To honor his 30 years as coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life, two Greek honor societies, Rho Lambda and Order of Omega, have created the Doug N. Case Greek Student Advocate of the Year Award.

The new award was announced during the groups’ appreciation luncheon at Scripps Cottage last month.

Lasting legacy

Student Caleb McCanne presented the award on behalf of all the undergraduates whom Case “has influenced, inspired and advocated for over the last 30 years,” adding that his “commitment to students and advocacy for their rights has been unwavering.”

The award will be presented each year to a new faculty or staff member who has made a substantial contribution to Greek life at SDSU. Each honoree’s name will be displayed in the office of Student Life & Leadership on a special commemorative plaque engraved with Case’s name, so that his legacy and contributions to Greek life at SDSU will not be forgotten.

Case now works as a testing coordinator in the Student Testing Assessment and Research.

Encyclopedia of Greek knowledge

McCanne’s presentation noted that Case refers to students as his “kids,” and it’s clear that the relationship between Case and SDSU students involves something very close to real family feeling.

“We are all his kids,” McCanne said, “to protect, to challenge and to support.”

Case noted that the Greek community has endured “some tumultuous times over recent years.”

“But through it all, it has prospered and grown stronger. Despite all the trials and tribulations, serving the Greek community has been a labor of love because I believe what fraternities and sororities have to offer students — true brotherhood and sisterhood — is a valuable experience with lifelong benefits."

Over the years, Case is acknowledged for his expertise in all things Greek.

Brittany Rusin, chapter president of Alpha Phi, called Case “an encyclopedia of Greek knowledge.”

“His expertise is unsurpassed in the history of San Diego State University's campus. Doug always has an answer to whatever question you may have and is always willing to listen to students.”

LGBT advocate and democratic activist

Over the years, Case has been actively involved in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues within fraternities and sororities, and has authored many articles and book chapters on the subject. He served as a consultant to the Lambda 10 Project, a national clearinghouse on LGBT fraternity/sorority issues, and has conducted two research projects involving LGBT students in the Greek community.

Case served as the faculty/staff advisor and honorary member for the San Diego chapter of Delta Lambda Phi National Social Fraternity for gay, bisexual and progressive men since its founding at SDSU in 1992. Now a multi-campus chapter, it accepts members from any college or university in San Diego County. He received the national fraternity’s Outstanding Service Award in 2007.

Case has also been very active in Democratic Party politics, having served on the board of the San Diego Democratic Club (an affiliate of National Stonewall Democrats) continuously since 1988. He is current president of the San Diego Democratic Club.