Every year Theta Tau recognizes its chapters and members who have contributed to our fraternity and achieved at a high level in their communities Members nominate their chapters and brothers from around the country for a variety of awards, and a committee of national volunteers selects from the best of those submissions. Often these are challenging decisions, as our chapters create amazing content and programming that superbly represent our values. This year’s winners are listed below.

Chapter Awards

Join us in congratulating the following chapters for their contributions to Theta Tau. These chapters have demonstrated excellence in the following areas, judged based on chapter submissions, and selected by a committee of national volunteers:

Best Newsletter – Lambda Delta Chapter, University of the Pacific

Best Photography – Omega Epsilon Chapter, San Jose State University

Best Video – Zeta Delta Chapter, University of South Carolina

Best Website – Mu Chapter, University of Alabama

Best Social Media Presence – Lambda Gamma Chapter, Clemson University

Best Philanthropy / Service Event – Beta Chapter, Michigan Technological University

Best Philanthropy / Service Program – Tau Beta Chapter, Southern Methodist University

Best Professional Development Program – Mu Chapter, University of Alabama

Best Brotherhood Event – Beta Chapter, Michigan Technological University

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Rookie of the Year

Natasha Nieckoski (Upsilon Gamma, ’22) is awarded Theta Tau’s Rookie of the Year Award! This award is given to a volunteer who is within their first 18 months of volunteering, and is performing at a level above and beyond the call of duty. Natasha has been working diligently as Gulf Regional Director, building up and supporting the chapters there, and making an outsized impact on our brothers. 

Natasha Nieckoski graduated from the University of South Florida and now works as a Product Development Engineer at LidWorks. This month, she will start pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration online through LSU. Outside of her 9-5 job and volunteering, she enjoys fishing, working out, and playing video games.

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“Theta Tau has profoundly impacted my life. Since my first semester in undergrad, the fraternity has been instrumental in shaping who I am today. It has offered me countless opportunities, and I take great pride in volunteering and advocating for its missions and values to student members. I’m excited for what’s to come and look forward to continuing to grow with the fraternity!”

Volunteer of the Year

Kathryn Cogar (Pi Gamma, ’21) is recognized as Theta Tau’s Volunteer of the Year. This award is given to a volunteer who has performed their role to an exceptionally high standard. As Southeast Regional Director, Katie has single handedly led one of the Fraternity’s largest regions, driving results for some of our largest, oldest and most successful chapters. She has come at every challenge with unwavering enthusiasm and grit. Her problem solving skills highlight the engineering mindset we strive to uphold and her heart for Theta Tau is unquestionable.

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Katie Cogar is a graduate from UNC Charlotte, and currently works as an Engineering Project Manager for the Charlotte Department of Transportation. She lives in Charlotte, NC with her partner and her cat Fender. She enjoys buying and trading Pokemon collectibles, and tending to her aquarium full of exotic fish. She is working in her second biennium as Southeast Regional Director, where she is most proud of her work in bridging communications between the chapters, and building their relationships with the larger fraternity. She has coined the phrase “Yes, SER!”— an excited call for the Southeast Region.

Robert E. Pope Outstanding Student Member

Alex Stockman from Beta Chapter is recognized as the 2024 Robert E. Pope Outstanding Student Member.  This is Beta Chapter’s second consecutive OSM winner.  The Robert E. Pope Outstanding Student Member Award is the Fraternity’s highest honor for a student member.  Each chapter selects their own Outstanding Student Member, who is then automatically nominated for the national award.  The Grand Regent then selects a winner from among the chapter nominees. Brother Alex Stockman (Beta, ’23) has shown extraordinary dedication to, and leadership of,  Beta chapter, becoming a nationally recognizable name for his work at Beta, and at the numerous regional and national events he has attended. A second generation Theta Tau, Alex’ father, Christopher Stockman (Xi Beta, ‘97) spent three terms on the Executive Council, most recently as Grand Treasurer in the 2004-2006 biennium. 

Alex Stockman is a graduate of Michigan Technological University and currently works as a Systems Engineer for Northrop Grumman in Rolling Meadows, IL. He enjoys the outdoors, including biking, hiking, and camping, as well as playing ice hockey. When he visits his hometown of Grand Blanc, MI, he enjoys spending time with his family, which includes his father Chris, who is also a Theta Tau; his mother Belinda; younger brothers Devin and Erich; and their family dog, Kipper.

“I am very thankful for the opportunities that Theta Tau provided me to grow as a leader and for the people I met who I now call my brothers. I am looking forward to helping Beta Chapter and the National Fraternity as an alumnus!”