NEW ORLEANS, LA – Theta Chi Fraternity is proud to announce Michael T. Biertzer (2024) of Gamma Phi Chapter at Nebraska Wesleyan University as the recipient of the 2023/2024 Reginald E.F. Colley Award. Brother Biertzer is Gamma Phi’s fifth Colley Award recipient. The Colley Award is Theta Chi’s most prestigious collegiate honor and annually recognizes distinguished service to alma mater, Fraternity, and community.
Brother Biertzer served Gamma Phi as IFC Representative, Community Service and Philanthropy Chairman, and President, where he revitalized all of the chapter’s remaining activities and operations that had slowed or stopped as a result of the pandemic. He also worked with the Scholarship Chairman to set up academic plans to help academically suspended brothers get back in good standing.
Beyond his chapter, he also served on the Fraternity’s Chapter Presidents Advisory Council, attended the Sasser Presidents Conference, participated in the recolonization of a nearby chapter, and earned his Resolute Man distinction in spring 2024. On campus, he was IFC President as a sophomore, and Greek Week Director as a senior and named the 2022 Greek Emerging Leader, the 2023 Outstanding Greek Achiever, and Greek Man of the Year in 2024.
Biertzer also participated in the Global Service Learning organization; on his university’s student conduct board; was a Student STEM Mentor; and a New Student Orientation Leader. He was involved in the Pre-Health Club, Chess Club, Psychology Club, University Ministry, and the Student Affairs Senate. He was also a member of the men’s varsity swim team where he was a three-time letter winner and nominated in 2024 for Academic All-Conference honors.
A servant leader on campus as well as off campus, Biertzer participated in Meals on Wheels; volunteered as a tutor; and volunteered at a local hospital and a local hospice organization where he spent nearly 20 hours each month providing support and companionship to individuals nearing the end of their lives.
Biertzer was inducted into Blue Key Honor Society (where he also served as president); Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society; Order of Omega (where he also served as treasurer); and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He spent two summers completing a biomedical summer undergraduate research experience at the University of South Dakota where he studied Batten Disease, a rare neurodegenerative disorder; all elements of an incomprehensible academic career which culminated in Biertzer graduating in the spring of 2024 with "Highest Distinction" with a 4.0 grade point average in and two bachelor's degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Janelle Schutte Andreini, Nebraska Wesleyan's Assistant Dean for Student Success shared, “I have grown increasingly impressed by his consistent dedication and heart for service. Whether he is picking up trash with his Theta Chi fraternity brothers, serving meals at Matt Talbot Kitchen, or interacting with residents at a memory-care facility, you can count on him to show up. Then, when he shows up, you can count on him to be consistently positive and to model a positive attitude for his peers. His longstanding commitment to service, on top of his multiple other academic and co-curricular roles, is remarkable.”
Gamma Phi Chapter President Louis Gilmore shared “During his time and Nebraska Wesleyan University, Michael has made an impact recognizable enough that you would be hard-pressed to find a student or administrator who doesn’t know him. Individuals on campus see Michael as the face of Theta Chi and know that his character directly represents the values and beliefs of the Fraternity."
Gamma Phi Chapter Adviser Dustin Bartley (2003) wrote, “Mr. Biertzer has been a model member of Theta Chi Fraternity due to his commitment to alma mater and to his chapter. He is well-respected by his chapter brothers, fellow students, professors and administrators for his continuing level of achievement and the kindness with which he treats others. As the Gamma Phi chapter adviser for the last 17 years, Mr. Biertzer absolutely stands out as a gifted leader and excellent representative of the best of Theta Chi."
Brother Biertzer's post-graduation plans include taking some time off before applying to medical school. Which we're not entirely sure it's really time off, because he plans to serve patients as a Certified Nursing Assistant as well as doing research to further prepare for his lifelong goal of medical school.
He reminds us that our greatest calling is to serve our Alma Mater, our chapter, our Fraternity, and others. His example is one that represents the very best of our brotherhood. He truly is a Resolute Man and is now his chapter’s FIFTH Colley Award recipient, and is Theta Chi’s THIRD time when brothers from the same chapter have received the Colley Award in consecutive years.
First presented in 1929, the Colley Award is named for Reginald E.F. Colley, a World War I veteran and past member of Theta Chi’s board of directors, the Grand Chapter. As a member of Phi Chapter, Brother Colley developed a celebrated reputation as a campus, community, and civic leader. He graduated in 1915 and eventually headed overseas to fight for the U.S. Army on the Western Front. Brother Colley died at the age of 39, but his legacy of leadership continues to inspire future generations of talented Theta Chis. Today, the Colley Award is treasured as the Fraternity’s most prestigious collegiate honor.