WORCESTER, MASS. –  A Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduate and member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity has been selected from among nominees across the country for the North American Interfraternity Conference Undergraduate Award of Distinction.

Elliott Wiegman, of Leeds, is one of nine recipients nationwide receiving the award, which recognizes “fraternity men who have found in their experience an outlet for developing as both a leader and a better man.” The NIC is the trade association representing 74 international and national men’s fraternities.

“It’s a tremendous honor to have won this award. It was a total surprise to me and it was a truly special feeling to know that others had nominated me for it, and that I had had an impact/influence on them from my work with them this year,” Wiegman said. “I definitely couldn’t have accomplished any of the things I have without my peers and mentors.”

Wiegman was very active during his time at WPI, including as Student Government Parliamentarian, Orientation Leader, and IFC president at WPI. He helped found the “WPI Test Kitchen,” which he refers to as an “incubator” for student special interests and/or entrepreneurial projects.

“Its goal is to build a community around taking innovative ideas and making them a reality through networking students with one another, giving them the necessary resources, including advisement from alumni in industry and faculty at WPI,” Wiegman said.

Dean of Undergraduate Studies Arthur C. Heinricher worked with Wiegman and other students on the test kitchen concept.

“The WPI Test Kitchen started when Elliott approached me last fall to say that he was looking for ways to help students develop projects and skills outside the traditional academic framework,” Heinricher said. “Elliott is a quiet leader. He is one of the best listeners I have worked with. He has a talent for convincing, not by arguing but by listening.”

Director of Student Activities Emily Perlow described Wiegman as a “compelling leader” whose impact on campus is far reaching. “He has inspired other students to also lead with integrity,” she said. “When Elliott sees an opportunity for improvement he seizes it. I am proud to have watched him grow over the last four years and look forward to seeing great things from him as he begins his professional career.”