Recognition & Legacy

Award nominations must be submitted no later than 20 business days in advance of the presentation to allow for processing. For questions, email awards@sae.net. Award nominations for the Shield of Brotherhood and The Merit Key must be submitted no later than 30 days in advance of presentation to allow for processing. Please update your award presentation date to continue.

The SAE Foundation Impact Award aims to inspire a culture of mentoring and encourage the recognition of mentors as vital catalysts for personal and professional growth. Requirements: The recipient must meet the following criteria: Impact, Commitment, Empowerment, Leadership, and Innovation (more information on these categories can be found at the link below). Nomination: Any alumnus who has mentored another brother may be nominated, with a detailed description included. Approval: This award will be reviewed and approved by members of the Foundation staff, based on the guidelines listed. Application: The Impact award has it's own submission form. For more information or to nominate a brother click here

The William McKinley Outstanding Achievement Award embodies commitment, perseverance, leadership, and service to others. These virtues were exemplified by Brother William McKinley (Mount Union 1869), the 25th President of the United States. Like McKinley, whose leadership and service to our nation left a lasting legacy, recipients achievements reflect the highest ideals of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and serve as an inspiration to all its members.

The Order of the Violet recognizes outstanding commitment and support of the Fraternity by the spouse or significant other of an alumnus or collegiate member over an extended period of time.

The Order of DeVotie is presented to an collegiate or alumni member for recognition of proficiency in the Ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. This does not necessarily require memorization of the Fraternity’s Ritual. This honor encourages undergraduate participation and excellence in the use of our Ritual at all appropriate occasions as well as to recognize alumni members for their volunteer service and commitment to promote proper usage of our Ritual at the chapter level. Consideration for the award shall be given upon proper nomination for the award.

The Order of the Phoenix is one of the highest levels of recognition that an undergraduate member can receive. It can only be awarded to a member while he is still an undergraduate member. The purpose of this award is to recognize outstanding commitment and loyalty to the Fraternity by a collegiate brother.

The Order of the Lion recognizes outstanding commitment and loyalty to the Fraternity by an alumnus.

The Order of Minerva recognizes outstanding commitment and loyalty to the Fraternity by an alumnus over an extended period of time on various Fraternity levels.

The Shield of Brotherhood recognizes a brother who consistently excels in voluntary commitment and service for the Fraternity.

The second highest award an individual alumnus can receive, the Merit Key recognizes an alumnus who has demonstrated significant service and loyalty to the Fraternity on combined levels for an extended period of time.

The Distinguished Service Award, created in 1946, is the highest individual award a member may receive. It recognizes a lifetime of service and loyalty to the Fraternity. Nominees must have demonstrated outstanding loyalty and dedication to the Fraternity for many years that distinguished themselves as a member deserving recognition above all others. Their actions exhibit a deep understanding of the Fraternity’s teachings, adherence to Fraternity Laws, attention to the promotion of its welfare and exemplary conduct that guards well its honor and high standing.

Certificates of Appreciation are to acknowledge special service to the Fraternity on any level either by a member or non-member. Recipients may be nominated by any individual or governing body, with approval and presentation being given by any governing body.

The Anniversary Membership Certificate aims to mark a member’s milestone anniversary years. Certificates are available upon the member achieving their respective anniversary date. They are traditionally presented at Founders Day events or at other appropriate times by a Chapter Collegiate or Alumni Association. However, any member may request an anniversary certificate.