NATCHITOCHES – Otha “Tre” Nelson, a recent graduate of Northwestern State University from Baton Rouge, has been named as one of 11 recipients of the National Interfraternity Council’s Undergraduate Award of Distinction.
The NIC’s Undergraduate Award of Distinction recognizes fraternity men who, throughout in their collegiate experience, have found an outlet for development as both a leader and a better man. They are exemplary members of their organizations and serve their brothers, campuses and fraternity/sorority communities with humble confidence.
A member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Nelson served as the chapter’s vice president, social chairman, alumni relations chairman and housing chairman. Nelson served Sigma Nu Fraternity on the national level as a collegiate member of the board of directors and the lone student voice on the LEAD Advisory Committee. For two years, he lobbied for the fraternity/sorority experience on Capitol Hill, and he served as the national student board member of the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee.
“Being selected as 1 out of the 11 undergraduates this year 2018 is one of the greatest honors that I have been dealt in life,” said Nelson, who began working for Sigma Nu Fraternity after graduating from NSU last month.
Nelson received a degree in liberal arts with a concentration in politics, philosophy and economics in the Louisiana Scholars’ College. He served as Student Government Association president and was selected by Northwestern State students as Mr. NSU. He served on the Interfraternity Council, was named Greek Man of the Year, king of the Homecoming Honor Court and was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.
Nelson has also been chosen as one or 10 members of Sigma Nu Fraternity to become honorary alumni graduate members inducted into the Alpha Chapter. The Alpha Chapter of Sigma Nu is an honorary chapter that the fraternity uses to recognize 10 of the most successful Sigma Nu undergraduates who have graduated from college that year. Winners of this award are referred to as “Alpha Affiliates” of Sigma Nu Fraternity and hold one of the highest honors that a college student can receive in the national fraternity.
“I am proud to be awarded these honors because I want all students to know that they can be successful in life regardless to their race, gender, or any way that some members of society might view them,” said Nelson. “Possibilities become endless once someone realizes their true capabilities and makes them marketable. I am happy to represent Northwestern State University, The Louisiana Scholars’ College, and Sigma Nu Fraternity on these national platforms.”
