New Class of Significant Sigs to be Honored in June

When Cody Keenan, NORTHWESTERN 2002, learned he was to receive the 2014 Significant Sig Award, his reaction could best be described as surprised.
“I didn’t think it was real, because I found out because [63rd Grand Consul] Lee Beauchamp [, TEXAS A&M-COLLEGE STATION 1975,] posted it on my Facebook page,” says Keenan, who since February 2013 has been the White House’s chief speechwriter. In that role, he worked alongside President Barack Obama to write the 2014 State of the Union address.
Keenan, pictured above with President Obama (photo courtesy of Pete Souza, the White House), is joined by 64 other worthy recipients in the Significant Sig Award’s 2014 class, whose members’ professional careers range from business and the law, to athletics and the media. Click here to view the complete list of 2014 Significant Sig Award recipients.
“I was excited, and humbled,” says Keenan of receiving the award, adding that he is good friends with Significant Sig, chapter brother and PGA golfer Luke Donald, NORTHWESTERN 2001. “Finally, I have something else I’m able to match [Luke] at,” he laughs.
First awarded at the 1935 Grand Chapter, more than 1,600 brothers have been honored with the Significant Sig Award since its inception. Recipients in the 2014 class have the option to receive their awards at this year’s Grand Council meeting in Skokie, Ill., from June 27 to June 29, or at a ceremony with their local alumni or undergraduate chapter.
Living alumni in any profession are eligible for nomination. Nominate a deserving brother by clicking here to access the official nomination form.
For more information about the award, click here. For questions regarding the Significant Sig Award program, please contact Liz Geary, alumni programs specialist, at (847) 869-3655, ext. 243, or liz.geary@sigmachi.org.