2013 Philippi and Guenzler Award Winners Announced

We are very excited to introduce two of our award winners presented at this year’s 2013 annual conference.

Guenzler Award

Dr. Kent Gardner, Executive Director Emeritus, Order of Omega

Philippi Award

Dave Conner, Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, The College of New Jersey 

Philippi Award

The Philippi Award for Campus Professionals recognizes a fraternity/sorority professional, male or female, who has made significant contributions to the fraternity/sorority community within the Northeast region by advising any governing council.

Dave Conner, Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the College of New Jersey was this year’s award winner. Dave is a professional that is admired and respected by students, colleagues and friends. On his campus he has created new initiatives surrounding social policies, developed a formal standardized assessment tool, and during the five years he has served as his institution has seen his community nearly double in size. He has volunteered for several fraternal organizations including his own. He has contributed countless hours to both the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors and NGLA.

His nominator wrote, “Our advisor has consistently exhibited a code of conduct that inspires those around him as he fulfills his own aspirations for the success of our community. It is through his achievements that we, as leaders in the Greek community, are able to drive our organizations toward a meaningful experience as members of a timeless tradition. He is always available to any student and consistently working before and after hours with no expectations for reimbursement. Through his support in our leadership and development, his encouragement toward personal growth, his creativity, his intelligence, and his acceptance of nothing less than the best, he has helped us to stay true to the principles that we are meant to live by as members of a long lasting and historic tradition.  As Greek leaders and members, our responsibilities are timeless. Our tradition is timeless. Our community is timeless. And, through him, our experiences are timeless.”

Guenzler Award

The second award presented annually is the Guenzler Award. The Guenzler Award for Volunteers or Staff Professionals of fraternity/sorority organizations is to recognize staff members or volunteers who have made significant and long term contributions to the fraternity/sorority community within the Northeast region or to NGLA.

Kent Gardner is the 2013 Guenzler Award Winner. Kent has been described by many as the most influential individual in their lives or careers. He is a true gentleman who throughout his professional and volunteer career has exemplified the fraternal values we all strive for.  He is the recipient of numerous awards including the 1993 Robert H. Shaffer Award, the 2005 NASPA Pillar of the Profession Award, the 2008 North American Interfraternity Conference Silver Medal and the 2009 SEPC Distinguished Service Award.

As the Executive Director of the Order Omega, international greek honorary from 1971 to 2013, Kent’s vision and commitment to both undergraduates and professionals though programs, competitions and recognition at fraternal conferences has allowed many to challenge themselves.  By recognizing those individuals who exemplify the high standards of leadership in inter- fraternity activities, the Order of Omega with this leader at the helm encouraged all to continue along this line, and to encourage and empower others as well.

Described by the incoming NPC Chair as a man of integrity, Kent is always fair and diplomatic and the ultimate professional. One of the few who can travel from circle to circle in campus and professional settings as well as the fraternity/sorority family, he brings a welcoming smile to all who encounter him.

Please feel free to comment here and express your congratulations to Dave and Kent on their awards!