Through Alpha Kappa Lambda National Awards, we honor chapters that exemplify the Five Ideals of AKL. These awards recognize excellence in leadership, service, scholarship, and brotherhood, inspiring chapters to achieve more, strengthen bonds, and make a lasting impact on their campuses and communities.
Individual Awards
Recognizing outstanding undergraduate members for their leadership, dedication, and contributions to their chapter and the Fraternity.
This section includes awards like the Clarence E. Brehm Leadership Award, the Holmes Senior Achievement Award, and advisor recognition awards. These honors celebrate individual contributions to the growth, success, and values of Alpha Kappa Lambda.
- Clarence E. Brehm Leadership Award
Established in 1982 in honor of Clarence E. Brehm (Iota ’32), this award recognizes an undergraduate member who is actively demonstrating exceptional leadership within the Fraternity. Selection is based on current achievements in chapter operations, campus involvement, and the development of fellow members—highlighting leadership in action and its lasting impact of the recipient’s contributions. - Holmes Senior Achievement Award
Created in 1954 to honor Brothers Fred Gooding Holmes (Alpha ’15) and Fred Weber Holmes (Alpha ’38), this award is presented to a senior or recently graduated member (within six months of graduation) who has distinguished themselves as the Fraternity’s most accomplished undergraduate member. Unlike the Brehm Award, this recognition celebrates a cumulative record of achievement, leadership, and service throughout the recipient’s time as an undergraduate member. - Henry T. Moon Chapter Advisor Excellence Award
Renamed in 2015 to honor Henry T. Moon (Tau ’57), long-time advisor to Tau Chapter at Penn State, this award recognizes an individual whose dedication, guidance, and mentorship consistently exceed the expectations of a chapter advisor. It honors those who actively shape their chapter’s success, foster leadership, and ensure the chapter upholds the standards and ideals of the Fraternity. They serve as a model of commitment and excellence for both members and fellow volunteers. - Fraternity/Sorority Life Advisor of Distinction Award
This award honors a campus-based professional who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and partnership in supporting a chapter of Alpha Kappa Lambda. The recipient exemplifies the highest standards of mentorship, collaboration, and advocacy for fraternity life on their campus. Through their guidance, enthusiasm, and dedication, they strengthen the chapter’s success and contribute to the broader fraternity and sorority community.
Chapter Awards
Celebrating chapters that demonstrate excellence in campus involvement, community service, brotherhood, and overall performance, including the Founders’ Cup, the Fraternity’s highest chapter award.
These awards recognize chapters that embody the Five Ideals, lead on their campuses, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and foster strong brotherhood. Examples include the Founders’ Cup, Campus Engagement Award, Community Service & Impact Award, and the Irving L. Dilliard Academic & Membership Development Award.
- The Founders’ Cup
The Founders’ Cup is the highest honor bestowed upon a chapter of Alpha Kappa Lambda. This distinguished award recognizes the Fraternity’s most accomplished chapter, demonstrating exceptional performance across all areas of operation. Evaluation considers achievement in recruitment, financial management, risk management, member education, leadership development, scholarship, campus involvement, alumni relations, and community service. The chapter receiving this honor exemplifies sustained excellence, responsible leadership, and the enduring spirit of the Five Ideals of Alpha Kappa Lambda. - Campus Engagement Award
Aligned with the Fraternity’s Five Ideals, Leadership, this award recognizes the chapter that demonstrates exceptional engagement and influence within its host institution. Consideration is given to participation in student organizations, interfraternal leadership, university committees, and major campus events. The honored chapter serves as a model of leadership, visibility, and collaboration on campus. - Community Service & Impact Award
Reflecting on the Five Ideals of Self-Support and Judeo-Christian Principles, this award honors the chapter that demonstrates sustained contributions to its surrounding community. Consideration is given to hands-on service, charitable fundraising, and long-term partnerships that create meaningful impact. The recipient chapter exemplifies the Fraternity’s commitment to service, compassion, and moral responsibility. - Irving L. Dilliard Academic & Membership Development Award
Named in honor of Brother Irving L. Dilliard (Alpha ’19), this award recognizes the chapter demonstrating exceptional commitment to academic excellence and the holistic development of its members. Consideration is given to GPA, educational improvement, scholarship programs, faculty engagement, and leadership training. Chapters are also recognized for fostering growth outside the classroom through mentorship, membership development, training workshops, and community engagement. The winning chapter upholds the Five Ideal of Scholarship by promoting intellectual growth, personal development, and preparation for success beyond college.
National Executive Council Awards
Presented by the National Executive Council.
This collection of awards celebrates chapters and alumni who exemplify Alpha Kappa Lambda’s highest standards—recognizing outstanding operational achievements, lifelong dedication, ethical leadership, and a commitment to the Five Ideals.
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Alumni Distinguished Service Award
The Alumni Distinguished Service Award is one of the Fraternity of Alpha Kappa Lambda’s highest honors for alumni members. It is conferred upon an alumnus in good standing who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to the Fraternity, as well as distinguished achievements in their professional, academic, civic, or public life. Recipients of this award exemplify a lifelong commitment to leadership, integrity, and the advancement of the Fraternity’s mission. The recipient is formally selected by the National Executive Council (NEC) following a thorough review process. This award recognizes alumni for their enduring contributions to Alpha Kappa Lambda, their commitment to the Five Ideals – particularly Loyalty – and their broader impact on their university, community, nation, and humanity. -
Gilchrist “Man of Character” Award
The Gilchrist “Man of Character” Award was originally established in 2000 as the “Man of Character” Award and was renamed in 2004 to honor R. Keith Gilchrist (Kappa, ’53) and Ann Gilchrist (Alpha Omicron Pi). This prestigious award recognizes members who embody the principles of character, integrity, and the Five Ideals of Alpha Kappa Lambda. Recipients demonstrate unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, exemplary conduct, and service to their chapter, campus, and community. The award recipient is chosen by the National Executive Council (NEC), and selection is reserved for individuals whose actions and character consistently reflect the values and identity of a true Man of Character. -
The National President’s Award
Established during Alpha Kappa Lambda’s 75th Anniversary year by National President Brent D. Holmes, the National President’s Award recognizes chapters that have demonstrated significant improvement in overall operations, collaboration, and programming, successfully overcoming challenges, strengthening internal cooperation, and elevating chapter performance.”
Chapter Certificates
Semester-based certificates recognizing chapter achievements.
Each semester, chapters are recognized for meeting recruitment goals, exceeding GPA benchmarks, and completing AKL Foundations online education. These certificates celebrate consistent effort, engagement, and dedication to the Fraternity and its Five Ideals.
- Certificate for Meeting Recruitment Minimum
Chapters that meet their recruitment goals each semester will be recognized with a framed certificate, honoring their dedication to growing the brotherhood and strengthening their chapter.. - Certificate for Chapter GPA Exceeding All-Men’s and All-IFC Averages
Chapters that achieve a semester GPA above both the All-Men’s and All-IFC averages will receive a certificate, celebrating their commitment to academic excellence and the success of their members. - Certificate for 100% Completion of AKL Foundations Online Education Course
Chapters with 100% member completion of the AKL Foundations online education course each semester will receive a certificate, recognizing their dedication to education, leadership development, and chapter-wide engagement.
