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Br. Norman House '57 Presented K-State Acacia Vernon D. Foltz Award
10/28/2009
MANHATTAN, KS – The Kansas State Acacia Board of Directors continued to acknowledge individuals within the Acacia family who have symbolized the fundamental principles of "Together, Building Exceptional Lives" by awarding Brother Norman House '57 the 2009 Vernon D. Foltz Award. At a special recognition dinner and CORE presentation, the Chapter, joined by the Senior Men Recognition Committee, presented the award to House on October 11, 2009.
The Foltz Award, named for K-State Acacia legend Vernon D. "Tiny" Foltz, recognizes a member of the fraternity that has provided a unique and unusual effort to advance the mission of Kansas State Acacia. Br. Bill Riley '60, past chair of the SMOA Recognition Committee, Br. Denny Bassett '56, and Br. Herschel Pickett '59 joined the recognition dinner.
Br. Norman House has been a long-time champion of Acacia ideals. Through his memorial contribution in honor of close friend and fellow Acacian, Br. Allen Trachsel '57, House envisioned his contributions to be put into effect immediately to improve the recruitment efforts of the house.
As a result of his outstanding vision, the Chapter experienced an incredible recruitment and membership increase since the inception of the Trachsel Fund, and his contributions have directly correlated to a full Chapter house for two consecutive years.
Following the presentation, Br. House led a Coordinated Opportunities Resulting in Excellence (CORE) leadership series discussion. Br. Denny Bassett described the leadership series as "thought provoking and challenging."
Br. House posed several questions, including: "Are you expecting return on your efforts in your lifetime important as compared to rewards in the after-life?" "How can we find the balance between capitalism versus socialism?" "Is there a place for some socialism?" "Is the conversion of the world's people to one religion desirable?" "And is Jihad versus diversity of the world important?"
Br. House's experiences of serving in the Peace Corps in Pakistan in the 1960's have provided a knowledgeable, diverse perspective on the world and current events. Br. House noted that the United States of America is approaching 250 years of independence, and while America has led the way to development of new technology and innovation, its best years are still ahead of her. It is up to the "new future," the Men of Acacia, to serve America with leadership and guidance and to further her development as a global leader.
To conclude the CORE program, Br. House expressed his delight for being a proud member of Acacia Fraternity. He stated that Acacia's priority on scholarship and leadership sets it apart from many other non-profit organizations.
Br. Vernon D. "Tiny" Foltz served as the advisor for the Interfraternity Council at K-State for many years and also served as Chapter advisor in the 1940s and 50s. Tiny was a powerful model of the original leadership principles of Acacia. He maintained an active role with Acacia during many of the most successful years of the fraternity. In 1958, Dr. Foltz was awarded the International Fraternity Award of Merit for his service to Acacia. He was a highly respected member of the K-State faculty, and the Foltz Plaza east of campus carries permanent recognition.
The Foltz Award is one of four awards presented by the Kansas State Chapter including the Harwood, Willard, and Carlson awards. House joins two other award recipients in 2009. Dr. Susan M. Scott, founding director of the School of Leadership Studies at Kansas State, received the Frank Carlson award for providing support, academic guidance and personal time to assist with the refounding of Acacia in 2001 and Br. Roger Brannan, '58, former speech and debate teacher, received the N. D. Nate Harwood Award for professional achievements advancing the principles of Acacia through exemplary careers or human service.
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2010 awards program. For additional information and a nomination form: email Cecil Pearce at pearce23@fairpoint.net or Lucas Shivers at lshivers@hotmail.com.
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Kansas State Chapter of Acacia Fraternity
One of the four original fraternities at Kansas State in 1913, Acacia Fraternity's rich tradition includes five buildings on campus named after Acacians including Seaton, Willard, Waters, Ford and Bushnell Halls. With leadership as a main cornerstone, Acacia Fraternity at Kansas State has been recognized as a leading chapter in human service events, alumni support, and scholarship excellence. Acacia believes in providing members with an alcohol-free, family environment dedicated to lifelong improvement in leadership, scholarship and character.
Contact: Chris Dolezal, Secretary
2005 Hunting Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66502
cdolezal@ksu.edu
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