Delta Epsilon receives multiple honors at national convention

The Delta Epsilon chapter of Virginia Tech was named a finalist in two different categories and was a nominee in a third at the 2020 Pi Sigma Epsilon Virtual National Convention. The convention, which was originally scheduled to be held in Norfolk, Va., was moved online due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Virginia Tech’s Delta Epsilon chapter capped off one of the strongest years for the chapter in nearly a decade,” read the Pi Sigma Epsilon press release. Delta Epsilon was named a finalist for both the “Top Chapter Recruitment Program” and the “Most Improved Chapter Award.” The chapter was also one of only five nominees for the “President’s Award for Special Merit – Innovation.”

“It’s the first time Virginia Tech Pi Sigma Epsilon has achieved ‘Gold Status,’ which is the highest level a chapter can achieve,” explained Brian Collins, professor of practice with the Marketing Department and faculty advisor for Virginia Tech Pi Sigma Epsilon.

We are honored that Pi Sigma Epsilon National has chosen to recognize the Delta Epsilon chapter at Virginia Tech.”

According to the press release, the “Top Chapter Recruitment Program” trophy is awarded to the chapter that most successfully developed, executed, and demonstrated its recruitment plan throughout the previous year. During 2019, Delta Epsilon initiated 59 new members, turning away more candidates than it admitted. The recruitment efforts by Delta Epsilon have allowed the chapter to retain 173 active members, the largest chapter in the fraternity.

The Most Improved Chapter Award recognizes outstanding growth and improvement in chapter operations, including programming, recruitment, communication, professionalism, and the identification and usage of chapter resources. Delta Epsilon improved their Chapter Operations Guide point output from 25,275 to 43,050 points in one year, earning the chapter “Gold Status”.

“Rising to the ‘Gold Level’ is an accumulation of hard work and dedication by our former president, Katie McClintock, and her board, as well as our current president, Jule Gaitley, and her board,” said Collins. “We look forward to competing again next year.”

Pi Sigma Epsilon is the nation’s only professional business fraternity for men and women in the fields of sales, marketing, and management. According to their website, since its inception in 1952, “Pi Sigma Epsilon has enriched the lives of over 50,000 people and has established chapters on over 170 campuses nationwide.”

The Delta Epsilon chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon has been on Virginia Tech’s campus since 1986. As Virginia Tech’s only marketing and sales fraternity, the organization offers networking and professional development opportunities that help their members and alumni gain an inside track in the world of business.

- Written by Jeremy Norman