On April 26, 2024, Board of Trustees President, Scott Oswald (Col ‘90) and his wife Susan hosted the 34th Anniversary Cudlip Award Dinner at Farmington Country Club. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner were served in the Jefferson Room to invited alumni and their wives, as well as house officers and their dates. It was a terrific opportunity for alumni and actives to get to know each other, but more importantly, for all of us to reflect on the importance of our shared brotherhood as embodied by Jeffrey Cudlip (Col ‘90). Jeffrey was a beloved brother who died during a tragic swimming accident. To honor his life and ensure he is never forgotten, the Cudlip Award honors one outstanding pledge each year. This pledge is nominated and voted on by their pledge class. This year, this prestigious award was bestowed upon Ian Donnellan (Col ’26). Ian is a serious student and a guy who also knows how to have a good time. But more importantly, Ian is a passionate Phi who took the lead on just about any task or project directed towards his pledge class. He not only has the respect of his pledge class, but also of the entire brotherhood and The Board of Trustees.
After dinner, the group headed over to the house where the following annual awards were presented:
The Record – The Record is the Phi Society’s oldest and most prestigious award. It is given at the conclusion of each academic year to the “Best Phi,” or rather, the brother who has made the most lasting contribution to the fraternity during his time at the University. Awardees’ names are included on a plaque at the chapter house. This year’s recipient is House President, Jack Meaney (Col ‘24).
Maupin Pence Memorial Award – This award is given to the undergraduate brother who has achieved academic excellence as an undergraduate member. The award is named in honor of Maupin Pence who was a long-time chapter advisor to the Fraternity in the 1950s and 1960s. Significance is placed on the amount of time the student has given back to the fraternity in addition to his studies. Awardees names are engraved on a plaque at the chapter house. This year’s recipient is Marcos Gonzalez (Col ’24), a pre-med student.
Joseph C. Tunner ‘63 Memorial Award – The Tunner award is given for athletic achievement. It is named in honor of Joseph Tunner who died in an automobile accident while a student at the University. Qualification for the award varies by year depending on the activities of the winner. Sometimes it is given for significant varsity athletic ability. More often it is given to the brother who participates in a combination of varsity, club, or intramural sports and organizes the fraternity’s intramural sports teams. Winners’ names are included on a plaque in the chapter house. This year’s award winner was National Pickleball Champion, David Bieger (Col ’24).
Chick Cudlip Award – The Chick Cudlip Award is presented to the Phi Alumni who has contributed above and beyond the call of duty to Phi Society. This year’s winner is John Zimmermann (Col ’81). Zimm, a recent addition to the Board of Trustees served as Co-Chair of last year’s 150th Anniversary. Additionally, he continues to manage Phi alumni communications, acts as a liaison between the active brothers and the Board, and has overseen the recent capital improvements at One University Circle.