FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STEVEN VESEY NAMED 2014 COLLEY AWARD RECIPIENT
AUGUST 27, 2014 - Carmel, IN - The Reginald E.F. Colley Award is the Fraternity’s highest undergraduate honor which recognizes distinguished service to their alma mater, Fraternity and Chapter. The 2014 recipient of the Reginald E.F. Colley Award is Steven J. Vesey, Beta Lambda/Akron 2014.
The First Runner-Up is Layton J. Cox, Beta Iota/Arizona 2013 and the Second Runner-Up is Akshay Kapoor, Theta/Massachusetts 2013. The winner and two runners-up each receive academic scholarships from The Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi.
Vesey majored in Construction Engineering Technology earning a 3.986 grade point average. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Gamma Sigma Alpha Honorary Fraternity.clientuploads/Awards/2014 Convention Award presentations/Colley - Vesey/RE_2014_thetachiconvention_-752 - 2014 Colley Award Winner Steven Vesey with Mike Mayer and Bill Palmer.jpg
He was a member of the Society of Students in Construction and served as the Public Relations Chair; the American Institute of Constructors, and was involved in Construction Management Association of America, where he served as the Director of Community Service.
He was recognized as the recipient of the Robert C. Weyrick Outstanding Student Award, the A-Key Blue Award, the Certificate of Excellence for Achievement/STEM Award, and the Outstanding Student Award in Construction Engineering Technology.
At Akron, Vesey served as a Student Assistant on two separate occasions for two different professors. He was a member of several service organizations, including the Student United Way and the Choose Ohio First Stem Program.
Vesey was a strong contributor to the greater Akron community. He assisted 14 different charities at more than 44 events for a total of almost 178 hours of documented service. Some notable events include events with the Campus Programming Network, University Residence Life, and several trips for Alternative Spring Breaks. He balanced his school and his service endeavors by participating in several intramural events, including volleyball, football, basketball, and dodgeball.
Interfraternally, Vesey served as the IFC representative for his chapter for 2 years, collaborating with different groups on campus and organizing his chapter’s participation in several events.
Within Beta Lambda Chapter, Vesey served as Risk Manager, Vice President, and finally as President. As the Vice President, he successfully managed and oversaw the operation of the committee structure within his chapter, and organized several chapter events such as Relay for Life, Up ‘til Dawn, and other community service events. He served on several committees within Theta Chi, including by-law revision, budget, recruitment, chapter house remodeling, and campus relations committees. His chapter brothers recognized his leadership and scholarship by awarding him the Scholar of the Year Award and the Active Chapter Service Award.
Vesey participated within the National Fraternity by traveling to and participating in several initiation and leadership events at nearby chapters. He also participated in the installation of Iota Tau Chapter at Northern Kentucky University in the Fall of 2013. He attended several national events, including National Convention, Deranian’s Presidents Conference, and the Initiative Academy.
Craig Wise, Associate Professor for Construction Engineering Technology wrote, “Steve is an excellent, highly motivated student evidenced by his GPA, work experience, and many awards and scholarships. Steve is a balanced, hard-working young man and is well liked by students and faculty.”
Sr. Director for Recruitment and Expansion JD Ford added, "As an alumnus of Beta Lambda and serving on the IHQ staff, I have had multiple opportunities to work with Brother Vesey. From my interactions with him, he is one of the nicest guys I know. Furthermore, his work ethic is superb. I am elated that he was chosen as this year’s Colley Award winner."
Beta Lambda members take a photo with Steve Vesey following the Convention Banquet.
Vesey's parents also attended the Convention Banquet.
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 undergraduate honor.
Founded in 1856, Theta Chi Fraternity is a men’s collegiate fraternity with more than 175,000 initiated members and has established 226 chapters. Leadership development, personal development, and service to alma mater are fundamental to Theta Chi Fraternity’s mission.
###