Brother George F. Patterson, Jr.
Cincinnati '42
Acacia Great

One brother stands alone for his continued 60 years of loyal service both at the local and national level — and that brother is George F. Patterson, Jr. Brother Patterson, who entered Chapter Eternal on May 12, 2005, was one of the few members who had a relationship with two of Acacia's Founding Fathers, Charles Sink and George Malcolm.

After many years of service to Acacia Fraternity in multiple capacities, including President from 1962-70, George was elected to the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC) Board. In 1974-75, that body selected him as its President. He was credited for bringing back into the fold many national fraternities who had left the conference in protest. George's efforts were recognized by the interfraternity world in 1979, when the NIC Gold Medal, the highest interfraternity accolade, was bestowed upon him.

In 1980, Acacia's Outstanding Alumnus Award — the highest award given any Acacian — was renamed the George F. Patterson, Jr. Award.

In each quarter century of our existence, one Acacian has been recognized above all others. At the 2004 Centennial Conclave, George was named the "Acacia Great" for the fourth quarter of Acacia's first century. Given his links to the past and present, his knowledge of our Fraternity, and his accomplishments within the interfraternity world, "Acacia Great" barely scratches the surface.

George Patterson cherished the past and challenged the future. His vast contributions to Acacia will live forever.

For more information on Brother Patterson, please visit our tribute site.