The Hype

Texas Chapter brings in nine new members

by Andrew Chew and Jacob Sloan

On April 15, the Texas Chapter of Acacia Fraternity formally initiated nine new members into the active chapter. Under the guidance of Senior Dean David Metter, the new members excelled in an extensive program to help educate them in the teachings of our mentor and our fraternity history. The program was designed so that the new class must rely on each other as a team to accomplish the goal of becoming brothers.

The whole active chapter stayed involved in the pledge class' progress from the start and always demonstrated their support by making themselves available to the pledges at all times. Our Big Brother program allowed actives to fulfill their duties as mentors by keeping in constant contact with their respective little brothers and, at times, providing a relief from the tough adjustment of college classes to have a little fun.

On the week of initiation, Brother Patrick McGovern visited our chapter to assist us in implementing the Membership Development Program. Texas was chosen as pilot chapter of this program and began merging it with our existing pledge education and membership education programming. Brother McGovern came down to specifically make a presentation to the pledges about the Membership Development Program. His presence allowed him to serve as their liaison to our International Headquarters and answer most of their questions. During his visit, he was also able to get a first-hand look at our approach to new member education. He had many suggestions for us to consider along with many complimentary remarks.

Our initiation ceremonies were attended by First International Vice-President Barry Baxter who commuted all the way from Houston to attend the ceremony. Upon the declaring them brothers, he was there to support and congratulate each new initiate. The ceremony was held at the Austin Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Temple, which is run by Texas honorary initiate Brother Gordon Kelso. Special thanks to him for once again allowing to use the hall of the temple. Thanks is also due to Chapter Advisor Rob Mickam for offering guidance to this class as he has every class of this new chapter.

The Texas Chapter is proud to present our new initiates of the spring semester of 2007:

• Brother Chris Tyrell (Pledge Class President)
• Brother Alex Kesling (Pledge Class Vice President)
• Brother Zack Doran
• Brother Chris Martinez
• Brother Troy Triplett
• Brother Alejandro Diaz
• Brother Gordon Wilkins III
• Brother Charlie Weinberger
• Brother Michael Hill

Many congratulations go out to these men who have proven that they are “Proud to be an Acacian.” Now that we have successfully completed the semester with an outstanding class, we look forward to next semester begins and the calibur of men that we will continue to bring in to the Texas Chapter.