Subject: Newsletter | April

Message from the Conference Chair

What an incredible time we had at the 2026 NGLA Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, PA! Fraternal leaders came together for an unforgettable experience filled with learning, inspiration, and connection. This year’s conference was a powerful testament to our shared commitment to education, leadership, and the future of fraternal excellence.

Over 100 hours of dynamic programming kept attendees engaged, featuring thought-provoking keynote addresses and specialized sessions designed to empower both students and professionals. Our keynote speakers delivered powerful insights that will resonate for years to come:

Michelle Guobadia challenged us with "Be a Dream Maker: Your Role in Making Fraternity and Sorority Life Great,” emphasizing that the legacy of our organizations is not inherited; it is built by members who choose to lead with courage, accountability, and purpose.
Billy Boulden grounded us with “More Than Enough: Belonging Starts with You,” reinforcing that true belonging is not something members must earn, but something leaders intentionally create by building communities where every person feels seen, valued, and connected from the very beginning.
John Beede inspired us with “Climb On! Success Strategies from an Everest Mountaineer,” reminding us that true greatness is forged through resilience and determination.

A highlight of the NGLA Annual Conference was our NGLA Awards Celebration, where we proudly recognized chapters, councils, communities, and individuals for their extraordinary contributions in 2025. Their dedication to innovative programs, impactful initiatives, and unwavering support of the fraternal movement truly embodies the mission of NGLA.

A special round of applause to our 2026 NGLA Compass Award recipients, Allison Swick-Duttine and Dr. John DiSarro. Your passion and leadership continue to inspire and elevate our fraternal community, and we are deeply grateful for your contributions.

A heartfelt thank you to our generous donors who support the NGLA Fund. Your contributions make scholarships and educational programs possible, ensuring that more students can access the life-changing opportunities NGLA provides. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us invest in the next generation of fraternal leaders.

The overwhelming success of this conference would not have been possible without our dedicated volunteers, insightful presenters, and enthusiastic attendees. Thank you for bringing your energy, passion, and commitment to our shared mission.

Let’s keep this momentum going. We cannot wait to see you at future NGLA events as we continue to grow, inspire, and lead together. Be sure to save the date for our inaugural NGLA Annual Conference in Boston, MA, from February 11 to 14, 2027.

Fraternally,

Nicole Buckley

2026 Conference Chair

2026 Volunteer Team

A special thank you to our 2026 Conference Team for bringing #NGLA2026 to life in Pittsburgh. From months of planning and countless meetings to on-site execution and meaningful programming, this team ensured that Pittsburgh was an experience to remember.

We also could not do this work without the dedication of more than 60 volunteers who gave their time, energy, and leadership throughout the conference. Your commitment is a true reflection of the strength of the NGLA community.

Thank You, NGLA Fund Donors and Days of Giving Participants!

Thanks to your incredible generosity and enthusiasm, we raised $2,521.79 for the NGLA Fund during the 2026 NGLA Annual Conference, along with an additional $1,990.00 through our Days of Giving Campaign!

Our Silent Auction once again featured an exciting array of items—from stylish apparel to impactful educational programming—while the “You Inspire Me” stickers continued to be a meaningful and popular way to celebrate our community. The outpouring of support for our Compass Award honorees made this year’s efforts especially memorable.

Every dollar raised directly supports the NGLA Fund, empowering educational initiatives, strengthening our programs, and expanding scholarship opportunities for students across the region.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who donated, bid, participated, and championed this effort—you made this success possible!

Join us for The Conversation!

The Conversation is a dedicated two-day professional development experience designed to engage campus-based fraternity and sorority life professionals in meaningful dialogue around core professional competencies and advancing practice in our field. Hosted by NGLA and facilitated by Kim Novak, this exclusive event will take place June 15 - 16, 2026 at the University of Connecticut, providing a dynamic and intentional space for experienced professionals to deepen their skills, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their impact. Room is included in your registration fee. Participants will stay at The Graduate by Hilton and can select a single or double room.

Through interactive workshops, guided discussions, and collaborative learning experiences, participants will explore essential competency areas including leadership development, ethical decision-making, student accountability, communication strategies, and organizational effectiveness. Grounded in real-world application, The Conversation equips attendees with practical tools and frameworks to enhance their professional practice and better support the evolving needs of fraternity and sorority communities.

More than just a program, The Conversation is an open and engaging space where professionals come together to explore the topics that matter most to our field. This dynamic NGLA program series moves beyond surface-level dialogue, creating opportunities for deeper reflection, shared learning, and meaningful growth.

Bringing together passionate voices—leaders, practitioners, and experts—The Conversation fosters an environment where participants can challenge perspectives, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solutions that advance the profession. Whether you are seeking new strategies, professional connections, or a space to reflect on your work, The Conversation provides a platform for engagement and development.

Join us at the University of Connecticut as we strengthen our competencies, build lasting connections, and shape a more effective and values-driven future for fraternity and sorority life.

2026 NGLA Annual Conference by the Numbers

We had a terrific time and a strong turnout at the 2026 NGLA Annual Conference.

We hope to see you next year from February 11 - 14, 2027 in Boston, MA!

Pay It Forward

If you went home with a meaningful idea, a new contact, or a refreshed sense of your fraternity/sorority purpose, please support the NGLA Fund. Your gift, no matter the size, helps make conference scholarships and impactful educational programs possible. You can pay it forward so that other fraternity/sorority leaders have the same memorable experience that you did.

Many students are unable to attend NGLA programs due to the cost of registration, travel, and lodging. The NGLA Fund provides critical scholarship support to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from accessing leadership development opportunities.

Demand for scholarships exceeds available funding each year. Supporting the NGLA Fund helps expand access, allowing more students to grow as leaders and bring that impact back to their campus communities.

Donate today ›

Photos from the 2026 NGLA Annual Conference

We’re thrilled to have the full gallery of images for the 2026 NGLA Annual Conference, and a huge thank you to GreekYearbook for making this possible! You can view all the fantastic moments captured below.

View the Album ›

Congratulations, 2026 NGLA Awards Recipients!

During the 2026 NGLA Annual Conference, the Northeast Greek Leadership Association recognized chapters, councils, communities, and individuals for their outstanding accomplishments over the past year. Through their programs, initiatives, and commitment to the fraternal movement, these organizations and individuals helped advance the mission of NGLA.

A special thank you to the organizations helping us recognize excellence in our community by sponsoring a gift for this year’s award recipients:

ForCollegeForLife | ForCollegeForLife Graduate Student Impact Award
The Hazing Prevention Network | Hank Nuwer Hazing Prevention Award
Phi Mu Delta | Philippi Award (For campus professionals)

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 NGLA Awards!

Congratulations, Case Study Competition Winners!

The Case Study Competition, hosted by the Order of Omega, is designed to provide an experiential learning opportunity in which students and advisors use critical thinking to evaluate and address real-life issues facing our fraternity and sorority communities today.

Congratulations to these teams and thank you to our judges!

Congratulations, 2026 NGLA Scholarship Recipients!

Each year, the Northeast Greek Leadership Association (NGLA) seeks to connect with fraternity and sorority chapters, councils, communities, and individuals to help the fraternal community align actions with values. Through educational initiatives and community-building efforts, NGLA uplifts its mission, fostering a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and leadership.

A special thank you to the organizations that sponsored scholarships to attend the 2026 NGLA Annual Conference: