MATTHEW FISCHER CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

Local Chapter Excellence is not merely measuring the ongoing progress of a chapter, but also the successes of individual members. If AGR can equip each and every brother with the skillset to become a leader in their chapter, on their campus and in their career, Alpha Gamma Rho will truly be Making Better Men On April 19, the AGR Home O ce had the pleasure of attending the Chancellor’s Award for Students at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where Brother Matthew Fischer of the Alpha Psi Chapter was one of seven recipients. While Brother Fischer had previous exposure to leadership opportunities through 4-H and FFA, by joining the Alpha Psi Chapter, Matthew has been able to take personal and professional skills and elevate them to a new level of involvement throughout his college career.

The nature of the Chancellor’s Award for Students is to recognize those students who have shown distinguished service and leadership while on campus. Brother Fischer is a living testament to how a chapter can initiate a member and provide him with the resources to advance himself as a leader. When a chapter has the involvement of present Chapter Advisers, a supportive alumni board, and the presence of a Housemother guiding and mentoring the collegiate membership, our brothers can be confident in their ability to take on any task or challenge put in front of them.

Local Chapter Excellence can be seen each and every day through the actions of individual brothers or the chapter as a whole. As a Home O ce sta , the job of each sta member is to be a guide and resource to every AGR chapter; to bring together all stakeholders for the betterment of each chapter, and to help set a course for success.

PHI CHAPTER (UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA—DAVIS)

100 TH FOUNDER’S DAY

There is not a greater milestone “yet” for a chapter than your Centennial Founder's Day. Phi Chapter reached that pinnacle this Spring. During Covid, many chapter events went by the wayside. Phi Chapter alumni were determined to bring some of those traditions back. Why not celebrate this 100 th Founder's Day during UC- Davis’ “Picnic Day”? An event that is almost as old as Alpha Gamma Rho itself and with close ties to agriculture.

According to UC-Davis, this longstanding campus tradition began in 1909 when the University Farm invited the surrounding community to view their new dairy barn. Two thousand visitors attended, bringing picnics to complement the co ee, cream, and sugar provided by the University. Following the success of the 1909 picnic, the faculty of the University Farm continued to plan and sponsor the event until a student committee took over the task in 1912. Throughout the years of Picnic Day history, the event has only been canceled five times. Since 1946, Picnic Day has been growing strong and now boasts an annual attendance of more than 70,000 people. This year, there were over 200 events on campus. Since 1959, the parade was extended to include downtown Davis.

Over 250 alumni and friends turned out to celebrate. Alumnus Gerald Rominger graciously underwrote the entire luncheon portion of the activity so that all proceeds from the event could directly benefit the undergraduate chapter. Brother Rominger was also instrumental in providing labor and materials to have AGR well-represented in the 108th Picnic Day Parade as well. Phi Alumni Association members Brett Tank, Paul Lum, Andy Kennedy, and Erik Wilson, along with Alpha Beta (Oregon State University) Chapter Adviser and Phi Chapter alumnus Jeremy Turner provided significant leadership in planning the event to launch the chapter into its second century. In addition to event proceeds, participants and other alumni made significant contributions to the Phi Endowment Fund through the AGR Education Foundation.

UC-Davis Chancellor Gary May commended Phi Chapter for their achievement. Afterward, AGR CEO Rex Martin spoke and expressed appreciation for all the Phi brothers and updated them on Alpha Gamma Rho's vision of Local Chapter Excellence program that will expand nationwide in 2024. It looks like this milestone event will energize more gatherings between alumni and collegians in the future.

ALPHA TAU CHAPTER (WESTERN ILLINOIS) 60 TH FOUNDER’S DAY

A beautiful day, a wonderful house and a tremendous 60th Founders, Day was held at Alpha Tau Chapter. The day began at the house for conversation and tours. The collegiates had the house ready to showcase. After tours, the alumni and collegiates held a joint meeting to discuss fi nances, recruitment, and brotherhood. The chapter updated the alumni on their annual Fall philanthropy event, “Smokin Hog”. This year’s event raised over $30,000 dollars, with 100% donated back to the community. Collection of pledges toward a house renovation and future dollars were also discussed at length.. Dr. Andrew Baker, Director of the School of Agriculture, addressed the group and provided an update on the school along with enrollment trends. Dr. Kevin Bacon, long-time Chapter Adviser, was recognized for his service as he reduces his responsibilities in this role. Brother Monte Lowderman and his wife Carrie were introduced in their roles as Assistant Advisers.

Later that evening, the Founder’s Day banquet was held at the Donald Spencer Student Center. Dr. Guiyou Huang, President of Western Illinois University, was the keynote speaker. Awards and recognition was given to Brother Tommy Wood for the ‘Outstanding Quiet Infl uence Award’ within the chapter, Brother Drew Hallock received the Presidential Scholarship. Noble Ruler Cody Cornell was re-elected to his second term as Western Illinois University's Board of Trustees, and selected to serve on AGR's National Collegiate Advisory Council as well. An auction was held for the collegiate chapter. Brotherhood and Fellowship lasted long into the evening after the conclusion of the banquet.

ALPHA EPSILON CHAPTER (LSU) FOUNDER’S DAY AND LEADERSHIP FACILITATION MEETINGS

A couple of visits from the Home O ce and National Volunteers occurred at Alpha Epsilon Chapter. The chapter held its annual Founder’s Day banquet. Carol Johnson, Chief Development O cer, addressed the group and discussed the work of the Educational Foundation. A large number of alumni and collegiate members attended.

Later this Spring, a facilitated leadership workshop that included the housing corporation, alumni, collegiates and National AGR representatives was held. The focus was on better communication and a desire for all parties to fi nd a positive path forward for their house. The facilitation team from the Home O ce included Rex Martin, CEO, Keith Heikes, Chair of the Housing Resources Trust, and Kayden Guymon, Regional Vice President. After an evening of listening, key action items with a timeline were developed. The Home O ce appreciates the opportunity to play a role in this important meeting.

ALPHA IOTA CHAPTER (ARKANSAS) FOUNDER’S DAY

Growth and opportunity fi lled the air in the hills of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Alpha Iota Chapter recruited one of the largest new member classes within the fall and spring semesters in the history of the chapter with a total of 43. In fact, this Spring’s new member class was the 2nd largest in the nation!

To celebrate this explosive growth, Alpha Iota Chapter held their Founder’s Day banquet at the Don Tyson Event Center. The Master of Ceremonies, Chris Looney, Alumni Board President, praised collegiate brothers for their positive work. Rex Martin, CEO, and Alpha Iota Alumnus was on hand to help recognize graduating Seniors with keys and cords. Awards were given out to the Outstanding Member, Noble Ruler Carter Gatz, and Outstanding Alumni, Past Alumni Board President, Rodney Baker.

The next morning was devoted to updates and planning between alumni and collegiate brothers. There is great anticipation for a very large project in the future. More information will be shared soon.

BETA EPSILON CHAPTER (ARKANSAS STATE) 50 TH FOUNDER’S DAY

On Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, 2023, the Beta Epsilon-Chapter at Arkansas State celebrated Founder’s Day. With 50 years spanning from 1973 to 2023, the brothers, including 66 alumni, 12 charter members, along with 52 collegiate members, met at The Glass Factory in downtown Jonesboro for a catered barbecue on Friday night to kick o the weekend’s events.

Of the charter members present, initiate #2, Dr. Albin Langlois, and initiate #4, Dr. Lew Brinkley, were present to share memories of when and how the chapter was established. The event coordinators, Andy Howard, Levi Woods, and Daniel Pieroni, had the collegiate brothers bring the tractor that has been parked in front of the AGR house on the Arkansas State campus to the event center — it is still running after 50 years of students’ admiration.

There was an auction fundraiser that evening, which raised $15,900 with all proceeds going to support the work of the Alumni Association. The 1973 Club was also promoted heavily. This club is a group of dedicated alumni and supporters who make a perpetual contribution in support of the alumni’s work with and for the chapter and house.

Saturday’s events began with an alumni meeting, where all old and new business was discussed with all in attendance. One point of discussion in the meeting was encouraging membership to the 1973 Club, and 16 new members joined this group of continuous donors. With over 60 total members to the 1973 Club, it was discussed that the Educational Foundation and the alumni work together more in the future to identify the needs of the chapter, how the Foundation can assist, and how the alumni and collegiate members can work with the Foundation to strive for Local Chapter Excellence.

After a successful meeting, the collegiate members hosted an afternoon fi lled with entertainment including card games, outdoor games, and a crawfi sh boil at the AGR house. Food, fun, and great fellowship was had by all—a great celebration of Beta Epsilon Chapter's founding!