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The Andy Dickson Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was created by Andy’s family and alumni of the Phi chapter in memory of Andrew 'Andy' Dickson (Phi/Washington U'83), a member who exemplified the Sigma Alpha Mu ideals and was always there as a friend and brother. In his honor, this scholarship will be awarded each year to an undergraduate who best exemplifies Andy’s traits of friendship, brotherhood, leadership, and dedication. Leadership, both in the chapter and on campus, will be a key consideration. A nomination by a current ΣAM member in good standing is required.
Andy Dickson Memorial Scholarship Past Recipients:
2024- Hayden Grice (Delta Pi/Ottawa) $3,500
2023 -Basil Christian (Sigma Chi/Maryland) $3,000
2022- Jared Garson (Mu Psi/Miami OH) $2,500
Honorable Mention Charles Ezgur (Rho/Univ of Illinois) $1,000
2021 – Mason Schmidt (Mu Psi/Miami OH) $3,000
2020 - Seth Murawsky (Sigma Tau/University of Oregon) $2,500
2019 - Samuel Spelsberg (Beta Psi/University of Virginia) $2,000
2018 - Rocco Cimino (Delta Beta/American University) $2,000
2017 - Jimmy Humphrey (Beta Psi/Virginia) $2,100
2016 - Bryce Ericksen (Gamma Kappa/Texas A&M) $2,000
Honorable Mention: Jake Sidransky (Mu Epsilon/Univ of Miami) $1,000
2015 - Corey Schneider (Sigma Theta/Texas) $1,900
2014 - Omri Saadi, (Mu Epsilon/Univ of Miami) $1,500
2013 - Joshua Kolapo (Delta Eta/West FL) $1,000
2023 Recipient Basil Christian (Sigma Chi/Maryland)
Andy Dickson Memorial Scholarship 2021 Recipient:
Mason Schmidt, Mu Psi, ‘18/Miami of Ohio, nominated by Carson Nichols and Lyle Yaggy. Mason, a senior majoring in Secondary Science Education in Life Sciences and Chemistry. Carson held roles in the Mu Psi Chapter as Recorder, Candidate Educator, and Undergraduate Advisory Committee.
“Mason Schmidt has been an incredible member and leader and has stepped up in times when the chapter has needed him to. He has taken every single leadership role in this fraternity extremely seriously and has always kept the respect of his brothers no matter if they disagreed with him on a big decision or not.” Carson Nichols. “Mason is a cornerstone member. I know that myself and many other members of the fraternity would attribute Mason's friendship and leadership as a major reason for joining and continuing to be invested in our chapter.” Lyle Yaggy
Past Recipient Information:
2020: Seth Murawsky (Sigma Tau, ‘18), nominated by Jacob Souza (Sigma Tau ‘18), a History/Education major at the University of Oregon, who plans to graduate in 2021 and become a teacher. The current chapter prior, and one of the founding members of Sigma Tau chapter, Seth has also held roles as recruitment chair and candidate educator. And he has been very involved in Jewish activities with Oregon Hillel, Chabad, and the ΣAM Foundation’s Jewish Endeavors Initiative.
In his nomination, Jacob shared that Seth “is the true exemplification of a brother of Sigma Alpha Mu. He is selfless, a great leader, and an even better friend. Seth took on a role that many would not have been able to step into, and he flourished. Currently during his tenure as Prior, he has created an environment of growth and brotherhood.”
2019
Samuel Spelsberg (Beta Psi, ‘18), nominated by Andrew Hufford, is a junior Computer Science/Statistics major at the University of Virginia. Samuel reduced meal plan costs as the chapter Exchequer and instituted a new mentorship program between current Beta Psi Chapter undergrads and alumni. He is also very involved in campus and community activities.
According to Andrew Hufford (Beta Psi, ‘18), “Everyone loves him and wants him to be around, that cannot be said for many, but is definitely true about Sam. When I have issues, I go to Sam first. He always knows what to say and how to put a positive spin on things, For Samuel, the most important thing about being a Sam member is “making friendships and connections with people that I know will last my lifetime.”
2018
“I truly believe Rocco Cimino’s actions are worth
of the highest precepts of true manhood, democracy, and humanity.” Kyle Dimovitz (American U., ‘16)
“Andy’s traits which this scholarship highlights are what truly defines a brother in my opinion. To be recognized for my efforts on a platform of this magnitude with an award of this prestigious is an honor I never could have dreamed of.” Rocco
Cimino (American U., ’16). Rocco graduated from American University in 2019 with a degree in Political Science.
2017
“In his many roles for Beta Psi, Jimmy has become one of the most respected leaders not just in our fraternity, but also at UVA.” Jared Fogel (Virginia, ‘14)
Jimmy attests that “no decision in my life has had greater impact than joining Sigma Alpha Mu. Invaluable are the friendships I have made, the network I have created, the life lessons I have learned, and the personal development I have experienced.”
Jimmy graduated from the University of Virginia in 2017 with a degree in Finance.
2016
“The leadership, friendship and brotherhood that Fra Dickson exuded is something I’ll continue to strive for, and I am humbled to represent him as a scholarship recipient.”
Bryce Ericksen (Gamma Kappa/Texas A & M, ’14)
Honorable Mention, Jake Sidransky was nominated by peers from his chapter.
2015
“Corey has shown the type of leadership that often goes unnoticed. Rather than leading our chapter to having bigger parties, Corey developed us into better people.” Brandon Gabay (Sigma Theta, ‘12/Texas)
“I take great pride in my diverse array of activities both in and out of the classroom and understand that it all comes at a price. I am very excited to continue my pursuit of excellence in college and beyond and have enormous gratitude for your support along the way.” Corey Schneider (Sigma Theta,
‘12/Texas)
2015 recipient Corey Schneider (Sigma Theta, ‘12/Texas, left), nominated by Brandon Gabay (right)
Corey Schneider is a senior at University of Texas, majoring in journalism. He is active on campus with Hillel, UT Television, and referees UT club sports.
2014
Omri Saadi was nominated by his entire chapter for his efforts not only as an outstanding leader but as a ‘go to’ person for other members of the chapter. Omri Saadi graduated in Spring 2015 from University of Miami with a degree in accounting. He served as Prior, House Manager, Philanthropy Chair, and IFC rep.
“I understand that Andy was everything you could want in a brother, and the fact that I have been compared to him for traits like leadership, dedication, and brotherhood is one of my greatest achievements.” -Omri Saadi
2013
Josh Kolapo, (Delta Eta, ’10) who served as Prior for his chapter at University of West Florida and received the award his senior year, recently completed his Masters in Higher Education at University of South Florida and now works as an area coordinator for Hobart and William Smith College.