ASU’s Sigma Nu Zeta Upsilon chapter honored with three NIC awards
Following a mission to develop ethical leaders inspired by the principles of love, honor and truth, the Zeta Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Nu was recognized with three prestigious awards from the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). The three fraternity awards include Chapter Award of Distinction, Advisor Award of Distinction and Undergraduate Award of Distinction.
“Sigma Nu Zeta Upsilon empowers ASU students to become leaders with a strong sense of purpose and integrity,” Gary Ballinger, director of Fraternity and Sorority Life with Educational Outreach and Student Services, said. “The positive impact of the fraternity is evident by the continued recognition that the chapter and its members receive.”
Fraternities and sororities have been an integral part of the Sun Devil experience for more than 90 years - bringing strong tradition, personal development and community to thousands of students each year. By being values-based, impact-driven individuals
and organizations, The New American Fraternity and Sorority Community is centered on four aspirations to drive the ASU community forward: leadership, scholarship, service and philanthropy.
Sigma Nu Zeta Upsilon follows a mission to foster the personal growth of each member’s mind, heart and character, while perpetuating lifelong friendships.
“Sigma Nu Zeta Upsilon’s commitment to excellence is never ending. Every single member of our chapter believes in our values and fully buys into the vision we set, which allows us to maintain our high standards and continuous improvement,” Bailey Powledge, a W.P. Carey School of Business undergraduate student and Sigma Nu Zeta Upsilon member, said. “Zeta Upsilon’s leadership sets the vision, strategy and goals at the beginning of the year and goes over it with the whole chapter to ensure understanding and commitment.”
Leadership is an important facet of the Sigma Nu Zeta Upsilon chapter’s mission, with one of the fraternity’s key offerings being a four-year leadership development program called LEAD. The chapter’s advisor, Scott Rutledge, who was honored with the Advisor Award of Distinction, inspires members to live out the values of the fraternity every day.
“I spend no less than ten hours per week advising current members—still, chapter advisors would not have it any other way. It is a privilege to advise future leaders,” Rutledge said. “As your students learn how to lead, the fruits of your labor blossom. That has been the case during my tenure with Sigma Nu. Inspired and aided by their alumni, our chapter members have pioneered the concept of a ‘leadership fraternity.’”
Dominic Frattura, a recent Thunderbird School of Global Management master’s degree graduate who played a crucial role in re-chartering the Zeta Upsilon chapter of Sigma Nu, was honored with the NIC Undergraduate Award of Distinction. The award recognizes fraternity men who have found an outlet to become better leaders and are exemplary members of the organization and serve with humble confidence.
“I maintain regular communication with chapter leaders, actively assisting them in achieving their leadership and academic goals and fostering positive change within the Greek community,” Frattura said. “My aim is to provide guidance and support, leveraging my experiences and knowledge to mentor and empower my fellow brothers. I hope that they continue to take the chapter and university to new heights, and to continue the trend of excellence and setting the national example.”
The three NIC awards of distinction come two years after the chapter was honored as a Rock Chapter award recipient in 2021.