June 4, 2025 | Evanston, Illinois — The Fraternity has named the following finalists for the 2025 International Balfour Award (IBA): Camden Casper, MONTANA 2025; Evan Phelps, CINCINNATI 2025; and Joseph Patrick, BELMONT 2025. The honor is presented annually to the person believed to be the Fraternity’s most outstanding senior based upon his success in academics and campus, community and Sigma Chi involvement.
The finalists will be interviewed by a selection committee during the 2025 Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, and the winner will be announced at the conclusion of the event on Aug. 2.
Camden Casper is a graduating honors student with a degree in Management and Entrepreneurship from the University of Montana and a former Division I football athlete. After overcoming personal adversity, he found purpose in Sigma Chi, where he served as Consul of the Beta Delta chapter, leading a 330 percent increase in philanthropy, an 800 percent rise in volunteer hours and a significant GPA boost across the chapter. He revamped chapter operations, launched mental health and academic initiatives and strengthened alumni and campus relationships. He also founded a successful fundraising startup, earned multiple academic and leadership honors and was the university’s nominee for the Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program. He also volunteered as a counselor at a summer camp for children with cancer. Committed to making a lasting impact, Casper aspires to continue serving Sigma Chi at the international level and mentoring future leaders.
Evan Phelps is a graduating senior with a double major in Business Economics and Finance and a minor in Political Science while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and earning honors like National Merit Scholar and the 2025 Mr. Bearcat Award. Professionally, he completed six internships across consulting, banking and venture capital, including roles at AMEND Consulting and Fifth Third Bank, where he will start his career in their Commercial & Credit Leadership Program. On campus, he held leadership roles in the Student Advisory Committee on the University Budget, Students Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations, Student Alumni Council, and served as President of Sigma Sigma honorary fraternity. In Sigma Chi, he revitalized Derby Days, raising over $50,000, led recruitment through challenging times and, as Consul, guided the chapter to multiple awards, including a historic Peterson Significant Chapter Gold Award.
Joseph Patrick is a graduating senior at Belmont University with a double major in Finance and Music Business, having completed his degree in three years. He is a Founding Father and former Consul of Belmont’s Sigma Chi chapter, where he led major initiatives including the first Derby Days philanthropic event and a $30,000+ fundraising campaign to achieve chapter chartership, earning several leadership awards. Professionally, Joseph has worked as a sales intern and coach at Title Nash boxing gym and as a research analyst at Nashville hedge fund N3L Capital. On campus, he is active in Belmont Enactus, the TVA Investment Club as Vice President, and the business fraternity Beta Alpha Psi. Post-graduation, he will join LP Building Solutions in Investor Relations and Business Development while preparing for the CFA exams to advance his finance career.
Before being named IBA finalists, Casper, Phelps and Patrick were province and chapter Balfour Award winners.
The 2025 IBA winner will join the previous year’s honoree and two undergraduate representatives to serve on the Fraternity’s Executive Committee. The IBA winner will serve on the committee for two years as an advocate for undergraduates.
The winner and runners up also will receive a scholarship from Sigma Chi for their postgraduate education thanks to support from In Hoc Napa Valley and Significant Sig Brandon Chaney, INDIANA 1993.
