James T. Novotny was a friend, a leader and a Brother who embodied the Cardinal Principles of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
Jim Novotny strove for excellence. With virtue, he would face each challenge with courage and a positive spirit. Jim always approached his academics with pure diligence, graduating with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from South Dakota State University in May of 1998. His love for SigEp and his fellow brothers often took priority over other endeavors. He would quickly offer an attentive ear, an instructive tongue and an open heart to those close to him. Jim embraced his friends with true Brotherly Love.
The James T. Novotny Memorial Scholarship is awarded to members of the South Dakota Alpha chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity who display qualities that Jim himself embodied: an open mind, a driven spirit, a loving heart. Through this award and the men who receive it, Jim will be remembered and celebrated as a true Brother in Sigma Phi Epsilon.