Donor Testimonials

L. Dennis Smith, PhD, Indiana ’56

The path of a small town kid at Indiana University, to accomplished cellular biologist and chief executive of a major university system, runs through the Acacia Fraternity. L. Dennis Smith joined the brotherhood at IU and began to develop his leadership skills within the chapter. After graduating, he remained involved by serving as chapter advisor, while completing his PhD in biology.

His career started at the Argonne National Laboratory and eventually led to Purdue University, where he first entered academic administration. After serving as Executive Vice Chancellor and Interim Chancellor at the University of California, Irvine, Brother Smith became President of the four-campus University of Nebraska system. During his decade of leadership, he conducted a major effort to raise the profile of the system that culminated in a successful $770+ million capital campaign.

Following his retirement, Brother Smith readily accepted a seat on the Acacia Fraternity Foundation Board of Directors. "My fraternity experience as an undergraduate Acacian was outstanding," he recalls, "Without this experience, I would not have succeeded in the leadership positions that I have held over the years."

As a tangible example of his belief in Acacia’s future, Dennis and his wife, Suzanne, have created a $35,000 scholarship fund benefiting Acacia leaders at the University of Nebraska. "The New Century Campaign will raise the funds needed to endow Cornerstones and the fraternity’s other educational programs, which will strengthen Acacia on every campus. Suzanne and I are pleased to be able to do our part in helping accomplish these goals."