A Purdue Pi Kappa Phi member was among the seven fraternity undergraduates honored nationally with an Award of Distinction, it was announced in early July.
Justin Bonanno, a May industrial engineering graduate, received the North American Interfraternity Conference recognition from among more than 6,000 fraternity members nationwide.
“Justin is an outstanding person who earns his opportunities through hard work, intelligence and perseverance,” the award committee said in a press release. “He is a strategic leader that can address complex issues and create dynamic solutions through collaboration and sound process.”
Bonanno, who was chapter president in 2023 and risk manager prior to that, joined the Purdue Interfraternity Council’s disciplinary branch in 2024 where he handled more than two dozen conduct cases.
“As the Pi Kappa Phi President and IFC Vice President of Administration, Justin was a driving force for thoughtful engagement, decision making, and community building,” associate dean of student for fraternity, sorority and cooperative life Brandon Cutler wrote in his nominating letter. “I have seen Justin handle hundreds of tough questions, conversations and situations with class, integrity and humility.”
Bonanno, who is the third Pi Kappa Phi member from Purdue to receive such recognition. Previous winners include Steve Holtsclaw in 2008 and Nathan Longo in 2022. Bonanno was previously named Purdue’s 2024 John Wooden Leader, too.
“He has led with integrity and good judgment while being able being able to build coalitions among his peers,” chapter advisor Pat Kuhnle wrote in his nominating letter. “He has challenged status quo from chapter risk management issues to fraternity system’s internal disciplinary procedures. He’s been practical and gracious, yet has the ability to hold individuals and organizations accountable for their actions.”
During the summer of 2025, he is one of two chapter members riding in the Journey of Hope, a national fraternity cross-county cycling trip raising money and awareness for people with disabilities in conjunction with The Ability Experience.
Bonanno served two served internships with Proctor & Gamble, as a supply chain intern in Cincinnati in 2023, then as a process engineering intern in Chicago in 2024. Post-graduation, he will be an analyst for Deloitte.
You can read about all the Award of Distinction winners at:
https://nicfraternity.org/aod-
You can also read about his Journey of Hope progress on Instagram at:
@jb.journeyofhope