GAC AWARD SUBMISSIONS
Excellence across Phi Kappa Psi deserves to be recognized. Now is your chance to help spotlight it!
As preparations continue for the 2026 Grand Arch Council in Scottsdale, we are pleased to open submissions for Phi Kappa Psi awards. These recognitions honor individuals, chapters, and alumni/volunteer groups that exemplify our values and advance our mission across the country.
All members are invited to submit nominations through the link below. All submissions will be reviewed ahead of GAC, where award recipients will be recognized.
How to Apply
Below you will find a list of awards that will be presented at GAC. Each award lists qualifications and required documentation to submit to apply for each award. All award submissions must be entered through the official GAC Awards Submission Form. Each nomination should include supporting information and materials as prompted. Multiple submissions are welcome.
The deadline to submit nominations is June 1, 2026. We look forward to recognizing outstanding accomplishments from across the Fraternity as we gather in Scottsdale!
Individual Awards
* Multiple awards will be given out.
The primary nomination is via the Letter of Recommendation submitted by the chapter which should identify the ways in which the professional has assisted the chapter, Phi Kappa Psi and the broader Greek community.
Supporting letters may be submitted by:
- Alumnus members working with the submitting chapter
- Other members, volunteers or campus partners who can speak to the candidate’s contribution to Phi Kappa Psi and the Greek community
Qualifications:
- Alumnus member of Phi Kappa Psi
Documentation:
- Nominations are made via a letter of recommendation/support written by a member or chapter of the Fraternity detailing the member’s contributions. The letter should address each of the following dimensions:
- Years of Service
- Type of Service/ Roles held: Advisor, committee member, mentor, coach, volunteer, etc.
- Tangible Impact/Measurable outcomes during the biennium: Fundraising, expansion, leadership development, strategic initiatives, etc.
- Broader Fraternity Influence/Influence beyond chapter level during biennium: Local/regional/national contributions, legacy projects, etc.
The Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award is presented to a chapter advisor who has best fulfilled their agreement to serve as a guide to an undergraduate chapter of the Fraternity. Most advisors deserve recognition for their volunteerism and assistance, but the Fraternity recognizes one advisor each year who has contributed extraordinarily to chapter life.
Qualifications:
- Completed advisor certification
- Must have served as an advisor at some point during the biennium
- Completed a Chapter Advisor Agreement approved by the Executive Council
Documentation:
- Letter of recommendation/support written by at least one undergraduate member of the chapter (Required)
- At least one additional Letter of recommendation/support written by: an alumnus of the Fraternity, campus partners (Greek advisor, Professors, University Administrators, Athletic Coaches, Other organization advisors, other organization officers), or undergraduate family member
- All letters of recommendation should address each of the following dimensions:
- Years of Service
- Tangible Impact/Measurable outcomes: Coaching, expansion, leadership development, strategic initiatives, mentorship, positive influence on chapter’s success
- Broader Fraternity Influence/Influence beyond chapter level: Local/regional/national contributions, legacy projects, etc.
The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award recognizes a brother who, within five years of graduating, has demonstrated remarkable involvement and leadership in Phi Kappa Psi. Finding the time to give back to the Fraternity as a young alumnus is often quite difficult and this award intends to recognize a brother who has managed to carve out some of his precious time to help Phi Kappa Psi. This award celebrates young alumni who continue to make a difference and inspire others.
Qualifications:
- No more than 5 years out of college at the beginning of the biennium
- Demonstrated activity in an Alumni Association, Chapter Advisory Team, House Corporation or the National Fraternity
Documentation
- Letter of recommendation/support from the chapter, Alumni Association, or House Corporation, alumnus of the Fraternity or campus partners (Greek advisor, Professors, University Administrators, Athletic Coaches, Other organization advisors, other organization officers)
- All letters of recommendation should address the following scoring dimensions
- Years of Service
- Type of Service/ Roles held: Advisor, committee member, mentor, coach, volunteer, etc.
- Tangible Impact/Measurable outcomes: Fundraising, expansion, leadership development, strategic initiatives, etc.
- Broader Fraternity Influence/Influence beyond chapter level: Local/regional/national contributions, legacy projects, etc.
The Outstanding Emerging Leader Award recognizes an undergraduate member who has shown exceptional leadership potential and skill within the first two years of initiation. This brother should be well suited to take over leadership roles in the chapter and campus community all while exemplifying the values of Phi Kappa Psi.
Qualifications:
- Each chapter should submit one undergraduate member as Emerging Leader (less than or equal to first two years of his initiation) for their chapter. Each candidate will be considered for this award
- Must have a Cumulative GPA of a 2.75 or higher
- Completed 100% Risk Management & General Insurance Program
- Completed 100% Embark
- Completed 100% of Ascend for each position he has held in the chapter
Documentation:
- Demonstration of excellence in the following areas via the Phi Psi Portal:
- Community Service
- Academics
- Campus Involvement
- Chapter Involvement
- List of chapter officer positions held, if any
- Letter of recommendation/support from any of the following:
- Chapter Advisor
- Member of the chapter
- Campus partners (Greek advisor, Professors, University Administrators, Athletic Coaches, Other organization advisors, other organization officers)
- Community Partners
- All letters of recommendation should address the following dimensions:
- Academics
- Type of Leadership Roles held
- Tangible Impact/Measurable outcomes: Leadership development, fundraising, recruitment and retention, strategic initiatives, etc.
- Broader Fraternity Influence/Influence beyond chapter level: Campus/local/regional/national contributions, legacy projects, etc.
The Outstanding Undergraduate of the District Award celebrates the member who best exemplifies the values of Phi Kappa Psi through outstanding involvement in the chapter, on campus, and in the community, as well as academic excellence. This award honors the undergraduate who sets the standard for what it means to be a Phi Kappa Psi. The committee will identify a recipient from each of our six districts.
Qualifications:
- Each chapter should submit one undergraduate member as Undergraduate of the District. Each candidate will be considered for this award
- Must have a cumulative GPA of a 2.75 (Threshold) or higher
- Completed 100% Risk Management & General Insurance Program
- Completed 100% Embark
- Completed 100% of Ascend for each position he has held in the chapter
Documentation:
- Demonstration of excellence in the following areas via the Phi Psi Portal:
- Community Service
- Academics
- Campus Involvement
- Chapter Involvement
- List of chapter officer positions held, if any
- Letter of recommendation/support from any of the following:
- Chapter advisor
- Member of the chapter
- Campus partners (Greek advisor, Professors, University Administrators, Athletic Coaches, Other organization advisors, other organization officers)
- Community Partners
- All letters of recommendation should address the following dimensions:
- Academics
- Type of Leadership Roles held
- Tangible Impact/Measurable outcomes: Leadership development, fundraising, recruitment and retention, strategic initiatives, etc.
- Broader Fraternity Influence/Influence beyond chapter level: Campus/local/regional/national contributions, legacy projects, etc.
The Undergraduate of the Year Award celebrates the member who best exemplifies the values of Phi Kappa Psi through outstanding involvement in the chapter, on campus, and in the community, as well as academic excellence. This award honors the undergraduate who sets the standard for what it means to be a Phi Kappa Psi.
The recipient of this award will be selected from the six Outstanding Undergraduate of the District award recipients.
Chapter Awards
* Multiple awards will be given out.
The Dr. Gordon Sparks Letterman Men’s Health Award is named after the grandson of founder William Henry Letterman and the Fraternity’s longtime surgeons general. This award was created by the Executive Council to honor Dr. Letterman’s service to the community as well as to the health care profession. This award is given to the chapter that best utilizes the fraternity chapter as a forum for men’s health education.
Qualifications:
- All chapters will be considered for this award based on information reported via the Phi Kappa Psi Portal
- At least one educational program sponsored by the chapter for the local/campus community on men’s health
- At least 2 internal chapter programs regarding men’s health documentation
- No Risk Management violations
Documentation as reported in the Phi Kappa Psi Portal:
- Document detailing the education program (what topic, where, who attended, etc.)
- Document detailing the internal chapter programs (what topics, who presented, who attended, etc.)
- Examples of how the chapter encourages healthy and active lifestyles for its members (regular exercise schedule, participation in intramurals, etc.)
- Chapters will be evaluated using the following dimensions:
- Internal Chapter Program(s): Committee evaluate at least 2 internal men’s health programs
- External Educational Program(s): Committee evaluates documentation: topic relevance, audience engagement, partnerships, attendance, community impact
- Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles: Committee evaluates wellness initiatives: exercise, nutrition, intramurals, mental health programs
- Creativity & Innovation: Committee evaluates novel approaches or partnerships in men’s health education
The Membership Excellence Award honors multiple chapters that excel in recruitment, retention, and member development. The committee will review the chapter’s expectations for bids and initiation, retention rates, completion of required educational programs, and adherence to standards. Documentation of new member education and a record free of Risk Management violations will be considered as the committee seeks chapters that truly value and support their members.
Qualifications:
- All chapters will be considered for this award based on information reported via the Phi Kappa Psi Portal
- The chapter has specific expectations of who should receive a bid and who is initiated
- The chapter has a 90% retention rate (includes potential new members + members)
- 100% completion of Embark
- 100% completion of minimum standards
- 100% completion of Ascend for officers and Committee Chairs w/in 45 days of taking office or appointment
- 100% completion of Risk Management & General Insurance program
- Completion of 6-week new member education programs on time
- No Risk Management activities resulting in action by Executive Council
Documentation as reported in the Phi Kappa Psi Portal:
- Outline of expectations and standards for receiving a bid
- Outline of expectations and standards for initiation
- 6-week (maximum) new member education plan with dates
- 100% completion of requirements
- Chapters will be evaluated using the following dimensions:
- Expectations for bids and initiation
- Retention rates
- Completion of required educational programs
- Adherence to standards
The Griffing-Tate Award for Continuing Education recognizes chapters that provide robust and ongoing educational opportunities for members after initiation. The committee will review the frequency and variety of programs offered, including ritual, professional development, and personal growth topics, as well as documentation of participation and engagement. Chapters must demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and maintain a record free of Risk Management violations.
Qualifications:
- All chapters will be considered for this award based on information reported via the Phi Kappa Psi Portal
- The chapter has a robust continuing education program for members. It should cover a variety of topics, including but not limited to the following:
- Ritual
- Professional Development
- Personal Development – At least one program/topic per month
- No Risk Management activities resulting in any form of probation by their university or the Fraternity
Documentation as reported in the Phi Kappa Psi Portal:
- Outline of continuing education program
- Chapters will be evaluated using the following dimensions:
- Frequency: number of programs per month
- Participation Engagement across all classes of members
- Breadth of Topics Covered: Ritual, Professional Development, Personal Development, and other topics
- Innovation & Quality of Programs: creativity, relevance, and impact of programs
The Scholastic Achievement Award celebrates chapters with a proven record of academic excellence. Chapters are recognized for their dedication to scholarship and intellectual growth.
For the 2026 GAC, Chapter Scholastic Achievement Awards will be presented following the mandate approved by the 2024 GAC with future criteria to be determined by the Scholarship Committee and GAC.
The Chapter Excellence Award honors chapters that excel in all areas of operations, including service, philanthropy, education, community involvement, membership development, recruitment, and academic performance. The committee will review materials submitted according to the Chapter Performance & Recognition Framework, seeking chapters that set the standard for excellence in Phi Kappa Psi.
Qualifications:
- Any chapter desiring to be considered for the Chapter Excellence Award will submit documentation materials as outlined below
Documentation as reported in the Phi Kappa Psi Portal:
- Academics
- Chapter GPA
- Chapter GPA improvement year-over-year
- Service and Philanthropy
- Service hours per member
- Philanthropy events and dollars raised per member
- Finance and Administration
- Chapter operating budget and tax documents filed on-time
- No late payments to HQ during the year (late is greater than 30 days after the due date)
Documentation as reported by the chapter in its award submission:
- Leadership and Campus Engagement
- Members in recognized leadership positions outside the chapter
- Chapter representatives serve as voluntary member on a campus-wide committees, councils, clubs or groups outside of Greek life
- Regular participation in campus events
- Chapter conducts or co-hosts a leadership training workshop or panel for members
- Alumni and Parent Relations
- Alumni newsletters distributed and shared w/headquarters
- Alumni event held
- Parent Events held
- The chapter conducts the Alumni Induction Ceremony for graduating seniors
- Updates for each edition of The Shield
- Brotherhood
- Brotherhood events hosted
- Mental health programming or awareness
- Chapter mentorship/buddy program for new members
- Chapter retreat or team-building workshop focusing on brotherhood and cohesion
- Recruitment and Membership
- Active membership size relative to active campus fraternity average
- Member retention relative to prior year
- Membership growth year-over-year
- The chapter conducts the New Member Induction Ceremony for each member class prior to beginning the new member process
The Grand Chapter Award is the pinnacle of chapter recognition, presented to the best chapter among those qualifying for the Chapter Excellence Award. The Grand Chapter Award recognizes the best of the best.
Qualifications:
- All chapters who are awarded the Chapter Excellence Award are automatically in consideration for Grand Chapter.
Documentation:
- All material that was part of the application for the Chapter Excellence Award will be considered for this award. No additional documentation is required.
The Most Improved Chapter Award celebrates the chapter that has demonstrated significant and dramatic improvement in all areas of chapter operations over the past academic year. The committee will review year-over-year improvement in the Chapter Performance & Recognition Framework and verify results to select the chapter that has made the greatest strides.
Qualifications:
- All chapters who make application for the Chapter Excellence Award will automatically be considered for Most Improved Chapter.
Documentation:
- All material that was part of the application for the Chapter Excellence Award and historical data reported in the Phi Kappa Psi Portal will be evaluated. No additional documentation is required.
Pat Eby was an active member of his community and instrument in establishing a neighborhood watch program for families and businesses. Eby founded a public relations firm, Hyatt Eby Advertising Counsel and for many years served the Phi Kappa Psi Foundation by writing press releases for the hometown newspapers of the recipients of our Summerfield Scholarships.
Qualifications:
- All chapters will be considered for this award based on information reported via the Phi Kappa Psi Portal
- One chapter wide service event per year; 2 for the biennium
- One service event partnered with another student organization; 2 for the biennium
- No Risk Management violations
Documentation as reported in the Phi Kappa Psi Portal:
- Enter details for each member’s service hours for the year (two years if documentation is available) via the Phi Psi Portal
- This includes the member’s name, the events participated in, and number of hours
- Document detailing the chapter wide service event to include impact (where, when, who attended, etc.)
- Document detailing the service event partnered with another student organization to include impact (where, when, who attended, etc.)
- Chapters will be evaluated using the following dimensions:
- Service Hours per Member
- Number of Service Events
- Quality / Impact of Service: Committee assess tangible outcomes, community recognition, partnerships
- Creativity & Initiative: Committee assess innovative programs or leadership in new projects
Alumni/Volunteer Group Awards
The Alumni Corporation Achievement Award recognizes an alumni corporation that has completed a single, impactful project to improve the condition of a chapter house.
Qualifications:
- Must have completed a single project (not ongoing maintenance) designed to improve the condition of the chapter house (renovation, refurbishing, safety upgrades, or significant repairs)
- The project must have been completed within the recently completed biennium
- The project must demonstrate a direct positive impact on undergraduate chapter life, safety, or property functionality
Documentation:
- Letters of support submitted by Alumni Corporation should address the required items below:
- Description of the project (scope, goals, outcomes)
- Timeline of planning and completion
- Supporting materials: invoices, photos, reports
- Alumni participation records (hours, donors, or volunteer involvement)
- Applicants will be evaluated via the following dimensions:
- Project Complexity & Quality
- Impact on Chapter Life
- Alumni Engagement
- Creativity / Resourcefulness
The Alumni Corporation Award for Continued Excellence honors alumni house corporations that consistently support chapter house operations, property maintenance, member safety, and long-term sustainability.
Qualifications:
- Active and organized alumni house corporation (regular meetings, officers, reporting)
- Demonstrated commitment to property welfare (maintenance, repairs, renovations, safe and functional housing)
- Compliance with legal, financial (IRS Form 990), and risk management responsibilities.
- Evidence of alumni engagement beyond financial contributions (volunteer hours, involvement in property welfare events)
Documentation:
- Nominations are made via a letter of recommendation/support written by a member or chapter or by a member of the Alumni Corporation
- Additional letters of support may be submitted by other members of the Fraternity
- Letters of support should address the following required items below:
- Articles of incorporation or bylaws, and annual meetings per bylaws, officer rosters showing active governance
- Maintenance/repair schedule, invoices, pictures, or project completion reports
- IRS Form 990
- Alumni engagement records (e.g. volunteer hours, involvement in property welfare projects)
- Narrative detailing impact on undergraduate chapter
- Letters of support should address the following dimensions:
- Governance & Organization
- Property Welfare & Maintenance
- Compliance
- Alumni Engagement
Outstanding Alumni Associations are recognized by the Fraternity for their attention to the alumnus member of Phi Kappa Psi. Recipients of this award are known for their successful events and strong network of Phi Kappa Psis. Alumni associations serve a geographic region of the country and are not tied to any one chapter but may coordinate efforts with a chapter or chapters in the area.
Qualifications:
- Must be a recognized alumni association in good standing (clubs do not qualify)
- Active and organized alumni association (regular meetings, officers, reporting)
- Evidence of alumni engagement beyond financial contributions (volunteer hours)
- Hosts or co-hosts Founders Day once per year
- Hosts at least two events per year in addition to Founders Day (Alumni Induction ceremony, social, networking, service, or brotherhood-focused)
- Maintains active communication with members (emails, newsletters, social media, etc.)
- Demonstrates support for local chapters, colonies, and the National Fraternity (District Meeting, GAC)
Documentation:
- Proof of good standing with the national fraternity
- Letter of recommendation/support written by a member of the Alumni Association
- Additional letter(s) of recommendation/support written by member(s) of neighboring chapters
- All letters of recommendation should address the following scoring dimensions and may include:
- Photos and other evidence of alumni association events
- Evidence of support for local chapter
- Current officer roster, member roster, and schedule of meetings
- Applicants will be evaluated via the following dimensions:
- Governance & Organization
- Alumni Engagement Beyond Finances
- Events Including Founders Day
- Communication with Members
- Support for Chapters and National Events
