The North-American Interfraternity Conference has selected Connor Aller as a recipient of the Undergraduate Award of Distinction, recognizing him as one of the top 11 undergraduate fraternity members nationally. Award recipients are described as individuals that embody the values of their fraternity, exhibit high personal standards, academic achievement, a commitment to positive change, and that demonstrate campus and fraternity involvement.
Connor has held numerous leadership roles as an undergraduate student. He served his fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, as Secretary and Chapter President, and held the roles of Director of Research and Development and Chief of Staff for the Student Government Association. Additionally, Connor has been a SOAR Leader and worked in the Office of Student Engagement as the Fraternity and Sorority Life Student Specialist. He uses his free time to make an impact on the local community, working with the Southwest Center for Independent Living to build ramps that increase accessibility. His involvement at Missouri State and in the community resulted in Connor receiving the Citizen Scholar Award, which is an award given to six students annually by the Missouri State Board of Governors and is the highest honor a student can achieve.
Connor has made a significant impact on both Missouri State University and Pi Kappa Phi. When asked to speak on Connor’s leadership, President Clif Smart said, “Connor’s academic and professional accomplishments rival those of someone much older. His initiative, tenacity, and work ethic speak for themselves.” Mark Timmes, Chief Executive Officer of Pi Kappa Phi, shared that, “Connor truly exemplifies the best of fraternity: a member who embraces his role as a leader, puts service before self, and strives to improve the world around him.”
When asked about his fraternity experience, Connor said,
“The undergraduate Fraternity and Sorority Life experience is what I consider a 4 year or less sprint. Given this limited amount of time, your efforts must be pragmatically focused. During my undergraduate career I gained three guiding principles; be relentless in the pursuit of helping others, know your brand, and allow yourself to be replaced.
All of the principals were discovered while taking a leadership risks and allowing for moments of vulnerability. They served as a constant reminder that the impact you have on your chapter will allow you to improve the experience of someone whom you may never meet. Although the undergraduate is a 4 year sprint your impact after graduation can become a marathon.”
Connor graduated this Spring and is moving to New York City where he will serve as a Business Associate for Atalo Capital.