National Awards

The following National Awards are given out annually at the awards banquet during National Convention in addition to the Purple and Gold Awards.

Joseph Torchia Outstanding Chapter Award

The Joseph Torchia Outstanding Chapter Award is the most prestigious national award which can be bestowed upon an undergraduate chapter. The Outstanding Chapter Award was originally established in 1957, with one award being given every two years. Since 1966, the award has been given on an annual basis. Modifications were made to the criteria in 1970 to allow for up to three chapters per year to win the award, and it was renamed to honor Mr. Torchia for his outstanding contributions, years of service, and dedication to Phi Sigma Pi. Currently, the criteria allows for 5% of the total collegiate chapters to be eligible for this award.

Joseph Torchia was inducted into Sigma Chapter in 1951 as the chapter advisor. In 1955, he assumed the office of National Treasurer/Secretary and held this position until 1974. Mr. Torchia was the recipient of several national resolutions in his honor, a service key from Sigma Chapter, and several plaques recognizing his outstanding commitment.

All chapters apply for this award each year by submitting the Form 110 to the National Headquarters by June 1 and January 1 of each academic year. Chapters are evaluated on the basis of chapter activities as well as the extracurricular events and academic achievements of their members.

Outstanding Alumni Chapter Award

The Outstanding Alumni Chapter Award is presented annually to an Alumni Chapter. The award was created in 2011 and first awarded in 2012.

Charles W. Chance Alumni Award

The Charles W. Chance Alumni Award is presented annually to chapters excelling in alumni relations. Award determination is based upon such areas as sound communication, financial support, and alumni participation in chapter events.

C.H. McClure Single Service Award

The C.H. McClure Single Service Award is presented annually to chapters who have held outstanding service projects. Each chapter may submit an exemplary service project which has been successfully completed during the past year. A detailed summary of the project must be included with the spring Chapter End of Semester/Quarter Report (Form 110) for consideration.

Josh and Britt Marder Excellence in National Philanthropy Award

The Josh and Britt Marder Excellence in National Philanthropy Award is a national award presented to the Chapter(s) with exemplary projects whose work supports the mission of our national philanthropy, Teach For America. This award is named after Joshua Marder and Britt Marder who have provided significant financial support of our national philanthropic activities. The award was created in 2012 and first awarded in 2013.

Sanders P. McComsey Most Improved Old Chapter Award

The Sanders P. McComsey Most Improved Old Chapter Award is presented to old chapters demonstrating the most overall improvement from the preceding year. An old chapter is defined as one that has been active for five (5) or more full National Fraternity fiscal years.

Clarence O. Williams Most Improved New Chapter Award

The Clarence O. Williams Most Improved New Chapter Award is presented to new chapters demonstrating the most overall improvement from the preceding year. A new chapter is defined as one that has been active up to and including four (4) full National Fraternity fiscal years.

Jeffrey L. Johnson National Chapter Fellowship Award

The Jeffrey L. Johnson National Chapter Fellowship Award is presented to chapters that have exhibited outstanding examples of fellowship toward and with other chapters. Chapters may only be nominated by the official vote and recognition of their fellow chapters. Though up to two awards may be given' each year, an award does not have to be bestowed every year. By this means, the National Council and the nominating chapters are charged with honoring only the most deserving.

Steven A. DiGuiseppe Administrative Award

The Steven A. DiGuiseppe Administrative Award is presented to the chapter(s) maintaining the highest efficiency in administrative detail. Criteria for the evaluation includes the manner in which the chapter conducts its communication with the National Headquarters as well as with officials of the college or university where the chapter has been chartered. Whether or not the chapter exhibits consistency in carrying out its administrative affairs is also taken into consideration.

Dr. Eldo L. Hendricks Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Programming

The Dr. Eldo L. Hendricks Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Programming is presented to chapters that have provided exceptional educational, cultural and leadership programs benefitting their members and the community in which they live. Up to three awards may be given each year, but an award does not have to be presented every year. The National Fraternity is charged with honoring only the most deserving chapters.

Claude A. Phillips Fellowship Award

The Claude A. Phillips Fellowship Award is presented to the chapter that has the most outstanding fellowship event.

Distinguished Service Keys

Distinguished Service Keys are awarded by the National Council to members of Phi Sigma Pi who have demonstrated outstanding service to the National Fraternity. Distinguished Service Key nominations may be submitted by the National Council, National Staff, or an active chapter via the Form 130.