Kristen Kardas

Kristen Kardas, former assistant director of Ohio University’s Sorority & Fraternity Life, received Lambda Chi Alpha National Headquarters Fraternity Advisor of the Year Award for her exemplary service to not only the Lambda Chi Alpha Chapter at OHIO, but to the community as a whole.

Justin Fisher, chief operating officer of the national fraternity, said that for the past six years, Kardas has been a “terrific partner with both Lambda Chi Alpha headquarters and with the local chapter.” 

In 2018, the OHIO Chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha suffered a tragic loss when one of its members passed away. Fisher said Kardas helped the national headquarters and the OHIO chapter every step of the way, providing constant communication and updates, meeting with members and offering local resources for grief counseling and support. She also helped the students with transportation to and from the funeral service arrangements in Cincinnati. 

“It is these efforts that extend beyond a job description and daily operations that make Kristen so special,” Fisher noted. “A lot of people in this industry say that their students are important to them, but Kristen shows how much she truly values developing students with her actions. Lambda Chi Alpha is a better brotherhood and organization because of our involvement with Kristen. We are beyond honored to celebrate Kristen’s amazing accomplishments.”

Brian Nonno, advisor of OHIO’s Lambda Chi Alpha Chapter and President of its alumni association, said the men of Lambda Chi Alpha were honored to present Kardas the Advisor of the Year Award. 

“As the chapter celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018, Kristen was instrumental in helping us plan and celebrate the 100th Anniversary,” Nonno said. “As we started our 101st year on the campus, our chapter was faced with one of the most challenging events to date, the passing of an active brother. Kristen and the University stepped in quickly to help the chapter navigate the investigation and communications. … Kristen quickly rose to the top of the list of candidates.”

Kardas, who recently received a position at Indiana State University, said receiving the award was “completely unexpected, but very meaningful.” 

“I was in disbelief at first hearing the news, because the recognition to me isn’t necessary – it’s truly about supporting students,” Kardas said. “I’m thankful and honored to receive the award, and appreciate the longstanding partnerships I’ve built between the office and national headquarters.”