring leader with 349 points. The Fred Biletnikoff Award for the nation's top pass catcher was presented by Biletnikoff himself, a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame after becoming a member of Lambda Chi Alpha at Florida State. Also presenting an award was College Football Hall of Fame member and NFL great Calvin Hill, a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon at Yale. Taking part in some interviews during the two hour TV coverage was longtime ESPN analyst Lee Corso, a member of Alpha Tau Omega at Florida State. 

KA’s Tim McCarver Chosen for Hall of Fame’s Broadcasting Wing

Longtime TV analyst Tim McCarver, a member of Kappa Alpha Order at Memphis State, was selected by a 20-person panel for enshrinement next July in the broadcasting wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. The 21-year major league catcher has called baseball on NBC, ABC and CBS before joining Fox Sports. His work has defined World Series TV analysis and he broadcast his 22nd Fall Classic in 2011.

National Football Foundation Dinner Celebrates Numerous Greeks

At the Waldorf-Astoria in New York on Tuesday night, the National Football Foundation's Annual Awards Dinner honored the best and brightest undergraduates and prominent alumni from NIC member fraternities. NFF Board Member and noted philanthropist T. Boone Pickens (Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Oklahoma State) provided the welcome address and Dr. Archie Roberts (Alpha Chi Rho at Columbia), a pioneering heart surgeon, accepted the NFF Distinguished American Award. The 2011 College Football Hall of Fame class was also honored and included wide receiver Carlos Alvarez (Alpha Tau Omega at Florida), fullback Bill Enyeart (Phi Gamma Delta at Oregon State), running back Eddie George (Kappa Alpha Psi at Ohio State), quarterback Sandy Stephens (Alpha Phi Alpha at Minnesota) and linebackerDarryl Talley (Kappa Alpha Psi at West Virginia). Quarterback Patrick Witt (Delta Kappa Epsilon at Yale) was presented as a member of the 2011 class of NFF National Scholar-Athletes. Ted Ruta (Sigma Phi Epsilon at Florida State) was the recipient of the NFF's Outstanding Football Official Award. 

Theta Chi’s Steven Spielberg is on the Cover of Entertainment Weekly

One of Hollywood's top filmmakers, Steven Spielberg, a member of Theta Chi at Cal State-Long Beach, is on the cover of the December 9th issue of Entertainment Weekly. The creator of such epic films as E.T., Jaws, Jurassic Park, andRaiders of the Lost Ark, is profiled in a 10-page interview which touches on two new films The Adventures of Tintin and War Horse and other highlights of his 27-year career. 

Ron Santo of Lambda Chi Alpha is chosen for Baseball’s Hall of Fame

Longtime Chicago Cubs third baseman Ron Santo, who was initiated into Lambda Chi Alpha at Illinois State, has been selected by the Golden Era Committee for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. A nine-time All-Star who hit 342 home runs and won five Gold Gloves, he will become the 12th third baseman to go into the HOF. Santo, who passed away December 3rd of 2010, will be posthumously inducted in Cooperstown, NY next July 22nd.

Sigma Chi’s Valentine Back as a Big League Manager

Bobby Valentine, a member of Sigma Chi at the University of Southern California, will be back in the dugout this spring as manager of the Boston Red Sox. A former manager of the Texas Rangers and New York Mets, he has since spent seven seasons managing in Japan and the last two years as an ESPN analyst. 

2011 Greeks in Pro Football

An updated list of players and head coaches in the National Football League and Canadian Football League has been compiled, as we have done for a number of years. To see the current list, please click here. If you are aware of active players left off the list, please send them and their NIC fraternity affiliation to Jay Langhammer at Jlangha132@aol.com. As new names become known, they will be updated in the Greeks in Sports link on this website.

Two Sigma Chis Named to PFRA’s Hall of Very Good

The Professional Football Researchers Association, in its publication The Coffin Corner, has announced its Hall of Very Good class of 2011. Among nine former pro football greats selected are two members of Sigma Chi fraternity: longtime Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Andy Russell, who went to the University of Missouri, and Lou Saban, who went to Indiana University before four years as player for the Cleveland Browns. His greatest fame came in the American Football League as head coach of the Boston Patriots (1960-61), Buffalo Bills (1962-65, 1972-76) and Denver Broncos (1967-71). During his first stint with the Bills, his teams won two AFL championships. Each year, members of the PFRA vote on leading pro players who had great careers but have not been chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Two Greeks Win CMA Awards

Two members of NIC fraternities were big winners at the Country Music Awards show and several other Greeks were award nominees. Receiving the Vocal Group of the Year award was Lady Antebellum, featuring co-lead singer Charles Kelley, a Lambda Chi Alpha from Georgia. Also nominated in the same category was the Zac Brown Band, led byZac Brown, member of Kappa Alpha Order at West Georgia. Brown's group also received nominations for best single and song ("Cold Weather") and Album of the Year ("You Get What You Give").

The other major Greek winner was Kenny Chesney, a member of Lambda Chi Alpha from East Tennessee State, who, along with singer Grace Potter, won Music Video of the Year for "You and Tequila". Chesney also was a nominee for Male Vocalist of the Year. One of the five nominees for Best New Artist of the year was Luke Bryan, a member of Sigma Chi at Georgia Southern. 

Alpha Delta Phi Football Star’s Story Featured in Sports Illustrated

The nine page feature story in the November 7th issue of Sports Illustrated is on the brief life of one of Williams College's football greats, Mike Reily, whose number 50 jersey will be retired at the school's November 12th Homecoming game. Reily was a three-year starter at center and a third team small college All-American who was popular on campus and president of the Alpha Delta Phi chapter. He was struck by Hodgkin's disease after his junior football season but fought back to co-captain his team as a senior. After graduating in June of 1964, he lived just 41 days after his graduation from Williams. After his final football game, his coach and the team equipment manager decided to pack his three game jerseys in a box. Over the next 47 football seasons, five more head coaches and six more equipment managers quietly honored the fact that there was no number 50 on the squad. 

In October of 2010, several of Mike Reily's teammates wondered why his name was not included on a list of the school's all-time greats on Williams' football website. Several athletic department people got involved and an assistant coach, along with the current equipment manager, spotted an old cardboard box on a shelf in the equipment room and checked it out. The torn box, which was taped up, had writing on the box, in two places, saying FOOTBALL #50 DO NOT ISSUE. It was determined that Williams had never retired a football jersey number and the contents revealed that the jerseys had been worn by Reily. With the contents of the box resolved, the athletic department decided to honor Reily's memory this fall by retiring their first jersey and establishing the Michael Meredith Reily '64 Award for the football player who, in the estimation of his teammates and the equipment manager, best exemplifies the qualities of performance, leadership and character. 

Phi Psi, Robert J. Garagiola, to run for Congress

Maryland Senate Majority Leader, Robert J. Garagiola, member of Phi Kappa Psi, will run for Maryland's 6th Congressional District.  Garagiola served as chapter president and as a District Archon, one of six undergraduate national Phi Psi board members, during his time at Rutgers University.  He will run against incumbent Roscoe Bartlett, the second oldest serving member of the House of Representatives.

Sigma Chi’s Bo Van Pelt Wins Asia Pacific Classic

Bo Van Pelt, a member of Sigma Chi at Oklahoma State University, won his first golf tournament since 2009 by birdying five of the last eight holes for a 7-under 64 to earn $1,300,000. His four-round total of 261 was 23 under par and included two 64's in the hot and humid conditions of Selangor, Malaysia. The second-year Asia Pacific event was sanctioned by both the PGA Tour and Asian Tour.

Sigma Chi Luke Donald Passes Six Million in Earnings

The PGA Tour's top golfer of the year, Luke Donald of Sigma Chi at Northwestern, ran off six consecutive birdies on the back nine Sunday and shot 64 to win the Children's Miracle Network Classic in Lake Buena, Florida. His winner's share of $846,000 bumped him up to $6,683,214 as the PGA Tour's top winner and he hopes to become the first player to lead the money list on the PGA and European tours in the same year. Donald also has won the Vardon Trophy for lowest scoring average and is the first player since 1996 to win the PGA money title on the final day of the season. 

Delt Will Ferrell Receives the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

The 14th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor was awarded to Will Ferrell, a member of Delta Tau Delta at the University of Southern California, this past Sunday night at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. On hand to honor their friend/colleague at the toast & roast were Conan O'Brien, Ben Stiller, John C. Reilly, Paul Rudd (a member of Sigma Nu at the University of Kansas), Matthew Broderick, Larry King, Jack Black, Molly Shannon, Ed Asner, Maya Rudolph, Nathan Lane, Andy Samberg and Tim Meadows. In accepting the Twain Prize, Ferrell said "It's almost too much to handle. When you look at the past recipients....this is one award that truly honors the art form of humor. I've gotten to do a multitude of things and I've been given many opportunities." 

Past winners of the Mark Twain Prize have included Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Lilly Tomlin, Steve Martin and Bill Cosby. On Monday, October 31st, PBS stations will air the entire 90-minute Will Ferrell: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize telecast at 10:00PM on the east coast and 9:00PM in the central time zone. Those in other time zones should check their local TV listings for the start time. 

Nominate Star Players for the 2011 NIC All-Fraternity Teams

The NIC's annual All-Fraternity All-American Football selections will be announced in several months after the bowl games conclude. 

To see the current list of nominees being considered, click here.

There will be a separate first team for NCAA FBS/FCS schools and a first team for NCAA Division II/II & NAIA schools released on this website. Lengthy honorable mention lists of other standout players will also be announced, along with the names of leading Greek college head coaches. Nominations are being received from fraternity headquarters, Greek advisors at schools, IFCs, sports information directors at schools and interested undergraduates and alumni. The watch list will be updated with new names added every couple of weeks for the rest of the season. 

Send nominations (names, school name, fraternity affiliation) to Jay Langhammer at Jlangha132@aol.com. 

Two Greeks Tie For Sixth at the Latest PGA Event

At the PGA Tour's weekend tournament, The McGladrey Classic at St. Simons Island, GA, two players from NIC member groups tied for sixth place. Winning $125,000 each were Scott McCarron, a member of Beta Theta Pi at UCLA, and Kevin Streelman, a member of Delta Sigma Phi from Duke. McCarron's first round total of 64 was one of the tournament's lowest scores.  

Business Magazines Feature Billionaire Greeks on the Cover

The October 24th issue of Forbes features Chesapeake Energy CEO Aubrey McClendon, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Duke University, in it's major eight page cover story titled "The Two Sides of Aubrey McClendon". Also on the newsstands is the November issue of Success magazine featuring Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, a member of Pi Lambda Phi from Indiana University. His eight page story is titled "The Ultimate Maverick" and talks about his other successful businesses besides basketball. 

Luke Donald Places Third, Tops Money Winners List

Northwestern Sigma Chi Luke Donald continued with a third place tie at the Tour Championship in Atlanta last weekend and now is the 2011 leading money winner on the PGA Tour.Through his latest high finish, his total PGA Tour earnings for the year are $5,837,214. Eighty-five men have now gone over the $1,000,000 million, including the following Greeks from NIC organizations: #14 Brandt Snedeker (Kappa Alpha Order at Vanderbilt); #29 Bo Van Pelt (Sigma Chi at Oklahoma State); #36 Steve Marino (Beta Theta Pi at Virginia); #48 Brandt Jobe (Beta Theta Pi at UCLA); and #74 Kevin Streelman (Delta Sigma Phi at Duke).

Sigma Chi Golfer Luke Donald Places Fourth

The year's top Greek money earner on the PGA Tour, Luke Donald (Sigma Chi at Northwestern), had another high finish, placing fourth (10 under 274) and winning $384,000 at the BMW Championship in Lemont, Illinois. Placing ninth and earning $232,000 was Brandt Jobe (Beta Theta Pi at UCLA), who shot a low round of 64.

Two Pikes Win Top Honors at the Emmy Awards

For the second straight year, Jim Parsons, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha at Houston, won the Emmy as Best Actor in The Big Bang Theory comedy series. Also winning the Emmy again for Oustanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series was Jon Stewart, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha at William & Mary, for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Other Greeks who were nominated for their acting performances in drama or comedy were Beau Bridges (Sigma Alpha Epsilon at UCLA), Greg Kinnear (Alpha Tau Omega at Arizona), Eric Stonestreet (Pi Kappa Alpha at Kansas State) and James Woods (Theta Delta Chi at MIT).

Pi Kappa Alpha’s Bowden Reveals 2007 Cancer Treatment

One of college football's greatest football coaches, Bobby Bowden, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha at Samford, has gone public on ABC's Good Morning America and in USA TODAY about his prostrate cancer treatment in the spring of 2007. The longtime Florida State head man, who won 377 games over his 44-year career, is now a spokesman for On The Line, a national prostate cancer education initiative, but initially guarded information on his 2007 treatment for fear that opponents would use the knowledge against FSU in recruiting players.The Tallahasse doctor who took the biopsy and did the procedure was Dr. Joe Camps, who was a former Seminoles defensive back and Bowden's first captain at FSU in 1976.

Three Greeks Finish in Top Seven at Latest PGA Event

The PGA Tour's Deutsche Bank Championship at Norton, Massachusetts wrapped up on Monday with three Greeks finishing among the top seven money winners. Tying for third place and a $416,000 paycheck each were Luke Donald (Sigma Chi at Northwestern University) and Brandt Snedeker (Kappa Alpha Order at Vanderbilt University). Both shot a four round total of 271 strokes, 13 under par. Placing seventh with a 273 total (11 under par) was Bo Van Pelt (Sigma Chi at Oklahoma State University), who earned $268,000.

New Football Book by Beta Theta Pi’s Jim Dent is in Stores

New Football Book by Beta Theta Pi's Jim Dent is in Stores

The latest work by Jim Dent, one of America's top football authors, is Courage Beyond the Game, which covers the short life of University of Texas safety Freddie Steinmark, who helped inspire the Longhorns to the 1969 national championship. Dent, a Beta Theta Pi from Southern Methodist University, researched his ninth book by interviewing players and coaches from the '68 and '69 teams, which included a large number of Greeks, plus close friends and family of Steinmark, who lost his left leg to a cancerous tumor several weeks before the 1970 Cotton Bowl between Texas and Notre Dame. Also providing their memories were former head coaches Darrell Royal, a member of Delta Upsilon at Oklahoma, and Fred Akers, a member of Sigma Chi at Arkansas. Steinmark made it to the Cotton Bowl on crutches several weeks after surgery and supported his teammates on the sideline.  After a short stint as a coaching assistant, his cancer returned and he passed away on June 6^th of 1971.

The book's foreword was written by Longhorns head coach Mack Brown, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon from Florida State, who was asked to keep the Steinmark legend alive after he became head coach in 1998. He later installed a large photo and plaque of Steinmark in the tunnel to the playing field. Previously, the stadium scoreboard was dedicated to Steinmark in 1971 and coach Royal installed a Steinmark plaque near the dressing room. Players touch the Steinmark photo/plaque with the Hook 'Em Horns salute each time they head to the field. Among Longhorn Greek starters on the '69 title team were co-captains Glen Halsell (Delta Tau Delta) and Ted Koy (Sigma Nu), offensive guard Bobby Mitchell (Sigma Alpha Epsilon and high school friend of Steinmark's), fullback Steve Worster (Sigma Phi Epsilon), linebacker Scott Henderson (Delta Tau Delta), halfback Jim Bertelsen (Beta Theta Pi), defensive back Mike Campbell (Phi Gamma Delta), defensive end Bill Zapalac (Delta Tau Delta), receiver Cotton Speyrer (Pi Kappa Alpha), center Forrest Wiegand (Alpha Tau Omega), offensive guard Mike Dean (Phi Gamma Delta), defensive tackle Leo Brooks (Lambda Chi Alpha), offensive guard Danny Abbott (Sigma Nu), halfback Billy Dale (Delta Tau Delta), defensive end David Arledge (Delta Tau Delta), kicker Happy Feller (Sigma Nu) and punter Scooter Monzingo (Delta Tau Delta).

Golfers Finish High in Two Weekend Tourneys

PGA Tour's The Barclays in Edison, New Jersey, cancelled its final round because of Hurricane Irene's arrival so play was limited to 54 holes. Tying for third place with a 16 under total of 197 was Brandt Snedeker, a member of Kappa Alpha Order from Vanderbilt, who carded the tournament's low round of 61 on the last day. His blazing finish earned him $464,000. At the Champions Tour Boeing Classic at Snoqualmie, Washington, Bob Gilder, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon from Arizona State, tied for fifth place (209 over three rounds) and won $88,000.

Recent New Music From Greek Musicians

Quite a few singers and groups with ties to NIC member fraternities have released new compact discs over the summer months. In recent months, Radney Foster (Phi Gamma Delta at University of the South) reunited with former partner Bill Lloyd and created "It's Already Tomorrow" as Foster & Lloyd's first CD since the late 1980's. . Pop singer David Cook(Phi Sigma Kappa at the University of Central Missouri) released his second major CD, "This Loud Morning", on June 28th and country singer Rich O'Toole  (Kappa Alpha Order at Texas A&M) released new CD "Kiss of a Liar" on July 19th. Last week, USA Today profiled Luke Bryan (Sigma Chi at Georgia Southern) with the headline "Is Luke Bryan country's next star?" to help announce the release of his nlatest CD, "Tailgates and Tanlines", on August 10th. This week saw the new CD by Eli Young Band, titled "Life at Best" (featuring 14 songs) in music stores. All four group members are Sigma Nus from the University of North Texas.

Two of the biggest names in country music are awaiting the upcoming release of new compact discs this fall. Lady Antebellum, featuring co-lead singer Charles Kelley (Lambda Chi Alpha at the University of Georgia), will have their new music out on "Own the Night", which will be in music stores September 13th. Tim McGraw (Pi Kappa Alpha at Louisiana-Monroe) finished his latest CD, "Emotional Traffic", months ago and the disc is scheduled for release within several months. Another country singer, David Nail (Pi Kappa Alpha at Arkansas State), has been in the recording studio and should have his second major CD out by the end of the year.

Delt Will Ferrell Wins Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

August 8th: Greek Pro Golfers Play Well Over the Weekend

Tying for second place and winnings of $665,000 at the PGA Tour's Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio was 2011's leading Greek pro player Luke Donald, a Sigma Chi from Northwestern University. Also earning nice paychecks were Bo Van Pelt (Sigma Chi at Oklahoma State University), who won $75,250, and  Brandt Snedeker (Kappa Alpha Order at Vanderbilt University), who added $64,500 to his money total for 2011. At the Champions Tour 3M Championship in Blaine, Minnesota, Tom Watson (Alpha Sigma Phi at Stanford University) tied for sixth place ($66,500) while Hale Irwin (Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Colorado) tied for eighth place ($40,056).

Student Finance Committee Application for the Fraternity & Sorority PAC due 8/31

Kappa Alpha Psi’s Asomugha on Sports Illustrated Cover

With the end of the National Football League's lengthy strike, the new August 8th issue of Sports Illustrated features star defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha on its cover with the statement "Philly Lands the Biggest Prize". After he became a free agent in January, the strike's conclusion allowed the Philadelphia Eagles to sign Asomugha on July 29th to a five year, $60 million dollar contract. In 2009, the Oakland Raiders, who drafted him in the first round of the 2003 draft, made him the highest paid defensive back in NFL history.

Phi Gam Hale Irwin Places Fourth at U.S. Senior Open

At the U.S. Senior Open in Toledo, Ohio, golfer Hale Irwin, a member of Phi Gamma Delta from the University of Colorado, tied for fourth place with a 14-under four round total of 274 (including a third round 66). He earned $117,077 in his highest Champions Tour finish in several months.

NFF Selects Alpha Chi Rho’s Archie Roberts for 2011 Distinguished American Award

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame has chosen Dr. Archie Roberts, a member of Alpha Chi Rho from Columbia University, as its 2011 recipient of the organization's Distinguished American Award. The NFF first bestowed the award in 1966 and Roberts, a prominent heart surgeon, is the 40th recipient of the award. After performing over 4,000 open-heart surgeries, he retired as an active surgeon in 1997 and founded the Living Heart Foundation near his hometown of Holyoke, Massachusetts. Roberts will receive his award at the NFF's 54th annual awards dinner on December 6th at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.

Fall Internship at Patton Boggs, LLP in Washington, DC

Internship Notice

Patton Boggs LLP is seeking dedicated students with an interest in public policy and government relations to fill unpaid internship positions for the fall of 2011. Patton Boggs LLP is consistently ranked as the top government relations firm in Washington, DC with a reputation for cutting-edge advocacy before Congress and the Executive branch. As an AMLAW 100 firm, Patton Boggs also has outstanding litigation, business transaction and intellectual property practices.

This internship program is available through the firm's Public Policy Department though participants will have the chance to be exposed to other areas of legal practice.

Applicants are accepted from all academic majors but should be able to demonstrate an interest in public policy or the law as a future career path. Previous government-related internship experience is recommended although not required. Eligible applicants must be entering the junior or senior year of their undergraduate education as of September 2011.

The internship will take place over 10-15 weeks, beginning in September and ending in December. Applicants are required to secure academic credit for their internship.

To apply, eligible applicants must send a resume, cover letter and writing sample to Jessica Pung atjpung@pattonboggs.com by 5 p.m. on Friday July 29.

NIC Announces 2011 All-Fraternity Baseball Team

The North-American Interfraternity Conference is pleased to announce its 2011 selections from all divisions of the NCAA and NAIA. Included among our first and second All-American teams are Division III All-Americans, statistically-ranked leaders in batting average, home runs and strikeouts plus players selected in the major league baseball draft.

Click here to view the selections.

Nominations were provided by various fraternity headquarters, Greek advisors, sports information directors, individuals via the NIC website and through research by Jay Langhammer. A total of 13 NIC member fraternities from 16 schools are represented on our first and second teams.  Langhammer can be contacted via email - jlangha132@aol.com.

Jameson Root Named NIC Director of Fraternity Advancement

INDIANAPOLIS (6/14/11) -- The North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is pleased to announce that, effective June 20, Mr. Jameson Root will join the staff as Director of Fraternity Advancement.  Root joins the NIC after serving for two years in residence life at Babson College.  His education and experience includes a Masters degree in Education from Harvard University, extensive volunteer roles across the fraternity industry, and two years as a Leadership Consultant for Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.

Root will provide leadership for the NIC's premier council development program, IFC Academy.  His areas of focus will also include education of multiple stakeholder groups regarding the NIC Standards, IFC resource development, coordination of the NIC's recognition programs, and assistance in coordinating the standards compliance process for NIC member organizations.  He will encourage Interfraternity Councils (IFCs) to fully implement NIC Standards in order to become effective advocates for the fraternity movement on their campuses - promoting increased joining, academic success, service and philanthropy within the local community, leadership development, and social skill development. 

"Jameson's on-the-ground work with students and experience working with diverse constituencies will help to advance the NIC and our advocacy centered mission.  I am confident that Jameson's skills and experience will enhance the NIC's efforts to advance the fraternity movement in North America," said Peter D. Smithhisler, NIC president and CEO.

Root earned a B.S. degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH.  At CWRU, he joined Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, serving in numerous leadership roles.  His leadership resulted in induction into the Order of Omega, the national honorary society recognizing individuals for exceptional service to the fraternity/sorority system and to their university.  Today, he serves as a chapter advisor and a regional volunteer officer.  He can be reached via email at root@nicindy.org.

Founded in 1909, the NIC, through advocacy, collaboration and education, works to ensure that fraternities can operate in an environment conducive to their success.

Pi Lambda Phi’s Cuban Wins the Big One

Helping lead the Dallas Mavericks to their first National Basketball Association championship after 31 seasons in the league were owner Mark Cuban, a member of Pi Lambda Phi from Indiana University, forward Brian Cardinal, a member of Theta Chi at Purdue and the team's director of basketball development Rolando Blackman, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi from Kansas State University. Meeting the Mavericks in the championship final series were the Miami Heat, led by team president Pat Riley, a member of Sigma Nu at the University of Kentucky.

Two Greeks Finish Strong in Weekend Pro Golf

Winning his first PGA Champions Tour since 2006 was Bob Gilder, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon from Arizona State, who rolled in a 30-foot birdie on the 18th hole at the Principal Charity Classic at West Des Moines, Iowa. His three round score of 199 (68-66-65) gave him a payday of $258,750. Tying for second place at PGA's The Memorial in Dublin, Ohio was Brandt Jobe, a member of Beta Theta Pi from UCLA, who won $545,600 for his biggest payday in six years.

Two Greeks Win Memorial Weekend Tournaments

A playoff victory at the BMW European PGA Championship over Memorial weekend has elevated Luke Donald, a member of Sigma Chi at Northwestern University, to the number one ranking as the world's top player. The Englishman beat out Lee Westwood, who was ranked number one, with an approach shot within a few feet of the cup before Westwood sent his shot into a water hazard. Donald's best round of four in the tournament was a 64 first round score. Two other outstanding longtime Greek pros were among the top four finishers at the Senior PGA Championship in Louisville. Tom Watson, a member of Alpha Sigma Phi at Stanford University, took top honors after winning the first playoff hole and $360,000. The 61-year old Watson became the oldest player to win a major tournament since the seniors tour was created in 1980. Finishing fourth at the Senior PGA evevent was Hale Irwin, a member of Phi Gamma Delta from the University of Colorado, who had an eight under 280 total and earned $96,000.

College Stars Chosen for NFF College Football Hall of Fame

The National Football Foundation has announced its Bowl SubDivision Hall of Fame Class for 2011. Selected were the following players from NIC member fraternities: End Carlos Alvarez, Alpha Tau Omega from the University of FloridaFullback Bill Enyart, Phi Gamma Delta from Oregon State UniversityHalfback Eddie George, Kappa Alpha Psi from Ohio State UniversityQuarterback Sandy Stephens, Alpha Phi Alpha from the University of MinnesotaLinebacker Darryl Talley, Kappa Alpha Psi from West Virginia University Players and coaches from other NCAA divisions will be announced later and enshrinement of all new members will take place this fall.

SAE Horse Trainer Wins his Fifth Preakness Stakes

At the 136th running of the Preakness Stakes, Bob Baffert, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon from University of Arizona, saw his horse, Shackleford, lead wire-to-wire to beat Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom. Baffert, one of the top trainers in the United States, previously saw his horse finish fourth at the Derby and will watch Shackleford shoot for a second straight win at the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of horse racing's big three events, on June 11th.

Nominate Star Baseball Players for the NIC All-American Team

The NIC is taking nominations of leading players and head coaches to be considered for the 2011 All-Fraternity All-American Team, which will be announced on this website in June following the College World Series. Please send names, schools and fraternity affiliations to Jay Langhammer at Jlangha132@aol.com. Players and head coaches from all NCAA and NAIA schools are eligible and nominattions are welcome from fraternity headquarters, Greek advisors, alumni or undergraduates. 

Six Greeks Chosen in NFL Draft

The recent National Football League draft of college football stars saw six Greeks from NIC member fraternities selected. In the fourth round, Lehigh offensive lineman Will Rackley of Delta Upsilon was chosen by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fourth round picks were Miami FL linebacker Colin McCarthy of Pi Kappa Alpha, chosen by the Tennessee Titans, and Stanford fullback Owen Marecic of Delta Tau Delta, who went to the Cleveland Browns. Selected in the draft's sixth round were Cal-Berkeley linebacker Mike Mohamed of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, who went to the Denver Broncos, and Stanford wide receiver Ryan Whalen of Delta Tau Delta, who was picked by the Cincinnati Bengals. In the seventh round, Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was chosen by the New York Jets.

Join The Greek Relief Effort In Alabama

In the historic aftermath of a devastating tornado in Alabama, it didn't take long for sorority women and fraternity men to gather forces and roll up their sleeves.

"It's just like an assembly line here," said Ashley Getwan, a Chi Omega who is behind the scenes promoting an all-out online presence on Facebook, Twitter and with the UA Greek Relief website.

Four fraternity houses on campus are now serving as an open kitchen, said Patrick Morris, a Delta Kappa Epsilon who reported the effort began by just cooking and preparing food and getting it out into surrounding neighborhoods.

As of this week, the UA Greek Relief Fund effort based at the University of Alabama is serving 10,000 hot meals a day - providing enough food and meals to cover nearly a third of the affected area torn by the devastating storm.

As Morris reported from campus: "The entire Greek community is involved."

More than 342 people were killed in the wake of the tornado outbreak, according to news reports, and hundreds may still be missing.

With classes and exams cancelled due to the devastation, Getwan said everyone reached into the food stocks at the houses to make sure the food did not go to waste. She also pulled an alumni database to get the word out electronically-asking for any kind of donations that could be put to use.

"It's coming in and we're sending it out," she said, noting the supplies and donations have included everything from Ramen noodles to cookies and even grills to keep cooking the donations that are pouring in.

Sixteen sororities on the UA campus are NPC member groups. Senior and Delta Delta Delta member Meg McCrummen was also featured recently on NBC Nightly News.

To read a current article from the Tuscaloosa News online, click here.

If you can assist, please do the following:

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Make a donation

The UA Greek Relief Fund is organized by the Greek community at Alabama, in conjunction with Greek Resource Services and Delta Kappa Epsilon's national education foundation, and the Rampant Lion Fund.

Tax deductable donations to the Greek Relief Fund will go to purchase food and other supplies desperately needed by those in the community. 

To donate to the UA Greek Relief Fund, click here.

NIC Announces Two Position Openings

The NIC announces that a search is underway for the Director of Public Policy and Director of Fraternity Advancement positions.  Visit www.nicindy.org/blog to learn more about the positions including expectations, qualifications, and application deadlines.

NIC Staff Change

After four years at the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and NIC Foundation (NICF), Benjamin Pendry will depart June 30, 2011.  

"Ben has been very effective in building relationships within the NIC's multiple constituencies.  Through his work he has also advanced NIC Standards compliance at the campus and national level.," said Pete Smithhisler, CEO and president of the NIC.  "Ben has also provided leadership for the NIC Foundation and helped the organization to reach new levels of success.  On behalf of the NIC and NICF board of directors we wish Ben the best and thank him for his service to the interfraternal movement." 

During his tenure with the NIC, Pendry coordinated the NIC's response to campus relationship issues, managed the IFC Academy, facilitated educational programs, and provided day to day leadership for the NIC Foundation and the industry leading Foundations Seminar. 

Pendry has accepted a professional position with the Sigma Chi Foundation as the organizations first White Cross Trust Officer.  He is a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and a graduate of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC.  He and his wife Jenna will continue to reside in Carmel, IN. 

The NIC will immediately begin a search process to fill the positions of Director of Public Policy and Director of Fraternity Advancement.  Complete job descriptions will be available at nicindy.org.   

The NIC was founded in 1909, and 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.

Greeks Finish #1-2 at PGA Tour’s The Heritage

Brandt Snedeker, a member of Kappa Alpha Order at Vanderbilt University, rallied from six shots behind and beat Luke Donald, Sigma Chi from Northwestern University in a playoff at The Heritage event at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. For Snederker, it was his first $1,000,000 payday and kept Englishman Donald from becoming the number one golfer in the world ranking had he taken first place honors. With his second place finish, Donald's earnings were $615,000.

NIC Announces 2011 All American Basketball Team

The North-American Interfraternity Conference is pleased to announce the members of the 2011 All Fraternity Basketball team.  The team can be viewed by clicking here.  Statistics and names were compiled throughout the season by NIC sports director Jay Langhammer.  Jay can be reached via email at jlangha132@aol.com

Two Greeks Are Winners at ACM Awards Show

The 2011 Academy of Country Music Awards show in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday night saw two Greeks win three awards. Charles Kelley, a Lambda Chi Alpha from University of Georgia, and his group, Lady Antebellum, won Vocal Group of the Year honors and Album of the Year for "Need You Now." Winning the Vocal Event of the Year category was Zac Brown, member of Kappa Alpha Order from University of West Georgia and leader of the Zac Brown Band, which recorded the song "As She's Walking Away", with country legend Alan Jackson.

Another Big Day in Golf for Beta Steve Marino

The PGA Tour Anold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Florida ended Sunday afternoon with Steve Marino, a Beta Theta Pi from the University of Virginia, finishing in second place by just one stroke. His seven-under 281 total over four rounds earned him $648,000 on the way to his best year yet on the PGA Tour.

NIC Announces Award of Distinction Winners

The North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2011 Awards of Distinction.  The Awards will be presented in three categories at the NIC Annual Meeting on April 10, 2011 in Washington, DC. 

The Undergraduate Award of Distinction seeks to recognize the fraternity man who has found in his experience an outlet for developing as both a leader and a better man.  The 2011 winners are:

• Noah Levin, Sigma Alpha Epsilon from Carnegie Mellon University 
• Jonathan Rogers, Alpha Tau Omega from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
• Eddie Higgenbotham IV, Theta Chi from Northwestern State University
• Spencer Montgomery, Sigma Nu from University of South Florida

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.  The 2011 winners are:

• Alpha Tau Omega - Beta Delta, University of Alabama
• Beta Theta Pi - Zeta Omega, University of San Diego
• FarmHouse Fraternity - Iowa State Chapter, Iowa State University
• Sigma Phi Epsilon - Illinois Alpha, University of Illinois

The Alumni Award of Distinction recognizes the fraternity man who has given of his time, talents, and service to the betterment of the fraternity.  The service can be given at the local, regional, or national level.  The 2011 Winners are:

• Stephen Ehrlich, Esq., Zeta Beta Tau
• Sen. Johnny Isakson, Sigma Alpha Epsilon

NIC President and CEO, Pete Smithhisler commended the award winners and nominators saying, "This was a particularly competitive year for the Award of Distinction Committee.  The growth in the fraternity movement is clearly being accompanied by unprecedented achievement in the classroom and within our communities.  When asked about the true nature of fraternity, we point to our Award of Distinction winners and are very proud of the example they set for our movement."

Additional information about the Awards of Distinction can be found online at www.nicindy.org/programs.  For specific information related to the award winners please contact Ben Pendry at the NIC office, or at Pendry@nicindy.org.  

NIC Announces 2011 Laurel Wreath Award Winners

INDIANAPOLIS (3/22/11) - Alpha Tau Omega, Sigma Chi, and the University of Alabama Fraternity Community along with President Dr. Robert E Witt will be honored with the 2011 North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) Laurel Wreath Award for their industry leading initiatives that have advanced the fraternal movement.  The awards will be presented at the NIC Annual Meeting in Washington, DC on April 10, 2011.

Alpha Tau Omega implemented Congress - LIVE at their most recent national convention.  Utilizing state-of-the-art technology they were able to present large portions of their ATO Congress to their entire fraternity via live streaming on the internet.  Fraternity members were able to tune in from across the world and be a part of the event.  Several undergraduate members who were either deployed or otherwise unable to attend were able to join in as their chapter was recognized with fraternity awards.

Sigma Chi Fraternity, through the work of dedicated alumni, forged a partnership with the Betty Ford Center.  The Sigma Chi / Betty Ford Alliance is reshaping how the organization is educating undergraduate chapters and alumni about the effects of alcohol and substance abuse.  The Alliance also offers a Professional-in-Residence program which allows a number of alumni to go through training on-site at the Center.  Through the relationship, the fraternity has developed a resource for chapter education and is in the process of developing additional educational programs for use throughout the organization.

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.  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.

Among the other honors presented at the NIC Annual Meeting are the NIC Gold and Silver Medal, and the NIC Awards of Distinction.  For more information regarding NIC recognition efforts please visit www.nicindy.org/programs/recognition.

NIC Announces 2011 Gold and Silver Medalists

INDIANAPOLIS (3/22/11) - The North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is pleased to announce the presentation of the Gold and Silver Medals at the 2011 Annual Meeting in Washington, DC.  As one of the oldest traditions in the interfraternal world, the presentation of the Gold Medal dates back nearly 70 years.  It is presented for lifelong service to the interfraternal community and is the highest honor that the NIC can bestow.  2011 medalists include former NIC Chairman Marc Katz, Former Sigma Alpha Epsilon executive Ken Tracey, Former NIC Board Member Rick Barnes, and current Theta Xi Executive Director Jim Vredenburgh.

The presentation of the NIC Silver Medal is a tradition that dates back nearly 30 years.  It is presented for specific acts of leadership within the fraternity movement.  The 2011 recipient is Daniel A. Shaver, President of Affinity Marketing Consultants.

A member of Alpha Epsilon Pi, Katz has worked diligently as a professional and volunteer for the advancement of the fraternal movement.  He is the recipient of numerous awards from his own fraternity as well as interfraternal service awards from the fraternal community.  He currently serves as President of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Foundation.

A member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, Tracey is a past executive director of SAE and currently serves as Vice President of the board of directors.  He is also past chairman of the North American Interfraternity Foundation.  He is the recipient of multiple service awards and is a past president of the Fraternity Executives Association.

A member of FarmHouse Fraternity, Barnes served for 10 years on the NIC board of directors.  He is a past board member for his own fraternity and past-president of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors.  He continues to serve on multiple Interfraternal boards including the Fraternity and Sorority PAC and AFLV.

A member of Theta Xi Fraternity, Vredenburgh began on Theta Xi staff in 1974 and currently serves as the fraternity's executive director.  His interfraternal service has included boards of directors, work-groups, interfraternal honors, and the highest honor from both Theta Xi and the Fraternity Executives Association.   

NIC President and CEO Pete Smithhisler stated, "These men are our NIC standard bearers.  I would challenge anyone to find four men who are more interfraternal in their philosophy, more collaborative in their work, or more respected for the legacy they continue to leave in the interfraternal world."

A member of Sigma Chi fraternity, Shaver leads Affinity Marketing's efforts to protect his client's marks.  His work has set the standard for trademark licensing and protection.  NIC President & CEO Smithhisler states, "Dan's work has enabled our organizations to protect their marks and to properly address abuse or improper representation of fraternity property."

Among the other honors presented at the NIC Annual Meeting are the Laurel Wreath Award and the NIC Awards of Distinction.  For more information regarding NIC recognition efforts please visit www.nicindy.org/programs/recognition.

SigEp’s Lambert Named Head Football Coach at University of North Carolina-Charlotte

Brad Lambert, a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon from Kansas State University, has been chosen as UNC-Charlotte's first head coach. The school will have two seasons to recruit players before the team's first NCAA game in 2013. Lambert was a defensive back at Kansas State before serving on the coaching staffs at Oklahoma, Marshall, Georgia and Wake Forest, where he was defensive coordinator from 2008 through 2010.

Greeks Chosen for Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame

Eight men have been announced as the newest members of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame and two are alumni of NIC member fraternities. Longtime head coach Eddie Sutton, a member of Sigma Chi at Oklahoma State, was the first coach to take four schools--Creighton, Arkansas, Kentucky and Oklahoma State--to the NCAA tournament. He had an 804-328 record over 36 seasons. Selected as a contributor was Joe Vancisin, a Beta Theta Pi from Dartmouth. who was Yale head coach for 19 seasons. He was president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches and executive director of the NABC for 17 years. Both will be officially inducted into the Hall on November 20th in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Sigma Chi’s Luke Donald Wins First American Tourney in Five Years

In Marana, Arizona over the weekend, Northwestern Sigma Chi Luke Donald, who has high finishes in PGA Tour events for years, won the Accenture WGC Match Play Championship. Because of the match play format, his performance was so dominant that he never played the 18th hole. In fact, he only played 89 holes in six matches and never trailed in any of them. During the tournament, Donald played in snow and sleet, with the final day of play beginning with snow covering the fairways. His victory earned him $1.4 million and the Walter Hagen Trophy

Four Greeks Chosen for PFRA’s Hall of Very Good

The Professional Football Researchers Association has announced the selection of 10 former pro stars to join their Hall of Very Good, which honors outstanding players who have not yet been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The newest PFRA class include four men who became members of NIC member fraternities: longtime NFL head coach Don Coryell, a member of Beta Theta Pi at the University of Washington; two-way lineman Gover "Ox" Emerson, a member of Delta Chi at the University of Texas; former Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Bob Gain, a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon at the University of Kentucky; and Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Ken Riley, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha at Florida A&M.

Sigma Chi Great Earns College Baseball Hall of Fame Selection

The College Baseball Foundation has announced the 2011 class for induction into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in Lubbock, Texas. Included among the seven men to be inducted is shortstop Dick Groat, a member of Sigma Chi at Duke University who was a two-time All-American selection in 1951-52 for the Blue Devils. A two sport star, he also earned All-American honors in basketball twice before playing 14 seasons in the major leagues. The induction ceremony will take place in Lubbock on July 3rd.  

Two Greek Greats From the Past Are Basketball Hall of Fame Finalists

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame recently announced their 2011 finalists for induction. Dick Motta, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha from Utah State University, had a career  in the National Basketball Association that spanned 25 years and he ranks among the all-time top ten in coaching victories. His teams were the Chicago Bulls (1969-1976), Washington Bullets (1977-80), Dallas Mavericks (1981-87, 1995-96), Sacramento Kings (1990-92) and Denver Nuggets (1997). The other Greek finalist is Morice "Tex" Winter, a Sigma Nu from Oregon State University who later played at USC. His college head coaching stints included Marquette (1951-53), Kansas State (1953-68) and Washington (1968-1971), Northwestern (1973-78) and Long Beach State (1978-1983). He was also head coach of the NBA Houston Rockets (1971-73) and assistant coach with the Chicago Bulls (1985-98) and Los Angeles Lakers (1999-2008). The 2011 induction class will be announced on April 4th before the NCAA championship game.

NIC All-Fraternity Basketball Team - Watch List

With the 2011 college basketball season heading toward the Final Four, the NIC is taking nominations for its annual All-Fraternity All-American Team. Check out who has already been nominated via this link.

Texas Tech Delt Mike Kunstadt Featured in Wall Street Journal Story

The February 16th edition of The Wall Street Journal features a story titled "How Texas Basketball Rose From the Dust", with a sub heading "Thriving College Teams Should Thank Mr. Kunstadt". The feature references Mike Kunstadt(Texas Tech University, 1964), who has been a leading expert on high school basketball talent for many years and is a past president of the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. He is the founder and president of TexasHoops.com, which provides statewide rankings of leading boy and girl players in the state and is highly respected by college coaches across the nation. The newspaper story describes how men's and women's collegiate teams in Texas are now highly ranked and that the state is leading the way with the most top prospects from any state. The February 16th story says Kunstadt, as far back as 1984, started urging that Texas high schoolers be permitted to enhance their development by playing in summer basketball leagues and camps, as allowed in other states. Eventually, the University Interscholastic League of Texas heeded Kunstadt's proposal and, today, more than 200 Texas recruits each year receive NCAA college basketball scholarships. Many of the most talented players are choosing to stay in their home state, which has elevated the overall caliber of play in the Southwest.

Sigma Chi Director Shadyac on the Comeback Trail

The February 18th issue of Entertainment Weekly features a four page story on famed motion picture director Tom Shadyac, a member of Sigma Chi from the University of Virginia, titled "What Ever Happened to Tom Shadyac?". After directing major films such as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Nutty Professor, Liar Liar and Bruce Almighty, he was in a 2007 bicycle accident which led to multiple physical complications and changes in his life. Shadyac recently returned to film making and his documentary, I Am, will be shown in selected theaters on February 18th.  

Beta’s Marino Has Second Big Finish on 2011 PGA Tour

Less than a month after tying for second at the Sony Open, University of Virginia Beta Theta Pi Steve Marino has earned another big payday on the PGA Tour. At the PGA Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in California, he tied for fourth place and won $277,200, running his two tourney total to more than $761,000.

Two Greeks Win Top Honors at the Grammy Awards

Charles Kelley, a Lambda Chi Alpha from Georgia, and his group, Lady Antebellum, were among the big winners at Sunday night's Grammy Awards telecast from Los Angeles. He was one of four writers on "Need You Now", which won Grammys for Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Country Performance by a Duo or Group. Jon Stewart, a Pi Kappa Alpha from William & Mary, won the Spoken Word Album Grammy for The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Presents Earth (The Audiobook).

Phi Gam Les Richter Chosen for Pro Football Hall of Fame

Greeks Involved With Super Bowl Teams

Sunday's 45th Super Bowl Game in Arlington, Texas will see Greek executives, players and coaches on both sides of the field. Serving as President/CEO of the Green Bay Packers is former NFL player Mark Murphy, a Theta Chi from Colgate. The Packers' defensive coordinator is Dom Capers, a member of Alpha Tau Omega from Mount Union, while the club's offensive coordinator is Joe Philbin, a Lambda Chi Alpha from Washington & Jefferson. Two additional Packers coaches are members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Jimmy Robinson from Georgia Tech and Dave Redding from Nebraska. Starters on offense for the Packers are wide receiver Donald Driver, an Alpha Phi Alpha from Alcorn State, and offensive tackle Chad Clifton, a Pi Kappa Alpha from Tennesse-Martin. Seeking his second Super Bowl championship is Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi from William & Mary. On his coaching staff is running backs coach Kirby Wilson, an Iota Phi Theta from Illinois. Players on the Steelers squad are quarterback Charlie Batch, a Phi Beta Sigma from Eastern Michigan; offensive tackleMax Starks, an Alpha Phi Alpha from Florida; and wide receiver Hines Ward, a Phi Beta Sigma from Georgia. 

Several Greeks Play in 2011 Pro Bowl

In a loosely-played, high scoring game, the National Football Conference All-Stars beat the American Football Conference All-Stars, 55-41. Seeing action for the winning NFL squad were Saints quarterback Drew Brees, a member of Sigma Chi at Purdue; nose tackle Jay Ratliff, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha from Auburn; and deep snapper Zak DeOssie, a Theta Delta Chi from Brown. Kicking for the AFC squad was Billy Cundiff, a Phi Gamma Delta from Drake. Chosen but unable to play due to injury was Oakland Raiders defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi from Californiaj-Berkeley. Green Bay Packers Offensive tackle Chad Clifton, a Pi Kappa Alpha from Tennessee-Martin, was chosen but is a Super Bowl participant instead.

Greeks Play in Football All-Star Games

Over the last two weekends, six Greek football standouts from the 2010 season played in the two major all-star games for college seniors. On January 22nd, the East-West Game took place in Orlando, FL with the East winning, 25-8. Playing for the East squad was offensive tackle Will Rackley, a Delta Upsilon from Lehigh University. Seeing action for the West squad were California-Berkeley linebacker Michael Mohamed, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Stanford wide receiver Ryan Whalen, a Delta Tau Delta member. The January 29th Senior Bowl Game was won by the South squad, 24-10. Playing for the North team was Stanford fullback Owen Marecic, a member of Delta Tau Delta, while the winning South squad featured Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Miami-Florida linebacker Colin McCarthy, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha.

Three Greeks Waiting to Hear Hall of Fame Results

In mid-January, seventeen finalists were announced as candidates for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame class for 2011. The senior committee selected Les Richter, a member of Phi Gamma Delta at California-Berkeley as one of its two candidates. The other two Greeks from the modern-era finalists are both members of Alpha Phi Alpha: DE/LB Chris Doleman from the University of Pittsburgh and DE Charles Haley from James Madison University. The newest Hall of Famers will be announced on February 5th.

Alpha Sigma Phi’s Tom Watson Places Third in Champions Tour Event

In the PGA's season-opening Champions Tour event, the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Kaupuleha-Kona, Hawaii, the defending winner from last year, Tom Watson, placed third with a 197 total for three rounds (64-65-68). The Alpha Sigma Phi alumnus from Stanford University won $130,000.

Pi Kappa Alpha’s Bobby Bowden Wins Two Awards

Since retring as head football coach at Florida State, Bobby Bowden, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha at Samford, has stayed in the public eye with an autobiography last fall and ongoing appearances in Discover Card TV commercials. On January 11th at the American Football Coaches annual convention in Dallas, he was awarded the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award for his outstanding service in the best interest of football. A week later on January 18th, Bpwden received the Paul "Bear" Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the American Heart Association at the Bryant College Football Coaching Awards dinner. Bryant was a member of Sigma Nu at Alabama.

Beta Golfer Ties for Second at Sony Open

In one of the first pro golf tournaments of 2011, Steve Marino, a member of Beta Theta Pi from the University of Virginia, tied for second place in the PGA Tour's Sony Open in Honolulu. His four round total of 266 (65-67-66-68) earned him a payday of $484,000 to start off the year.  

NIC Announces All-Fraternity Football Team

The North-American Interfraternity Conference is pleased to announce the first teams and honorable mention lists for NCAA Division I FBS/FCS and NCAA Divisions II-III/NAIA. Among the honorees are NCAA Academic All-American of the Year Greg McElroy of Alabama, Paul Hornung Award winner Owen Marecic of Stanford, Gagliardi Trophy Winner Eric Watt of Trine, Jim Thorpe Trophy finalist Tejay Johnson of TCU and Lou Groza Award finalist Danny Hrapmann of Southern Mississippi. Nominations were submitted by various fraternity headquarters, Greek advisors and sports information directors at schools, in addition to research done by selector Jay Langhammer.  Click here for the complete list of honorees and teams.

Stanford Delt Owen Marecic Wins Paul Hornung Award

The Louisville Sports Commission has named Stanford University's Owen Marecic of Delta Tau Delta as the winner of the inaugural Paul Horning Award as the most versatile player in college football during the 2010 season. He played both ways, averaging about 110 plays a game as a tough-blocking fullback who scored five touchdowns and linebacker who was fifth with 51 tackles. Marecic will receive the award and be honored at a dinner in Louisville on January 25th.

Hall of Famer Elway Joins Broncos Front Office

Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway, a member of Delta Tau Delta at Stanford, has been hired as executive vice president of football operations by Denver Broncos team owner Pat Bowlen, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha from Oklahoma. Elway's first task is leading the search for a new head coach while a long range goal will be re-connecting the Broncos with their disenchanted fan base following the worst season (4-12) in the team's 51-year history. 

Greek Players and Coaches Starring in the Bowl Games

The Rose Bowl featured the TCU Horned Frogs, led by head coach Gary Patterson of Acacia, who took his squad to a big 21-19 win over Wisconsin and 13-0 final record. Scoring the first touchdown of the Rose Bowl on a 23-yard pass was Lambda Chi Alpha's Bart Johnson while the Frogs defense was led by safety Tejay Johnson of Alpha Phi Alpha, co-leader with 10 tackles. Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was named Capital One Bowl Most Valuable Player after completing 13 of 17 for 220 yards as the Crimson Tide beat Michigan State, 49-7. Also starting for 'Bama were center William Vlachos of Kappa Alpha Order and safety Will Lowery of Phi Gamma Delta. 

First year head coach Jimbo Fisher of Pi Kappa Alpha led his Florida State Seminoles to their 10th win, a 26-17 viictory over South Carolina in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Named as Player of the Game was FSU cornerback Greg Reid of Pi Kappa Alpha, who broke up four passes, made five tackles and had three kickoff or punt returns for 71 yards. Also in the starting lineup for the Seminoles were center Ryan McMahon of Theta Chi and safety Nick Moody of Pi Kappa Alpha. Prominent for Stanford in its 40-12 Orange Bowl win over Virginia Tech were Delta Tau Delta's Owen Marecic, who rushed for a TD and made five stops, including a sack, as a linebacker. Also starting for Stanford were Delt co-captain Ryan Whalen, who caught two passes, and offensive guard Andrew Phillips of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. 

These coaches and players, along with hundreds of others, are under consideration for the NIC's annual All-Fraternity All-American Football Team selections, which will be announced on this website following the BCS championship game.

Sigma Alpha Mu Alumnus Takes Challenging New Job in Pro Sports

Donald Fehr, a member of Sigma Alpha Mu at Indiana University, has been named executive director of the National Hockey League Players Association. He previously was executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association from 1986 to 2009. After leaving his baseball job in 2009, he had been advising the NHLPA before being approved as executive director over the past weekend. One of his first tasks will be discussing with team representatives a game plan for negotiating a new labor agreement before the existing one expires in 2012.

AP Names Brees as 2010 Male Athlete of the Year

The Associated Press has selected New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, a member of Sigma Chi at Purdue, as the 2010 Male Athlete of the Year. He is just the fourth NFL QB in four decades to win the annual AP award, which dates back to 1931. The Super Bowl MVP received 48 of 176 votes submitted by news organizations that make up AP's membership.

Stanford SAE Football Star Featured in Sports Illustrated

The December 20th issue of Sports Illustrated has a touching story on how Sigma Alpha Epsilon three-year starting offensive guard Andrew Phillips and his family have handled the tragic death of their father in an August 9th plane crash in Alaska that also killed former U.S. senator Ted Stevens, a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon at UCLA, and several others. Andrew's 13-year-old brother, Willy, was also on the flight and was able to crawl out of the wrecked fuselage and signal a passing search plane. Phillips and two younger brothers who are football players at other schools decided to return to school and dedicate the 2010 season to their late father, Bill Phillips.

Quick Chain of Events Affects Greek Coaches

On Thursday, December 9th, University of Florida head coach Urban Meyer, a Sigma Chi at Cincinnati, announced he was stepping down to spend more time with his family. While head man of the Gators, he won two national titles and coached Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebo. Announced on Saturday afternoon, December 11th, was that Florida has hired University of Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, a member of Kappa Alpha Order while playing for Georgia, to replace Meyer. Muschamp, who spent 10 years living in Gainesville, had been named in 2008 as the future Texas head coach when current head coach Mack Brown, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Florida State, retires. With Muschamp's forthcoming move to head the Florida football staff, Brown and longtime UT athletic director DeLoss Dodds, a member of Beta Theta Pi at Kansas State, are now faced with replacing both their offensive coordinator (who resigned recently) and defensive coordinator for 2011.

Delta Chi Alumni Win Major Baseball Honors

Longtime baseball executive Pat Gillick, a member of Delta Chi from the University of Southern California, has been voted by the game's expansion era committee for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY next July. Gillick presently serves as senior adviser for the Philadelphia Phillies after serving 27 seasons as a major league general manager. He helped build playoff teams for the Blue Jays, Orioles, Mariners and Phillies. Several days earlier, Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels, a member of Delta Chi at Cornell University, was named by Baseball America as it's 2010 Major League Executive of the Year. In his fifth season as the Rangers' GM, he helped build the Rangers club which played in its first World Series. 

Sigma Chi’s Valentine Joins the ESPN Sunday Night Baseball Telecasts

ESPN has announced that former major league player and manager Bobby Valentine, a Sigma Chi from USC, will be a new color analyst on the network's popular Sunday Night Baseball series when the 2011 season gets underway in April. Also back in the booth as a returning analyst is former big league pitcher Orel Hershiser, a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon from Bowling Green State. The network's new play-by-play man, Dan Shulman, is enthusiastic about his new colleeagues and said "If there are two smarter people in baseball, I don't know who they are."

Four Greeks Receive Grammy Award Nominations

Four stellar country music talents are included on the major nominations list for the upcoming Grammy Awards telecast next February. Charles Kelley, a Lambda Chi Alpha from Georgia, and his group, Lady Antebellum, are nominated for Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Country Album of the Year (all for the single or album titled "Need You Now"). Dierks Bentley, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon from Vermont, received a Country Album nomination for "Up on the Ridge" while West Georgia's  Zac Brown, of Kappa Alpha Order, and his Zac Brown Band got a Country Album nomination for "You Get What You Give". Jamey Johnson, a member of Sigma Nu at Jacksonville State, saw his "The Guitar Song" double CD nominated for Country Album of the Year.

Sports Illustrated Names Sigma Chi Drew Brees Sportsman of the Year

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, a member of Sigma Chi at Purdue, has been chosen as Sportsman of the Year and is on the cover of the magazine's December 6th double issue. SI devotes 11 and a half pages to his success on the football field, his family and the countless ways he has contributed to the rebirth of a great American city. In the nearly eight years since The Brees Dream Foundation was established to support cancer and the education of children in need, it has committed more than $6 million in Louisiana, San Diego (home of his former team) and West Lafayette, IN, the home of Purdue. 

List of Fraternity Members in Professional Football Announced

The NIC is pleased to announce the 2010 list of fraternity members who are active in professional football.  The list can be accessed via the NIC website

SAE’s Greg McElroy Named Academic All-America of the Year

University of Alabama two-year starting quarterback Greg McElroy, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, has been named Academic All-America of the Year for the NCAA's University Division. The selection was made by ESPN and the College Sports Information Directors Association. Currently in graduate school after graduating with a 3.82 GPA, McElroy is a Rhodes Scholarship finalist and has already won an $18,000 post graduate scholarship from the National Football Foundation. 

Kappa Delta Rho’s Stephen Holmes Profiled in USA Today

Profiled in the November 22nd edition of USA Today was Stephen Holmes, a member of Kappa Delta Rho at Bucknell University, who is chairman and CEO of Wyndham Worldwide, one of the largest lodging companies in the world.  As a corporate entity, Wyndham is only four years old, having been spun off from Cendant in 2006. Today, Wyndham Worldwide franchises 7,150 hotels under 12 brands, including Wyndham, Travelodge, Howard Johnson, Ramada, Super 8 and Days Inn.

Delt Drew Carey to Star in New Improv Series

While continuing as host of The Price is Right, Drew Carey, a member of Delta Tau Delta from Kent State University, is planning to star on a new improvisational comedy series this spring on the Game Show Network. The 40-episode show will be be taped on weekends at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, with the cast tentatively to include regulars from his two previous series, The Drew Carey Show and Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Final PGA Tour Money Leaders Include Fraternity Members

With the 2010 official events finished, the PGA has announced the 125 leading money winners who have secured full playing privileges for the 2011 PGA Tour. Here are the five Greeks from NIC member fraternities who were on the list: #7 Luke Donald, Northwestern Sigma Chi, with $3,665,234; #13 Bo Van Pelt, Oklahoma State Sigma Chi, with $3,336,258; #48 Brandt Snedeker, Vanderbilt Kappa Alpha Order, with $1,602,690; #61 Steve Marino, Virginia Beta Theta Pi, with $1,479,239; and #62 Kevin Streelman, Duke Delta Sigma Phi, with $1,472,349.

Greeks Win CMA Awards

At the 44th Country Music Association Awards show in Nashville Wednesday night, seven Greeks from NIC member fraternities won major awards or received nominations:  

Vocal Group of the Year--Winner was Lady Antebellum, featuring co-lead singer Charles Kelley (Lambda Chi Alpha from Georgia)  
New Artist of the Year--Winner was Zac Brown Band, featuring Zac Brown (Kappa Alpha Order from West Georgia); nominated was Luke Bryan (Sigma Chi from Georgia Southern)   
Entertainer of the Year--Nominated were Lady Antebellum and Zac Brown Band  
Male Vocalist of the Year--Nominated was Dierks Bentley (Sigma Alpha Epsilon from Vermont)  
Single of the Year--Winner was "Need You Now" by Lady Antebellum; produced by Paul Worley (Beta Theta Pi at Vanderbilt)  
Song of the Year--Nominated were Lady Antebellum for "Need You Now", produced by Paul Worley and Zac Brown Band for "Toes"  
Musical Event of the Year (two or three singers)--Nominated were "I'm Alive" with Kenny Chesney (Lambda Chi Alpha from East Tennessee State); "Can't You See" with the Zac Brown Band; and "Bad Angel" with Dierks Bentley and Jamey Johnson (Sigma Nu from Jacksonville State)  
Album of the Year--Nominated were "Need You Now" by Lady Antebellum, produced by Paul Worley and "Up on the Ridge" by Dierks Bentley  
Music Video--Nominated was "Need You Now" by Lady Antebellum

Luke Donald Has Big Finish Again

In the European PGA's HSBC Champions tournament, British native Luke Donald, a Sigma Chi at Northwestern, won $372,500 after tying for third place. Over the four rounds, he shot 279 (68-70-68-73) at Sheshan International in Shanghai.

Two of the Top Greek Stars Featured in Sunday Papers

The two top Sunday supplement sections both had longstanding Greek celebrities on their covers this past weekend. Parade featured Tom Selleck, a Sigma Chi from the University of Southern California, on it's cover and an inside feature titled "He is Still The Man".  His new Friday night TV show Blue Bloods, in which he plays the New York City police commissioner, has been a big hit, 31 years after he first became a major star thanks to Magnum P.I.Gracing the cover of the USA Weekend supplement are motion picture great Harrison Ford, a Sigma Nu from Ripon, with his new movie co-star Diane Keaton. Their film, Morning Glory, opened last weekend and their careers are covered in a story entitled "The Time of Their Lives". Morning Glory features the two stars as warring TV anchors on a low-rated morning magazine show.

Pi Kappa Alpha’s Bowden Wins a Lifetime Achievement Award

The American Heart Association has announced that longtime Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha from Samford, is the recipient of the 2011 Paul "Bear" Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award. Both Bowden and Bryant, a member of Sigma Nu at Alabama, are members of the College Football Hall of Fame. 

What Greeks Just Got Elected? Here’s The List!

A strong percentage of the US Senate and House are members of a fraternity or sorority. Here is a list of Greeks that won their campaigns in the 2010 mid-term elections for the US House and Senate as well as new Greek Governors.

Governors
Sam Brownback (R-KS/Alpha Gamma Rho)
Dennis Daugaard (R-SD/Lambda Chi Alpha)
Nathan Deal (R-GA/Alpha Tau Omega)
Mary Fallin (R-OK/Kappa Alpha Theta)
Bill Haslam (R-TN/Sigma Chi)
John Kasich (R-OH/Alpha Sigma Phi)
Brian Sandoval (R-NV/Sigma Alpha Epsilon)

Senate
Kelly Ayotte (R-NH/Delta Gamma)
Michael Bennet (D-CO/Beta Theta Pi)
Roy Blunt (R-MO/Kappa Alpha Order)
Scott Brown (R-MA/Zeta Psi)
Richard Burr (R-NC/Kappa Sigma)
Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY/Kappa Kappa Gamma)
Chuck Grassley (R-IA/Alpha Gamma Rho)
Johnny Isakson (R-GA/Sigma Alpha Epsilon)
Lisa Murkowski (R-AK/Pi Beta Phi)
Dick Shelby (R-AL/Delta Chi)

House of Representatives
Robert Aderholt (R-AL/Kappa Alpha Order)
Rick Berg (R-ND/Farmhouse)
Kevin Brady (R-TX/Lambda Chi Alpha)
Bruce Braley (D-IA/Phi Kappa Psi)
Corrine Brown (D-FL/Sigma Gamma Rho)
Vern Buchanan (R-FL/Local)
Quico Canseco (R-TX/Tau Kappa Epsilon)
Eric Cantor (R-VA/Phi Sigma Kappa)
Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV/Kappa Kappa Gamma)
Dennis Cardozo (D-CA/Theta Chi)
Jim Clyburn (D-SC/Omega Psi Phi)
John Conyers (D-MI/Kappa Alpha Psi)
Jim Cooper (D-TN/Chi Psi)
Robert Dold (R-IL/Beta Theta Pi)
Charlie Dent (R-PA/Phi Kappa Psi)
Eliot Engel (D-NY/Pi Lambda Phi)
Sam Farr (D-CA/Sigma Chi)
Marcia Fudge (D-OH/Delta Sigma Theta)
Cory Gardner (R-CO/Farmhouse)
Phil Gingrey (R-GA/Sigma Nu)
Sam Graves (R-MO/Alpha Gamma Sigma)
Joe Heck (R-NV/Beta Theta Pi)
Steny Hoyer (D-MD/Sigma Chi)
Robert Hurt (R-VA/Kappa Sigma)
Jack Kingston (R-GA/Lambda Chi Alpha)
Tom Latham (R-IA/Alpha Gamma Rho)
Chris Lee (R-NY/Psi Upsilon)
John Lewis (D-GA/Phi Beta Sigma)
David McKinley (R-WV/Beta Theta Pi)
John Mica (R-FL/Delta Chi)
Richard Neal (D-MA/Tau Kappa Epsilon)
Alan Nunnelee (R-MS/Sigma Nu)
Steve Pearce (R-NM/Farmhouse)
Tom Reed (R-NY/Delta Sigma Phi)
Dennis Rehberg (R-MT/Delta Upsilon)
Jim Renacci (R-MS/Sigma Nu)
Todd Rokita (R-IN/Sigma Chi)
Tom Rooney (R-FL/Lambda Chi Alpha)
Paul Ryan (R-WI/Delta Tau Delta)
Steve Palazzo (R-MS/Sigma Chi)
Pete Sessions (R-TX/Pi Kappa Alpha)
Austin Scott (R-GA/Sigma Alpha Epsilon)
Terri Sewell (D-AL/Alpha Kappa Alpha)
Steve Stivers (R-OH/Delta Upsilon)
Rob Wittman (R-VA/Delta Tau Delta)
Frank Wolf (R-VA/Alpha Sigma Phi)
Steve Womack (R-AR/Kappa Alpha Order)
Daniel Webster (R-FL/Tau Kappa Epsilon)
Lynn Woolsey (D-CA/Alpha Phi)
Kevin Yoder (R-KS/Lambda Chi Alpha)

Do you know of someone else that won an election? Email Andy at nicindy dot org.

NIC All Fraternity Football - Updated Watch List

Wondering if your favorite college team is being led by a fraternity man?
Do you know a few fraternity men on your school's squad?
Are you a fraternity man who also happens to be on the football team?

Check out the NIC's All-Fraternity Football Teams on the website via this link.