The New York Iota Chapter hosted its second annual Balanced Man Scholarship Awards Ceremony on campus. The event celebrated outstanding incoming and returning students who embody SigEp’s values of virtue, diligence, and brotherly love through academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.

This year’s scholarship program was especially noteworthy, drawing a record 27 applicants—the highest number the chapter has ever received. From this talented pool, 4 finalists were selected and recognized during the ceremony.

AVC President Sean Murphy served as the evening’s guest speaker, sharing insights on the importance of striving for excellence both in and out of the classroom. He also recognized the many achievements of New York Iota’s undergraduate brothers and volunteers this year, as well as the critical role chapter volunteers play in supporting the fraternity’s success.

The ceremony was led by Balanced Man Scholarship Chair Rozir Kirkland who introduced each finalist and highlighted their many accomplishments.

After a competitive selection process, three students were honored as the 2026 Balanced Man Scholarship recipients:

• David Sick – $1,000 Award
  A first-year student at SUNY Fredonia studying Music Education and a graduate of Dansville High School, David distinguished himself through academic achievement, leadership, music, theatre, athletics, and community service. With a 92.20 GPA, he earned Honor Roll recognition, the Walter Gloor Scholarship, Presidential Award, National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Livingston County Teen Recognition Award, LCN Teen of the Week, and Rotary Club Student of the Month. He served as National Honor Society President and Music Honor Society Vice President, worked as a Peer Tutor, founded and directed a student play, and participated in Student Council, Area All-State Choir, All-County Choir, and Sectional Track and Field. He also served as an American Legion Firing Squad Bugler and was involved with the Santa Hat Society.
• Arden Kruger – $500 Award
  A first-year student at SUNY Fredonia studying Music Education and a graduate of North Tonawanda High School, Arden distinguished himself through academic achievement, leadership, music, community service, and work experience. With a 4.15 GPA, he earned the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and Outstanding Pit Musician recognition and participated in NYSSMA Area All-State and NCMEA All-County ensembles. He served as President of his high school Jazz Ensemble, completed 30 hours of community service, and was a Boy Scout. He also gained valuable work experience at Niagara Falls State Park, demonstrating teamwork, customer service, and responsibility.
• Rebel Van Slyke – $500 Award
  A first-year student at SUNY Fredonia studying for a BFA in Dance and a graduate of Pittsford Mendon High School, Rebel distinguished themself through academic achievement, leadership, involvement, and work experience. With a 3.70 GPA, Rebel earned Honor Roll recognition every semester of high school. Rebel helped organize team bonding activities, promoted clubs publicly, and served as a social media manager for five years. Rebel also gained valuable work experience through social media work. 

In addition to the winners, the chapter proudly recognized an impressive group of finalists:

• Ryan Hough
  A first-year student at SUNY Fredonia studying Exercise Science and a graduate of Wilson High School, Ryan distinguished himself through academic achievement, athletics, leadership, and community service. With a 4.00 GPA, he earned Honor Roll recognition, Wilson Champion honors, an Academic Letter, and numerous athletic honors, including 1st Team All-State in Football, Honorable Mention All-State in Baseball and Basketball, and 1st Team All-League honors in Baseball, Football, and Basketball. He earned Varsity Letters in Football, Track, Basketball, and Baseball and was part of League and Sectional Championship teams. Ryan also volunteered with organizations and events including the Wilson Volunteer Fire Company, Wilson/Ransomville Food Pantry, Ransomville Library, Kindness Rocks Project, and Earth Day cleanup efforts.
• Anthony Cruz
  A first-year student at SUNY Fredonia studying Sports Management with a minor in Athletic Coaching and a graduate of Brocton Middle High School, Anthony distinguished himself through athletics, leadership, community service, and coaching. He served as captain of his high school varsity baseball team and as a varsity basketball and baseball assistant coach at Brocton Central School. He also volunteered with summer recreation programs and the Matthew Hazelton Memorial 5K and led an annual community event focused on giving back. His accomplishments included the Jesse Willebrandt Memorial Scholarship, 2nd Team Western New York Baseball, Honorable Mention Western New York Basketball, multiple High Honor Roll recognitions, and Rotary Club Student of the Month honors.
• Elijah Azize
  A first-year student at SUNY Fredonia studying for a BFA in Musical Theatre and a graduate of Renaissance High School for Musical Theater and the Arts, Elijah distinguished himself through academic achievement, leadership, performing arts, and community involvement. He was a member of Student Government, Honor Society, Peer Group Connection, Big Brothers, and RAPP, a club focused on raising awareness of suicide prevention and abuse. Elijah performed in every concert, musical, and cabaret produced by his high school, often serving as one of the main performers. He was also among the top 15 students in his graduating class, earning the opportunity to participate in an international honor students trip to Europe. His honors included ACE and True Blue Scholar recognition, as well as a musical theatre plaque.
• Kayden Howell
  A first-year student at SUNY Fredonia studying Childhood Education and a graduate of West Seneca West Senior High School, Kayden distinguished himself through academic achievement, leadership, music, and work experience. With a 98.65 GPA, he was a member of the National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society and participated in Student Council and his school’s musical productions. 

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Rozir Kirkland praised all the finalists and winners for their hard work and dedication, emphasizing that their achievements exemplify the Balanced Man ideal.

Importantly, the Balanced Man Scholarship is made possible through the generosity of donors—many of whom are Fredonia Sigma Phi Epsilon alumni.

The chapter looks forward to continuing this  tradition each year, celebrating Fredonia students who exemplify leadership, scholarship, and service.