Each year, the North American Interfraternity Conference recognizes excellence in the fraternal experience by conferring Awards of Distinction to individuals and groups who exemplify leadership, service and fraternal values.
Representing more than 6,000 collegiate chapters and 250,000 members globally, it is far from guaranteed that a fraternity will win a single NIC Award of Distinction in a given year. However, in 2026 Beta Theta Pi is honored and humbled to have received four — an all-time Beta high.
Advisor Award of Distinction — Justin Rutherford, Northwestern ’00
The Advisor Award of Distinction recognizes exceptional commitment to advising a fraternity chapter and positive impact on the broader community. Each recipient demonstrates dedication to guiding and mentoring the fraternity members with whom they work, and exemplifies the highest standards of character, leadership and interfraternalism both personally and professionally.
As an advisor for the Zeta Omega Chapter at San Diego for more than 15 years, Justin has been a dedicated volunteer for decades. He served two terms on the Fraternity’s Board of Trustees, continuing as a chapter counselor prior to, during and after his General Fraternity service. Justin has ensured success at San Diego by providing sound advisement, continued support, challenge when necessary and ensuring they are represented positively on campus and at the international level.
Alumnus Award of Distinction — Jeff Johnson, Iowa State ’16
The NIC’s Alumnus Award of Distinction recognizes the fraternity man who has given specifically of his time, talents and service to the betterment of the fraternity or campus community. The service can be given at the local, regional or national level.
Jeff has been involved with Iowa State’s Beta Theta Pi chapter for more than 25 years. Since his involvement, Tau Sigma has seen major improvements in membership, morale and housing. Despite Jeff not being a Beta brother when he undertook his role as advisor (he was later initiated in 2016), his leadership has been transformational to the chapter. His approach is rooted in community and understanding, knowing that a strong fraternity is built on the relationships it fosters beyond its walls. Jeff is the past CEO of the Iowa State University Alumni Association. He lives in Ames and remains committed to supporting the Beta house.
Chapter Award of Distinction — Eta Mu Chapter, University of Arkansas
The NIC’s Chapter Award of Distinction recognizes exceptional fraternity collegiate chapters demonstrating excellence in operations, involvement in their fraternity/sorority and campus community, and a commitment to a positive fraternity experience.
The Eta Mu Chapter of Beta Theta Pi creates a valuable experience for its members and has grown exponentially in its young history. Despite a young alumni base and remaining unhoused on a traditionally housed campus, the chapter has thrived and grown to over 250 active brothers. Additionally, the group took an active role in Beta’s legislative process for its 2026 Convention, suggesting productive changes to the organization’s financial policies.
Laurel Wreath Award — Winter Leadership Conclave
The Laurel Wreath Award recognizes unique programs, community outreach or influence within the fraternal world by an NIC member organization.
The Winter Leadership Conclave is Beta’s reimagined, in-person leadership program that brings together key chapter officers and volunteers for a high-impact weekend of training and development. Combining three major leadership programs into one unified event, it offers chapter officers, chapter counselors and General Fraternity Officers structured, role-specific tracks that build skills through interactive sessions, informative general sessions, real-world scenarios and collaborative learning. Held each January to best coincide with officer transitions, Conclave focuses on leadership development that builds competence, reinforces the fraternity’s values and provides opportunities for networking, mentorship and strategic planning at the chapter level. Participants leave the event more confident and equipped to lead and support stronger, values-driven chapters aligned with Beta’s purpose and strategic priorities.
Past Recipients
2026 — Justin Rutherford, Northwestern ’00, Advisor Award of Distinction
2026 — Jeff Johnson, Iowa State ’16, Alumnus Award of Distinction
2026 — Eta Mu Chapter, University of Arkansas, Chapter Award of Distinction
2026 — Winter Leadership Conclave, Laurel Wreath Award
2025 — Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96, Alumnus Award of Distinction
2025 — Alpha Beta Chapter, University of Iowa, Chapter Award of Distinction
2024 — Eric Buller, Miami ’19, Advisor Award of Distinction
2024 — Beta Omicron Chapter, University of Texas at Austin, Chapter Award of Distinction
2023 — Nathan Satterfield, Michigan ’23, Undergraduate Award of Distinction
2023 — Chuck Perry, Truman State ’22, Undergraduate Award of Distinction
2021 — Ian Ross, Michigan ’21, Undergraduate Award of Distinction
2021 — Jen Zamora, Delta Zeta, Advisor Award of Distinction (Chapter Counselor, Texas)
2020 — Epsilon Chapter, Centre College, Chapter Award of Distinction
2019 — David Navadeh, Cornell ’19, Undergraduate Award of Distinction
2018 — Epsilon Omicron Chapter, University of Kentucky, Chapter Award of Distinction
2018 — Jack Schimpf, Missouri ’18, Undergraduate Award of Distinction
2017 — Alpha Tau Chapter, University of Nebraska, Chapter Award of Distinction
2017 — Epsilon Chapter, Centre College, Chapter Award of Distinction
2017 — Dr. Rob Tigner, Phi Gamma Delta, Advisor Award of Distinction (Chapter Counselor, Truman State)
2015 — Gamma Beta Chapter, University of Utah, Chapter Award of Distinction
2012 — Dr. Tom Purinton, Kansas State ’63, Advisor Award of Distinction
2012 — T.J. Bard Penn State ’13, Undergraduate Award of Distinction
2011 — Zeta Omega Chapter, University of San Diego, Chapter Award of Distinction
