Acacia - Indiana University

The Wreckage The newsletter of the Indiana Chapter of Acacia Fraternity Spring 2021 Renovations Underway at Indiana Acacia D uring a pandemic-related two-month break through December and January, House Director Justin Fox '95 and his small crew completed two major projects. The most visible: a major upgrade to the Kibler Room. The room's pine, tongue-and-groove walls were replaced with dark, club paneling. "It's definitely a more sophisticated look," Justin said. "The dark stain should wear well in a place that's in heavy use by the active brothers for social and brotherhood events." New recessed lighting also brightens the room as needed. The clay tile floor remains and is set off well by the dark paneling. The look and feel of the Kibler Room foreshadow upgrades to the formal living room, Arthur D. Lautzenheiser library, and dining room. The same club feel, for example, though with lighter colors. Yet to be installed is an industrial door on the back wall allowing easy access to the bike room. That is a space that for many years served as the house office and ritual storage area. "We use the Kibler Room throughout the year as a A s an undergraduate, J T. Forbes '86 left his mark at Indiana University at the highest level. He was elected president of the IU Student Association, taking charge of the student body in April 1988. J T. and his two vice presidents ran on a "no stuffed shirts" campaign. That strategy worked and is locked into IU history in a frame at Nick's—look for it in the back room in a booth near the women's bathroom. If you lost track of Brother Forbes over the years, you won't be surprised to learn not much has changed. He is still leaving his mark at IU—and still at the highest levels. In 2010, J T. became CEO of the Indiana University Alumni Association, leading one of the country's largest such organizations into a digital age and enhancing the overall level of engagement and collaboration between alumni and the university. The IUAA leadership position follows roles as an IU Trustee and associate vice president. J T. also spent time at Cummins, Inc. and Michigan State. More recently, J T. was appointed interim president of the Indiana University Foundation. In addition to his IUAA role, Brother Forbes now steers the foundation immediately after a successful bicentennial campaign which raised more than $3 billion in support of academics and campus facilities across all of IU. He hasn't forgotten Acacia. For the August 2020 officer retreat at the house, J T. led active members through a leadership lesson. He also served as new member development advisor for a few years after recolonization in 2015. bike team training room. It will now be much easier to pull out rollers and bikes and other equipment," Justin continued. The large TV not only serves the brotherhood for sports events, but it also showcases bike training videos. Project number two over the extended winter break was upgrading HVAC in the basement and on the first and third floors. Basement and first-floor rooms are now served by central heating and air conditioning. The third-floor mechanicals are in place, though installing the electrical support is taking place this semester. The second floor presents a more complicated situation for HVAC. "We have it figured out," Justin said, "but it's going to require the summer for us to make it all work. By next fall, however, all of 702 E. Third should be served with central HVAC. The old radiators, pipes, and boiler will be gone." Renovations will continue this summer. Details will depend upon the usual construction issues. By the start of August classes, Fox expects to have completed the second floor HVAC work and new floors and cabinetry in all the individual rooms. Possibly, renovated bathrooms. Renovations are being funded by contributions from over 125 Indiana Acacia alumni from the ongoing capital campaign. Read more about the campaign and access the link for making contributions at indianaacacia.org. Left: J T. and his two vice presidents promoting themselves to the student body in 1988. The ticket won, making J T. president of the Indiana University Student Association. Hardly any alumni event takes place without J T.'s presence. Here he is on the track prior to the 2019 Little 500. Brother J T. Forbes '86 Takes Helm of IU Foundation

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