America's Top Gentleman: Bryant Condrey

Patrick Henry College junior named Gentleman of the Year.

ByABC News
March 30, 2011, 4:58 PM

April 1, 2011— -- We may not know the outcome of college basketball's March Madness: until Monday, but March Madness: Gentlemen's Edition now has a winner.

After more than a dozen men were nominated from colleges and universities around the country, one guy was named "America's Gentlemen" in a contest organized by a growing campus group, the Network of enlightened Women (NeW).

Voters were asked to visit the NeW Facebook page and "like" the man who best exemplifies gentlemanly behavior.

In the final hours more than 800 Facebook users logged on and "liked" their choice gentlemen. With a total of 810 "likes," Bryant Condrey a junior at Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Va., took home the title of NeW's 2011 Gentlemen of the Year. A close second, Matthew Smalbach, from the University of South Florida had 712 "likes."

Come spring each year, NeW sets out to prove that chivalry is still alive on campus by organizing a "Gentlemen's Showcase."

"We're focusing on the positive things men are doing while making sure gentlemen don't become an endangered species," said Karin Agness, the founder and president of NeW, a national group that promotes education and leadership skills among culturally conservative women.

Condrey, who watched the votes multiply up until the last minute of the contest, said he believes he won because of the support of family and friends who recognize what it really means to be gentlemen.

"It's not only about having the attitude of a gentleman, but the heart of one too, it is only then that the gentlemanly behaviors will follow," said Condrey.

Condrey found out about his nomination only after his girlfriend Alyssa Richardson had submitted a video montage of photos showing Condrey presenting her with a rose, helping her with her coat, opening a door for her, and even pulling up to her home in a horse-drawn carriage.

"I didn't tell Bryant about his nomination before I submitted it because he is so modest and I wanted to surprise him with my heartfelt thank you for his chivalry," Richardson told ABCNews.com.

Richardson, who is very excited Condrey was recognized for his gentlemanly ways, said she believes Condrey won because he exemplifies "true gentlemanly behavior."

"Bryant's personality and his understanding of how God intended for men to respect women are essential to his being America's true gentlemen," she said.