Past International President Bro. John Hoffner, Purdue ’66, stated in an email to the International Council in 2014, “I also believe that Acacia, as a part of preserving and not losing its rich heritage, needs to do a better job of recognizing its leaders, past and present, for their service.” Brother Hoffner continued in a subsequent email, “If you look back over our history, I would say that, other than George Patterson, no other Acacian since our Founders, maybe with the exception of Roy Clark, has served with as much distinction and with as many contributions as Don Solanas.” Upon receiving the email from Brother Hoffner, the International Council recognized and understood the need to develop an honor for Brother Solanas for his lifetime of service to Acacia, which began when he was initiated in 1968 at the Louisiana State Chapter, where he served as Venerable Dean in 1970 and Chapter Advisor from 1972-76. Brother Solanas served the International Fraternity as the first undergraduate counselor when the position was created by the Conclave; he served as the 2nd Vice President (1982-92) and as the International President (199298). Most recently, he concluded his term as President of the Acacia Fraternity Foundation this past summer. And so, at the Darold W. Larson Acacia Leadership Academy this past summer, the International Council announced the creation of the “Donald W. Solanas, Jr. Lifetime Service to Acacia Award” to honor Brother Solanas for what is truly a lifetime of service to our beloved Fraternity. Going forward, this award will only be presented at the Conclave and will be presented to a brother who truly has given a lifetime of service to Acacia. Past International President and Past Acacia Fraternity Foundation President Bro. Donald Solanas, Jr., Louisiana State ’68, stated, “Our volunteer Council is only as good as an effective and professional staff.” The International Council commends our Fraternity’s professional staff for the work they do on behalf of the International Fraternity. Throughout the better part of our 111 year history, our Fraternity staff has always “done more with less” in terms of financial resources and staffing. Today, our staff is at a point where the International Fraternity is able to visit each chapter or colony once per year to provide guidance that can enhance fraternity operations, have an on-the-ground expansion team (currently at Indiana University and University of Iowa, with Arizona State University beginning in January 2016), and an effective and efficient operations and management team in place. Going forward, to meet the needs of our Fraternity—both at the undergraduate and alumni level—the International Fraternity will continue to develop and deploy educational and operational programs that will support and enhance local chapter and alumni operations: enhanced training focused on sexual assault prevention, bystander intervention, risk management, alcohol awareness, and membership development through Cornerstones programming, just to name a few. These programs, however, require resources for implementation. As Brother Solanas
recently stated, “Your investment in Acacia through the [Acacia Fraternity] Foundation has assisted in the offering of a compelling fraternity experience for thousands of Brothers. Together we look forward to continuing success.” To meet our educational programming needs going forward, continued support through the AFF will be critical and the International Council sincerely thanks our brothers who allow us to continue to offer a compelling fraternity experience. Fraternity and Sorority life continues to evolve on college campuses across the United States and Canada; however, after a challenging year for Greek life in 2014-15, it is likely “change” will continue to be the constant. As Acacians, we have a unique opportunity. For the undergraduate chapters and brothers that choose to step up and be the values-based leaders on their respective campuses, Acacia Fraternity will continue to grow and prosper: but for those chapters who choose to not uphold the values of Acacia, the future is likely dim, should they not make positive change now. How (from L to R) Brothers Robert Travnicek and Jeremy Davis will the changes occur? It will take local alumni leadership, brothers who are dedicated to leading by example, setting and defining expectations for recruitment and membership, academic success, human service and undergraduate leadership. We know that the status-quo for several chapters cannot be maintained going forward; and as the International Fraternity, we’re prepared to offer the guidance necessary to support our local chapters and alumni groups who desire to implement changes that will allow the local chapters to prosper and uphold the values of Acacia Fraternity. In closing, I leave you with a question, “What will be your legacy of leadership in Acacia Fraternity?” Finally, I’d like to extend condolences to the family of Brother Lafayette W. “Pete” Knapp, Jr., Cornell ’49, National President 1970-74, who passed away on October 24, 2015. Fraternally,
Jeremy N. Davis
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