One of Acacia Fraternity's cherished traditions is called Pass the Gavel. Whether it's in the chapter room or a banquet hall, the gavel travels from brother to brother and each man has the floor to address everyone present. Some brothers share a personal anecdote or tell a joke, but many take the opportunity to speak what's on their minds or in their hearts about Acacia. Before handing the gavel off to the next brother, every man ends his remarks with "I'm an Acacian, and I'm proud of it."

What follows may be considered a virtual Pass the Gavel. We asked undergraduate and alumni brothers to share with you, the prospective member, what Acacia means to them. Here is what they had to say.

Brother Lawrence Andre
Alumnus, Kansas State Chapter

"Acacia Fraternity provided me with the support structure and growth opportunities that I needed in order to achieve my goals while an undergraduate student at Kansas State University. I continue to support Acacia and volunteer my time not only to give back to the organization that has provided me so much but also to continue that growth which started in my collegiate years.

"As each year passes, I find that my ongoing Acacia journey is more and more important to my personal achievements. I truly believe that Acacia can continue to make a difference in the lives of undergraduate students for many generations to come, and I want to do what I can to help make it a reality."

Brother Jeremy Davis
Alumnus & Chapter Advisor, Iowa State Chapter

"I chose Acacia Fraternity because it had everything I was looking for — a strong academic foundation, leadership development opportunities, and brotherhood. Throughout my involvement with Acacia, both as an active and alumni brother, the most beneficial aspect has been the lifelong friendships I have developed with brothers from all across the U.S. and Canada. A significant highlight for me was serving as an Acacia Leadership Academy Fellow, where I was able to work with our undergraduate brothers to help them to become more effective leaders."

Brother Ryan Dawald
Alumnus, Saint Cloud State Chapter

"Joining Acacia Fraternity was the best move I made in college. I was hesitant at first, but I joined the fraternity for leadership experience and lifelong friendship. I really meshed with the guys in the chapter and liked the direction they were going as well as the fundamentals of the individual chapter and those of the International organization. As I grew in school, my friendships, experiences, and memories grew as well. My undergraduate experience was a terrific one and allowed me to meet many people and experience many things I could never have achieved through academics alone.

"Even as an alumnus I continue to benefit greatly from Acacia. In fact, I owe my job at Black & Decker to Acacia due to the fact that one of my alumni brothers was working for the company and highly encouraged me to apply. This was the first application I put out, and with a little coaching along the way, it turned out to be the last as I now find myself employed in a terrific company."

Brother Thomas J. DeRue, Jr.
Alumnus, Indiana Chapter

"I will never be able to give back to Acacia a fraction of what it has given to me. Not only did I meet the men who are still, years later, my best friends, I continue to meet brothers from many walks of life; this has allowed me to develop the interpersonal skills that have served me in my personal and professional endeavors. Acacia made not only my college experience more rewarding; it has made my life more rewarding."

Brother Paul Dimoh
Undergraduate, Syracuse University

"Acacia Fraternity sort of found me during my freshman year at Syracuse University. I thought I didn't want anything to do with the Greek community, but there was an alumni group that was looking to restart the chapter. Over time the idea of starting a colony and watching it develop began to appeal to me, so I took a chance at what I now know was a great opportunity. I was the first pledge and eventually headed the colony as its Venerable Dean.

"There's a line in the Acacia pledge manual that says, "The man who works for something greater than himself will ultimately benefit himself the most." When I think about it, I see that this is what Acacia stands for. Our alumni and national office have all been a big help and very supportive of our becoming an established fraternity on campus. With God's help and the continued support of the brotherhood, we will continue to move forward!"

Brother Ian Finn
Alumnus, California University of Pennsylvania Chapter

"I pledged Acacia Fraternity in 2000 and have gained so much from my involvement in this organization. Acacia provided me with life skills that I could never have obtained in a classroom. My experiences with Acacia have taken me places that I have never thought possible, and I will always put forth my honest share of effort to maintain the standard of excellence instilled in me as a member of Acacia. After all, brotherhood is not something that lasts for four years, but something that lasts for life."

Brother Greg Gifford
Alumnus, Nebraska Chapter

"I joined Acacia Fraternity because I thought it would help me make the transition from high school to college much easier. Not only did my experience in the fraternity help me with that transition, but the experiences and the values I gained from my time as an undergraduate taught me leadership skills, courtesy, challenged my creativity, and better prepared me for life after college.

"Acacia Fraternity is a group of young men who study together, face challenges together, grow together, and, through all of that, are better trained to be the leaders of tomorrow. Acacia is an experience that lasts a lifetime and you shouldn't miss out!"