The Ralph W. Daniel “Brother of the Year” Award was created to honor outstanding service by a Mu Beta Psi Brother in promoting the goals of the Fraternity, as set out in the Fraternity Constitution. Namely:
- To honor those outstanding men and women who have devoted their time and efforts to the musical organizations at the educational institutions of the respective Chapters.
- To stimulate interest in the musical organizations at the educational institutions of the respective Chapters.
- To advance music to its proper place as an educational subject.
- To actively promote fellowship among musicians everywhere.
The award is named for Brother Ralph W. Daniel, who joined Alpha Chapter in 1960. During his time at NCSU, Ralph participated in the marching band, symphonic band and glee clubs, while serving as Campus Student Carillonneur. He was instrumental in re-establishing the tradition of the National Convention in 1961. After graduation, Brother Daniel remained involved in Fraternity affairs, and he was elected National Executive Secretary in 1965, a position he held for seventeen years, until 1982. During his tenure, the Fraternity benefited from his devotion to expansion, adding Zeta (Michigan Technological University), Eta (Virginia Military Institute), Theta (St. Augustine’s College) and Iota (Duke University) Chapters to the rolls. He also served as Alumni Association Vice President from 1985-1986. Additionally, for over 40 years he has produced the certificate “shingles” given to new Brothers.
Brother Daniel retired in 1995 from Lockheed Martin, and resides in Marietta, GA.
Award Period
The Ralph W. Daniel Award honors service within a Convention year. The deadline for nominations for 2022 will be February 15th.
The Alumni Association will consider nominations received by the deadline at its regular Convention meeting and decide whether to present the award that year.
Who is Eligible
All Brothers of Mu Beta Psi are eligible for the Ralph W. Daniel National Brother of the Year award, regardless of active status, chapter affiliation, honorary or associate status, office held, etc.
How to Nominate a Brother
To nominate a Brother, send the Alumni Association Secretary a letter of nomination before the deadline. The letter of nomination must contain the nominee’s name, and a description of why the Brother is deserving of the award.
Nominations may be made by any Brother of Mu Beta Psi or any recognized Fraternal body including but not limited to: Chapters, National Committees or the Board of Trustees.
Brothers or Fraternal bodies submitting a nomination are encouraged to enclose as many related documents as are available, such as a biography of the Brother, letters of recommendation, records of service in support of the fraternity goals, newspaper clippings related to the nominee, etc. The Alumni Association will weigh all information related to the award year when deciding whether to present the award that year.
If you have any questions regarding the Ralph W. Daniel National Brother of the Year award, please contact the Alumni Association Secretary.
