Towson University Iota Sigma chapter of the Theta Chi fraternity won it’s second straight Howard R. Alter Jr. award for chapter excellence (left). The group also picked up The Sacred Purpose award, becoming only the second chapter to nab the honor.
Make it two-for-two for Towson University’s fledgling Iota Sigma chapter at the Theta Chi National Convention.
For the second straight year, Towson’s chapter of Theta Chi walked away with the fraternity’s highest honor: The Howard R. Alter Jr. Award for Chapter Excellence.
With over 140 chapters across the country, Towson’s chapter was one of just three recipients of the group’s highest honor. This is only the second year that the Iota Sigma chapter was represented at the Theta Chi national conference.
For chapter president Austin Braswell, a senior graphic design major from Frederick, MD, being rewarded for the second straight year has been fulfilling for him and his brothers.
“We push ourselves so hard each semester and devote the majority of our spare time into this fraternity,” Braswell said. “To see it finally pay off at the end of the semester is extremely fulfilling and rewarding. And the fact that we were able to pull this award off for a second time was extremely reassuring.”
Along with the Howard R. Alter Jr. award, the Towson chapter also was awarded the Sacred Purpose award, given annually to the chapter that best represented the Sacred Purpose Movement.
The Sacred Purpose movement offers support for the chapter that concentrates primarily on the types of health and safety related issues that college students typically face. The award is based on chapter programming, health and safety partnerships, guest speakers and letters of recommendations.
The Towson Iota Sigma chapter is just the second recipient of the award.
“The fact we are just the second chapter to win this award is truly an honor for us,” Braswell said. “The Sacred Purpose movement is something we firmly believe in and value within our chapter. It has made our brotherhood stronger and equipped us with valuable knowledge to handle a multitude of situations.
“I think this is important for Towson’s Greek Life specifically because we serve as a prime example how if you have a strong work ethic, strive to make the university a better place and reach out to your surrounding community you will get noticed for it on a local and national level,” he added proudly.
Matt Lenno, director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at TU, enthusiastically agreed.
“They are the epitome of what fraternity brothers are supposed to be about,” Lenno said. “In my 13 years working in Greek Life, they are the best chapter that I’ve ever worked with when it comes to risk management, health and safety issues. They’re outstanding in everything they do. They’re outstanding young men.”
