(Bruggen Award)

Eligibility, Criteria, Process, Timing, and Budgeting

The Bruggen Award exists through the generosity of Robert “Jesse” Stone ’50 who established an endowment at the University of Illinois Foundation (UIF) for Sigma Chis at University of Illinois (UofI) who are the unsung and dedicated chapter members actively involved in the fraternity. These are the reliable “brothers behind the scenes” who help make it happen, and make it happen, but do not seek or get the credit for their impact on the chapter, the university, or the Urbana-Champaign community. These brothers, through their actions, embody the true values and mission of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Their work makes the chapter better. Special attention goes to upperclassman and leaders on campus who embody the spirit of Sigma Chi and lead by example.

The target amount of nominees is 6–8 brothers per year. (Maximum number of nominees is 4 members per semester).

Any active Sigma Chi on campus is eligible to be nominated.

Nominees may or may not have held chapter offices.

Nominees must be members of good standing. 

GPA Criteria

A 2.75 GPA is the minimum GPA for a nominee to be eligible to receive a Bruggen Award. This minimum GPA level can be reset by the KKC. If a potential nominee does not meet the GPA minimum for eligibility, the chapter can make a “show cause” argument to KKC for the benefit of a potential nominee. If such argument is made by the chapter, KKC decides to consider it or not. If KKC decides to consider a chapter “show cause” argument, KKC can accept or reject the argument in its sole discretion.

Bruggen Award chapter nominees selected for the fall semester are to be submitted to KKC on or before the beginning of the following spring semester, with brief descriptions of the nominee credentials and cumulative GPA for review by KKC.

Bruggen Award chapter nominees selected for the spring semester are to be submitted to KKC on or before the beginning of the following fall semester, with brief descriptions of the nominee credentials and cumulative GPA for review by KKC.  

The KKC may also select, nominate, and confirm undergraduate or graduate Sigma Chi members for this award.

Nominees, if confirmed by KKC, will be submitted to the UofI for award stipends to be distributed in amounts to be determined and as available per the UIF and as determined by the KKC.

The president or a vice president of KKC are the alumni contacts for the Bruggen Award. The chapter consul is the undergraduate contact for the Bruggen Award.

Annual Budget

The current (2016) spendable budget for the Bruggen Award is approximately $4,000 per year or $2,000 per semester. This budgeted amount may change from time to time as determined by UIF and KKC. Amounts not distributed in a particular semester may be “carried over” or “not carried over” and used or not used for awards in subsequent semesters per the UIF and at the discretion of the KKC.