Auburn's Sigma Nu receives fifth consecutive Rock Chapter Award

The Rock Chapter Award is Sigma Nu’s highest collegiate honor, granted biennially to chapters that demonstrate sustained excellence in areas such as brotherhood, academics, campus leadership, alumni engagement, philanthropy and financial management.

To qualify, chapters must maintain “Very Good” or “Excellent” ratings in each category for two consecutive years through the Pursuit of Excellence Program, a metrics-based performance management model, comparable in rigor and impact to corporate leadership development and strategic planning programs.

 

Auburn Sigma Nu’s recognition places it among an elite group of only 20 chapters nationwide to receive the honor this biennium. The chapter’s accomplishments in 2025 include maintaining a 3.29 GPA, initiating 49 new brothers and raising $15,101 for charitable causes. Members also averaged 14 hours of community service each, with 79% involved in other campus organizations and 16% holding leadership positions. The chapter fully implemented all phases of Sigma Nu’s “LEAD” program, further strengthening its commitment to personal and professional development.

 

“This recognition reflects years of hard work and living out Sigma Nu’s values of love, truth and honor,” said Will McIlvaine, chapter president. “It inspires us to continue raising the standard for our chapter and the Greek community.”

Chapter advisor Sean Thomas added, “We challenged the chapter in 2015 to chart a new path to strive for excellence to achieve the status of Rock Chapter. Through a lot of hard work from the young men, they were awarded the first in 2018. That leadership set the foundation and changed the mindset to the present day.

"Beta Theta has now earned five consecutive Rock Chapter Awards. This is the standard and minimum expectation. I am extremely proud of all the young men over the years and honored to be their advisor.”

 

The recognition also drew praise from leadership within Auburn’s Greek Life office.

“The Beta Theta chapter of Sigma Nu continues to set the standard for excellence in fraternity life at Auburn University and nationwide. You can find Sigma Nus leading in many areas of campus, like the Interfraternity Council, SGA and many other organizations,” said Lindsay Holdren, director of Greek Life. “Greek Life is incredibly proud of the chapter for this national recognition, which showcases their dedication to leadership, service and academic achievement.”

 

Auburn Sigma Nu’s continued success highlights the positive impact of Greek Life on campus and the broader community. As the chapter celebrates this achievement, it remains committed to fostering leadership, service and academic excellence among its members.