CARMEL, IN. - Theta Chi Fraternity is proud to announce the two runners-up for the 2022/2023 Reginald E.F. Colley Award, the highest honor the Fraternity can bestow upon a collegiate member. The award is presented annually to a collegiate member who best demonstrates distinguished service to alma mater, Fraternity, and chapter. You can read about the 2022/2023 recipient, Kyle Goodban (Gamma Phi/Nebraska Wesleyan 2023) here.
First Runner-Up: Nimna M. Gabadage (Gamma Rho/Florida State 2023)
Second Runner-Up: Anthony H. Kedzierski (Alpha Nu/Georgia Tech 2023)
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First Runner-Up
Nimna M. Gabadage (Gamma Rho/Florida State 2023)
Brother Gabadage joined Gamma Rho Chapter as a freshman, graduating from Florida State University in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in finance with a 3.15 GPA. Gabadage went on to serve as House Manager and Vice President of Health and Safety, providing a safe and fun environment for his 150 chapter brothers, alumni, and guests.
On campus, he served at the highest levels, including as the 77th Student Body President for Florida State. In this role, Gabadage held a seat on the Florida State University Board of Trustees, the Student Affairs Advisory Council, the Athletics Board, and the Foundation Board of Trustees, providing contributions to policy discussions and strong advocacy for his fellow students. He was also named IFC Member of the Year, an award elected annually by his peers and presented by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
Alongside his membership in Theta Chi, Gabadage also served as the Vice President and Treasurer of the Garnet and Gold Key Honor Society, and as the New Member Educator for the Burning Spear Society.
In his letter of recommendation, Foundation Chapter board member Bob Sasser (Gamma Rho/Florida State 1973), Chairman Emeritus of Dollar Tree Stores, shared “His leadership skills, sound judgment and moral character are extraordinary. These characteristics invite followers and has led to remarkable contributions to Gamma Rho, service to Florida State University, and service to the University System of Florida. As a CEO and Executive Chairman of a Fortune 200 company, I spent considerable time over my career evaluating executive level leadership potential. I can state unequivocally that Nimna possesses the traits and work ethic of the most talented leaders I’ve worked with.”
Second Runner-Up
Anthony H. Kedzierski (Alpha Nu/Georgia Tech 2023)
Brother Kedzierski graduated with a 3.58 GPA with a bachelor’s degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering. During his time at Georgia Tech, he was on the Dean’s List each semester and obtained the designation of “highest honors,” the highest academic award an undergraduate can be awarded. Following graduation, he accepted a role as an engineer at Eli Lilly & Company in Indianapolis.
Within the chapter, Kedzierski served as Projects Chairman, Athletics Chairman, Social Chairman, Public Relations Chairman, Chapter President, and 100th Anniversary Lead. When looking at his role as Chapter President, he saw an opportunity to be the leader Theta Chi needed to provide Alpha Nu Chapter with stability and direction by bridging the cultural and operational gap between brothers initiated before COVID and those who had joined in fall 2020.
In addition to his involvement within Theta Chi, he was a member of the Georgia Tech Honors Program; the Georgia Tech chapter of the Executive Round Table; Well-Being Activators (Georgia Tech’s health services and initiatives group); and as an ambassador for the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department.
Dr. Jamison Keller, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life stated, “Early on in his fraternal career, Tony applied the value of servant leadership serving as Social Chair which included planning Alpha Nu Chapter’s 100th Anniversary Celebration bringing over 230 alumni brothers back in recognition of this major milestone for Theta Chi and Georgia Tech history. He knew the things he would learn would equip him with the skills necessary to effectively lead his chapter as President. While serving in this role this past year, Tony was instrumental in helping the larger community create proactive educational and best practices for reducing sexual misconduct within the larger fraternity and sorority community. Now that his collegiate years are concluding, I know that he will carry with him the values and lessons learned from Theta Chi into his new career and future service to Georgia Tech and Theta Chi as an alumnus member.”
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 at North Dakota State University, 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.
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About Theta Chi: Founded in 1856, Theta Chi Fraternity is a men’s collegiate fraternity with more than 200,000 initiated members and has established 245 chapters. Theta Chi’s mission is to develop college-age men into successful students, good citizens, lifelong brothers, and resolute leaders. Learn more at www.thetachi.org.