Celebrating 60 Years of Dent: 2026 Noble Man Hall of Fame
CARMEL, INDIANA – The Ellsworth C. Dent Man of the Year Award is an annual recognition presented to one outstanding undergraduate member each year. As Sigma Tau Gamma’s highest honor for undergraduates, this award recognizes a member who exemplifies excellence in fraternity life, academics, leadership, and national involvement. Above all, it honors an unwavering commitment to nobility, especially through challenge and adversity.
For the past 60 years, this award has recognized some of the strongest leaders in Sigma Tau Gamma, beginning with inaugural recipient James Benedict, who reflected on what this honor meant to him when he became the very first recipient in 1966:
James shared that receiving the first Dent Award came as both a surprise and an honor, as he was unaware he was even being considered and had no previous recipients to shape his understanding of its significance. It was not until attending Conclave in Pittsburgh and learning more about Ellsworth C. Dent that the full meaning of the recognition came into focus. Reflecting on the award’s lasting impact, Benedict noted that its remarkable lineage offers recipients both confidence and connection, encouraging future winners to lean on the “collective counsel” of those who came before them.
Before a member can be considered for the Ellsworth C. Dent Man of the Year Award, they must first earn induction into the Noble Man Hall of Fame, a distinction reserved for undergraduate members whose accomplishments, leadership, and character set them apart from their peers. Each year, the Hall of Fame applicant pool continues to grow stronger, raising the standard of excellence and further elevating the prestige of this recognition.
In recent years, the responsibility of selecting the Ellsworth C. Dent Man of the Year has been entrusted to a panel of former award recipients, continuing a legacy once held by members of the Society of the Seventeen. With firsthand understanding of what this honor represents, these past winners bring a unique perspective to the selection process. This year’s Hall of Fame class presented an especially competitive field, challenging the panel as they worked to identify the undergraduate member who will carry forward the legacy of this distinguished award.
This year, 10 new undergraduate members will be welcomed into the Noble Man Hall of Fame. Their dedication to scholarship, leadership, service, and brotherhood reflects the bright future of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity and the continued strength of this prestigious tradition.
Get to know this year’s inductees below, and join us in Charlotte, North Carolina, for Grand Conclave as we celebrate 60 years of the Ellsworth C. Dent Man of the Year Award and recognize the next generation of leaders shaping our brotherhood. Click HERE to register!
Carter Cook, Youngstown State
Chapter: Beta Gamma
Major: Multimedia Communication
Minor: Business
What does the Noble Man Hall of Fame mean to you?
Having a chance to be on the Noble Man Hall of Fame has been a dream of mine for the past three years. My freshman year my brother, Clay Miller was on HOF, and received The Dent Man of the year award. It has been such a journey and I wouldn’t give any of it up. Go Guins and Roll Tau!
Arthur Cunliffe, Alabama
Chapter: Epsilon Phi
Major: Sport Management
Minor: Advertising & Public Relations
What does the Noble Man Hall of Fame mean to you?
Becoming a part of the Noble Man Hall of Fame means everything to me because it reflects the kind of man I’ve worked to become since joining Sigma Tau Gamma. From the moment I joined the Epsilon Phi chapter, I looked up to the men who carried themselves the right way and left a lasting impact on others. I’ve always tried to be someone my brothers could rely on, lead by example, and give back to a chapter that gave so much to me. This award would not only represent my journey, but the people, experiences, and brotherhood that helped shape me into who I am today.
Ethan Diehl, Michigan Tech.
Chapter: Gamma Chi
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Alternative Energy Technology
What does the Noble Man Hall of Fame mean to you?
Being recognized in the Noble Man Hall of Fame is a great honor, Sig Tau has been the best decision of my college career, and everything it has given me I have tried to give back. Every man in Sig Tau has opportunity to do great things and I am extremely grateful to be part of Sigma Tau Gamma.
Joel Franz, Emporia State
Chapter: Delta
Major: BsB: Accounting, BBA: Financial Services
What does the Noble Man Hall of Fame mean to you?
Becoming a finalist for the Dent Man of the Year Award is not a personal achievement. Instead, it represents the hard work and innovative input that the members, advisors, friends, ESU staff, and parents club of the Delta Chapter have contributed to achieve our goals during our time here.
Joshua Harwell, Northeastern State
Chapter: Zeta
Major: Social Studies Education
What does the Noble Man Hall of Fame mean to you?
It brings me a lot of joy to have received this recognition. I did not imagine this when I first received a bid from Sig Tau in the fall of 2022. As I learned about what this recognition meant, I then strived to get here. I knew I wanted to make an impact on my chapter and nationally, and I feel that I have achieved that. I couldn’t be more thankful for all of the opportunities that have been provided to me by my chapter and nationals. This is a great honor that I will cherish forever!
Nicholas Lai, Northeastern State
Chapter: Zeta
Major: Cell and Molecular Biology
What does the Noble Man Hall of Fame mean to you?
This recognition is a testament to the power of showing up. Sigma Tau Gamma taught me that leadership isn’t built in a title, but in continuous moments of dependability. To me, this recognition proves that when you lead with integrity, regardless of your title, your impact becomes undeniable.
Joseph Sawtelle, Colorado Boulder
Chapter: Zeta Psi
Major: Finance
What does the Noble Man Hall of Fame mean to you?
Being recognized in the Noble Man Hall of Fame means that my brothers and I made an impact that extends beyond us, creating opportunities for other young men to do the same.
Charlie Sullivan, Northeastern State
Chapter: Zeta
Major: Business Administration
What does the Noble Man Hall of Fame mean to you?
Being recognized for the leadership, brotherhood and the values I have worked to represent everyday for the past four years is beyond a blessing. It reflects the impact that I hope I have made on my chapter and the younger members I have mentored and the standard I have set for myself. I am beyond thankful to be recognized as a Noble Man Hall of Fame Member!
Nicolas Velez, Youngstown State
Chapter: Beta Gamma
Major: International Business
Minor: Entrepreneurship
What does the Noble Man Hall of Fame mean to you?
Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is an honor that words can’t describe. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity. Thank you to everyone that has made this journey so special.
Frederic Zheng, William Woods
Chapter: Zeta Mu
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Accounting, Marketing and Advertising
What does the Noble Man Hall of Fame mean to you?
I am so honored to be in the Noble Man Hall of Fame. These past four years with the brothers I never had have been the best part of college. I’ve gained more memories and opportunities than I ever expected. I wouldn’t be here without my brothers guiding me and helping me become a leader. These guys are true noblemen, and this award is for them just as much as it is for me.
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ABOUT SIGMA TAU GAMMA FRATERNITY
Founded at the University of Central Missouri on June 28, 1920, Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity celebrated 100 years of brotherhood in 2020. In the last 104 years, the organization has called 198 campuses home and has more than 68,000 initiated members. With a current presence on 60 campuses from coast to coast, our membership includes more than 2,000 undergraduate men. Visit http://sigtau.org for additional information.