Fraternity and Sorority Life’s 61 chapters are each overseen by one of four governing councils: the Interfraternity Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Panhellenic Council, and the United Council of Fraternities and Sororities. This year, all four councils received awards from national organizations, reinforcing the community’s continued trajectory of success and impact.

“These awards reinforce that our approach to leadership development, service, and accountability is making an impact, not only within our community but across the country,” said Chandler Crean, assistant director for Fraternity and Sorority Life. “They showcase how Hokies are setting national standards in student life and organizational excellence.”

The Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council each won the top prize from their respective national governing bodies.  

Interfraternity Council   

The Interfraternity Council (IFC) earned two awards from the North American Interfraternity Conference through the IFC Awards Program.

The council was awarded Outstanding IFC in recognition of operational excellence and positive impact on member chapters, the community, and Virginia Tech as an institution.  

The council also received an Outstanding Community Impact award for its participation in community outreach and contributing to a culture of belonging, specifically through its Men’s Health Week initiative, its partnership with the Blacksburg Police Department, and other town and gown outreach.

A large group of smiling individuals in business attire stands in a hallway. A woman in the center of the group, wearing a black dress, holds a pink flower bouquet.
IFC Executive Board and advisors with officers from the Virginia Tech Police Department. Photo by Eva Ruan for Virginia Tech.

Panhellenic Council

The Panhellenic Council was one of 12 College Panhellenic Associations honored with a prestigious Excellence Award from the National Panhellenic Conference for its outstanding work over the 2023-24 school year.  

This year, the Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values (AFLV) honored the Panhellenic Council with a Three Star Council Compass Award for Accountability at AFLV Central. The award celebrates the council’s careful management, follow-through, and high standards for its member chapters.

Nine young women dressed in business attire stand smiling in a conference room in front of a shiny brown curtain. The woman in the center of the group holds a glass award trophy.
Members of the Panhellenic Community with their award (from left) and Hannah Orndorff, coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life, (far right) at AFLV Central. Photo by Eva Ruan for Virginia Tech.

National Pan-Hellenic Council

The National Pan-Hellenic Council received two awards at AFLV Central: the Three Star Council Compass Award for Education and the Three Star Council Compass Award for Collaboration. The education award highlights the council’s ability to educate members about relevant topics, and the collaboration award recognizes successful work within the community.

A large group of smiling young adults stands in a conference room against a shiny brown backdrop. Two young women in the center of the group hold glass award trophies.
Members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council with their awards at AFLV Central (from left) and Chandler Crean (far right). Photo by Eva Ruan for Virginia Tech.

United Council of Fraternities & Sororities

Devika Panchwagh and Kyle Crosby of Virginia Tech’s Mu Epsilon Delta chapter won first place in the Order of Omega Case Study Competition at AFLV Central. Mu Epsilon Delta is a member chapter of the United Council of Fraternities & Sororities.

A group of smiling individuals, dressed in professional attire, pose in a conference room in front of a shiny brown curtain.
Members of the UCFS Community with their awards at AFLV Central (from left) and Eva Ruan, coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life, (far right). Photo by Chandler Crean for Virginia Tech.

A year of excellence

Fraternity and Sorority Life fosters environments where students can thrive by prioritizing leadership development, community responsibility, and academic success. There are intentional structures in place to help students succeed, such as peer mentorship, a chapter coaching model, and educational initiatives for personal and professional growth.

Throughout the 2024-25 academic year, Fraternity and Sorority Life embraced community programs and initiatives focused on health, safety, well-being, community service, and philanthropic efforts. The community hosted national speakers on hazing prevention, mental health, sexual assault, and other topics. Other successful programs include the Oak Lane Trick or Treat, the Dr. Zenobia L. Hikes Homecoming Yard Show, the Overton R. Johnson Step Show, and the Adopt-A-Cop program.

Six students stand side-by-side, each in a different colored Crayon costume. A student in the middle of the group, wearing a green costume, holds a yellow and green sign reading "Crayola."
Students at Oak Lane Trick or Treat. Photo courtesy of Anna Payne.
A group of students laugh, seated in an auditorium.
Fraternity and Sorority Life's Risk Management Institute Kick Off. Photo by Brian Muncy for Virginia Tech.

“The 2024-2025 academic year really was outstanding in many ways. All four councils saw growth in membership, programming, cross-council collaboration, as well as partnerships with faculty, alumni, and national organizations. The consistent pursuit for students to live out their fraternal values, to be a little better, to raise a little more money for charity, to have a few more folks join your organization, is an exciting and contagious energy,” said Abbi Hanson Allen, director for Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Motivation, but not the finish line

For Fraternity and Sorority Life, the national accolades serve as a reminder that the community is on the right track, and as impetus to keep growing and evolving.

“I’m excited for what’s next for Virginia Tech’s Fraternity and Sorority Life community, and I’m confident that we’ll continue to lead with impact, purpose, and unity,” said Crean. “These awards are proof that when students are empowered and supported, incredible things happen.”

To learn more about Fraternity and Sorority Life, visit its website.

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