Awards and Honors
Recognizing those Brothers who put in more than their “fair share of effort”
Acacia Fraternity takes great pride in recognizing the outstanding achievements and remarkable contributions of its members and chapters. Our prestigious awards and honors celebrate exceptional leadership, impactful community service, academic excellence, and unwavering dedication to the core fraternity values we uphold. From individual distinctions to significant chapter-wide accomplishments, these accolades highlight the deep commitment and meaningful contributions that truly define the Acacia experience. Explore the wide range of honors that inspire continued growth, excellence, and unity throughout our brotherhood.
Individual Honors and Awards
Order of Pythagoras
Established in 1962, The Order of Pythagoras recognizes contributions to Acacia Fraternity by those “serving beyond the ordinary call of duty.” Election to the Order of Pythagoras is by the International Council and may include alumni, undergraduates and, occasionally, non-Acacians. No more than 25 awards will be granted to undergraduates during any year. Chapters may nominate as many brothers as they deem fit to be nominated, with recipients determined by the International Council.
Award of Merit
Introduced at Acacia’s Golden Anniversary celebrations in 1954, the Award of Merit is Acacia’s second highest individual honor. It is given to “brothers who have given of their time and substance unstintingly for the promotion and furtherance of Acacia, both nationally and locally, and brothers who have rendered outstanding service in their chosen fields, and have attained high position therein, thus exemplifying the motto of Acacia, human service, and the teachings of the fraternity, which constantly admonish our members to prepare themselves as educated men to take a more active part in their communities.”
Roy C. Clark Award
Brother Roy C. Clark (often referred to as “Mr. Acacia”) was a devoted Acacian who served the Fraternity in a number of capacities, including that of National Executive Secretary (now termed Executive Director) from 1947-1966. This award, dedicated to him in 1966, is presented annually to a single undergraduate who most nearly exemplifies the outstanding attributes of Brother Clark — perseverance, integrity, foresight, loyalty, devotion, wisdom and leadership. It is the highest undergraduate honor an Acacian can hope to attain.
Dr. Robert G. Travnicek - Two Egyptian Students Award
The Dr. Robert G. Travnicek – Two Egyptian Students Award honors Acacia members who have provided significant and lasting service to a chapter other than the one into which they were initiated. Named in recognition of Brother Robert G. Travnicek, whose devotion to the Fraternity extended well beyond his home chapter, this award reflects the spirit of selfless service and fraternity without borders.
Recipients embody Acacia’s values by dedicating their time, leadership, and support to strengthen chapters outside their own, ensuring the growth and vitality of the Fraternity as a whole. This award celebrates those who exemplify brotherhood in its truest form by making a meaningful difference wherever the need is greatest.
George F. Patterson Jr. Award
Acacia’s most prestigious individual award is given annually in honor of Brother Patterson’s many years of service to Acacia and the interfraternity movement. It recognizes Acacia alumni whose contributions to the fraternity are both sustained and outstanding. To be considered for a Patterson Award, an alumnus must be a prior recipient of the Award of Merit.
Donald W. Solonas Jr. Award (Lifetime Achievement Award)
The Donald W. Solanas Jr. Award is the highest honor granted by Acacia Fraternity to recognize a lifetime of exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to the Fraternity. Named in memory of Brother Donald W. Solanas Jr., whose devotion and commitment set an enduring example, this award celebrates individuals who have made a sustained impact on Acacia over the course of their lives.
Recipients of the Solanas Award exemplify Acacia’s values through decades of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering support for the Fraternity’s mission. The award acknowledges those whose contributions extend beyond routine involvement, honoring brothers who have demonstrated extraordinary vision, loyalty, and service that shaped the growth and strength of Acacia for generations to come.
Chapter Awards and recognition
THE FOUNDERS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Instituted in 1956, the Founders Achievement Award (commonly referred to as the “Malcolm Award”) has been given biennially to the chapter that best meets an exhaustive list of criteria, including scholarship, activities, programs and exemplification of the traditions established by Acacia’s Founding Fathers. The recipient of the Malcolm Award is considered to be the preeminent chapter of Acacia Fraternity during the preceding biennium.
CHAPTER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Introduced at Acacia’s Golden Anniversary celebrations in 1954, the Award of Merit is Acacia’s second highest individual honor. It is given to “brothers who have given of their time and substance unstintingly for the promotion and furtherance of Acacia, both nationally and locally, and brothers who have rendered outstanding service in their chosen fields, and have attained high position therein, thus exemplifying the motto of Acacia, human service, and the teachings of the fraternity, which constantly admonish our members to prepare themselves as educated men to take a more active part in their communities.”
REACH Awards
The REACH Awards recognize Acacia chapters that excel in meeting the Fraternity’s core standards for success. These awards honor chapters that consistently demonstrate strength in five key areas: Recruitment, Economic Obligations/Finances, Academics, Campus/Community involvement, and Human Service.
By achieving excellence in these standards, REACH Award recipients exemplify the values and expectations of Acacia, setting the benchmark for chapter operations and member development across the Fraternity.