Leave a Legacy danny Lang
the road to preeminence
The story of three brothers joining acacia learn about purdue’s rise to greatness
Letter from the Editor
Legacy In Motion
As we enter the summer season—a time of both reflection and anticipation—I invite you to pause and consider the legacy you’re helping shape through Acacia. Not just the legacy we’ve inherited, built upon rituals and traditions since 1904, but the living, breathing legacy that is in motion right now.
Across the continent, our Brotherhood is on the move. Undergrads are returning home after a long academic year of studying (and hopefully a little fun too), alumni are taking vacations, and emerging leaders plan to make their way to Indianapolis for the Darold W. Larson Acacia Leadership Academy.
We see our legacy carried forward in the success of our recent educational programs, from “Acacia Talks” webinars focused on career and personal development to town hall initiatives that give voice to our undergraduate members. These conversations are more than programming—they’re a declaration: Acacia isn’t just preserving history; we’re writing the next chapter.
This issue of the Triad celebrates chapters that are thriving, brothers who are excelling, and traditions that are evolving. You’ll read stories of undergraduates serving their campuses and communities, alumni mentoring the next generation, and local
brotherhoods reaching new heights. These pages are full of motion—and that motion is powered by you.
Our legacy is not static. It grows stronger with each connection rekindled, each new member initiated, each hour given in service. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a 50-year member, you are part of the story unfolding right now.
Summer is a time to breathe and recharge, yes—but it’s also a time to plant the seeds of what comes next. What legacy will you be part of this season? Will you support our return to Indiana? Will you share your story with a young Acacian? Will you help move our mission forward?
Let’s keep the legacy in motion—together.
Fraternally,
Benjamin Turconi, California ’12 Editor, Triad of Acacia Fraternity
ACACIA FRATERNITY FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024-2025
President Andrew Jee Oregon State ’87
Secretary Guy Gebhardt Illinois Wesleyan ’66
Vice President Brian R. Durst Wisconsin ’87
Treasurer William A. Utic Cornell ’74
Executive Director Darold W. Larson Washington State ’81
DIRECTORS
Dr. John C. Barber Purdue ’58, Emeritus
John F. Beering Purdue ’88, Emeritus
Peter A. Brown New Hampshire ’82
Gerald C. Cook Shippensburg ’66
John C. Davis New Hampshire ’82
Steven R. Etter California of PA ’92
David L. Ferguson Indiana ’74
Michael P. Fillman Western Ontario ’85
Ronald T. Hopkins Syracuse ’69, Emeritus
Dominick F. Impastato III Louisiana State ’97
James N. Katsaounis Ohio ’95, Emeritus
Dr. John B. Lane Vermont ’57, Emeritus
Kris R. Lutt Nebraska ’90
Amos D. Meyers Jr. Shippensburg ’66
Craig D. McGhee Kansas State ’91
David R. Quick Rensselaer ’93
William M. Riley Jr. Kansas State ’60, Emeritus
Robert E. Roberson Illinois Wesleyan ’74
Michael L. Rollins Washington ’87
Larry E. Schroeder Georgia ’77
Donald W. Solanas Jr. Louisiana State ’68, Emeritus
Arlo E. Sommers Ohio State ’95
Byron A. Tabor Iowa ’78
Robert G. Travnicek, M.D. Kansas-Northwestern ’59
Michael C. Tu California ’91
Dewayne E. Ullsperger Nebraska ’82
John W. Wedgwood Purdue ’60, Emeritus
AFF STAFF
Dir. of Alumni Engagement
Jeff T. Boaz Illinois Wesleyan ’89
ACACIA FRATERNITY NATIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
William A. Utic Cornell ’74
Treasurer William M. Thornton Ohio State ’89
Secretary Jed W. Morris Washington State ’66
DIRECTORS
Ryan C. Kelly Indiana ’99
James L. McFarland Wisconsin ’91
Ronald A. Mitchell Colorado ’58
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PURDUE ACACIA: THE ROAD TO PREEMINENCE
Once on the brink of closure, the Purdue Chapter of Acacia Fraternity has made a remarkable comeback thanks to determined alumni, visionary undergraduates, and a renewed commitment to Acacia’s values and tradition.
13
LANG’S LEGACY
From the Ford Motor Company to the Skies with United Airlines and finally to his legal practice in Oregon, Brother Danny Lang has lived many lives and impacted countless more.
Robert E. Roberson Illinois Wesleyan ’74
Terrance A. Ruona Louisiana State ’94
Andrew J. Stout Cal-Poly Pomona ’90
Letter from the INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
Brothers,
As we approach another year in Acacia’s storied history, I find myself reflecting on what makes our brotherhood so unique and enduring. I believe that it is the shared commitment to excellence in all we do; whether in our chapters, on our campuses, or in our communities, Acacians are united by a purpose that transcends individual ambition. Together, we build brotherhood and forge futures, shaping not just our own lives, but the lives of those around us as exemplified in our Preamble by the commitment to “prepare ourselves as educated men to take a more active part and to have a greater influence in the affairs of the community in which we may reside.”
In January, we once again gathered for the award-winning Lee Kearney Officer Summit, a cornerstone event in our calendar that embodies this commitment to preparing our members as educated men. I can say with confidence that the Summit provides our chapter leaders with unparalleled opportunities to grow as individuals and as officers. The training and experiences gained at the Summit empower attendees to return to their chapters with renewed energy, ready to elevate their operations, and inspire their brothers. It is this kind of leadership—dedicated, visionary, and fraternal—that ensures Acacia remains a standard-bearer in the fraternity world.
Looking ahead, I encourage all of you to mark your calendars for the Darold W. Larson Acacia Leadership Academy (ALA), tentatively scheduled for July 31August 3, 2025. ALA is more than just a leadership program—it is an immersive experience that brings together Acacia’s most driven emerging undergraduate leaders to learn, grow, and bond in a way that only fraternity can offer. From
small-group discussions and workshops to the camaraderie of the Acacia Olympics, ALA is a testament to the strength of our fraternity.
Many of the attendees of the ALA go on to become Venerable Deans, Recruitment Chairs, and other great leaders of our chapters.
Our community is not just a collection of chapters; it is a network of shared values, enduring friendships, and a commitment to the teachings of our Ritual. It is a legacy we continue to build upon, one initiative, one event, and one leader at a time. Whether through programs like the Officer Summit or the ALA, Acacia equips its members with the tools they need to lead with purpose and distinction as men of action.
As we continue on this journey together, let us never lose sight of what makes Acacia special: our brotherhood, our traditions, our commitment to Human Service, and our shared pursuit of excellence, in all that we do.
Together, we are strengthening the ties and preparing the leaders of tomorrow!
Fraternally,
Justin M.M. Kaplan, Carleton ’07 International President Acacia Fraternity
WHAT’S AHEAD FOR ACACIA
INDIANA UNIVERSITY RETURNS – FALL 2025
The Indiana Chapter will be re-established this fall! Help support recruitment, housing plans, and scholarships.
LEADERSHIP & EDUCATION
Darold W. Larson Acacia Leadership Academy from July 31 - August 3
New educational modules launch fall 2025
CHAPTER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Recognizing topperforming chapters annually in growth, service, scholarship, and operations.
GET INVOLVED
Volunteer as an advisor, career mentor, or event speaker.
Visit: acacia.org/volunteer
SUPPORT THE FRATERNITY
Make a gift to the Acacia Fraternity Foundation to invest in our next generation of leaders.
Visit: acacia.org/donate
CONCLAVE The Acacia
Please mark your calendars to join your brothers in Kansas City, Missouri for the 64th Biennial Conclave of Acacia next summer! July 29August 2, 2026
When Andy and Amy Elgin met, they had many things in common – one of which being their Greek affiliations in college. Little did they know that their three boys would take “going Greek” to a whole new level.
by Aaron Kellenberger, Ohio ’88
Andy was a Phi Kappa Tau at Eastern Carolina University while Amy attended Bowling Green State University as a Kappa Kappa Gamma. Both parents reflect on their college years with the fondest of memories and have found their closest friends to this day are their fraternity brothers and sorority sisters. Even while raising three boys through high school, college, and beyond, these ties have remained and both parents hoped that their sons would have similar college experiences.
Amy and Andy found that the Greek experience made their big schools feel smaller and allowed them the opportunity to find their people. “It allowed us to adjust to college life, away from home, with an instant sense of belonging,” said Amy. “The traditions are one thing, but the people you meet and the experiences you have with them is something that defines your college years.” Wanting the same for their own boys, they encouraged their first son to explore the Greek system in the hopes that he would follow in dad’s footsteps.
Oldest brother Sam Elgin (’20) entered college and joined Acacia at the height of the Covid pandemic at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He promised his dad to consider Phi Tau, but Sam instantly knew he wanted something different. Sam was drawn to Acacia for many reasons, but Amy believes he connected with the notion of doing good for the community and others. She thinks there was an underlying connection to the fact that Acacia was founded on Masonic principles and that Sam’s grandfather was a 32nd Degree Mason, one that demonstrates exceptional service to the Brotherhood. Service to the Acacia brotherhood is exactly what the Elgins have given – all five of them!
activities, old traditions, and even the chapter’s direction had gotten lost over a few years. In late 2022, a group of newly initiated Acacians spent a weekend at the Elgin home on their way home for winter break. They sat around the family living room and talked about what they loved and didn’t love about their fraternity and college experiences. They talked into the early morning with Amy and Andy about their Greek life and college experiences. It was during that conversation Amy reminded her two boys that “complaining doesn’t fix anything, it’s all about what you do to change it.” Many of the boys returned to the Eglin home on occasion and made lists of what needed to change and how they were going to accomplish it.
“The traditions are one thing, but the people you meet and the experiences you have with them is something that defines your college years.”
That fall, the boys embarked on a journey to make Ohio Acacia better, from bringing back old traditions to starting new ones. Meanwhile, the youngest Elgin brother by 17 months, Dan (’22), began his college search which led to several colleges both big and small. In the end, Dan told his parents “I want to go to college and be with my brothers.” What Amy and Andy didn’t know was that “brothers” had a true double meaning. Dan had not only been in constant conversation with his older brothers Sam and Ben but had been equally engaged with both boys’ Acacia fraternity brothers during his last year of high school. Dan was destined to be the third Elgin Acacian at Ohio University.
Sam’s younger brother by 19 months, Ben (’21), soon joined his brother at OU and in Acacia. The two had followed each other through high school and soccer but found Covid had changed the world around them, especially their Greek experience as compared to the ones Amy and Andy had enjoyed during their college years. Many of the leadership opportunities, general
During their time together at OU, the boys have held various leadership positions within the fraternity and with the Interfraternity Council. Both the Elgin parents and boys have seen the chapter grow in size and reputation. Most importantly, Amy and Andy have seen their boys grow into responsible young men. Growing up, Amy will tell you that the boys fought like brothers do, but the fraternity has fostered the best brotherhood she could have imagined. The boys respect each other and found what she calls “their people” in Acacia. They are confident, disciplined, and have developed leadership skills that will transfer into their productive adult lives. The Elgins can see their boys getting along better than they ever did in their younger years, and they attribute
Acacia and OU for bringing them closer together, more tolerant of each other, and more respectful of one another’s opinions.
Over the past few years, chapter leadership began heading in a positive direction, and a new chapter advisor was appointed. That advisor reengaged other alumni from both recent and prior decades, going back to the early 1990’s, and they reformed the Ohio Acacia Alumni Association along with appointing new alumni members to the housing corporation. The actives began working more closely with their alumni, but Amy realized there was one missing piece – parent support.
This began Amy’s development of a group of like-minded parents who are ready to rally support for the boys, not just her own, when needed. From sponsoring a parent cookout after the chapter’s annual 5cacia fundraiser, to hosting a group of boys for an overnight at her own house outside of Mansfield, to offering advice and solace on a phone call to a boy when needed, Amy has a love of young people whom she believes all have the opportunity to do great things, and as she says “just sometimes need a little nudge from an adult in the right direction.” This past spring at the conclusion of 17th Annual 5cacia for Pancreatic Cancer, “Mama Elg” (as they all call her) was presented with the Parent of the Year Award, a prime example of a new Ohio Acacia tradition!
Amy and Andy Elgin are inspired by what their boys have experienced in the fraternity and what they have created for themselves. Amy describes it best as a sort of safety net for her three boys (and her 70+ other boys) at a time when navigating the world is difficult and fraternities aren’t always placed in the best light. Her advice to other parents is this:
“Educate yourself and be open to Greek life for your children. Get to know the kids that are surrounding your kids. And, when you as parents can’t be there, know that their brothers will be there and will have their backs.”
Amy and Andy hope to create more opportunities for other parents to meet and learn about the people (adults and young men) that surround their sons. Amy concludes with, “when your son comes home and says he wants to join a fraternity, focus on the good that association will bring. Supporting this decision and supporting them is a win, win!”
The Elgins are a true model for “…strengthening the ties of friendship, one with another…” be it among their family, former Greek affiliation, and most importantly, the fraternity’s bond of brotherhood – in this case both by birth and by choice!
Just a few years ago, the Purdue Chapter of Acacia Fraternity faced a critical crossroads—sell the house and call it quits, or dig deep and fight for a comeback. With about 14 undergraduate members living in the chapter house in 2017-2018, the odds were long and the path uncertain. But thanks to the tireless efforts of alumni, the vision of a few inspired undergraduates, and a renewed commitment to values and tradition, Purdue Chapter has staged one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Acacia’s history. This is the story of Purdue Acacia. From its founding to its return to preeminence.
The early years
Chartered on October 11, 1907, the Purdue Chapter of Acacia Fraternity stands as the 15th chapter in the Fraternity’s history and the fourth oldest still in continuous operation—an impressive feat that includes weathering both the Great Depression and both World Wars.
Acacia established a foothold at Purdue University just before the campus saw an explosion of Greek life in the 1910s and 1920s. Though its charter was granted in 1906, the installation occurred a year later, led by the Grand Vice-President, Howard Castner Pierce, Cornell ’07, and members of the Illinois Chapter.
Purdue Acacia’s roots run especially deep thanks to its origins in a campus Masonic club—common in Acacia’s early days— but unique in its heavy involvement from faculty. Of the chapter’s 25 founding members, seven were Purdue faculty, including senior administrators and department heads. This early and ongoing faculty support gave the chapter an academic grounding few peers could match.
Over the decades, Purdue Acacia developed into one of the Fraternity’s flagship chapters, winning the prestigious Malcolm Award six times between 1962 and 2022. Its track record of excellence has only been interrupted twice: once during the Masonic membership
era (pre-1933) and again during an unstudied period in the late 2000s to mid-2010s. The revitalization since then has reestablished the chapter’s elite standing.
Purdue Acacia boasts a legacy of distinguished alumni. Among them are Stanley Coulter, an academic giant and early contributor to the Acacia Ritual; John Skinner, known as the Father of Purdue Agriculture; and Thomas Alford, who played a pivotal role in the founding of the Purdue Memorial Union. Later generations include A.A. Potter — Kansas State initiate and former Purdue University president — and John F. Hoffner, Purdue ’66, the chapter’s first International President of Acacia.
A cornerstone of the chapter’s sustained excellence has been the guidance of two legendary chapter advisors: Willard “Bill” Knapp (1930–1959) and Leonard E. Wood (1959–1995), who together provided 65 years of continuous leadership. Knapp, a dual member of Acacia and Triangle Fraternity, also served as Acacia’s National Treasurer, helping to shape both the chapter and the broader organization.
Every chapter that makes up Acacia Fraternity hopes to contribute to the fine fraternal experience we offer to members, and Purdue has certainly offered more than their fair share of effort in this endeavor.
An early artistic rendering of the Purdue Chapter House at 608 Waldron Street. Though not the chapter’s original facility, this large and impressive building has served as the Purdue Chapter’s home since 1959. The home boasts an excellent location near campus and ample space for brothers to live.
We could either close it and be done...Or we could really lean in and love on these guys and try to make some critical investments in things that might actually help turn it around...We encouraged them to imagine they could do the impossibleand they stepped up.
-John Beering
The Purdue chapter was at a crossroads in the mid 2010s prompting alumni to discuss the future of the facility and the future of Acacia at Purdue.
The conversation started with one pressing question: Do we sell the house or come back? It wasn’t just about real estate—it was about legacy. Alumni like Charles “Charlie” Martin III, Purdue ’71, who was recruited back into active involvement during the crisis by John Beering, Purdue ’88, helped inspire a movement. The message was clear: Purdue Acacia had once been a house that created life-changing opportunities for its members—and it could be that again.
The alumni board made critical investments to educate the members and empower them to find success. the Acacia Fraternity International Headquarters for the coaching provided by staff that led to these improvements. Additionally, they contracted with Phired Up, a fraternity recruitment consulting company and the chapter fully bought into the ChapterBuilder recruitment system (essentially a CRM for recruitment). Alumni credit these relationships for the improvements in the chapter.
What followed was a period of transformation fueled by relentless alumni support and a new generation of undergraduate leaders who chose excellence over excuses. Undergraduates like Aaron Varnau, Ben Walbaum, Jared Young, and Mason Merkel emerged as standouts—brothers who saw beyond survival and committed themselves to rebuilding something great. “They were head and shoulders above,” said Charlie, “especially considering the hard times they came through.”
“You can’t build a great culture unless you get quality to begin with,” said Ernesto “Ernie” P. Avellana, Purdue ’86, the current Chapter Advisor. “And you need to elect Venerable Deans that epitomize that quality.”
The culture didn’t just change, it was rebuilt with purpose. The chapter refocused on recruiting high-character men who aligned with Acacia’s timeless
values. Gone were the days of settling for anyone willing to join. Instead, the chapter began targeting “three- and four-star recruits” — undergraduates with integrity, ambition, and the desire to be part of something greater than themselves. This new vision included rewriting the chapter’s mission and vision statements to reflect what it truly means to be a Purdue Acacian. The focus wasn’t just on being nice guys or throwing great parties—it was on tradition, leadership, and life skills that would carry beyond college.
While the chapter did not turnaround overnight - the progress was noticable and encouraged additional effort to improve. Just a few short years later, the chapter received the Executive Director’s Award for Most Improved Chapter in 2020. This further inspired the chapter to excel. And just two years later, the chapter earned the Malcolm Award at the 2022 Conclave - recognizing them as the top chapter of the biennium.
Having built the chapter back from the brink of potential closure, the Purdue Chapter Housing Corporation is now in the midst of a transformational restoration—one that balances honoring tradition with preparing for the future. The effort officially launched with a comprehensive vision and architectural renderings in 2022, and the first visible results came to life in 2024 with the completion of Phase One. This included an expanded front porch and patio, a new atrium entryway, and two state-of-the-art study rooms on the third floor. These upgrades not only modernized the house but also re-established it as a central gathering place for brotherhood and academic excellence.
Phase One was funded through an ambitious $1 million goal, which included support for scholarships. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Brother Robert “Bob” C. Fanning, Purdue ’62, who contributed $500,000 as a key initial anchor donor, and several other donors giving between $20,000 and $50,000. The project came in under budget at $870,000—leaving $50,000 to directly benefit scholarships. A plaque in the new atrium honors these major contributors.
Looking ahead, summer 2025 will bring renovations to the dining room, bistro area, and kitchen, followed by updates to
the north educational tower in 2026. Long-term plans include enhancing the back of the house, upgrading second and thirdfloor rooms, and improving the basement and great room. A future ADA-accessible elevator is also planned.
Financial responsibility remains a top priority. Led by Board President, Charlie Martin and Treasurer Scott Morgan, the chapter maintains a budget surplus through steady in- and out-of-house membership of around 70 brothers. The Renew Acacia campaign funds are kept separate from operational finances, and the housing corporation is committed to avoiding major debt—retaining only a small loan from Purdue Federal Credit Union.
The campaign has been a full-team effort, driven by a dedicated capital committee led by Vane P. Clayton, Purdue ’79, senior advisors, and alumni across generations. Notable contributors include John Beering, Steve Cutshall, Craig Newman, Eric Corti, Tom Smith, and countless others. Through alumni briefs updating members on progress and reunions to see the improvements first-hand— especially those led by brothers from the 1960s-80s — Purdue Acacia is rekindling bonds and building a future firmly rooted in its cherished past.
CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES
Active Acacia chapters founded in the following years celebrated milestone anniversaries in the last year.
Sometimes, it is easy to forget how much history each chapter has seen during it’s time, here’s a look at what was happening when each of these chapters were founded.
California & Nebraska
1905
The first Toastmasters Club is founded in Bloomington, IL Las Vegas is founded
The first world championship of professional wrestling takes place at Madison Square Garden
Robert Koch wins Nobel Prize in Medicine for discovering the cause of anthrax and tuberculosis
Rensselaer CUP
1949
The term “Big Bang Theory” first used for the cosmological theory of the universe’s origin
The board game “Candyland” is introduced
George Orwell’s ‘1984’ Published
The first “network” television broadcast occurs out of Pittsburgh, PA
Diners Club issues the first ever credit card
The first VW “Beetle” appears in the US
1990
Nelson Mandela is released from jail
The Gulf War begins in Iraq
The first known web page is written
Law & Order debuts on NBC
Danny Lang (M) stands with Darold Larson (L) and Andrew Jee (R) in front of his named building at the Umpqua Community College.
by Benjamin Turconi, California ’12
It was early Saturday morning, and we met in the dining room of a hotel in the small town of Sutherlin, Oregon. A self-admitted workaholic, Danny was preparing for a big case, but had graciously made time for me, Darold Larson, and Andrew Jee to meet.
Despite his profound success, Brother Lang had a modest law office in a town of 9,000—his spending was focused on real estate investments and philanthropic endeavors. Most notably of which, Brother Lang has been the matching donor behind the matching gift challenge of the last two year’ and the current year. His generosity to Acacia has been immensely impactful on the Fraternity and reflects the benefits he believes Acacia had for him.
We had met the night before for dinner, which turned into an impromptu session of storytelling, but today was the main interview. I knew from the night before that Danny was not one for excess. But when it came to his waffles, he allowed himself the small indulgence of a surplus of syrup. Joking
that the little cup of syrup placed on the table for him would be nowhere near enough, “I like a loooot of syrup” he exclaimed as he went to grab more. He was gregarious and affable as he recounted stories from the 60s and 70s as if they had happened last week.
The hours spent with Danny were invaluable, not just to get biographical information – which could have been shared over email – but to learn about just who Danny was, the Brother who joined Northwestern Chapter in 1959 and now gave back to Acacia and his community. I was about to learn about the man, the myth, the legend, so that I could share the legacy of Lang.
His path—marked by ambition, reinvention, and service—led from the floors of one of Ford’s oldest factory to the skies with United Airlines; from Los Angeles, to Sacramento, and finally to Central Oregon.
We often say that behind every roll number is a story, and this is Brother Lang’s.
Early Life and Acacia at Northwestern
Growing up in Skokie, Illinois, Danny Lang wasn’t one to idle. As a high school student, when he wasn’t in school, he was working. His senior year of high school, he drove cabs at night and also worked in a gas station. He told us that at fourteen, he saw three tracks to pursue for eventual success: a strong education, smart investments, and meaningful land ownership. In pursuit of his first goal, he matriculated to Northwestern University in Chicago to study medicine. However, his introduction to academia was rocky. Living at home and commuting to campus as a freshman, the classes didn’t carry his interest and he even considered dropping out. But joining Acacia changed everything for Brother Lang.
Danny’s cousin, Donald K. Basta, was a member of Acacia and told him he should consider joining. He quickly decided that it was the right decision and joined the Northwestern Chapter of Acacia in 1959, during his second semester at Northwestern. He moved into the chapter house his sophomore year and said that he found in the fraternity a set of values and a brotherhood that motivated him to stay at Northwestern. Friends became brothers who became mentors. Specifically, brothers Steve Roman and Royce Haden, who Danny said “looked like had stepped out of GQ,” mentored him and suggested he change his major to Business, which he soon did.
compensated well: $52,000 in 1964—a staggering sum at the time. This allowed him to start investing in the stock market and he had checked off two of the three tracks on his plan for success.
He was responsible for critical parts and supplies—nuts, bolts, washers, manifolds, carburetors—that were delivered via complex freight routes. The experience solidified Danny’s reputation and gave him confidence in his leadership –along with the enduring respect of the Highland Park Plant Manager, Wilkins.
In 1967, Lang had what he called a “9:30 a.m. epiphany.” Realizing he wanted more out of life than factory work, he left Ford to pursue a career in aviation with United Airlines. He sold his furniture and moved to Denver to begin training to become a pilot. He initially flew DC-6s and DC-8s, and during his aviation career, he flew notable flights— including transporting President Nixon and his brother to Las Vegas on election night in 1968. He eventually moved to Southern California—a large departure from his humble upbringing in Skokie and Niles Township.
Lang continued to reflect on his fraternity experience throughout his life, often returning to its role in shaping his confidence, leadership, and moral outlook. He appreciated the chapter’s emphasis on genuine connection, purpose, and contribution. While he didn’t immediately see the value of college, Acacia became the anchor that kept him grounded through uncertainty and opened the door to personal development.
Law, Land, and the Western Vision
In the 1970s, Lang moved to Sacramento, California. At the time, he described Sacramento as a “big, small town.” He was now able to check off the third of his tracks towards success - investing in land by purchasing 108 acres for $108,000.
“Acacia was the catalyst.” Danny stated, as he reflected on this period in his life. “It sharpened my morality and built my social awareness.”
A Career on the Move: From Ford to Flight
Graduating #1 in his class in Traffic and Transportation, with a 3.93 GPA, Lang entered Ford Motor Company in 1964. Initially working at a division office, he grew tired of pushing paper and told his superiors that he planned to quit. Seeing his value, they assigned him to the Highland Park Tractor Plant, a relic from the WWII era, to help with managing the assembly lines. There, he rose quickly—by 26, he was managing thousands of incoming parts daily for the production of hundreds of vehicles a day.
Lang thrived on the challenge. He enjoyed the fast pace, the on-your-feet management style, and the essential role his department played in keeping production running. He worked seven days a week, twelve hours a day, but was
He believed in the value of holding land for long-term impact. He eventually decided he wanted to purchase a small airport near Sacramento. Complex zoning and environmental regulations had begun to take effect in California, and only existing property owners were exempt from certain development restrictions. He hoped his newly acquired airport property would be grandfathered in. However, he was a year too late, as the property’s original owner had misplaced the letter grandfathering in the airport’s rights… Danny was going to have to find another way. He went to the Aeronautical Division at the Municipal HQ in Sacramento to see what could be done but was told bluntly: “Well, Mr. Lang, you’re going to have to go the whole 10 yards.”
That legal complexity pushed him to understand the system more fully. At 34, Lang enrolled in night school at McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento. He never planned to practice law, he just wanted to learn how to defend his rights. By age 37, he had completed his degree—and he saw firsthand how theory didn’t always match reality.
Reflecting on this moment, the four of us gathered in the bustling dining room, we considered a line from the ritual: “Knowledge is of no value unless it can be used when the occasion demands.”
A New Chapter in Douglas
County
To understand how Danny eventually made it to Oregon, we have to look back. Lang’s connection to Oregon began in the 1960s when he visited during a Ford assignment related to converting older facilities and shipping materials back to the Midwest. During this time, he drove through Oregon and envisioned buying a ranch there one day. After moving from Los Angeles to the Sacramento area in the 1980s, he took a fourday weekend to explore the area and found the property he had imagined. The move became permanent.
In Douglas County, specifically Sutherlin, Lang developed several buildings and helped shape the region’s educational and economic infrastructure. He has donated generously to Umpqua Community College, including to a state-of-the-art dental lab that features some of the most advanced general dental chairs in the country.
His insights of theory versus practice gleaned from his graduation from law school led to his involvement in launching a paralegal program at Umpqua Community College. The program became one of the college’s most successful new initiatives. Lang supported the concept of Licensed Paralegal Practitioners and believed in expanding access to justice in underserved regions.
Lang also envisioned a broader community hub that could serve the region’s growing wine industry. Working with college and county leaders, he became the lead donor for a project that became the “Danny Lang Teaching, Learning, and Event Center” located on a scenic hilltop overlooking I-5 and the Umpqua River. The center helps support the local economy by providing space for education, community events, and agricultural development.
Danny continues to purchase other properties for development. He had specific ideas for how spaces could serve paralegal training, medical licensing, or community gatherings. He continues to fight for those visions, even when met with resistance. His vision for putting Sutherlin on the map is his current main ambition.
Enduring Influence
Lang maintains a low profile, often declining naming opportunities unless it aligned with long-term goals. Still, his name appears on the Lang Center and in donor records across Douglas County. He contributed to the nursing and legal education infrastructure, including drafting proposals for statewide paralegal licensing.
He has remained close with longtime friend John Klinko, with whom he shared a birthday just one day apart. Though they speak infrequently, the friendship endures – the ties that bind have not been severed by time.
He described life as being shaped by interactions with good people and meaningful experiences. Through every transformation — student, manager, pilot, lawyer, developer, and philanthropist — Danny holds true to his values. He credits Acacia Fraternity with instilling the morality and idealism in him that has made him successful. His story is a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of fraternity.
In the words of Brother Lang, “behind every roll number is a story—and mine really started with Acacia.”
LANG’S LEGACY IN ACACIA
What will your legacy be? For Brother Daniel R. Lang, Northwestern ’59, it includes a lifetime of service—and a future gift that will help ensure Acacia continues shaping men of character for generations to come.
Brother Lang has been the matching donor for the last two years and again this year’s matching gift challenges for Acacia. By including Acacia Fraternity in his estate plans, Danny became a member of the Evergreen Society—our way of recognizing alumni who have made a commitment to Acacia through planned giving.
Danny credits Acacia with providing the purpose and vision that have made him so successful and wants to ensure that the Acacia experience is preserved for future generations.
Planned gifts, like bequests in your will or trust such as those made by Brother Lang, cost nothing today but have a lasting impact tomorrow. Whether you’re supporting leadership programming, scholarships, or the long-term strength of our Brotherhood, your legacy helps preserve Acacia’s mission of “Human Service.”
THE EVERGREEN SOCIETY
Joining the Evergreen Society is simple, and there’s no minimum gift amount required. If Acacia has made a difference in your life, consider making a difference in its future.
To learn more or notify us of your planned gift, visit acacia.org/giving-programs or contact our Foundation staff at dlarson@acacia.org or (317) 695-3142.
Leave more than memories— leave a legacy.
Letter from the Executive Director of OPERATIONS AND GROWTH
When we speak of legacy, we often think of grand gestures or names etched into history. But legacy—real legacy—is rarely about recognition. It’s about resonance. It’s about how your actions today shape lives you may never meet, and how your example quietly echoes in the choices others make long after you’re gone.
This edition of the Triad is filled with evidence that Acacia’s legacy is alive and well: chapters thriving, brothers leading, programs expanding. But as we celebrate that motion, we must also ask: What will endure?
Legacy isn’t forged in a single moment—it’s built through a lifetime of intention. It’s built when alumni return to support a struggling chapter. When a senior brother takes a new initiate under his wing. When a member decides to live by our values even when it’s inconvenient. These decisions—often unseen—are the true architecture of Acacia’s future.
And while legacy may begin with intention, it becomes real through investment.
Investment of time. Of care. Of presence. For some, that may mean financial support or planned giving. For others, it may mean offering wisdom as
a mentor, volunteering locally, or simply showing up when a brother needs help. None of it is glamorous, but all of it matters.
Because one day, our names won’t be in meeting minutes or newsletters anymore. But what we built—the culture, the connections, the commitment—will remain.
So as we think not just about this season, but the decades ahead, ask yourself:
• What part of Acacia will last because of me?
• Whose life will be better because I showed up?
• What foundation am I helping lay for those who haven’t yet knocked on our door?
Legacy isn’t just about how we’re remembered. It’s about what we leave behind that still breathes, still inspires, and still makes a difference.
Let’s build something worthy of the next 121 years.
Fraternally,
Michael
S. Weber, Iowa State ’06
Executive Director of Operations & Growth Acacia
Fraternity
FUTURE EXPANSIONS
30 INDIANA
FALL 2025
Indiana University
40 WYOMING
FALL 2026
University of Wyoming
13 MISSOURI
FALL 2026
University of Missouri
Interested in helping with advising members, building alumni associations, or donating to support these expansions? Reach out to the HQ for more information at communications@acacia.org.
NEWS & UPDATES
(as submitted by chapters during Spring 2025)
The updates below have been submitted by chapters. If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with the chapter, please reach out to communications@acacia.org.
94 ARIZONA STATE
VENERABLE DEAN RYAN BUCKLEY
The Arizona State Chapter looks forward to the fall semester. We will have 55 returning members and plan to initiate 18 pledges at the beginning of the semester.
05 CALIFORNIA
VENERABLE DEAN ISAAC NIEVES
As the spring semester progresses, we are proud to share some of the most notable events from this term so far. The California Chapter stands strong with 42 brothers and two pledges this semester. We have been expanding our presence in the Greek community by bringing back Nite on the Nile to the California Chapter for the first time in 20 years. The brothers proudly donned togas to celebrate the return of this event, and we packed the house in true Nile fashion!
The Chapter also enjoyed a brotherhood retreat to Jamestown, California. With a beautiful lakefront getaway, brothers had the opportunity to explore local hiking trails, visit the town, or simply relax by the lake. The retreat helped strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, and everyone had a phenomenal time.
Our most notable philanthropy event this semester was a trip to CityTeam, a local food kitchen and community outreach center in Oakland. Brothers traveled there to help prepare food, accept and organize clothing donations, and distribute meals to the community. The 25-man team worked efficiently, making a meaningful impact on the community we call home.
Finally, we were excited to celebrate our 120th Founders Day on April 11th, where we hosted alumni, actives, and their dates in honor of our Chapter’s long-standing legacy. The weekend was packed with events, including the initiation of our pledges the following day and Alpha Phifa, a sorority philanthropy event, scheduled just a few hours later.
The gentlemen of the California Chapter continue to be men of action. So live!
83 CALIFORNIA OF PENNSYLVANIA
VENERABLE DEAN BRANDON HEBDA
This semester has been one to remember for the C.U.P Chapter of Acacia! We’re proud to announce that we were awarded both Chapter of the Year and Philanthropy of the Year. These honors are a direct reflection of the hard work, dedication, and brotherhood that define our chapter.
Our Philanthropy of the Year award was earned thanks to the overwhelming success of this year’s Acacia Claus event. Through strong campus and community involvement, we were able to make a meaningful impact and raise support for a great cause—one of our most successful philanthropic efforts to date.
Looking ahead, we’re excited for what’s in store. With several summer events already planned, we’re focused on building momentum that will carry into a strong fall recruitment season. We’re confident that the best is yet to come!
85 CARLETON
VENERABLE DEAN ROBBIE RAIKOU
The chapter that makes Acacia international has had a very successful spring semester. We have 6 new additions who share the same values and abilities of our chapter and we’re confident will represent us tremendously.
I’d like to give a special thanks to our previous venerable dean Robbie Raikou for leading us to make Acacia Carleton great again. Robbie’s guidance and leadership has allowed us to achieve in a year a shift that we thought would take a lot longer than that.
We also hosted our second annual Great Canadian Race this spring. I’d like to give a massive congratulations to the guys who dug deep, persevered, and came out on top. Your names will go down in history with the greats.
14 CORNELL
VENERABLE DEAN NATHAN FRANCIS
Despite facing a period of uncertainty with three out of four brothers set to graduate this May, Acacia’s Cornell Chapter has shown impressive resilience and determination. Recognizing the urgency to rebuild, the active members rallied together and launched a successful recruitment effort.
As a result, three new brothers have joined the chapter, breathing fresh life into the brotherhood. This accomplishment marks a promising step forward and reflects the chapter’s unwavering commitment to growth and stability. The Cornell Chapter remains optimistic about the future and continues to uphold Acacia’s values through strength in unity.
9 ILLINOIS
VENERABLE DEAN TRISTAN HALL
Despite a historically low turnout for Spring rush at the University of Illinois, our chapter is proud to be initiating three outstanding new members. Additionally, our new executive board is in full swing as we prepare to have our chapter house nearly at full capacity this coming fall with an expected 58 members living in. The enthusiasm of our exceptional Fall ‘24 pledge class further ensures a strong future for the house, as they have accumulated a wide range of involvement on campus, improving our access to potential new members, and are already eager to pursue leadership positions within the chapter. We look forward to building on the momentum of our excellent rush from last Fall as we continue our efforts to grow Acacia’s influence on campus.
20 IOWA
VENERABLE DEAN CONNOR LACROSSE
The brothers in Iowa are excited to begin the spring semester. We initiated 7 new members into our chapter last fall, and we can’t wait to see the impact they will have. Spirits are higher than ever among the brothers, and we hope to maintain that energy. We’ve raised over $300,000 from alumni to start renovations on our house, and we are grateful to everyone who has contributed so far.
presence and increase brand recognition. Our members are committed to laying the groundwork for a successful fall rush.
Additionally, we are excited to announce the return of our annual golf tournament, which will be held this May. We look forward to welcoming alumni back to JMU for the weekend and creating meaningful connections between them and our current brothers.
27 KANSAS STATE
VENERABLE DEAN GAGE GRAHAM
This past week, the FSL office held their annual Fraternal Excellence Awards (FEAs), and Acacia came back with some hardware. We placed 1st in the Wellness category for Outstanding Programming, 1st in Excellence in Learning, and 3rd in the Community category.
We also had some individual finalists for the awards: Matthew Young was a finalist for Influential Leader of the Year. John Janssen was a finalist for New Member of the Year, Adam Spencer was a finalist for Wildcat of the Year, Trey Kuhlmann was a finalist for IFC Lindemuth Advisor of the Year, Trisha Cash was a finalist for IFC House Director of the Year. Finally, our partner, The Staley School of Leadership, was a finalist for Community Partner of the Year.
The ACACIA Triumvirate event celebrated the unique and powerful bond of three integral elements: actives, alumni, and ACACIA. This memorable afternoon is dedicated to showcasing leadership and fellowship among ACACIA members while highlighting their significant accomplishments.
This Spring, we have one pledge. We’re continuing our commitment to giving back to the University Children’s Hospital this semester, and as of April 3rd, we are halfway to our goal. So Live!
95 JAMES MADISON
VENERABLE DEAN MICHAEL CANNATA
The brothers of our chapter continue to actively engage with our scholarship program while expanding our outreach to local schools in the surrounding area. We have contacted over 50 schools and 200 guidance counselors to strengthen our
52 LOUISIANA STATE
VENERABLE DEAN OLIVER KRAKLOW
This spring, our chapter is busy holding different events. For philanthropy, our chapter is holding a variety of charitable opportunities, including a pickleball tournament and a crawfish cook off. The proceeds of these events will all be donated to the Schriner’s Children Hospital. For brotherhood, we are planning to attend a Baton Rouge Zydeco game, as well as a New Orleans Pelicans’ game. We also participate in intramural sports, including soccer, basketball, and softball.
84 MILLERSVILLE
VENERABLE DEAN JUSTIN GRANT
This year, Acacia at Millersville University has continued to grow and make an impact on campus. In the fall, we paired with Letters of Love for Veterans Day to make handwritten notes for those who served. We also attended the annual Walk Like MADD event for our fallen brother Stephen Daverio, So Live. In the spring, we just recently held our first Family Day and it was a blast! Looking ahead, we’re hosting our Founder’s Day on April 26th where we hope to see a ton of alumni!
4 NEBRASKA
VENERABLE DEAN MITCHEL BREUER
The Nebraska Chapter has been busy lately, and we’re excited to share some of the highlights! We recently celebrated our 120th Anniversary and had the pleasure of hearing from some incredible alumni. The event had a fantastic turnout, and we’re already looking forward to making the 121st even better! This semester, we set a goal of reaching 500 community service hours — and we’re well on our way! Halfway through, we’ve already hit 300 hours, so I have no doubt we’ll crush it by the end.
We also had a blast hosting our annual Pie an Acacian philanthropy event, raising money for a great
cause while having a ton of fun. A big shoutout goes to the St. Cloud Chapter for making the trip to visit us — I know everyone really enjoyed your company!
Lastly, a huge thank you to the brothers down in Texas. They welcomed 12 of us from Nebraska for 9 days to help with their recruitment efforts, and it was an unforgettable experience. We hope to see many of you at Conclave ’26!
32 NORTH CAROLINA
VENERABLE DEAN SAMUEL SPEER
North Carolina chapter currently has 21 members and, unfortunately, was unable to recruit any additional members this semester. The fall semester will see a strong focus on recruitment as well as securing desireable housing.
If you have interest in helping advise the chapter, please reach out to communications@acacia.org.
42 OHIO
VENERABLE DEAN WESTON BARBER
The past year has been a very productive time for our chapter. This past fall semester we initiated a solid class of 15 new members, and are on track now to add 8 more this Spring. We’re all really excited about our growing alumni association. Coming off of a very successful Founders Day we just got to meet some of the new members of the alumni board and are all looking forward to working with them in the near future.
In addition, our members have done a great job of getting us involved in other campus activities and communities. Last semester one of our brothers, Anthony Drenik, decided to start a chapter Bible study every week to bring us all closer together which has now been opened to all of Greek life to attend.
35 OREGON STATE
VENERABLE DEAN GREGORY KESWICK
The Oregon State Chapter inducted 19 new members at the end of the Fall Term and has initiated 6 new pledges this Winter. Our chapter is gearing up for an exciting Spring rush and all of our guys are ready to start recruiting. Our chapter GPA for the winter term was an impressive 3.28, which puts us in the top 5 fraternities for all of OSU, regardless of chapter size.
Two of our members were recently elected to join the Oregon State Interfraternity Council (IFC), Brodey Mckeen was elected to be the VP of Finance and Administration and Ian Hansen was elected to be the VP of Scholarship.
With our annual 7 Days of Service coming up, our philanthropy and human service chairs are hard at work finding projects and organizations that need our help. Our chapter is anticipating a very busy term and we are excited to see the fraternity grow.
21 PENN STATE
VENERABLE DEAN CHARLES FEDERICO
At the Penn State chapter, our members excelled academically while simultaneously achieving remarkable success with THON, where we proudly raised $427,861.13, the second-highest amount among all Greek organizations and breaking our own fundraising records.
Beyond our philanthropic endeavors, we enjoyed a fun-filled Parents’ Weekend, fostering connections and creating lasting memories.
The year culminated in the initiation of 15 new members, bringing fresh energy and promise to our chapter. We celebrated these achievements and the bonds of our brotherhood/sisterhood with a memorable formal, marking a fitting end to a truly exceptional year.
We continue to build on our strong foundation and look forward to even greater accomplishments in the future.
15 PURDUE
VENERABLE DEAN JAKE SCHNEPPER
The Samekh chapter of Acacia at Purdue has had an outstanding year. We’re incredibly proud to share that our brothers accomplished the highest service hours per brother across all of Purdue’s male Greek life organizations. The service events included helping out at a local dog shelter, cleaning up a local highway, and hosting multiple philanthropy events including a Polar Plunge. These brothers carried this energy into the next semester, having their highest spring new member class since the early 90’s. Both of these events have energized their Renew Acacia efforts to continue renovation on their chapter house.
44 RENNSELAER
VENERABLE DEAN JACKSON LAWRENCE
Rennselaer chapter currently has 16 members and initiated 3 members this semester. The fall semester will see a strong focus on recruitment in order to grow to a more sustainable number. If you have interest in helping advise the chapter, please reach out to communications@acacia.org.
80 SAINT CLOUD STATE
VENERABLE DEAN ANDREW FASCHING
The St. Cloud Chapter had a strong spring semester, welcoming four dedicated pledges eager to uphold our values. This semester, we partnered with the Salvation Army, raising $750 worth of food and supplies to support those in need. Giving back to the community remains a priority, and we were proud to make a meaningful impact.
Our chapter has also won the Most Improved GPA from the InterFraternity Council at Saint Cloud State University. Additionally, our members demonstrated outstanding leadership, both academically and within our local community, further solidifying our commitment to excellence. We look forward to continuing this momentum into the next semester and beyond, strengthening our chapter’s legacy of human service and success.
67 TRINE
VENERABLE DEAN KYLE CLOUD
The Trine Chapter is happy to announce the initiation of 2 new brothers this year. We also are sending off 4 Brothers this year, and wish them the best in their future endeavors as both professional in their fields and Brothers of Acacia. We are looking forward to the 2025-26 school year where we hope to initiate many new brothers and help them grow into better men.
38 WASHINGTON STATE
VENERABLE DEAN JAMES SHERIDAN
This academic year has been an exciting one for the Washington State chapter of Acacia. We’re proud to have welcomed 8 new brothers into our chapter, bringing our chapter close to 30 active members! We are coming out of an eventful family weekend that included two successful exchanges with Sigma Kappa and Alpha Omicron Pi. It was a pleasure meeting the parents of our brothers and interacting with the greater Greek community. We are also making numerous improvements to our chapter facility, including upgrading our sleeping porch with decorations and other amenities, cleaning up and organizing our kitchen, storage room and man cave, making the house more appealing and comfortable. Finally, we are steadily improving our house GPA, we have seen a 0.5 increase since Winter ‘24, putting us well above the IFC average.
12 WISCONSIN
VENERABLE DEAN JACOB YU
So far this year has been going fantastic, we recently had our Founder’s Weekend on March 1st. There we had the honor of having one of our members, Matt Domingo, receiving the Order of Pythagoras. Furthermore, we recently inducted 16 new pledges in our Gamma Beta pledge class leading to one of the most successful years in our chapter’s recent history. While we are saddened by our chapter’s seniors graduating on May 10th, we are excited for what the future has in store for Acacia at Wisconsin.
ASSOCIATE CHAPTER UPDATES
76 PITTSBURGH-JOHNSTOWN
The Pitt-Johnstown Chapter has had a very busy spring semester so far. We inducted 7 pledges during the spring semester and 3 in the fall semester. We had the second-highest overall fall 2024 GPA out of all the Greek organizations on campus and the highest GPA for spring 2025. The chapter has also been involved with some philanthropies around campus and in the local Johnstown community. The chapter will also be obtaining a house through the university in the Fall 2025 Semester. All the best from the brothers. So Live!
6 TEXAS
The spring semester in Austin has seen great growth for Acacia! Never would we have guessed that we’d have a total of 20 pledges this semester, which is more pledges than the previous 7 semester combined! 14 of them were initiated in April with a few others from that group to be initiated at a later date due to some startup opportunities that took them to the west coast this semester. This brings their chapter size to 19 to finish the semester They have already been holding social events and 7 Days of Service this spring and really jumping in to being fraternity men. These new brothers are breathing a new life in to the chapter in Austin and we’re very excited to see what the Fall brings! Hook ’em Horns!
From coast to coast, Acacia chapters made meaningful strides in the last year, and the International Headquarters was right there to support them every step of the way. This snapshot highlights key data points that showcase the strength of our brotherhood, the success of our programs, and the momentum we’re building together.
28. State of the Fraternity
15,235
Miles traveled by undergraduates to attend 2025
Lee Kearney Officer Summit
Chapters Represented by members on IFC Councils
20%
Days spent by staff on the ground for Chapter Visits/ Support 264
4,053
Items of Acacia Merchandise sold from April 2024 to April 2025
Growth of membership for Associate Chapters in Spring 25 2.5x
Chapters represented at the Lee Kearney Officer Summit
4:5
Pledge to Intiation Retention Ratio
Brothers,
It is with great pleasure that I present the Treasurer activities of our beloved Fraternity as well as request for your assistance in the creation of a NEW Financial Advisors Council. The report provides a comprehensive overview of our financial activities, reflecting our commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent financial management. Over the past several years, our organization has continued to navigate a dynamic economic landscape while emerging from a large deficit position this Council inherited in 2022 to ensure that our resources are effectively allocated to support our mission and maximize staff’s impact. Through many iterations of challenging our spend to diligent oversight and strategic planning, we have returned to a sensible financial position, enabling us to sustain and expand our programs and services. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our donors and volunteers for their unwavering support and dedication which allows us to maintain as low as possible dues to our undergraduate brothers.
First, below is a summary of the financial statements for the fiscal years (July-June) stated:
Second, I am initiating a New Chapter Financial Advisors (“CFA”) Council which are ideally made up of alumni with accounting backgrounds. Pursuant to Article 6 (2-613) of the Bylaws of Acacia “Each chapter shall select biennially, subject to the approval of the Executive Director, a Financial Advisor who shall have general supervision of the chapter finances and whose duty it shall be to submit to the Executive Director all budget of the chapter for his perusal and suggestions.” This CFA Council will be regionally organized with each region’s Financial Advisors electing a Regional Chairman who shall be part of the International Treasurer’s Financial Advisory Cabinet. The amount of regions will be determined by the International Treasurer which shall consider the number of active & associated chapters as well as their locations/time-zones. Initially, there is anticipated to be three (3) regions for the current 24 active & associate chapters. Furthermore, similar to Article 9 of the Constitution, ideally all Financial Advisors shall be licensed Certified Public Accountants or Chartered Professional Accountants as described in that Article. There will undoubtedly be
a learning curve for those that have not been actively volunteering for a chapter as well as these persons are expected to work closely with the Chapter Advisors of the chapter they are associated with. Why are we doing this? Perhaps that should be the opening to this paragraph, but simply stated, each chapter’s officers turn-over each and every year. We can not expect our chapter Treasurer’s to learn the accounting system we utilize (OmegaFi) for billing, collections, and treasury in that short time-frame without a mentor and someone to provide insight into best practices in fraternity financial management. There are many aspects that need hands on training to our undergraduate treasurers who general walk-in to a situation where the out-going treasurer just hands them the keys. We need to prepare these young men in budgeting, billing, collections, treasury, and accounting to allow them to be successful. Therefore, I am asking for those qualified individuals that want to give back to the Fraternity so that future men may have the Acacia experience to please email communications@acacia.org with a short description of your practical experience and the state/ province you are registered as a CPA/CA so that you can begin providing assistance to our chapters that are anxiously awaiting for help in their treasurer capacity.
In closing, there has been a turn-around effort by this Council over the past three (3) years that has taken our Fraternity from being in a position of financial stress to one of being fiscally responsible. This Council is challenging every penny spent to ensure that it is utilized in the most responsible manner. There are still challenges in-front of us, and it does not take but a blink of the eye for our revenues to decrease and negative cash-flows to return. We are aware of this possibility and are working toward creating a rainy day reserve so we do not resort to the position of fiscal 2023 where loan and credit card debit was over 300k. If it wasn’t for the assistance of several people contributing beyond what is reasonably expected and an AFF loan, we may have had to take more drastic actions that may have permanently impacted us negatively. We have a proper budgeting process in place now and are doing are fiduciary duty to ensure we are sustainable. I thank all of you that are providing your continued support both financially and with your time. Truly, we would not be able to provide a fraternity without you!
Fraternally,
William M. Thornton, Ohio State ’89 International Council Treasurer Acacia Fraternity International
FINANCIAL ADVISORS COUNCIL
To strengthen financial support for undergraduate chapters, Acacia is launching a new Chapter Financial Advisors (CFA) Council—a network of alumni with accounting backgrounds who will mentor chapter treasurers. With annual officer turnover and complex financial systems in place, our undergraduate leaders need guidance to succeed. The CFA Council will provide hands-on training, mentorship, and financial oversight to ensure chapters remain fiscally responsible and sustainable.
Key Features of the CFA Council:
• Composed of alumni, ideally licensed CPAs or CAs
• Regionally organized into 3 zones based on chapter locations and time zones
• Each region elects a Regional Chairman to serve on the International Treasurer’s Financial Advisory Cabinet
• Works closely with Chapter Advisors to support undergraduate treasurers
• Provides mentorship in budgeting, billing, collections, treasury, and accounting
• Supports training in OmegaFi, Acacia’s chapter finance management system
• Time committment of 4-6 hours (on average) per month over the year
Interested in giving back?
Email communications@acacia.org with your accounting credentials and state/ province of registration. Help ensure Acacia’s financial future, one chapter at a time.
ALUMNUS NEWS
CALIFORNIA
Robert W. “Bob” Scott, #669, ’69 - I attended Cal from 19681972. Acacia member all 4 years. I also was in Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) for 4 years, before graduating and being commisioned a 2nd Lt. I then completed 30 years in the Air Force (1972-2002), retiring at the rank of Colonel. I then worked at NNSA, overseeing operatins at Sandia National Laboratories on Kirtland AFB, NM, retiring in the grade of GS-15. I am now fully retiring and living in Utah and traveling extensively, while also pursuing geneology (member Mayflower Society and Sons of the American Revolution, among others. I'm glad to see the Cal chapter is active and doing well and wish there was an alumni chapter in Utah.
ILLINOIS
Allen L. Novak, #1072, ’67 – Still going into the office 2 days each week to provide therapy and medication to chronically ill patients I have been seeing for decades. There is nobody in East Hawaii Island to refer them to. Involved with healthcare legislative issues. Also still driving a Porsche, but pretty much retired from racing. Dogs are getting old. Love living in rural Hawaii.
WISCONSIN
IOWA
John “Thom” Powell, #611, ’75 –I mentor students and early-career professionals in education, talent development and human resources - as well as entrepreneurs of all ages. Feel free to contact me at 515-745-4303, thomleader@outlook.com, or via linkedin.com/in/thompowell.
Celebrating 20 years of a wonderful relationship with my second (and forever) wife, and enjoying life with nine children and eight grandchildren.
Harry Dan Turner, #633, ’61 - was honored as: “The Season Ticket Holder of the Game” on October 28th, 2023, for the Wisconsin-Ohio State game at Camp Randall Stadium. Harry has been a Badger football season ticket holder for over 30 years and was taken to the field during a time out and introduced to a crowd of 85,000 people.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
James C. “Jim” Fetterman, #91, ’66 – Retired AF JAG, retired Associate Professor. Announced as the Sarasota, FL Knights of Columbus Military Honoree for 2025.
PURDUE
George J. Todd, #1955, ’11 – I finished my fourth year as a biology PhD student at the University of MissouriSt. Louis. I study the cognitive and sensory ecology of hover fly pollinators. I am hoping to graduate in the spring of 2026. I also play trombone in two of the university ensembles.
SHARE YOUR UPDATE!
We’d love to hear from you, please go to acacia.org/ update to provide an update on career, family, or personal achievements for inclusion in the next Triad magazine.
A Legacy of Giving
Celebrating 35 Years of the Acacia Fraternity Foundation
Since its founding in 1989, the Acacia Fraternity Foundation (AFF) has allowed Acacians and friennds of Acacia to make tax-deductible contributions to support the Fraternity’s educational activities and provide scholarships for undergraduates. Those funds have allowed the AFF to empower thousands of Acacians through scholarships, leadership programs, and educational gifts. As we mark our 35th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible generosity of our supporters–and the lasting impact that their gifts have made in Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders!
REFLECTING ON THE 23-24 FISCAL YEAR
In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, the Foundation raised $2.77 million from 1,137 contributors, awarding over 250 scholarships totalling $211,548 and providing support to Acacia Fraternity Inc. in the amount of $323,051 with an additional $360,668 in educational grants to chapters. The Foundation’s assets were $6.1 million.
OUR CURRENT 24-25 FISCAL YEAR
This fiscal year, we have received 1.5 million dollars from 765 donors. We are thrilled to announce that nearly $100,000 in scholarships has already been distributed this fiscal year. Grants to support Acacia Fraternity Inc. and educational grants to chapters total over $1 million at the end of the third quarter of the 24-25 fiscal year. The Foundation’s assets were $5.9 million at the end of the third quarter.
JOIN THE LEGACY AND SUPPORT THE FRATERNITY
BY THE NUMBERS: A SNAPSHOT OF IMPACT
• $21.8 million raised since 1989
• 7,262 total donors, including 84 first-time donors this year
• 97 chapters represented
• $211,548 awarded in scholarships (FY23-24)
• $1 million+ in grants to chapters and HQ (FY-24-25)
• $5.9 million in assets (End of Q3 FY24-25)
Scan the QR Code or visit acacia.org/donate -to-acacia to make your contribution today.
Thanks to the extraordinary support of our generous donors, the Acacia Fraternity Foundation is steadfast in its mission of Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders. Your previous contributions have made a tremendous impact, and we are genuinely thankful for your lasting loyalty. However, we can’t do it alone—your contribution is vital to this cause! This fiscal year still offers you a chance to make a significant impact. Use the QR code today and join us in nurturing the values and ideals that define the Acacia experience. Every donation helps create a brighter future for our leaders to come!
We sincerely appreciate your generous support and unwavering dedication to Acacia Fraternity. If you haven’t had the chance to donate before, now is the perfect opportunity to join our community of supporters and make a real difference. Together, we can continue to strengthen our fraternity and create lasting memories.
Team Acacia – Not four years, but for life!
Capture the Flag! Message from the AFF Executive Director:
Have you ever played Capture the Flag? Whether you are eighteen or eighty-eight, you might have encountered this game at summer camp or during recess at school. For those unfamiliar, Capture the Flag (CTF) is an outdoor game where the objective is to capture the opposing team’s flag from their “base” and return it safely to your own. The game teaches valuable skills such as teamwork, strategic thinking, communication, and working toward a common goal. My memorable CTF experiences took place at Camp Lutherland in Federal Way, Washington, where we played with teams of 60 players on each side. The competition was fun, and the strategies could get intense - like flag football on steroids.
At the Acacia Leadership Academy, paintball became a biennial tradition, serving as a modern-day version of CTF. The academy’s primary goal is to establish a cohesive chapter over four days. Attendees from North America come together to discover a powerful truth: despite their diverse backgrounds, they share similar values, principles, and challenges. Following paintball, we engaged in Ritual Exemplification. Since 1990, Acacia has been inducting a ‘live’ candidate for initiation, and you could truly see the Eureka moment and Acacia Pride in how the Ritual was performed.
The pride in the Acacia Ritual has been an integral part of Acacia for 121 years. A special commission was assembled, consisting of Dr. Francis W. Shepardson (former national president), Chicago ’08, Arthur R. Keith, Cornell ’08, Albert K. Wilson, Kansas ’08, and Stanley Coulter, Purdue ’07, who revised and rewrote the Acacia Ritual in 1910. Only minor changes have been made since then, underscoring the enduring legacy of our Ritual.
Recently, the Fraternity embarked on a special project to reprint the Ritual, update chapter operation manuals (the Acacia Gold Book series), and enhance our social media presence. These improvements will significantly enrich the Acacia experience, ushering in a new era for our Brotherhood. A heartfelt thank you to the generous support for the Foundation’s Euclid Fund from undergraduates, alumni, and corporation boards, who contributed extra gifts for this fiscal year. Brothers will be recognized in the Ritual along with their roll number and chapter, demonstrating to our current generation that they are part of a broader legacy.
The Euclid project brings to mind our 100th Anniversary in 2004. We were fortunate to have Edward M. King, former Director of Housing and Residential Life at Bradley University and a proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, as our keynote speaker. His presentation, Secret Thoughts of a Ritual, still resonates. His presentation brought the Ritual to life from a third-person perspective. What is the Ritual? “I am a roadmap to help a person along ‘life’s pathway’ and to assist him in his communion with fellow travelers. Who am I? Your Ritual. What am I? A system of values. What am I for? My purpose is not just to make you a better fraternity man but, more importantly, a better human being.” When performed correctly, the Acacia Ritual is one of the most significant rites of passage. The Ritual communicates, “This moment matters!” It transforms the college experience into sacred time, lasting not just four years, but for life.
Capture the Flag! Scores of Acacians have been doing just that - by giving their time, talent, and treasure. The pages of this Triad showcase that “Team Acacia” spirit and so much more. If you haven’t yet supported the Foundation’s Exceptional Fund, now’s the perfect time to recapture the flag. Take advantage of Brother Lang’s generous matching offer and show your support for the Black & Gold!
So, what’s in a flag? If you take a closer look, you’ll find Pride — a Fraternity steeped in tradition, symbolizing excellence, high ideals, and the pursuit of Acacia’s tenets of “virtue,” knowledge, and truth.” At its core is the building block for all Brothers - the Ritual of Acacia!
Geometrically challenged, I remain Fraternally yours,
Darold W. Larson, Executive Director Acacia Fraternity Foundation email: dlarson@acacia.org mobile: (317) 695-3142
P.S. For more information on the history of the Acacia Ritual, the beginnings of our membership manual, or Ed King’s “Secret Thoughts of a Ritual,” please visit www. acacia.org/upcoming-events. An experience unlike any other, a grip, a bond, and with that, the ties that bind. Team Acacia, not four years, but for life!
Brendon Gonzales, Illinois State ’19, flying the Acacia Flag during his trip to Greece.
CHAPTER ETERNAL
ARIZONA
Dr. Irving G. Studebaker, #55
CALIFORNIA
Howard P. Weinberger, #561
William J. Mason, #428
Richard Cullum Wolcott, #419
COLORADO
Monte R. Bradshaw, #691
William R. Eager, #565
Floyd James Herbertson, #611
Carroll S. Senn, #783
CORNELL
Peter M. Van Denburgh, #575
Edmund M. Mackert, #579
Richard G. Elmendorf, #478
DENVER
William N. Gunderson, #103
EAST TEXAS STATE
Richard A. Lewis, #12
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Dr. William Clark Ashby, #222
ILLINOIS
Warren R. Gedstad, #825
Robert L. Willerton, #742
Howard G. Pratt, #757
INDIANA
Dr. Robert F. Petry, #630
Leo J. Marchant, #558
Ernest W. Rapp, #746
IOWA
William G. Campbell, #602
Frank L. Denz, #381
IOWA STATE
Gordon N. Sundberg, #501
KANSAS
Jerry D. Pierson, #910
KANSAS STATE
Robert W. Hedrick, #426
Jerry L. Donnelly, #547
Harold T. McCubbin, #534
Andrew C. Hawkins, #1221
Jon B. Culley, #815
Ronald G. Higgins, DDS, #489
H. Benjamin Funk, #399
Kelly D. Miller, #807
LOUISIANA STATE
John Lewis Meeks, #166
Jeffrey L. Corbett, #457
Robert L. Reeves, #129
M. Trent T Wood, #388
MIAMI OF OHIO
Gary F. Alexander, #300
Harold L. Novick, #166
Merrill G. Smith, #18
MICHIGAN
John B. Hickman, #596
Malcolm Adams Danforth, #671
Michael John Davidson, #798
MISSISSIPPI STATE
John T. Alexander, #101
MISSOURI SCHOOL OF MINES
Roland Henry Ehrhardt, #180
Tod Krueger Jester, #52
NEBRASKA
Russell Adam Herstein, #1213
James A. Thomassen, #657
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Norman R. Carver, #141
Jeffrey Normand St Cyr, #966
Stephen E. Bennett, #485
Kevin Patrick Schiller, #1183
Ralph L. Fearon, #287
Jonathan Edward Laurie, #1254
NORTHERN COLORADO
Bruce E. Smith, #17
Alan D. Hyslop, #47
NORTHWESTERN
Eugene B. Pflughaupt, #369
Richard F. Robinson, #428
Keith B. James, #840
OHIO
Don K. Seward, #174
OHIO STATE
Howard A. Longfellow, #514
Barry L. Cosens, #650
OREGON STATE
Russell J. Parkinson, #155
Richard E. Carnahan, #159
Todd Larry Asburry, #812
Antranik Barsamian, #177
Frederick N. Fritsch, #243
Jon L. Woodside, #232
Donald W. Dauterman, #245
Curtis E. McCann, #188
PURDUE
Steven E. Flodberg, #917
Thomas M. Fansler, Jr., #746
Michael W. Johnson, #859
Halbert E. Gossard, #773
John R. Guenther, #892
RENSSELAER
Harold S. Maddix, #32
William F. Winslow, #202
SYRACUSE
Neil Z. Melman, #443
Donald C. Ingram, #328
TEXAS
Elijah M. Nelson, #250
Walton C. Fleming, #699
Randy Hinds, #793
T. Frank Smith IV, #816
John T. Lyons, #1460
UCLA
William M. Lynn, #45
John M. Davis, #288 Knox Williams, #40
VERMONT
Phillips H. Kerr, #182
WASHINGTON STATE
Glen L. Hower, #181
WISCONSIN
Ralph J. Eckert, #511
WYOMING
Geoffrey R. Lucas, #378
This is a list of all brothers reported between 12/16/2024 and 5/14/2025. Please contact Acacia Headquarters at communications@acacia.org for more information about a brother or to inform us of a brother’s recent passing.
Acacia Fraternity International Headquarters
12721 Meeting House Road Carmel, IN 46032
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
www.acacia.org | communications@acacia.org
If your son has recently moved, we’d love to have his new address to keep in touch with fraternity publications like The Triad. Please send us (or ask him to send us) a quick update at: communications@acacia.org or 317-872-8210.
Feel free to keep and read this Triad! We’ll send him another copy.
The Acacia Fraternity Foundation (AFF), founded in 1989, is Acacia Fraternity’s nonprofit educational foundation. A 501(c)(3) taxexempt organization, the AFF exists to provide scholarships to student Acacians and to support the worthy educational and leadership activities of the fraternity. You also receive this magazine at no cost, thanks to the foundation!
The efforts of Acacia Fraternity are made possible by the generousity of our donors. Please consider making a gift to support the next generation of Acacians. Scholarships support worthy endeavors such as our award winning leadership programs, education for members, and scholarships to our top undergraduates. Help us reach our goals by considering a gift to Acacia during the holiday season. So Live!