June 23, 2026 | Evanston, Illinois — The Fraternity has named the following finalists for the 2026 International Balfour Award (IBA): Parker Kinsey, CALIFORNIA-LOS ANGELES 2026; Liam Kelley, CINCINNATI 2026; and Sterling Stein, EMBRY RIDDLE (DAYTONA BEACH) 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 2026 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. 1.
Parker Kinsey is a senior at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he is pursuing dual degrees in Political Science and Communication while maintaining strong academic achievement and extensive campus involvement. He has built an impressive professional resume through internships in venture capital, wealth management, media, and strategy, including his role as a Strategy Intern with The Coca-Cola Company, and will join Persona following graduation. Beyond his professional pursuits, Parker co-founded Celestria Health, a nonprofit dedicated to providing medical resources to underserved communities in Los Angeles, reflecting his commitment to service and community impact. On campus, he has served as a leader in the Undergraduate Business Society, cultivating relationships with dozens of recruiting firms and helping create opportunities for fellow students. Within the Delta Eta Chapter of Sigma Chi, Parker served as Treasurer, Consul, and Alumni Chair, leading the chapter to national recognition as one of the fraternity’s most improved chapters while strengthening finances, expanding philanthropy efforts, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
Liam Kelley is a senior at the University of Cincinnati, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics through the Lindner Honors-PLUS program while maintaining an outstanding academic record. He has complemented his studies with a series of competitive internships, most notably serving as a Brand Management Intern with Clearly Canadian, where he helped grow regional sales and strengthen retailer relationships throughout the Cincinnati market. Beyond the classroom, Liam has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement through volunteer service with organizations including the Cincinnati Zoo and Inner City Youth Opportunities. Within the Zeta Psi Chapter, he has held numerous leadership positions culminating in his service as Consul, where he led initiatives that improved academic performance, expanded community partnerships, and raised more than $20,000 for philanthropic causes. His combination of academic excellence, professional experience, servant leadership, and chapter impact has earned him recognition at both the chapter and provincial levels.
Sterling Stein recently graduated summa cum laude from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, earning recognition as a Distinguished Military Graduate and finishing among the top ROTC cadets in the nation. Throughout college, he balanced an exceptional academic record with leadership roles in Army ROTC, serving as Cadet Battalion Commander, competing in the prestigious Sandhurst International Military Skills Competition, and earning selection for the U.S. Army’s highly competitive Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) program. Professionally, Sterling completed security-focused internships with Northrop Grumman, supporting classified programs and earning both Secret and Top Secret security clearances. Within the Eta Iota Chapter of Sigma Chi, he served in numerous leadership positions including Consul, Pro Consul, Magister, and Scholarship Chairman, where he strengthened chapter operations, mentored new members, and promoted academic excellence. His record of servant leadership, military excellence, and commitment to developing others has made a lasting impact on both his chapter and campus community.
Before being named IBA finalists, Kinsey, Kelley and Stein were province and chapter Balfour Award winners.
The 2026 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.
