The Kansas Epsilon Chapter at Emporia State University received the Presidential Award for Distinguished Service to Diversity at university commencement ceremonies held Saturday, December 14, 2013. The annual award program began in 1992 recognizing individuals. In 1994, Kansas Epsilon brother Shane Windmeyer became the first undergraduate to receive the honor. In 2013, the 150th year of the institution, Kansas Epsilon became the first campus organization to be recognized for campus leadership in diversity.

Chapter President Alex Meikel (left) was part of the platform party accepting the award on behalf of the chapter and alumni. Vice President Jordan Brink (right) joined President Meikel at the President Michael Shonrock’s luncheon which followed commencement.

Jordan Brink is the newly elected president of Interfraternity Council at ESU. He joins Brother Jeffrey Resa who will serve in 2014 as IFC secretary/treasurer. Brink served as dance troop choreographer for the chapter’s entry in Black Student Union’s annual step show late in the fall semester. Phi Delta Theta was the first ESU IFC fraternity to compete in the program. Kansas Epsilon took first place with its lively and humorous routine. The ensemble included Brink, Cortez Gray, Preston Crisp, Miguel Alaniz, and Julio Viteri.

Because of this performance, Kansas Epsilon was invited to perform at the University’s International Culture Show and the Festival of Trees award program on December 7th with Miss Kansas, Theresa Veil. The chapter included traditional Syrian dance in honor of Phikeia Molham Kayali who was part of the dance team. That performance produced an invitation from the Chinese Student Scholar Association & the Korean Student Association to perform at the Lunar New Year Celebration in January 2014.