SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS*
*From Chapter 7 of the National Alpha Zeta Guidebook
NATIONAL ALPHA ZETA SCHOLARSHIPS
The Alpha Zeta Foundation sponsors an annual scholarship program. Scholarship applications are
available on the Fraternity web site,
All student members in good standing with the Fraternity may apply. In addition, members of the
Townshend, Cornell and Morrill chapters may apply for scholarships endowed or sponsored for their
chapter.
The completed application must be submitted to the National Office postmarked no later than
May 1 of that year to be eligible. The dollar value of each scholarship and the number of National AZ
Scholarships to be awarded are determined each year.
Those who qualify for consideration are Alpha Zeta members who are:
?Active members of a chapter at the time application is made,
?Enrolled throughout the following academic year as an undergraduate, graduate or veterinary
medicine student.
?Studying or majoring in one of the areas from which students may qualify for AZ
membership
?Not a principal, or a member of the immediate family of a principal, of the Foundation Board
of Directors.
A selection committee will screen all documents for each applicant. The committee will make a
tentative ranking of those applications based upon the criteria listed on the application. The Alpha Zeta
Foundation Board of Director’s selection committee will make the final decision.
Applicants will be notified no later than August 1 of the given year if they have been selected to
receive a scholarship. Checks for the full amount of the scholarship are issued each year on or about
October 10. They are sent for presentation to the dean of the college, school or division in which each
recipient is enrolled.
DESCRIPTION OF NATIONAL ALPHA ZETA SCHOLARSHIPS
Burkett-Cunningham-Dennis – This is the top award presented by the Alpha Zeta Foundation. It is
named in honor of the founders of Alpha Zeta, Charles W. Burkett and John F. Cunningham, and Lindley
H. Dennis, a long-time national leader of the Fraternity. The recipient of this scholarship serves a oneyear
term as a voting member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and also serves on the scholarship
selection committee the following year. This award is the highest scholarship within the Alpha Zeta
program.
G.W. ‘Bill’ Roach – Established in 1988 to recognize the accomplishments and service of Bill Roach,
who served as Alpha Zeta’s principle administrative officer for 18 years, is the second highest award in
the scholarship program.
Centennial Scholarship – This award was created by alumni and friends of the Fraternity in 1972 to
mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of Alpha Zeta. It has been presented each year since that time
and is the fourth highest award. In 1997 it was renamed the Centennial Scholarship to commemorate the
Fraternity’s 100th anniversary.
Townshend Alumni Memorial – This award is made to a member of the Townshend Chapter at the Ohio
State University where the Fraternity was founded in 1897. It was created by contributions from alumni
and friends of that chapter.
Leasure Memorial – This annual award is made to a member of one of the following Alpha Zeta
Chapters: Illinois Beta at Southern Illinois University, Kedzie at Michigan State University or Morrow at
the University of Illinois. The award created in 1978 by Dr. and Mrs. Keith Leasure. Dr. Leasure served
on the faculty at the Southern Illinois University.
Kent T. Wells Memorial – This annual award is presented to a member of the Cornell Chapter. It is a
memorial to alumnus Kent L. Wells (Cornell ’64) and was created by alumni and friends following his
death.
Lindley H. Dennis Memorial – awarded to a member of the Morrill Chapter at Pennsylvania State
University. It is a memorial to one of the chapter’s alumni and long-time leader of the Fraternity. The
estate of Mrs. Dorothy A. Dennis created it in 1992.
National Alpha Zeta Awards – The number of these awards varies annually and recipients are selected
on the basis of leadership, scholarship, character and financial need.
THE FOUNDER’S CUP FOR CHAPTER OF THE YEAR
Out of a need to annually recognize outstanding chapters for achievements, the Fraternity
designated this traveling trophy.
The award is based on the chapter’s dedication to the principles, purpose and mission of the Fraternity;
impact on the campus and community; communication of activities to members and the national office;
participation in national and regional conferences; and its timeliness and comprehensiveness of
information sent to the national office.
The High Council will make the selection. Nomination forms are not required, however chapters
who frequently communicate with the national office (by promptly turning in officer reports, chapter
activity reports, initiation reports, scholarship applications, etc.) will stand the best chance of winning.
For more information on the award’s criteria, go to The Founder’s Cup will be
awarded at the Conclave or NALC.
CHAPTER SELF-EVALUATION AND RECOGNITION (CSER)
This program is an objective method of annually evaluating chapters and their activities. It is
designed to allow chapter officers and advisors to take a look at their activities and determine if the
chapter is meeting the expectations of the Fraternity.
CSER is divided into two parts, function and purpose. The section on function will determine if a
chapter is fulfilling the expectations of the High Council and the requirements of the Bylaws. The purpose
sections will determine if a chapter is operating within the ideals of the Fraternity as established by the
founders.
CSER is a voluntary program that allows chapters to honestly evaluate how successful it is at
fulfilling its obligations to its members. CSER recognizes the overall effort and effectiveness of the
chapter.
CSER forms will be mailed to all chapters in the spring of each year. A special certificate will be
presented annually to each successful chapter that rates as a Gold, Silver or Bronze chapter. These awards
will be announced in the AZ News and on the Web site.
MIDDAUGH CHAPTER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
The Middaugh Chapter Achievement Awards were established in 1974 to recognize outstanding
programs and projects conducted by the chapters. These awards are given in memory of W. Stephen
Middaugh.
Brother Middaugh began his association with Alpha Zeta in 1960 as an initiate of the Cornell
Chapter. He served as chancellor of the chapter in 1961-62. In 1962, he received his bachelor’s degree
from the Cornell, and he completed his MBA in 1963. He served more than seven years on the High
Council, first as High Chronicler and then as High Censor. In 1972, while serving his second term on the
High Council, he passed away at the age of 32.
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Brother Middaugh became noted for his enthusiasm for and dedication to Alpha Zeta. During his
time on the High Council, he became known as a proponent of the “active” chapter – a chapter that
contributed to and was active in its campus, community and humanity. This award is given in his honor.
The purpose of the Middaugh Award is to:
• Recognize outstanding chapters for specific achievements
• Encourage chapters to promote and keep accurate records of projects
• Encourage alumni and chapter relations
• Promote group spirit among chapters
The awards are selected on a national basis at the biennial Conclave. They are presented to Alpha
Zeta chapters for outstanding projects conducted during the past two years. A Chapter Activity Report
(Form # 8) must be submitted to the National Office for each activity the chapter participates in or
sponsors to be eligible for an award. Reports from the prior two years of the conclave will qualify for
selection.
A committee consisting of alumni, chapter and High Council representation selects the recipients
of the award. One winner and up to three honorable mentions in each category may be selected at the
discretion of the committee.
Awards are graded on a point scale established for each of the seven categories.
1. Chapter Development
2. Promotion of Agriculture
3. Service to College and Campus
4. Service to Community
5. Alumni Relations
6. Fundraising
7. New Member Development
MCCLURE AWARD FOR OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Named in honor of former High Chancellor Fred McClure, these awards go to the top officers.
Nominations may be made for Chancellor, Censor, Scribe, Treasurer, Chronicler, Sergeant-at-arms and
at-large nominations will be accepted for all other officer positions. Nomination forms are available on
the Alpha Zeta Web site, Officers may nominate themselves.
Nominations are due annually by February 15. Winners will be named and recognized during the
Conclave or NALC.
ADVISOR OF THE YEAR
Senior Advisors volunteer countless hours to Alpha Zeta and the chapter, this award is the
chapter’s chance to say thank you on a grand scale. The Senior Advisor Award is given annually to the
top advisor, or advisory committee, from one of Alpha Zeta’s active chapters. Nominations may be made
by any member of the chapter, however only one form is necessary. Nomination forms are available on
the Alpha Zeta Web site,
Nominations are due annually by February 15. Winners will be named and recognized during the
Conclave or NALC, on the web site and in AZ News.
OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD
Chapters, alumni associations or the national office may nominate an outstanding alumna for this
award. He or she would be recognized for service and/or donation of time and/or money to the chapter,
region or national office above and beyond that of ordinary alumni.
One outstanding alumna would be selected per year. Nominations are due February 15. Nomination
forms are available on the Alpha Zeta Web site,
The High Council will appoint a three-person committee to choose the winner (nominees may not
sit on the committee). He or she will receive a plaque, two, free registrations to the NALC or Conclave
and be recognized in AZ News and on the Web site.