Order of the Torch & Maintaining the Flame

The 2026-27 Order of the Torch and Maintaining the Flame submission deadline is June 1 but don’t wait to start collecting and creating your scrapbook!

Order of the Torch

The Order of the Torch is the annual award for the most outstanding chapters of Alpha Lambda Delta. Chapters submit a scrapbook describing their activities during the past year. The scrapbooks are then judged by a committee of Board of Directors members, and the winning chapters are presented with an award banner. ALD has been recognizing outstanding chapters with the Order of the Torch Award since 1989.

Application Process

Chapters must submit their applications electronically. We encourage chapters to be as creative as possible in your submission – it may be a standard scrapbook (PDF), a PowerPoint, a video montage, etc. Any way you best can document your chapter. Applications open mid-April and are due June 1 each year. 

The judging criteria are the same for both awards (Order of the Torch and Maintaining the Flame). The most important thing to keep in mind is that your submission should be more than just pictures. We like to see your smiling faces, but we need to know why you’re smiling! In addition to photos, competitive applications should include captions, quotes, letters, emails, flyers, agendas, minutes, brochures, ticket stubs, screenshots of websites, social media pages, video testimonials, video footage, and anything else that may help document your success throughout the year. 

More specifically, applications will be judged on the following:

Chapter Engagement - To what extent does the chapter provide meaningful opportunities for members to participate in service, leadership, fellowship, and other activities? Are you offering programs across the ALD Pillars? Consider consistency of opportunities throughout the year, variety, and evidence that activities advance your chapter's goals. Evidence of chapter engagement might include photos of students at events, attendance sheets, flyers, event summaries, captions, quotes from members, thank you letters from the community, etc. You are encouraged to report participation rates relative to your size, not just headcounts.
Chapter Communication - How effectively and consistently does the chapter communicate with its members and relevant campus and community audiences? Is your communication timely, purposeful, inclusive, and appropriate to the chapter's size and circumstances? Evidence of effective communication may include photos of meetings, emails, agendas, minutes, letters, social media screenshots, website screenshots, Zoom recordings, etc.
Campus Visibility and Partnerships – How effectively does the chapter establish an appropriate presence on campus and in the surrounding community? Consider partnerships, collaborations, recognition, outreach, and efforts to increase awareness of ALD. Evidence of good campus visibility may include flyers, newspaper clippings, press releases, social media posts, event co-sponsorship, letters from the community and campus officials, and photos of events on campus, online, and in the community.
Documentation & Reflection - How effectively does your submission document the chapter's accomplishments and tell the story of your year? Consider organization, clarity, evidence, reflection, and the chapter's ability to explain the significance or impact of its work.

Chapters are evaluated relative to their size, resources, and campus context, allowing small or newer chapters to earn the same score as larger chapters by demonstrating excellence appropriate to their circumstances.

Award Specific Requirements:
If your chapter has won the Order of the Torch within the past four years, you should apply for Maintaining the Flame. Your chapter should continue to show innovation and improvement - not simply maintaining the status quo - in all areas to be competitive for Maintaining the Flame. If you've recently won Order of the Torch and don't know when you're eligible to apply again, contact ALD Headquarters at comms@nationalald.org.

Award year + 4 = Next Year Eligible for Order of the Torch

2026 Order of the Torch Recipients:

View past Order of the Torch winners.

Maintaining the Flame

Chapters who are awarded the Order of the Torch are ineligible to apply for the award for the next four years. To reward chapters that have continued to excel in programming, activities, and service, the Board of Directors bestows the Maintaining the Flame award to chapters who are ineligible for the Order of the Torch. Winners receive a pin to affix to their Order of the Torch banner.

2026 Maintaining the Flame Recipients:

View past Maintaining the Flame winners.