Delta Chi members earn national NIC Awards of Distinction

The North American Interfraternity Conference annually recognizes excellence in the fraternal experience by granting Awards of Distinction to individuals or groups who exemplify leadership, service and core fraternal values. This year, Augusta University’s Delta Chi chapter leaders John Blalock, Jr. and TJ Allen were among the recipients nationally recognized.

For Stephen Dominy, director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, this recognition reflects not only the students’ individual excellence but also the caliber of leadership and commitment that the fraternal community brings to campus.

“These awards validate what I’ve already witnessed in my first weeks at Augusta: a fraternal community committed to excellence, strategic thinking and meaningful contribution to campus,” said Dominy. “TJ and John represent the standard we’ll continue to build and celebrate together.” 

Undergraduate Award of Distinction

Blalock, a fourth-year political science major, received the Undergraduate Award of Distinction, which recognizes fraternity members who have demonstrated exceptional growth and leadership throughout their collegiate experience. Recipients are exemplary members of their organizations who service not only their chapter but also their campus and local community.

Since joining Delta Chi as a first-year student, Blalock has grown from a student searching for community to a leader serving the entire campus community. In addition to serving in several Delta Chi leadership roles, such as vice president, public relations chair and, currently, the diversity, equity and inclusion chair, Blalock has extended his involvement across the entire fraternity and sorority community as the president of the Interfraternity Council. His campus involvement also includes currently serving as the president of the Student Government Association and being named the 2024 Homecoming Duke.

“When I joined this organization, I learned about it,” said Blalock. “I bought into what the organization believed in, like promoting character, developing friendship, advancing justice and assisting in the acquisition of a sound education. I leaned into doing all these things, and it’s turned out great. Without it, I would not be where I am today.”

Because of his dedication to student advocacy, Delta Chi supported Blalock in traveling to Washington D.C., to advocate for the Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act, where he met with elected officials and explored his interest in policy.

As he enters his final year at AU, he looks to cast a wide net and explore career opportunities in higher education, public policy, consulting and intelligence. While he initially began his undergraduate journey with hopes of becoming a history teacher, the opportunities and experiences gained throughout his last few years have opened doors to new possibilities.

“It doesn’t seem real at times that I’m able to receive this recognition or have the platform that I do. I’m just so grateful,” said Blalock.

Advisor Award of Distinction

Allen, a DMD/MBA dual-degree student, received the Advisor of Distinction Award, which recognizes the exceptional commitment and dedication to guiding and mentoring fraternity and sorority life members while upholding the highest standards of character, leadership, and interfraternalism.

He first joined Delta Chi as an AU undergraduate student, earning his bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology with a minor in business administration in 2024. He served in many leadership roles, including secretary and treasurer of Delta Chi, before moving into the role of director of programming and then president of the Interfraternity Council.

As an advisor, Allen’s role is a combination of mentorship, accountability and helping to provide continuity for the chapter. He strives to preserve institutional knowledge by creating repeatable processes that ensure that the chapter does not reinvent the wheel each year.

“I’ve worked with the chapter to develop a strategic plan, improve officer transitions, create resources for future leaders and advisors, strengthen alumni engagement, and establish systems that don’t depend on one particular person knowing how something was done in the past,” said Allen. “I also developed an advisor transition handbook because I think the chapter should be able to bring in the next advisor without losing everything that we’ve learned during my time in the role.”

Allen has also created “fireside chats,” where he or other alumni can chat with members about practical skills that extend into life after graduation, such as filing taxes, understanding insurance and purchasing a home.

“Receiving the NIC Advisor of Distinction Award is an incredible honor, and honestly, it’s something I never expected when I first took on the role of chapter advisor,” he said. “When I look at the other recipients and the amount of experience they have serving their organizations and their chapters, I feel incredibly humbled to be included among them.

Celebrating growth and excellence

Roberto Aragon, assistant director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, has mentored, advised and worked alongside both Blalock and Allen throughout their involvement in Delta Chi. He has witnessed their personal and professional progress, watching as they grow into the leaders they are today.

“Seeing these students grow into the leaders and the men that they’ve become is a powerful testament to their journey, and it’s a testament to what Augusta University faculty and staff really do for our students,” said Aragon. “We really are growing these individuals to be the next dentists, government relations officials, or whatever their dreams are. You can start here, but you can go anywhere in the future.”

The 2026 NIC Awards of Distinction truly signify the growth, intention and engagement taking place in AU’s fraternity and sorority life community. In fact, around the time of Delta Chi’s 64th International Convention in July 2026, the AU chapter earned 28 annual and biannual awards from Delta Chi, Augusta University, the University System of Georgia, and the National Interfraternity Conference — nearly doubling its previous chapter record of 15.

“We’re putting Augusta University on the map at a national level,” said Aragon. “It’s something that’s been well deserved, and I think we deserve the recognition that we’re getting here at AU. We’ve been putting in the work and it’s being recognized.”