The New York Delta chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute was recently recognized at the Carlson Leadership Academy, the fraternity’s national awards ceremony, in Parsippany, New Jersey.

New York Delta received the Donald C. McCleary Excellence in Member Development Award, one of the highest honors awarded to Sigma Phi Epsilon chapters across the nation. This award recognizes chapters that have excelled in their commitment to the continuous development of their members. In order to be eligible, the Rensselaer chapter had to have a GPA above the all-campus average for the past year, have no university or fraternity sanctions for hazing activities during the past year, have proof of a written and implemented continuous development program, and be in a good financial standing with the national fraternity.

“Winning the Donald C. McCleary Award means so much to me, and it speaks to how hard my brothers and I have worked to improve,” said William Avery, the former vice president of member development who stepped down in December. “In my three years in this position, we saw our fraternity grow from a chapter with little going for it to a leader that keeps our members truly balanced and on top of their college experience. I’m grateful for the work each and every brother put in, and I’m unbelievably proud of the chapter for getting to this point.”

Chapter member Vishrudh Gopalakrishnan was given the J. Edward Zollinger Outstanding Senior award. This high honor is given to an extraordinary senior who demonstrates excellence in scholastic achievement, fraternity, campus leadership, and community involvement. Throughout his time with Sigma Phi Epsilon, Gopalakrishnan has held the roles of vice president of programming and vice president of communications. He has been both president and executive vice president of the Interfraternity Council at Rensselaer. Gopalakrishnan organized and started the Sexual Assault Awareness Week held each spring with co-host Alpha Gamma Delta, and he was also a member of the Greek Life Task Force at Rensselaer.

“I am incredibly appreciative of the award,” Gopalakrishnan said. “I look at it not as my achievement, but the achievement that this chapter has enabled me to receive. I would not be in the position that I am today without so many brothers encouraging me along the way."

Alumnus Steve Fallick, Class of 1968, was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus, an award which recognizes years of hard work and dedication to the betterment of the organization as a whole and a commitment to the success of future members. Fallick has served as the New York Delta chapter’s Alumni and Volunteer Corporation president and vice president. He has also been an undergraduate mentor to the chapter.

Faculty fellow Casey Jakubowski received the prestigious University Partner of the Year Award. This award recognizes faculty and staff who create a particularly meaningful partnership with Sigma Phi Epsilon on their campus. Award recipients connect Sigma Phi Epsilon undergraduates with faculty to enhance academic development. They act as mentors and advisers, and work to support the implementation of life-changing experiences through the Balanced Man Program and Residential Learning Communities. Jakubowski has worked with Sigma Phi Epsilon since the spring of 2018.