An Open Letter from the Venerable Dean

The University of Texas at Austin is an intimidating school. It's filled with over 900 student organizations and 35,000 undergraduates. When I first stepped foot into this university I wasn't exactly sure where to go. I knew where my classes were, I knew what my major was and had goals set forth for my following years, but I still didn't know what would define my experience here. I wanted to be a part of something, but I just wasn't sure as to what that would be.

I honestly I had no interest in Greek fraternal organizations before coming to college. No one in my family had ever been a part of one, nor did they really approve. I had always thought of fraternities in a negative manner. Then I ran into the Acacia Fraternity. The first time I stepped into the 2614 house I felt comfort from all of the guys that were there. They had recently moved into the house in the fall of 2006 and were proud to show it off.

I continued going to rush events, received a bid, and then went through the process of convincing my parents to let me join. It's not easy to persuade your parents to let you join something in which they have no knowledge about. My parents questioned things which every parent should question before their child joins a fraternity. "Do they haze?" "Do they just drink all day?" and "Are there even any benefits of being in a fraternity?" were among some of their questions. Luckily, Acacia doesn't drink excessively or haze. I can now easily answer the last question since finishing the pledging process:

• Acacia's pledge program is designed for the student. It only takes away a few hours a week which in the end helps the student's GPA tremendously.
• Acacia prides itself on academics: Academics first, Acacia second
• Acacia develops well-rounded leaders through its state-of-the-art Membership Development Program, Cornerstones
• Acacia's low dues promote both social and economic diversity making us one of the most diverse Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities at UT
• Acacia's philanthropic events strengthen individual character

I could go on for days and days on the benefits of Acacia, but the best way for you to learn more about us is to visit for yourself. We welcome anyone to visit us this fall. Please have a look at our rush calendar for this fall. Also, feel free to contact me, or our rush chairman if you have any questions about fraternities, rush, directions, or just want to talk about Acacia. You can also sign-up to join our contact list if you would like an active to contact you about fall events. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Brant Christiansen
254.592.6437
bccocx@gmail.com
Venerable Dean (President), Acacia Fraternity


Additional Contacts:

Evan Sylvester
evanatut@gmail.com
Fall '08 Rush Chairman, Acacia Fraternity

David Sollee
832-859-0484
david_sollee@hotmail.com
Spring '08 Rush Chairman, Acacia Fraternity

Click here to go to our rush calendar

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Also see Why Acacia?