Indiana Acacia Cycling Team places 5th in Little 500, Wins Dixie Highway Award

The Little 500, an annual bike race at Indiana University, has been called "the largest intramural event in the nation".  Teams train throughout the year for this 50-mile race in which all of the teams use a standard, single-gear bike to ensure that no one has an edge by having better equipment than any other teams.  Event coordinators report that over 25,000 fans are in attendance each year.

Amidst a windy, and at-times rainy, afternoon, 33 teams took the track for the Men's Race on Saturday, April 16th.  Many of the teams participating represent Indiana University's fraternity chapters, and there are a number of "independent" teams that represent cycling clubs or dormitories.

Historically, the Acacia Fraternity Cycling Team has been a consistently strong contender, winning the race in 1961, 1983, & 1991.  The team website (http://www.acaciacycling.org/ ) provides additional information, and has this to say about the history of the team: "Since the race was first run in 1951, Acacia has participated in every race except one. This extensive race career, coupled with consistent top performances, have given Acacia Cycling the distinction of ranking second all-time among teams ever to participate in the Little 500."

This years team had a very strong race, after a less-than-glorious qualifying spot, starting 30th out of 33 teams.  However, that just meant that the men had an opportunity to make huge strides once the race began, and that they did.  Leading the entire field for a number of the laps, our team held strong and competed until the end.  Finishing in 5th place, the team won the Dixie Highway Award, which goes to the team that advances the highest number of spots from the start to the finish of the race.  They also set the event record for that particular honor, no team has ever advanced that many spots over the course of the race.

This years team was comprised of brothers John Ferry, Brian Howaniec, Blake Swinehart, Greg Bortz & Josh Minnick.  Each team is only allowed to dress 4 riders with one reserve rider.  Ferry, Howaniec, Swinehart & Bortz dressed for the race, and Minnick was geared up and ready to go in case we needed a replacement rider.  View the Team Roster here.

Congratulations to this years team!  None of these men will be graduating this year, so we will have one of the strongest teams going into next year.  Join us in congratulating these Acacians who exemplify dedication and excellence!

Ohio Chapter 5Cacia Philanthropy April 2011

Brothers,

April 16th, 2011 is the 3rd annual 5Cacia - 5K for Pancreatic Cancer Research, an event our chapter been working on for 3 years now and one which we are very proud to present. There's a 95% mortality rate for the first year of diagnosis for all pancreatic cancer patients, yet it is still one of the least funded types of cancer. Our goals for our event this year are to raise more awareness, to have over 500 participants, and to raise at least $20,000.00; with this being said, we need your help! If you could pass along this message to friends and family so that they too can hopefully join in and support our efforts we would greatly appreciate it. We have a long way to go to reach our goals, so we need as much as help as possible!

To Register, Donate, or for more information about our event, feel free to check out our website - www.5Cacia.com

For more information about where we donate to (The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research) or about Pancreatic Cancer visit -www.Lustgarten.org

Thank you in advance for any help and support you can offer, I appreciate it so much!

Sincerely,

The Acacia Chapter of Ohio University

"The Journey" Pittsburgh Johnstown Newsletter April 2011

From the Venerable Dean

Dear Brothers:

My name is Harry Clark.  I have been elected Venerable Dean of the Acacia Fraternity at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown for the 2011 year.  Since my initiation on April 4, 2008, I have watched our chapter go through its ups and downs.  We have accumulated about $10,000 in debt, and are currently working to dig ourselves out of this proverbial hole that we’re in.  But throughout this trouble, our chapter has still remained a tight brotherhood and our traditions have remained the same since our start in 1973.  This article will discuss upcoming events, along with recruitment and some of my goals to alleviate our debts.

Since beginning my term as Venerable Dean, I have been ready and prepared to elevate our chapter to the level of prominence it has achieved in past years.  Over a year and a half ago, Acacia at Pitt-Johnstown sponsored a concert by Wiz Khalifa, one of the upcoming hip-hop artists of the time.  The concert took place at Ace’s Lounge in Johnstown.  Through our efforts, the concert profited us around $7000, leaving our debt to Acacia National just under $3000.  This motivated me to continue fundraising, with the ultimate goal of leaving us with zero debt.  With the help of the chapter Quartermaster, we initiated a “Walking Taco” fundraiser, which is currently being done once a week.  We have tried it twice and profited over $50.00 each time.  We are building up a reputation with the campus community, which could eventually lead us to bring in one hundred plus dollars each week.  This is not the only fundraiser that we are pursuing either.  Starting within the next few weeks, we will be selling sports jersey in order to bring in more money.  All of our brothers are putting forth a great effort to raise money and make a difference for the future of Acacia.

This semester brings us four potential new members.  Unfortunately recruitment numbers are low for all Greeks on the Pitt-Johnstown campus this year.  In past years, we were accustomed to pledging between nine and thirteen potentials each spring.  This has also motivated us to change our recruitment practices and try something new and innovative.  Next semester we will be having interest parties, inviting young potentials down during sports games in order to show them what Acacia can offer.  In the past we have depended heavily on two rush parties to bring in our numbers, but we are finding that we need to offer more to potential recruits.  For the fall 2011 semester, we will be renting the gym for rush activities such as basketball or dodgeball, which will attract a wide variety of young potentials into the world of Acacia.  

As you all know, Acacia’s motto is Human Service and the chapter is proudly living up to it!  At the end of March, Acacia will be a sponsor for the “March of Dimes”.  This fundraiser benefits children suffering with cancer.  All of the proceeds go directly toward research for childhood cancer.  This has been a success in the past bringing in $500.00 or more.  The event is scheduled to take place on a Saturday at the end of March.  Please contact the chapter for final dates and plans.  Along with this fundraiser, Acacia works with the American Red Cross to host two or more blood drives each semester.  Our most recent blood drive brought in over forty pints of blood.  For our next blood drive, taking place on April 7, 2011, we are hoping to reach out to more than just the student body.  We will be posting flyers in businesses all over Johnstown with hopes to bring in our largest donation ever!

In addition to our daily operations and activities, we are in involved in campus intramurals to promote the Acacia name.  We are currently competing in intramural basketball and having a great time!  I am also proud to announce that Acacia had the highest cumulative grade-point average out of any fraternity on campus for the fall 2010 semester. 

With these goals and accomplishments in mind, we hope that you as alumni would like to once again become more involved with Acacia. We would like for you to witness first hand the great things that Acacia at Pitt-Johnstown has to offer!

Although finances are a priority, there are other items that the chapter could use too.  Currently, we are looking for financial donations for a new chapter vacuum to keep the house clean, funds directly applied for supplies for our “Walking Taco” fundraising efforts and a new sound system for the house, including new speakers and receiver to replace the old set.  Any funds donated can also be earmarked to help pay down our debt.  Any donation is greatly appreciated. Finally, initiation will take place the weekend of April 8, 2011.  Please mark your calendars now to join us and help welcome these new men into the Acacia brotherhood.

For further information about the initiation weekend or if you would like to help the chapter with a donation, please contact me at hrc7@pitt.edu or call at (610) 350-7618.  Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Fraternally,

Harry R. Clark #477

Venerable Dean

From Acacia International Headquarters

Over 100 years after the founding of Acacia, we still find that the best form of communication IS the chapter newsletter and it is with great pleasure that we present this newest version of The Journey!  The electronic version of the newsletter is being published to keep our Pitt-Johnstown brothers informed of the happenings of their chapter and fellow alumni.  The Journey welcomes your stories, pictures and updates.  Please feel free to send your news articles to Harry Clark at hrc7@pitt.edu.

 By the numbers:

Total initiates:  504

Chapter Eternal:  8

Valid Addresses:  290

E-mail Addresses:  119

Lost Acacians:  193

Through the help of the local chapter, the Headquarters staff continues to update the Pitt-Johnstown database on a regular basis.  Currently we have 290 mailable Pitt-Johnstown alumni addresses and only 119 e-mail addresses.  We encourage you to reach out and contact your brothers and let them know the good happenings of the Pitt-Johnstown chapter.  The bonds of brotherhood run deep and we have learned that pledge classes stay in touch.  If you have a cache of e-mails or communicate on a regular basis through mail, please send us your updates.  For those receiving The Journey via e-mail, you may look up fellow alumni at http://www.acacia.org/alumni_findbrother.php or update your information by clicking the “Update Your Membership” located at the bottom of the main newsletter page.  

Strengthening the Ties of Friendship...

Chapter Giving Opportunities

Interested in making a donation to the Pitt-Johnsown chapter fund?  There’s a new convenient and fast way to give to your Chapter!  Your gift is only a click away.  Please visit http://www.acacia.org/foundation_giving.php to make your charitable gift.  There you will find a drop box so that you may target your donation towards the fund of your choosing.

The Foundation has established general-purpose accounts for each Acacia chapter and colony. Contributions to your Foundation account are tax-deductible and can be used to support the educational activities of the chapter, including our new membership development - Cornerstones; scholarships; and house improvements, based on educational usage.

Make your contribution today using our secure online portal and have an immediate impact on Acacia.

From the Archives

The following historical Chapter Highlight was taken from The Triad of Acacia Fraternity, Summer 1988.

The year 1987-88 has been a major success in all directions for the Acacia Fraternity at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.  We have 37 active members and seven men pledging.  We have recently formed a new office and have gained two new advisors.  The new office, Alumni Relations, has been formed to regain communications with our lost alumni.  Our new advisors – Faculty-Dr. Bob Matson and Alumni-Dan Tilley have proved to be assets to the fraternity by their integrity and activity in the fraternity.

Human Service has been the center of our fraternity activities.  Our success can be attributed to our Service Chairman.  We have had 3 very successful blood drives and a one week pledge project called “Organ Donor Days”.  The brothers and pledges recruited nearly 100 new organ donors.  As a campus service, we built a small wooden bridge in need of repair.  Finally, our big project of the year was our 12th annual Jog-a-thon benefiting the March of Dimes.  Through contributions from local businesses and solicitation during our twenty-four hour jog, we were able to raise $3,300 – another very fine year for us for Human Service.

Some major accomplishments which we achieved during the year were: Champions of Greek Week 1988; Fraternity Achievement Award (Highest GPA for all Fraternities); Presidents Award – Ronald Bolam; Brother of the Year – Mark Young, Service Chairman.  Clearly, a very successful year for our chapter.

Finally, we are in the process of drawing up the plans, both legally and fraternally, for a new chapter house.  This project has the approval of the President of the University and our Executive Board.  Some time in the near future, we may need your help.

Richard Rosel #225, Secretary

"The Memnon" Washington State Newsletter April 2011

State of the Colony

Dear Brothers:

When I was initiated into the Acacia Fraternity colony in spring of 2010, approximately one year ago the membership was at seven active members.  Washington State Acacia was practically an unknown entity on campus, and at the same time, we  were almost unable to fill our house that holds only six people.  We were getting by, but at a slow pace.

Now one year later with the guidance and strong leadership of fantastic Acacians we are in a position to have 26 members by the end of the spring 2011 semester, an increase of more than 300% of our membership at the beginning of the semester last year.  WSU Acacia is one of the up and coming fraternities on campus and is fueled by the passion for human service that a majority of members have come to find is their ultimate deciding factor for joining Acacia.  Acacia is incredibly recognizable on campus, especially with two of our members working for the Center for Civic Engagement on campus.  

We are moving also moving into a new house next semester with 12 rooms.  Once we are able to make this our permanent home, could easily fit 16 members comfortably.  WSU Acacia is growing rapidly with members that are living up to the legacy of Acacia that has been passed to them and the momentum does not seem to have any signs of stopping.

We look forward to seeing you in Pullman.  Feel free to stop by and see the great things that are happening at Acacia!

Fraternally,

Christopher Williams #847

Venerable Dean

Philanthropy on the Rise

This past December, Acacia sponsored our annual Acacia Claus Holiday Toy Drive event, and it was a big hit. We had many guys come out and volunteer to stand out in the cold and accept donations for the children’s hospital. We raised over $4000 in toys that were donated to the hospital. It was  incredibly successful and we all had a really good time. Also, for this past semester, we were one of two fraternities that achieved having 80% of their members meet the minimum IFC philanthropy requirement of 8 hours. We had 100% of our guys obtain our individual chapter’s 12 hour minimum community service requirements, which is 150% of the 8 hours that WSU IFC requires. In the upcoming months, we have a couple different philanthropies scheduled which include a food drive, helping out with a family fair, and our second annual 5k Fun Run.  One of the main programs of our pledge education process is a community service project that the pledge class puts on and we have the highest expectations for our current 9 person pledge class to have a successful project.

Andrew Kim

Philanthropy Chairman

Recruitment & New Member Update

Rush Chair:

In the spring of 2010, we recruited five new members, followed with eight in the fall. Coming into the spring semester of 2011, I had high expectations for rush. Our goal was ten and we almost reached that with our nine new pledges.  We could have easily reached our goal of ten just by body pledging, but as it is now, we have nine good and dedicated new members. Our success was due to scheduling event after event, giving our current members more of an opportunity to bring potential new members to meet the brothers. We hosted poker nights, going to the hookah bar, theaters, YouTube night, and various other activities. These nine men will compose the spring pledge class and with their help, we are continuing to recruit men to be initiated in the coming fall. 

Senior Dean/Pledge Ed:

We have completed 2 weeks of pledge education starting with making goals for the semester and general Acacia information and continuing into the rest of the information. This semester we are working on integrating Cornerstones into our pledge education. We have already begun to learn songs such as “The Toast” and “We’re the Men from Acacia”. This past Presidents Day weekend, we had our pledge retreat in Spokane, including some fun brotherhood events; lunch at Neato Burrito, paintball, dinner at Red Robin, and spending the night at a hotel. It was a tight fit with all nine pledges and seven of the active members cozying up in two rooms!  The next morning started with breakfast at Carl’s Jr. and then a trip home.  What was one of the best moments of the weekend?  Having the chance to shoot each other with paintballs!

We performed two installments of pledge ceremonies this semester in which the night before we hosted brotherhoods. The first time we executed the “Bond.” Each guy was given a candle and a lit candle was placed in the middle of a dark room. Each member got to take the lit candle to a member he wished to share why he appreciated he was in the fraternity. The member talking then would light the candle of whom he talked about and he, in turn, would choose the next member and so on.  At the end, each member had a chance to speak about someone and be spoken about, as once your candle was lit, a member could not choose you again. The night before the second pledge ceremony, we did a brotherhood where each person in the circle was given the chance to explain why he joined Acacia – a simple, yet incredibly profound event.

We are looking to have a chapter retreat the first weekend of April and Initiation is scheduled for April 15-17.  We look forward to another good alumni turnout! It always enhances the experience and makes it more meaningful for everyone. 

Nick Montanari #837

Senior Dean

Socially Speaking!

The Washington State University colony of Acacia has become very active in the Greek community in the past semester.  The colony has had its first exchange since its re-colonization, and has also secured Homecoming pairs for the next fall semester.  For Homecoming  2011 , we will be partnering with the ladies of Alpha Delta Pi, and the fraternities of Farmhouse, and Sigma Pi. Homecoming is scheduled for October 15, 2011.  Mark your calendars now!  

The colony is also very excited for the upcoming Greek Week, we are partnered with Alpha Gamma Delta and Delta Upsilon.   The brothers have been very busy in preparation for the upcoming events.  

Maintaining a balance between Human Service, school work, and social life is the key to a happy and healthy college student!

Jeff McCrea #854

Social Chairman

Brother Spotlight

Brother Cameron Bullock #858, is one of the newest members of Acacia Fraternity at Washington State University as well as our current Scholarship Chairman.  Brother Bullock transferred to Washington State University from Pierce College with a 3.8 GPA on a 4.0 Scale. With his outstanding SAT scores Brother Bullock has full-ride scholarship through Pierce College and WSU as an excellent math major student.

Cameron Bullock has dedicated a great amount of time and energy into community service since becoming an Acacian.  During our Acacia Claus in fall 2010, Brother Bullock dedicated his time by tabling for our toy drive everyday throughout the entire week. 

As our Scholarship Chairman, he has been reserving times and spaces for study tables about 12 to 15 hours a month for the rest of the brothers to study. He has been providing academic advice, tutoring opportunities and peer tutors to serve the best of our academic interest.

Matt Wu

Brotherhood Chairman