The Rise of Acacia Fraternity at Purdue

The Rise of Acacia Fraternity at Purdue is a remarkable work of historical investigation and storytelling craftsmanship. Brother Tom Nelson skillfully weaves three parallel lines of inquiry into a single compelling and highly readable account.

The Rise is a meticulously researched account of Purdue Acacia during its first seventy-five and most formative years, from 1907 to the early 1980s. We witness the chapter evolve through two world wars, the Great Depression, a pivotal change in Masonic membership requirements in the 1930s, Purdue’s development into one of the nation’s foremost Land Grant institutions, and much more.

Nelson also paints richly detailed portraits of Purdue Acacia’s most prominent alumni. We meet the majestic Stanley Coulter and other early luminaries: among them, John Skinner, Dean of Agriculture; Thomas Alford, the father of the Purdue Memorial Union; A. A. Potter, America’s greatest engineering educator; and “Skillet” Leslie, Purdue football hero and later Indiana Governor. Later, two civil engineering professors who served Acacia as chapter advisors for a remarkable combined sixty-five years - Willard A. “Bill” Knapp and Leonard E. Wood – appear, as well as four remarkable honorary initiates and many other notable alums.

Finally, Nelson, a former fraternity executive, management consultant, and a life-long scholar of organizational performance, offers readers an insightful examination of greatness achieved: a case study of how Acacia built an iconic brand, achieved elite status in Purdue’s Greek system, and sustained its excellence for decades.

The history is richly illustrated, including a treasure trove of unique and rarely-seen pictures and images. It is also enriched by the recollections and memorabilia of over fifty contributing Purdue Acacians from various eras – making The Rise of Acacia Fraternity at Purdue a truly chapter-wide endeavor.

Nelson writes for three audiences interested in better understanding their Acacia experience: our alumni, today’s undergraduates, currently engaged in a chapter reinvigoration effort, and future Purdue Acacians.His compelling narrative will inform, enrich, and inspire all who read it.