The Kovener Award was established by the chapter in 2011 as the chapter’s highest recognition of the member who has “given back” the most to the chapter, Greeks generally, and the University in the spirit of alumnus Ronald Kovener. The award recognizes the brother who has achieved both academic superiority as well as excellence outside of the classroom and in the community.
This award has been named the “Kovener award” to recognize the long history of Ronald Kovener’s involvement with the Indiana chapter of D U in many roles. Kovener served for more than 20 years as the Corporation Board’s alumni treasurer or president, designed and oversaw installation of many improvements to the chapter house including the great room fireplace surround with stained glass crest, rebuilding the poop deck, restoring and furnishing all main floor rooms, bathroom renovation, and whole house air conditioning and fire suppression. Kovener created and oversaw the Wrangler Foundation “Build for Brotherhood” fund raising campaign that raised over half a million dollars to benefit the chapter and its members. He was founding Secretary-Treasurer of the revived Alumni Inter-Fraternity Council, created and compiled for 10 years a survey of operating data about IU fraternity chapters, and served in a wide variety of other chapter and campus activities and roles. Jesse Shukas, chapter president when the award was originated said that “Kovener has nearly dedicated his life to giving back to DU.”