Each year, Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. proudly recognizes the brothers, chapters, satellites, alumni entities, and community partners whose dedication and achievements embody the highest ideals of our organization. These awards honor individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, scholarship, service, philanthropy, mentorship, and a commitment to advancing our communities.
We are proud to celebrate the outstanding recipients whose impact has strengthened our Brotherhood and inspired positive change both within and beyond Phi Iota Alpha. Join us in recognizing this year's award winners and their remarkable contributions.
Bro.Esteban Garcia Jr. earned the Undergraduate of the Year Award for his exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to service. As the sole active member of Phi Iota Alpha's Beta Nu Chapter in 2024, he successfully revitalized the chapter, rebuilding it into a thriving brotherhood of eight members while serving as Chapter President and New Member Educator. Beyond the fraternity, he reestablished and now leads Western Michigan University's ALPFA chapter, creating valuable professional and leadership opportunities for students. Through his dedication to scholarship, community service, and developing future leaders, Esteban has made a lasting impact on his chapter, university, and community.
Bro.Alejandro “Magno” Mendiaz-Rivera earned this award for his outstanding mentorship, leadership, and dedication to the Beta Rho Chapter. Through active recruitment, consistent engagement, and steadfast support, he has played a vital role in the chapter’s growth and success since its revival in Spring 2024. As Associate Director of El Centro de la Raza at the University of New Mexico, he has further demonstrated his commitment to student development by creating opportunities for leadership, academic achievement, and cultural engagement. While balancing his professional responsibilities and pursuing a master’s degree in business, Alejandro continues to serve as a trusted mentor, role model, and advocate for chapter members. His guidance, integrity, and unwavering commitment to student success make him a deserving recipient of the Chapter Advisor of the Year Award.
The Beta Rho Chapter earned this award through its outstanding commitment to scholarship, service, leadership, and community engagement. Despite operating as a small chapter, its members achieved an exceptional 3.865 chapter GPA, completed more than 1,200 study hours, and contributed 146 community service hours throughout the academic year. Through impactful initiatives such as the National Day of Service, partnerships with campus organizations, mentorship of future college students, and philanthropic fundraising efforts, Beta Rho demonstrated the values of Phi Iota Alpha while making a meaningful impact on both the university and surrounding community. Their intentional planning, strong chapter culture, and dedication to excellence make them a deserving recipient of the Chapter of the Year Award.
Dr. Rafael A. Martinez earned the Leadership Excellence Award for his lasting impact on Phi Iota Alpha through leadership, mentorship, and service. As a respected educator, scholar, and community advocate, he has dedicated his career to developing future Latino leaders while advancing the mission of the fraternity. He played a key role in establishing the Beta Rho Chapter at the University of New Mexico and the Arizona State University Satellite, while also serving as a mentor, advisor, and former Director of Marketing. His commitment to empowering others and strengthening the Brotherhood has inspired generations of brothers and exemplifies the true meaning of leadership excellence.
Senator Cindy Nava earned the Pan-American Individual Award for her unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and the advancement of Latino communities. A first-generation college graduate and former DACA recipient, she has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for others through public service, advocacy, and mentorship. As a founding board member of the American Mexican Association (AMA-USA), she has helped build a network that connects community organizations, educational institutions, and civic leaders to strengthen and empower communities. Through her leadership and dedication to developing future generations of Latino leaders, Senator Nava exemplifies the ideals of Pan-Americanism and is a deserving recipient of the Pan-American Individual Award.
The Puente Program earned the Pan-American Group Award for its decades-long commitment to educational opportunity, leadership development, and community empowerment. Since 1981, Puente has helped tens of thousands of first-generation students pursue higher education through its innovative model of academic instruction, counseling, and mentorship. By connecting students with educators, professionals, and community leaders, the program has created pathways to college success while inspiring participants to return and serve as mentors for future generations. Through its lasting impact on students and communities across California, Puente exemplifies the values of leadership, service, mentorship, and Pan-Americanism that this award seeks to recognize.
The Beta Zeta Chapter earned this award for its dedication to creating meaningful service opportunities that positively impact the community. Through intentional programming centered on leadership, culture, and community engagement, the chapter has successfully integrated philanthropy into its mission and activities. By encouraging members to bring their individual passions and interests into service initiatives, Beta Zeta has developed innovative events that strengthen its campus and surrounding community while embodying the values of service and brotherhood. Their commitment to community engagement and philanthropic excellence makes them a deserving recipient of the Philanthropic Excellence – Chapter/Satellite Award.
Bro.Lucas Navia earned the National Leadership Team Co-Member of the Year Award for his exceptional service, leadership, and advocacy across the Midwest Province. As a Regional Director and leader within Induction Services, he has played a vital role in supporting chapters and satellites throughout Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois while helping strengthen and improve the fraternity's induction processes. Known for his servant leadership and unwavering commitment to brothers and chapters, Lucas consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the continued success and growth of Phi Iota Alpha.
Aaron Cecenas earned the National Leadership Team Co-Member of the Year Award for his extraordinary leadership and commitment to the growth of Phi Iota Alpha. Over the past five years, he has been instrumental in leading more than 16 expansion and reactivation projects, helping usher in one of the most successful periods of growth in recent fraternity history. Through his vision, dedication, and tireless efforts, Aaron has created opportunities for countless men to join the Brotherhood while establishing a strong foundation for future
Peter Rojas earned this award for his extraordinary commitment to Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and its continued growth. He played a pivotal role in the revival of the Nu Chapter, dedicating countless hours to mentoring, educating, and guiding the newest generation of brothers while helping develop a meaningful new member education program rooted in the fraternity's values and traditions. Beyond chapter operations, Peter has served as a trusted mentor to both undergraduate and alumni brothers, consistently providing guidance, professional insight, and innovative ideas that strengthen the Brotherhood. His servant leadership, integrity, and dedication to developing future leaders make him a highly deserving recipient of the Alumnus of the Year Award.
The Merrimack Valley Alumni Association earned this award for its exceptional impact in a short period of time. Since its founding in October 2025, the MVAA has strengthened alumni engagement through meaningful programming, mentorship, and networking opportunities while playing a pivotal role in the successful revival of the historic Nu Chapter. The association has demonstrated a strong commitment to philanthropy by raising more than $2,000 in support of the 1931 Foundation and Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc., while also supporting initiatives that benefit Latino communities through the Nuestra América Initiative. Through its dedication to brotherhood, service, undergraduate development, and community impact, the MVAA has quickly become a model for alumni excellence and a deserving recipient of the Alumni Entity of the Year Award.