Scholarships and Awards
D. Jarratt Speer Memorial Award
Donald Jarratt Speer, Theta – Spring 1984, defined the meaning of brotherhood with his exciting personality, his thrill of listening to and performing music, and his natural ability to touch the lives of others. After a long and difficult battle with lymphatic cancer, Jarratt passed away on September 23, 1991 at the age of 27. Many were touched by his devotion to Kappa Kappa Psi and the Marching Royal Dukes, and his willingness to do what needed to be done without complaint. The D. Jarratt Speer Memorial Award (DJSMA) is dedicated to recognizing those who personify the spirit of Kappa Kappa Psi and the Marching Royal Dukes in thought and action. The DJSMA was created to remember Jarratt’s spirit and enthusiasm and share them with future Brothers.
D. Jarratt Speer Memorial Award Recipients:
1994 – Becky Sweger
1995 – James F. Bost, Jr.
1996 – Laura Cole
1997 – Jennifer Phillips
1998 – Bronwyn Schrecker
1999 – Eric Bowlin
2000 – Debbie Barlow
2001 – Kyle Flohre
2002 – Beth Schroeder
2003 – Steve Hrabak
2004 – Erin Cooper
2005 – Katherine Hutchins
2006 – Suzanne Gendreau
2007 – Misha Drauszewski
2008 – Avery Daugherty
2009 – Kevin O’Brien
2010 – Melissa Gehlbach
2011 –
2012 –
2013 –
2014 –
2015 –
2016 –
2017 – Cameron Wilhelm
2018 – TJ Hindley
2019 – Blayne Barras
2020 – none
2021 – Peter Camilliere
2022 –
2023 – Summer-Laila Hesham Khaswan
2024 – Nash Cosby
William G. Posey Service Award
The William G. Posey Service Award recognizes a member of the Marching Royal Dukes who exemplifies outstanding service to the band program, a continuing spirit and dedication to the band, and truly drive the program to improve each year. This award is presented in conjunction with Eta Omicron’s Sister chapter, Eta Rho of Tau Beta Sigma. Nominees must have been a member of the MRDs for at least four seasons.
William G. Posey Service Award Recipients:
2012 – Laura Bridges
2013 – Jacob Ulm
Eta Omicron Distinguished Alumni Award
The Eta Omicron Distinguished Alumni Award (HODAA) was established in 2011 to recognize alumni of this chapter who consistently give back to college and university bands, this fraternity, and music at large well after their time of serving as an Active Brother of Kappa Kappa Psi.
Eta Omicron Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients:
2011 – Daniel Everard
MRD Scholarship
The MRD Scholarship is awarded each year to an outstanding member of the Marching Royal Dukes. Applicants must have been a member of the MRDs for at least one season.
MRD Scholarship Recipients:
2011 – Ryann Periello
2012 – Elizabeth Lerch