Awards & Honors
A Tradition of Excellence
Beta Delta’s record of achievement reflects more than longevity — it reflects sustained excellence. Across nearly 150 years, the chapter and its members have earned some of the highest honors available in Beta Theta Pi and in Cornell’s fraternal community. This page preserves that legacy, recognizing the awards that mark Beta Delta’s commitment to leadership, scholarship, and brotherhood.
General Fraternity Chapter Awards
These honors recognize Beta Delta’s excellence in leadership, operations, scholarship, and chapter culture.
Knox Award
The fraternity’s premier chapter honor, awarded for exceptional excellence across all areas of chapter operations.
2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Sisson Award
The fraternity’s foundational chapter honor, awarded for meeting Beta Theta Pi’s highest standards of performance and leadership.
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2021
Virginia Tech Award for Academics
Honors exceptional scholastic achievement, recognizing chapters with the highest GPA performance, greatest improvement, top regional GPA differentials, and campus‑leading academic standing.
1987, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2021, 2022, 2024
Risk Management Award
Honors chapters whose risk management programs best reflect Beta Theta Pi’s mission, vision, and values.
2013, 2018
Recruitment Award
Recognizes chapters whose recruitment programs reflect Beta Theta Pi’s mission, vision, values, and proven best practices.
2011, 2014
Campus Involvement Award
Recognizes chapters demonstrating exceptional leadership and participation across campus organizations and activities.
2012, 2013, 2014, 2016
Alumni Relations Award
Honors chapters with outstanding alumni engagement programs that foster connection, communication, and lifelong brotherhood.
2013, 2014, 2015
Hardin Leadership Development Award
Honors chapters that demonstrate exceptional commitment to leadership development and member education.
2012, 2013
North Dakota Award for Chapter Publications
Recognizes outstanding chapter publications that exemplify quality, clarity, and effective communication.
2012, 2013
Advisory Team of the Year
Recognizes advisory teams whose guidance and support significantly strengthen chapter operations and leadership.
2016
Duncan Service Award
Honors chapters for distinguished service contributions that reflect Beta Theta Pi’s commitment to community and brotherhood.
2007
H.H. Stephenson, Jr. Award
Recognizes excellence in historical preservation and research within the General Fraternity.
2012
General Fraternity Individual Honors
Awards earned by Beta Delta members for distinguished service and achievement from the General Fraternity.
Oxford Cup
Awarded to Betas of Achievement
1988 – Carl Kroch, Class of 1935
2026 – David Duffield, Class of 1962
Francis W. Shepardson Award
Honors brothers who epitomize lifelong service and dedication to the General Fraternity.
2002 – Paul P. Van Riper (DePauw) ’38 – Initiated into Beta Theta Pi at DePauw University, Professor Van Riper served as the Beta Delta Chapter Counselor and a member of the House Corporation board, providing steady guidance to generations of Cornell undergraduates.
Chapter Individual Honors
Awards bestowed by the Beta Delta chapter to alumni whose sustained service, leadership, and dedication have significantly strengthened the chapter and its traditions.
Diamond Legion
Recognizes alumni whose enduring dedication and service have left a lasting impact on Beta Delta and the General Fraternity.
2004 – David Duffield, Class of 1962
Rick Banks, Class of 1972
Paul Leo, Class of 1981
Jon Lindseth, Class of 1956
2014 – Jeffrey Frey, Class of 1989
Cornell University & Campus Awards
Cornell Intramural All‑Sports Trophy
Recognizes the excellence across multiple intramural sports and its leadership in Cornell’s campus recreation program.
1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1960
Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Recognizes local volunteers, such as chapter advisors and house corporation members, for their exceptional local impact and dedication.
2014 -Jeffrey Frey, Class of 1989
Other Awards
North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) Undergraduate Award of Distinction
Recognizes undergraduate members who have utilized their fraternal experience to grow as leaders and individuals.
2019 – David Navadeh, Class of 2019
General Fraternity Officers from Beta Delta
Beta Delta brothers who have served the General Fraternity in elected or appointed leadership roles.
James T. Brown, Class of 1876
Business Manager of The Beta Theta Pi Magazine (1893-1917), Keeper of the Rolls, Baird Fund Trustee
Mervale Makepeace, Class of 1878
District Chief
George Saal, Class of 1887
District Chief
William H. Austen, Class of 1891
Board of Directors of Beta Theta Pi (1895-1897)
Harry Hitchcock, Class of 1900
District Chief
William E. Gavin, Class of 1911
Acting General Treasurer (1945-1946)
Robert Rhoades, Class of 1911
District Chief
H. Pierce Atkins, Class of 1936
District Chief, Scholarship Commissioner
Charles “Charley” Dykes, Class of 1936
District Chief, General Treasurer (1950-1952), Foundation Board (1953-1966)
Bert McCulloch, Class, of 1971
District Chief
Rick Banks, Class of 1972
Foundation Board of Directors Chairman
Paul Leo, Class of 1981
District Chief, Assistant District Chief
John Torget, Class of 1993
Foundation Board
