Southeast Missouri State University’s Greek Life had four chapters take home the highest national honor this summer, three of them for the second consecutive year. Southeast’s chapters of Alpha Chi Omega, Tri Delta, Sigma Nu, and Sigma Phi Epsilon. This is the first time in 20 years that four chapters on Southeast’s campus earned their highest honor from their national organizations.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for all four of these Greek organizations,” said Associate Vice President of Student Life Bruce Skinner. “These groups exemplify what we do at Southeast and make me proud to work with all of our students involved in Greek Life.”
Southeast’s Delta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega received the National Council Trophy, recognizing the chapter as one of the top three chapters in the country. Lynne Herndon, Alpha Chi Omega’s National president, made the presentation.
It was the first time the sorority received the national honor in school history.
“This award is a reflection of the high standards the women of the Delta Epsilon chapter of Alpha Chi Omega hold themselves to,” said chapter president Mackenzie Harvey. “It is based on many things, but the educational programs, leadership opportunities, and academic success paired with the top tier sisterhood within our chapter here at SEMO made our chapter stand out”
The National Council Trophy is the highest award a collegiate chapter can receive and recognizes chapters that exemplify Alpha Chi Omega ideals and standards. Chapters are evaluated on Alpha Chi Omega membership standards, including academic interest, character, financial responsibility, leadership ability, and personal development.
Southeast’s Phi Mu chapter of Tri Delta won its second consecutive Margaret Paddock Haller Award. The Margaret Paddock Haller Award was established in 1994 to recognize chapters that have shown outstanding achievement throughout the past calendar year. The chapter was presented with the award at the Tri Delta Collegiate Leadership Conference.
Mu Kappa took home its second straight national honor, receiving the Rock Chapter Award from Sigma Nu. The Rock Chapter Award honors collegiate chapters that have achieved excellence in all operations and maintained all Sigma Nu standards for two consistent years.
Missouri Zeta of Sigma Phi Epsilon received their second consecutive Buchanan Cup Award. Also known as the “Buc Cup,” the Buchanan Cup recognizes the “best-of-the-best” Sigma Phi Epsilon chapters. Chapters are measured in relation to their accomplishment of their peers on campuses across the country. Chapters that excel in every area of operations and further the Grand Chapter’s strategic plan qualify for the award.
“The best part of working with Greek students is seeing what they can accomplish when they work together,” Skinner said. “Individual students can accomplish wonderful things, but when you take a group of students who share a common vision and who are willing to work together towards a common goal, this is when transformative things take place.”