WHAT ARE THE PILLARS OF EXCELLENCE?
The Pillars of Excellence is the accreditation and awards process for UAB’s fraternities and sororities. The program serves to hold our organizations accountable as well as to recognize those that excel.
The program is based on FIVE Pillars:
Philanthropy/Service
The UAB Fraternity and Sorority community values enhancing their communities through engagement of members in philanthropic endeavors as well as service opportunities at UAB and in the larger Birmingham area and beyond.
Community
The UAB Fraternity and Sorority community is dedicated to connecting students and alumni to one another across organizations and councils, and providing the means for a positive lifelong fraternal experience.
Leadership
The UAB Fraternity and Sorority community strives to provide opportunities for students to develop and enhance a wide set of leadership skills through chapter, council, and campus involvement.
Education
The UAB Fraternity and Sorority community values the educational pursuits of its individual members, chapters, and the community as a whole. The community will strive to provide opportunities for students to be successful in their academic endeavors.
Prevention
The UAB Fraternity and Sorority community fosters a culture of care that emphasizes the human dignity of self and others – giving special attention to issues surrounding hazing, interpersonal violence, alcohol/other drugs, mental health, and discrimination/bias.
2025 WINNERS
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Chapters of Achievement (scored 75-89% on Pillars of Excellence)
Sigma Gamma Rho, Sigma Kappa, Sigma Lambda Gamma
Chapters of Excellence (scored 90% or higher on Pillars of Excellence & eligible to present for Chapter of the Year)
Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Xi Delta, Kappa Delta, Sigma Chi
Highest Philanthropy Donations in Each Council
Sigma Gamma Rho, Alpha Tau Omega, Alpha Gamma Delta, Sigma Sigma Rho (not pictured)
Highest Service Hours Recorded in Each Council
Theta Chi, Sigma Lambda Gamma, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Delta
Highest Fall 2025 GPA in Each Council
Sigma Gamma Rho, Alpha Xi Delta, Alpha Tau Omega, Sigma Sigma Rho (not pictured)
Highest Spring 2025 GPA in Each Council
Sigma Chi, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sigma Lambda Gamma, Alpha Gamma Delta, Kappa Delta
Excellence in Community
Sigma Chi, Alpha Xi Delta
Excellence in Philanthropy and Service
Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Xi Delta, Sigma Chi
Excellence in Education
Alpha Omicron Pi, Kappa Delta, Alpha Xi Delta
Excellence in Leadership
Sigma Chi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Sigma Kappa, Sigma Gamma Rho, Alpha Xi Delta, Phi Gamma Delta, Alpha Gamma Delta
Excellence in Prevention
Alpha Omicron Pi
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Outstanding Advisor
Whitney Dumas-Nalls, Alpha Kappa Alpha
Outstanding Alumni
Danielle Spikes, Alpha Kappa Alpha
Fraternity Man of the Year
Jonathan Harmon, Sigma Chi
Sorority Woman of the Year
Pauline Gan Lim, Sigma Kappa
Rising Fraternity Leader
Noah Harville, Sigma Chi
Rising Sorority Leader
Makaela Shoulders, Alpha Kappa Alpha
New Member of the Year – Fraternity
Aidan Moore, Alpha Phi Alpha
New Member of the Year – Sorority
Li Li Vest, Delta Gamma
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Outstanding Philanthropy/Service
Alpha Kappa Alpha
Outstanding Educational Program
Sigma Kappa
Outstanding Leadership Development
Alpha Kappa Alpha
Outstanding Collaborative Event
Alpha Phi Alpha
Most Improved Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha
Emerald Award
Alpha Tau Omega
Chapter of The Year
Alpha Xi Delta