Program Overview

2023 marked the last year of Judy and Larry Garatoni’s generous donations. There will be a monetary award in 2024, amounts still being determined.

Chapters will be judged on the five Better Men Program standards: Scholarship, Leadership, Diligence, Citizenship, and Character as measured by the Pyramid chapter assessment. Below is a breakdown of what each standard considers.

• Scholarship: Shown by a commitment to academic success through high academic standards and consistent improvement.
• Leadership: Shown by high involvement in both on and off campus organizations.
• Diligence: Shown through a commitment to marketing the strengths and benefits of Triangle to ensure chapter growth and retention.
• Citizenship: Shown through a commitment to philanthropy and service to the National Organization or campus/community to alleviate critical issues in society.
• Character: Exhibited by the behavior of active and new members through the education and support around current issues and trends facing fraternity members and college students

Chapters must maintain a basic standard of performance, but each is encouraged to set goals for National Awards and the potential to win the Building Better Men grand prize.

Application & Evaluation Process

Scoring for the Building Better Men Program is based on numerical scores calculated by completeness of your chapter’s Triangle Portal data and program submissions; a self-assessment essay or video; and a letter of recommendation from an advisor or alumni.

Application materials are due by May 20. You can submit your application via the link at the bottom of this page. To apply, you will need the following:

• An alumni/advisor to write a letter of recommendation
• A reflection detailing your successes and challenges over the past year; 400 – 750 words in written form or 3 to 8 minutes of a self-recorded video
• Submitted into Triangle Portal:
  • Chapter academic plan/programs, chapter GPA, all-men’s GPA, all-Greek GPA
  • Member attendance at Triangle’s national programs (LTW, Convention, etc.)
  • Record of member involvement/leadership in other campus organizations
  • Marketing/recruitment plan
  • Campus fraternity average membership
  • New Member Education plan
  • Philanthropy events and dollars raised
  • Community service events and hours completed
  • Record of all chapter-hosted events
  • Record of all campus-hosted trainings/events that the chapter attended
  • Standards board operating procedures
  • Crisis management plan

The reflection letter and/or video should summarize your chapter’s year by including what you felt were the chapter’s strengths and weaknesses, what you worked hard to overcome and improve, and why you feel you are deserving of the award.

2023 marked the final year of the Garatonis’ generous donations; however, past winners must still submit a reflection video and recommendation letter, as well as keep all Portal submissions up to date. Monetary awards will be offered in 2024, but the amounts have yet to be determined. 

Winners will be announced via social media during Triangle’s National Convention in July and will be added to our roster of winners below.

• 2022/2023 Winners: MSOE (1st Place – $100,000), Wisconsin (2nd Place – $25,000), Virginia Tech (Rattle Award – $25,000)
• 2021/2022 Winners: Rose-Hulman (1st Place – $100,000), Ohio State (2nd Place – $25,000), Virginia Tech (Rattle Award – $25,000)
• 2020/2021 Winners: Michigan State (1st Place – $100,000), Wisconsin (2nd Place – $25,000), Washington (Rattle Award – $25,000)
• 2019/2020 Winners: Iowa State (1st Place – $100,000), Michigan State (2nd Place – $25,000), Washington (Rattle Award – $25,000)
• 2018/2019 Winners: Louisville (1st Place – $100,000), Cal Poly-Pomona (2nd Place – $25,000), Washington (Rattle Award – $25,000)
• 2017/2018 Winners: Penn State Behrend (1st Place – $100,000), Michigan (2nd Place – $25,000)
• 2016/2017 Winners: Michigan (1st Place – $100,000), Michigan Tech (2nd Place – $25,000)