SIGMA NU ANNUAL COMMANDERS DINNER
THETA ETA CHAPTER • NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
Since our first annual Commander’s Dinner in 2020, Theta Eta has proudly recognized its outgoing and incoming Eminent Commanders while celebrating the achievements of undergraduate members and distinguished alumni who continue to serve our great fraternity. The Commander’s Dinner highlights our chapter’s strong leadership culture, honors lasting brotherhood, and serves as an annual reunion open to all alumni, attracting men from across the country to gather, reconnect, and celebrate the enduring legacy of Theta Eta.
A RECORD OF DISTINCTION
COMMANDER, CAMPUS & TUGS LEADERSHIP
Zack Althoff #677 is recognized for an exceptional record of leadership and achievement as Theta Eta’s two-time Eminent Commander, serving as the 50th and 52nd Commander. He also served as IFC President in 2025 and helped lead the chapter to three consecutive Tugs Championships in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
SIGMA NU ALUMNI GENEROSITY HONORED
RECOGNIZING LASTING SUPPORT AND BROTHERHOOD
At the 2024 Commander’s Dinner, Kevin Kedzior #275 recognizes Dr. Fred Isele #36 for Alumni Generosity to the fraternity and its members. His support reflects a lasting commitment to Theta Eta, strengthening the brotherhood through service, generosity, and dedication to generations of Sigma Nu men.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP HONORED
DISTINGUISED SERVICE THROUGH GRADUATION
Fall 2021 pledge brothers Zack Althoff #677 and Connor Savoia #692 proudly display their Senior Leadership Awards. Their recognition reflects years of commitment, responsibility, and steady dedication to Sigma Nu, as both men served with honor and distinction from their pledge semester through graduation day.
NIU CAMPUS LEADERS RECOGNIZED
HONORING SERVICE, LEADERSHIP AND BROTHERHOOD
Award recipients Nick Lazaric #711 and Chris Sloncen #723 are recognized for their distinguished contributions to Theta Eta Chapter and the NIU community. Nick was honored for Outstanding Campus Leadership as SGA Treasurer, while Chris was recognized for his service as the 53rd Eminent Commander of Theta Eta Chapter.
A VOICE FOR NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
RECOGNIZING SERVICE ON THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
James Innis #685 is recognized for Outstanding Campus Leadership through his service as a member of the NIU Board of Trustees. His award reflects a commitment to representing students with integrity, responsibility, and purpose while carrying forward Sigma Nu’s tradition of leadership within the university community.
ALUMNI BOARD LEADERSHIP
SERVING THETA ETA'S FUTURE
Alumni Chapter Board members Curtis Baryla #640, Recorder, and Raaif Majeed #650, Vice President, are pictured at the 2026 Commander’s Dinner, representing continued alumni leadership, service, and commitment to Theta Eta’s future while strengthening the chapter’s connection between generations of brothers and preserving its lasting legacy.
COMMANDER CONNECTIONS
HONORING THETA ETA LEADERSHIP
Kevin Kedzior #275 is pictured with former Commander John Klbecka #181 at the 2025 Commander’s Dinner. Brother Klbecka served as Commander in 1986, representing Theta Eta’s enduring leadership tradition and lifelong brotherhood.
HONORING TRUSTED FRIENDS
SIGMA NU LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY CONNECTION
NIU’S LEADING FRATERNITY
A PROUD THETA ETA STANDARD
Undergraduates proudly display the framed “NIU’s Leading Fraternity” poster, a central theme and source of pride, representing the chapter’s commitment to leadership, excellence, brotherhood, and distinction at Northern Illinois University.
GENERATIONS OF SIGMA NU
LEADERSHIP ROOTED IN BROTHERHOOD
Dr. John Butler #300, former Commander and longest standing member of the NIU Board of Trustees with James Innis #685, current Student Trustee. An image of Sigma Nu's enduring leadership heritage.
COMMANDERS DINNER 2026
HONORING TRANSITION & LEADERSHIP
The 7th Annual Commander’s Dinner in 2026 featured outgoing Commander Zack Althoff #677 and incoming Commander Chris Sloncen #723, Theta Eta’s 52nd and 53rd Commanders, honoring the chapter’s leadership transition and brotherhood.
THE ORIGINAL BROTHERHOOD
BETA PHI GAMMA'S FOUNDING VOICES
The old guard: Original Beta Phi Gamma members Lowell Dertiger #37, Randy Lemcke #504, and Mike Vorel #39 reflect on their time in the fraternity in the late 1960s, sharing memories from Theta Eta’s earliest days.
LIFELONG THETA ETA BONDS
BROTHERHOOD THAT BEGAN IN 1987
Mike Dutka #262, Mike Bychowsky #281, and Mike Wolfsmith #278 are recognized together as three brothers who each joined Sigma Nu in 1987, celebrating decades of friendship, brotherhood, and shared Theta Eta memories.
ALUMNI SPIRIT AND GENEROSITY
DECADES OF BROTHERHOOD AND SUPPORT
Original Beta Phi Gamma member Randy Lemcke #504 receives the Alumni Spirit and Generosity Award in recognition of his longtime support for NIU Football and Theta Eta, including decades of hosting tailgate parties for fraternity brothers.
FRIENDSHIP THAT ENDURES
BROTHERHOOD ACROSS THE YEARS
Kevin Kedzior #275, Paul Keeler #277, and Keith Kousins #269 share a friendship dating back to 1987, when they each joined Sigma Nu, celebrating decades of brotherhood, loyalty, Theta Eta memories, and lasting friendship.
COMMANDERS DINNER 2027
SIGMA NU FRATERNITY • THETA ETA CHAPTER
Join Sigma Nu Theta Eta for the 8th Annual Commander’s Dinner on Saturday, February 27, 2027, at Carlucci Rosemont. The evening will bring active members, alumni, family, and friends together for a cocktail reception, dinner, chapter awards, and a post-dinner social. Guests will celebrate Theta Eta’s leadership, recognize those who continue to guide the chapter, and strengthen the connections that carry Sigma Nu forward. Ticket information is coming soon.
2027 COMMANDERS DINNER DETAILS
EVERY COMMANDER STARTS SOMEWHERE
HONORING THE PAST • LEADING THE FUTURE
The Commander’s Dinner brings generations of Theta Eta leadership together to recognize outgoing and incoming Commanders, honor former chapter leaders, and celebrate the responsibility of guiding Sigma Nu forward. The men featured on this page once took their own first step toward involvement. If you are ready to learn more about leadership, brotherhood, and the opportunities ahead, reach out to through the form below. We look forward to hearing from you!