Donor Testimonials
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Creating a Culture of Success:
David S. Baum, Indiana ‘61
- Throughout his career, David S. Baum, Indiana ’61, has shown a penchant for creating and fostering success. He has launched five companies employing 1,500+ people with operations in the US, Mexico, and Europe. This was one of the reasons Baum was asked to serve on the Acacia task force led by International President David Allen and L. Dennis Smith, co-chair of the New Century Campaign, that developed what has become the Cornerstones program.
- "Creating a culture of success within an organization is the most important things to do and very, very difficult," he explains, "That is why I am happy to help fund the creation of Cornerstones. I believe it is a unique opportunity to establish an entirely new culture in Acacia with all chapters pulling in the same direction. Properly implemented by the chapters, I believe it will differentiate Acacia from all other fraternities."
- His belief in the program’s importance is demonstrated through the generous gift of $100,000 he and his wife, Judy, have made to help fund the pilot phase of Cornerstones.
- "Cornerstones is the most substantive program to hit Acacia Fraternity in the last fifty years," remarks Baum, "However, we are only half-way to success. Individual and chapter accountability are essential. A strong accountability system from individual participants to the chapter alumni boards to the national headquarters to the International Council needs to be implemented or we risk missing this unique opportunity."
- Perhaps a fitting mantra for Acacia at this time comes from the advice an old professor once sent to Baum:
"Words are cheap. Deeds are dear. Accomplishment is a neccessity."
