Deemed "Chapters of Excellence," nine greek chapters received accolades earlier this month for surpassing outlined university standards.

Chapters honored as model greek affiliates were Interfraternity Council (IFC) chapters Acacia, 234 Locust Lane; Beta Sigma Beta, 255 E. Fairmount Ave.; and Sigma Phi Epsilon, 524 Locust Lane. Also honored were Panhellenic chapters Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Omicron Pi, Zeta Tau Alpha and Kappa Kappa Gamma, and Multicultural Greek Council chapters Kappa Alpha Psi and Zeta Phi Beta.

"The 'Chapters of Excellence' rewards chapters for their positive influence in State College and the Penn State community," IFC President Ben Jabara said. "If you put in the work, there are definitely rewards coming your way."

Although 27 chapters initially applied for the recognition, Kevin Kerr, director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, said involvement in community service, philanthropic events, educational programming, responsible citizenship and strategic planning was noted among the awarded chapters.

Acacia fraternity member Joe Butler said the fraternity's recognition could be traced to its connections with charitable programs, including the 1-year-old "Acacia cares" initiative.

"A lot has to do with the fact we've been so involved," Butler said. "These past years, we've really become leaders in the greek community and put our face out there as leaders."

The inclusion into an elite grouping of chapters increases the nobility of the award, Alpha Chi Omega President Melissa Cavaleri said. "It's a big honor to be one of four sororities chosen," she said. "We're taking steps to better the community."

With members previously volunteering for differing causes, the sorority's new structured domestic violence platform -- which included a fall pumpkin-smashing event -- allows for a more concentrated effort, Cavaleri added.

In addition to general acknowledgment, Jabara said winners of the award were also enticed by university rewards, including low interest loans and program funding support.

"A lot of [the applications] have to do with the awards the university is offering," he said. "The chapters are smart enough to take advantage of it."

Included in the list of honorees is Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity -- a chapter racked with internal problems last year. Described as "a culture of excessive partying" by Sigma Phi Epsilon national spokesman Scott Thompson, the fraternity has since ousted 55 members and underwent "an amazing turnaround," according to Kerr.

"We removed the people who did not want to engage in the principles of the fraternity," Kerr said. "There has been a huge difference in attitude and actions. They've went from one of the most troubling to one of the most outstanding."

Sigma Phi Epsilon President Dan Hadas said the fraternity's reputation should not be marred, especially when it shows its penchants for charity, as the fraternity displayed most recently with last Saturday's Twister Challenge, which raised $500 for YouthAIDS.

"We pretty much reached the pinnacle of adversary last semester -- the whole process was completely draining," Hadas said. "It's a pretty amazing success, as we had only 12 people from the beginning of this year."

Along with general characteristics, the accolades can culminate into a well-rounded view of greek life, Butler said.

"We want to be recognized -- not to be arrogant, but to show other fraternities that you can be fun and social, yet remember all the things we were found upon," he said.