Troy University’s Kappa Beta Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity has garnered the national limelight before with its Walk Hard philanthropy for wounded warriors, but this month fraternities nationwide added their nod to the chapter’s hard work.

The North-American Interfraternity Conference bestowed is Chapter of Distinction honor on the chapter during its annual conference earlier in August. The award recognizes undergraduate chapters that are highly functioning, in compliance with NIC standards, seek to educate others about the benefits of a values-based fraternity experience, and work to maintain a healthy relationship with their national or international organization. The Conference’s 66 member fraternities have 6,186 chapters on 800 campuses.

“This is a very significant recognition from the one group that all fraternities fall under,” said Chapter President Gus McKenzie. “We are humbled by this honor, which reflects not only the dedication of our members but also the support we receive from the others at TROY and the larger community we serve.”

The chapter’s 10th anniversary was celebrated in 2016, and topped off the milestone year by being named ATO’s Top Chapter of the Year. In eight of its 10-year history, the chapter has received the Dean’s Cup, the University’s highest honor for a fraternity. Its Walk Hard philanthropy last year raised more than $45,000 for locally based Jeep Sullivan’s Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures, a faith-based ministry providing outdoor experiences to service members and veterans wounded in battle.

“These brothers of ATO are setting a high standard for their peers on campus, and are a shining example of how the Greek life can be one of service and success in many areas,” said TROY Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. “The men of Kappa Beta truly live and exemplify the Trojan Way.”