Epsilon Lambda Annual Awards Banquet
The Annual Awards Banquet is an annual event held each December. It is a time to come together in brotherhood and recognize individual members of the chapter for their outstanding achievements.
An outstanding crowd was in attendance at the Annual Mina Awni Gayed awards banquet that was hosted by the active members of the Epsilon Lambda chapter of Beta Theta Pi. The evening was kicked off by a wonderful meal that was preceded with Beta Doxology.
The awards this year went to extremely deserving people who had shown excellence in the area in which the award was given. The Brother Bill Award is given to an upper classmen that has shown the highest GPA improvement over the academic career while attending UMKC. This year the recipient was Benjamin Favier. The Steven Matthew McFee Award is given to an active member who displays athletic superiority to all other members for the entire year. This year the recipient was Alex Lopez. During the spring of 2009 Alex set the UMKC school record for the indoor 800 meter. The parent of the year award goes to Rosa Lopez, mother of Alex Lopez. During the past fall rush Rosa cooked a meal for all of the potential and active members. The Faculty of the Year Award was given to Dr. Kathleen V. Kilway. Dr. Kilway has been a wonderful advocate for our chapter as well as the entire Greek Community at UMKC. The Alumni of the Year Award was given this year to two individuals that put countless hours in planning the very successful 25th year celebration that was held this fall. Alumnus for the Year 2009-2010 was Sam Schanker and Tony Sun. Both Sam Schanker and Tony Sun were honored for making the 25th celebration event memorable for all who were able to attend. The last award given is the most prestigious and honorable award that an active member can be awarded during his time at UMKC. The Mina Awni Gayed Award is given to a member that displays Beta Theta Pi’s core values in every aspect of their life. The 2009-2010 Mina Awni Gayed Award was presented to Christopher Smith. Having known Chris for three years, there is no doubt that he is deserving of this award. Chris’ service to UMKC, our chapter, and the community around has been an inspiration to many at UMKC.
The event was concluded as the Fallen Brother Ritual was initiated to honor all the members of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter that are no longer with us.
The awards this year went to extremely deserving people who had shown excellence in the area in which the award was given. The Brother Bill Award is given to an upper classmen that has shown the highest GPA improvement over the academic career while attending UMKC. This year the recipient was Benjamin Favier. The Steven Matthew McFee Award is given to an active member who displays athletic superiority to all other members for the entire year. This year the recipient was Alex Lopez. During the spring of 2009 Alex set the UMKC school record for the indoor 800 meter. The parent of the year award goes to Rosa Lopez, mother of Alex Lopez. During the past fall rush Rosa cooked a meal for all of the potential and active members. The Faculty of the Year Award was given to Dr. Kathleen V. Kilway. Dr. Kilway has been a wonderful advocate for our chapter as well as the entire Greek Community at UMKC. The Alumni of the Year Award was given this year to two individuals that put countless hours in planning the very successful 25th year celebration that was held this fall. Alumnus for the Year 2009-2010 was Sam Schanker and Tony Sun. Both Sam Schanker and Tony Sun were honored for making the 25th celebration event memorable for all who were able to attend. The last award given is the most prestigious and honorable award that an active member can be awarded during his time at UMKC. The Mina Awni Gayed Award is given to a member that displays Beta Theta Pi’s core values in every aspect of their life. The 2009-2010 Mina Awni Gayed Award was presented to Christopher Smith. Having known Chris for three years, there is no doubt that he is deserving of this award. Chris’ service to UMKC, our chapter, and the community around has been an inspiration to many at UMKC.
The event was concluded as the Fallen Brother Ritual was initiated to honor all the members of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter that are no longer with us.
Mina Awni Gayed Award
The Mina A. Gayed Award was created in honor of Epsilon Lambda’s fallen brother, Mina Awni Gayed, “of ever honored memory.” The award was created to honor a Chapter Member who displays the qualities of dedication, achievement, and brotherhood as Brother Gayed did every day. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed onto a Chapter Member. We shall never forget those who show the meaning of true Beta Spirit.
Mina Awni Gayed, #235 of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi. Mina was a graduate of Blue Valley Northwest High School. He attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he enrolled in the 6-Year Medical School Program. He served various positions for Epsilon Lambda such as Greek Week Representative, Pledge Educator, Auditor, Philanthropy Chair, and Vice-President of Financial Affairs. Brother Gayed was tragically lost on May 25th, 2004; however, his memory and honor lives on with all those in the Beta Pale.
Brother Gayed, ΕΛ #235
Brother Bill Award
This award is given to a member who demonstrates excellence in the field of academics. It is given to the member who shows the greatest improvement in grades over the course of the year.
Steven Matthew Fee Award
This award is given to a member who demonstrates excellence on the field of athletics. This includes the realm of UMKC athletics, intramurals, Greek Week, and other athletic events. The recipient of this award is representative not only of the athletic achievement our chapter aspires all our members to have, but also the character that we all can respect and admire.
Academic Excellence Award
This award is given to members who attain the highest achievements in the field of academics. It is for members who excel in school while balancing the work of the fraternity, campus, and community.
Perfect Attendance Award
This award is given to members who have not missed a single General or Formal Meeting. This includes no excused absences, 100% attendance is absolutely necessary. This award is for members who show extreme dedication to the fraternity and its goals.
