Dr. Juan "Varadero" Guardia's dissertation "Nuestra identidad y experiencias (Our identity and experiences): Ethnic identity development of Latino fraternity members at a Hispanic Serving Institution" received the inaugural Richard McKaig Outstanding Doctoral Research Award sponsored by the Center for the Study of the College Fraternity. Dr. Guardia completed his dissertation in 2006 at Iowa State University in Ames.

Brother Guardia has this to say about his award. "I am excited about the award and that research on Latino fraternities and sororities is being supported and recognized by higher education faculty and administrators."

The Richard McKaig Outstanding Doctoral Research Award is made possible by a grant from the Fraternity Executives Association. It recognizes an outstanding doctoral dissertation completed by an individual recently completing her/his doctorate. The recipient receives a $1000 cash award and additional recognition at the annual meeting of the Association of Fraternity Advisors. An abstract of the winning dissertation will be printed and distributed by the Center. The purpose of the Richard McKaig Outstanding Doctoral Research Award is to encourage and support the study and dissemination of high quality research on the role of the fraternity and sorority in higher education. The award is meant to recognize students at the doctoral level who show promise in the field of student affairs.

Since 1931, Phi Iota Alpha has set precedents for Latino greek leadership in the global community. Through the past 75 years, Phi Iota Alpha has cultivated and inspired Latino men nationwide to become leaders of their communities across Latin America and the United States. Open to all men, this distinguished brotherhood includes many professionals and former presidents of Latin American countries. Today Phi Iota Alpha, the Oldest Latino Fraternity in existence, continues to lead as the preeminent Latino fraternal organization with chapters throughout the United States.

The Center for the Study of the College Fraternity was formed in 1979 to encourage and support research of the highest quality and educational significance on the role of the American college fraternity in higher education. The Center fulfills this mission in part through research grants, publication of monographs, and the indexing and collection of completed research projects. The Center is based on the campus of Indiana University-Bloomington, further strengthening the relationship between the American college fraternity and higher education.