Theta Chi Fraternity is proud to announce that Past National President and current Foundation Chapter President Carlton F. Bennett, Zeta Pi/Old Dominion 1972, has been named a recipient of the 2015 Alumni Award of Distinction by the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). The award is considered to be one of the most prestigious alumni honors in the interfraternity world.
First presented in 2002, the Alumni Award of Distinction recognizes the fraternity man who has given of his time, talents, and service to the betterment of the fraternity. The service can be given at the local, regional, or national level. This year’s NIC awards will be presented at the NIC Annual Meeting held April 19-20 2015, in Kansas City, MO. Additional information about the NIC Awards of Distinction can be found online here.
Carlton is the second Theta Chi alumnus to receive the Alumni Award of Distinction from the NIC. Bruce Bagge, Gamma Upsilon/Bradley 1962, was recognized by the NIC in 2003.
As an undergraduate, Carlton was elected Vice President of the ODU IFC and was named Greek Man of the Year in 1972. Following his time at ODU, Carlton attended law school at the University of Florida, graduating in 1975. Over the years he served as a Regional Counselor and in 1980 he began his service as Zeta Pi's Chapter Adviser (which he still holds today.) In 1988, Carlton was elected to the Grand Chapter and appointed National Historian. In 1990, he was appointed National Secretary and served in that role until 1992 when he was elected National President from 1992-1996. While serving as National President, he also served as President of The Foundation Chapter from 1993 to 1996. After completing his terms on both boards in August 1996, Carlton received the Distinguished Service Award, Theta Chi’s highest honor. In 2012, Carlton was tapped again to serve on The Foundation Chapter and currently serves as President. He continues to lead the local Theta Chi Alumni Chapter in Virginia Beach and hosts a monthly luncheon meeting. This Virginia Beach Alumni Chapter continues to operate as one of Theta Chi's most active and consistent alumni groups due to his involvement and leadership.
In 2014, Brother Bennett was appointed by the Governor of Virginia to serve on the Old Dominion University Board of Visitors. He previously served as President of the ODU Athletic Foundation and started the Carlton Bennett Men's Basketball Endowed Scholarship.
Interfraternally, Carlton served for nine years on the board of the North-American Interfraternity Conference as Secretary and Treasurer.
Executive Director Mike Mayer shared, "Carlton has served quite well in at the local, regional and national level, ranging from his work with his own Zeta Pi Chapter to serving as National President and as Foundation Chapter President. On behalf of Theta Chi Fraternity, I offer our congratulations to Brother Bennett! Thank you for representing Theta Chi Fraternity so well."
The NIC also presents Awards of Distinction to top undergraduates and undergraduate chapters. In the press release NIC President & CEO Pete Smithhisler commended the award recipients and nominators saying, "The Awards of Distinction provide excellent examples of the fraternity experience done right. From undergraduates and chapters to alumni, these awards give the fraternal movement a measure of success and goal for further development. The NIC is incredibly proud of the hard work of these fraternity men."
Founded in 1856, Theta Chi Fraternity is a men’s collegiate fraternity with more than 175,000 initiated members and has established 227 chapters. Leadership development, personal development, character development and service to alma mater are fundamental to Theta Chi Fraternity’s mission.