FOUNDATION DONOR: Brother David Case
CHAPTER AND SCHOOL: Omicron, University of Kentucky
LIFETIME GIVING LEVEL: ORDER OF THE SHEAF
Becoming a brother for David Case is a story that almost never happened. The Ohio native enrolled at the University of Kentucky in the fall of 1975, but that was nearly the end of his college career. “I grew up around my family and being without them, I was just really homesick,” said Case. The following semester, he was encouraged by his cousin, a member of Alpha Gamma Rho, to go through the recruitment process and join the Fraternity. It changed his life. “As soon as I got there, I knew it was home for me,” Case said. Thus, providing him with the fi rst leg of his three-legged stool.
“The fi rst leg is given to you. The second is giving while you’re living,” Case Said. “And the third leg, that’s giving after we’re gone. And we’re just having a ball giving while we’re living.” This “three-legged stool” highlights the Cases’ commitment to Alpha Gamma Rho.
In the ensuing years at the Omicron Chapter, Case learned about the deep bonds of brotherhood that tie all
members together. He credits brotherhood for getting him through college, and for his proudest collegiate accomplishment. In 1979, now known as, “Silk,” he helped Omicron Chapter win the University of Kentucky Intramural Basketball Championship.
in 1981 when he met Dorothy who was fi lling in at the reception desk for an ill friend. Two years later, he and Dorothy were married, and, earlier this year, the couple celebrated their 50 th wedding anniversary.
Now both retired, Bill from Bayer and Dorothy from the U.S. Air Force, the couple own and operate Critters and Bloom Farm, selling eggs, soaps, cutting boards and various other products. They donate and match all proceeds to support pancreatic cancer research. “Contributing while we’re living is so much more rewarding than after we pass,” Case said.
Case graduated and was hired by Bayer CropScience. For the next 30 years, he would travel the country as a sales representative. During those travels, Case saw how far the roots of AGR had spread. “No matter where I went, I always ran into an AGR,” he said. His most important sales call came
As far as Case is concerned, the David & Dorothy Case Omicron Scholarship Endowment Fund is part of being a brother and the three-legged stool. Through his continual giving, Case hopes to inspire other brothers a cross the nation to support the brotherhood that truly Makes Better Men and through them a broader and better agriculture.
The mission of The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho is to drive Alpha Gamma Rho’s Purpose of Making Better Men YOUR contributions support scholarships, leadership development training and experiences, opportunities to make life-long connections and more. Every gift to the Foundation, YOUR Foundation, is an investment in the future and makes an impact in the lives of worthy brothers. We thank you for entrusting YOUR Foundation with YOUR gift. Make a gift today at alphagammarho.org/donate.
Through his continual giving, Case hopes to inspire other brothers across the nation to support the brotherhood that truly Makes Better Men and through them a broader and better agriculture.
EDITOR
Sean Cunniff
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Matt Olson
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Grant Bargfrede, Brian Dreyer, Tommy Green, Becky Haley, Madeline Mapes, Jeremy Zweiacker
BUSINESS MANAGER
Rex Martin
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Tria Designs, Inc.
SUBMISSIONS
ON APRIL 11–12, THE NATIONAL Fraternityand the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho Boards met for their annual spring meetings someplace new. Typically, the spring meeting discusses important topics such as risk management, leadership education, fi nancials, and chapter operations, depending on the organization. These familiar topics were certainly discussed and given proper attention, but it was the venue of the meeting that was the big topic of discussion and fun. The April National board meetings were held for the fi rst time in Fair Oaks, Indiana at a place known as the “Disneyland of agriculture,” Fair Oaks Farms.
Gathering at Fair Oaks Farms is a breath of fresh air in the country. Located between Chicago and Indianapolis, it is recognized as the No. 1 agriculture tourism destination in the Midwest by combining innovative and sustainable farming, agriculture-inspired attractions, world-class accommodations, mouthwatering catering, and state-of-theart facilities.
It features experiential museums, dairy and pig farm tours, robotic dairy tours, and harvest season activities so visitors can experience joy and enrichment through reconnecting with the land, nurturing their bodies with the food and people they love, and immersing in the innovative e orts to feed our world. This is all done while running one the largest dairy operations in the world.
How did Alpha Gamma Rho National Leaders decide to have their respective board meetings at Fair Oaks Farms? A board member’s suggestion, of course. Brother Donald De Jong of Chi Chapter is on the Educational Foundation Board and Co-Chair of Alpha Gamma Rho's Capital Campaign. He is also Chairman of the Board of Select Dairy co-op, an owner of Fair Oaks Farms.
At a 2022 board meeting, Donald suggested several reasons why Fair Oaks Farms would be a great hosting facility for the meetings. “As the general population continues to move o farms, it’s essential to have a place like ours where families and students can see for themselves the care and e ort
farmers put into their animals, land, and community.” He explained, “Fair Oaks Farms is a distinguished venue for agricultural patrons to conduct their events while championing the core values of animal care, food safety, environmental sustainability, and community stewardship.”
Both boards agreed, and one year later Donald hosted National Leaders at the Fair Oaks Farms Milking Parlor for a reception and tour showcasing the robotic milkers that make the operation run with almost no contact between cows and sta Modern agriculture was on display for all. Afterward, the group toured the Experiential Museum completed with fi ne dining by Fair Oaks Farms Top Chefs.
“Fair Oaks Farms is such an impressive, immersive experience, “Grand President Greg Nickerson said. “I have been stopping there on trips to Indianapolis for many years and marvel at how it has grown and evolved. This is a great place to share modern ag’s story.”
While enjoying the venue, many important topics were discussed at both
the National Board and Educational Foundation Board meetings. The updates on chapter operations, recruitment, capital campaign, and risk management were some of the key issues discussed. In between those meetings, both boards had a joint informational session that dives into topics that would interest both organizations. North American Interfraternity Conference, CEO (the advocacy association for many Greek Fraternities), Jud Horras, addressed the groups regarding the newest positive research on fraternities.
“We appreciate AGR’s leadership in helping fund this important research,” Horras said. He then explained some of these research fi ndings:
83% of Fraternity men say confi dence in their leadership skills increased because of membership
Nearly 80% of Fraternity men report excellent to good mental health and wellbeing
83% of Fraternity men say confi dence in their leadership skills increased because of membership.
Below: The Robotic Dairy facility is home to over 800 cows, which are voluntarily milked 2-3 times daily, depending on need. Production is up to 10% higher than a typical dairy facility.
Fraternity men are 3 times more likely to obtain an internship while in college
Almost twice as likely to have a job waiting for them when they graduate
Nearly 5 times as likely to be satisfi ed with their lives as alumnus
His remarks fit perfectly with the board meetings that focused heavily on “Local Chapter Excellence” and how we can make the brotherhood experience even better.
“Having our spring National Board meetings at Fair Oaks was appropriate for everything Alpha Gamma Rho is about,” said Brother Greg Nickerson, Grand President of the National Board of Directors. “Of course, agriculture is a common thread but there are also parallels with our Local Chapter
Excellence Campaign. The idea of, “excellence,” is in the DNA of both organizations.”
It was evident all the Alpha Gamma Rho leaders felt the presence of excellence at Fair Oaks Farms. From the food to the sta , even to the breath of fresh air, it was excellent.
Next up is the 2023 Leadership Conference in Sacramento, California. National Fraternity leaders and volunteers will meet August 4-6 and discuss key issues facing the Fraternity. Several local brothers are helping to host the meeting. California agriculture will be front and center for the upcoming Alpha Gamma Rho 68th National Convention in 2024.
Left : Foundation Director Donald De Jong welcomed everyone to dinner and thanked them for pursuing the pioneering vision of agriculture exemplifi ed by Fair Oaks Farms.
Administered and nominated by a selection committee, the Grand President’s Award is given to AGR alumni, age 40 or younger, who have achieved success in their professional careers and made signifi cant contributions to agriculture and Alpha Gamma Rho. The award demonstrates an honorable acknowledgement of the recipient’s exceptional brotherhood, leadership, professionalism and knowledge of his industry. Adam Geiger, Bradley Starbuck, Garrett Lister and Trey Kellner were recognized for their achievements during the Leadership Seminars held in February. During their acceptance speeches, they refl ected on the opportunities AGR a orded them and the lessons they learned as undergraduates and beyond. For more information, or to nominate a brother for a future award, visit alphagammarho. org/grandpresidents-award
Adam Geiger was raised on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and has a bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During his time as a student, Adam was heavily involved in the Iota Chapter. He served as Vice Noble Ruler of Recruitment, and as a Recruitment Intern, on behalf of the Home O ce, with Beta Tau Chapter at Mississippi State University. He then enrolled at Mississippi State University and, while serving as Adviser earned a master’s degree in Ruminant Nutrition. Adam then received his doctoral degree from Virginia Tech in Lactation Physiology. His dissertation is a series of work dedicated to understanding the relationship between nutrition and the mammary gland and understanding how both interact with various hormonal axes to improve milk production. While at Virginia Tech, Adam volunteered with Beta Eta Chapter and mentored many of its collegiate members.
After graduating, Adam worked at a large animal nutrition company. In 2017 he joined Zinpro Corportation as a Research Nutritonist and assumed a managerial role in 2022. He is known within the dairy industry worldwide for his approach and presentation style. Adam resides in Madison, Georgia, with his wife, Abby, and their children, Abram and Adelyn.
Bradley Starbuck was raised on a family farm in northern Missouri. Brad was heavily involved in 4-H and then FFA. While attending the University of Missouri, Brad worked for Mizzou’s admissions and Greek Life o ces and was an intern for the Missouri House of Representatives. He joined the Theta Chapter where he served as Noble Ruler and then VNR-Membership Development. Upon graduation in 2005, Brad started his career at Missouri University of Science & Technology where he held multiple roles in student recruitment and marketing. While at Missouri S&T, Brad was also the Chapter Advisor for Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity. Changing careers in 2012, he moved to become a development o cer for the Minnesota 4-H Foundation. For the past decade, Brad has led fundraising and corporate relations for the Carlson School of Management and University of Minnesota Extension—engaging donors supporting 4-H, rural entrepreneurs, and Minnesota agriculture. He dedicated ten years as Adviser for the Lambda Chapter, and has served as AGR’s North Central Regional Vice President since 2022. Brad and his family live in Alexandria, Minnesota where they can usually be found fi shing or boating on the nearby lakes. Brad credits Alpha Gamma Rho as the best leadership experience of his youth, and an invaluable lifelong network.
The Grand President’s Award is presented to outstanding Fraternity alumni, age 40 or younger, who have achieved remarkable success in their professional careers and made great contributions to agriculture and Alpha Gamma Rho.
AGR is committed to o ering opportunities to connect for members and corporations in the dynamic global agriculture and food industries. Thank you to our Corporate Partners for your support of our Purpose!
Garrett Lister is an Agricultural Economist with a background in the livestock and meat industry. He graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in agricultural economics.
As an undergraduate, Garrett joined Alpha Zeta Chapter and served as Vice Noble Ruler of Planning and Vice Noble Ruler of Recruitment. In addition to being a member of Ag Student Council, Ag Ambassadors, and the National Agri-Marketing Association Competition Team, Garrett was a Student Senator, representing the College of Agriculture, and chaired the Student Senate’s Governmental Relations Committee. Brother Garrett was a recipient of The Charles W. & Lois H. Nauheim Ag Economics Scholarship and The Gladwin A. Read Memorial Fund Scholarship.
Since graduating, Garrett has held roles with Cargill, Kansas State University, and, currently, Innovative Livestock Services. In his position as Risk Management—Cattle, his responsibilities include conducting research and executing a disciplined hedging strategy to minimize the financial risk of operating seven feed yards with a total capacity over 225,000 head.
Currently, Garrett serves as Chapter Adviser to Alpha Zeta Chapter and has served on its Annual Ag Symposium Committee for the past seven years. He also volunteers with other ag organizations and as an Elder at church.
Garrett and his wife, Alyson, live in Manhattan, Kansas, with their three young children.
Trey Kellner was raised in Stockton, Kansas. He found an interest in swine nutrition and animal agriculture at an early age, through 4-H and FFA. Trey went to Colby Community College then the University of NebraskaLincoln, where he joined Kappa Chapter. Trey served as Vice Noble Ruler, Vice Noble Ruler of Scholarship, and Vice Noble Ruler of Philanthropy.
In college, Trey served on both the Colby Community College and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Livestock Judging Teams where he was named to the Intercollegiate AllAmerican Livestock Judging Team in 2009.
After graduating, with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he went to Iowa State University and received a master’s degree and a doctorate degree as part of the Applied Swine Nutrition Lab Group.
Brother Trey received the 2020 Young Alumni of Distinction Award by the Animal Science Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the 2022 Midwest Section of the American Society of Animal Science Outstanding Early Career Agribusiness Award. In 2017, Dr. Kellner joined AMVC Nutritional Services, where he is now Managing Partner.
Trey continues to be involved in Alpha Gamma Rho, serving on the Kappa Chapter Alumni Board since 2019. The most important thing to Trey is his family; his wife, Heather, and their two children, Theo and Dylan.
Want to see your company added to our list? Visit alphagammarho.org/ corporate-partners for information on how to become a Corporate Partner. FIND
THE COLLEGIATE ADVISORY Council is a collection of eight members of the Fraternity, selected among their own peers to represent Alpha Gamma Rho's collegiate membership on a National Fraternity stage. Five new members were selected to serve the council’s 2-year terms: Brayden Beinhart, Cody Cornell, Justin Eddy, Matthew Fischer, and Wyatt Kendall.
Brayden Beinhart of Eta Chapter at Iowa State University is a junior with a 3.6 GPA. Prior to college, Brayden participated in FFA and National Honor Society and competed in soccer and cross country. At Iowa State University, Brayden has been active in the Iowa Corn Growers Collegiate Club, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Iowa Corn Growers Association Collegiate Advisory Team, Iowa Soybean Association Soy Squad, and the American Soybean Association Ag Voices of the Future. Brayden currently serves as Eta Chapter’s Vice Noble Ruler of Activities. He is also active on the Interfraternity Council, serving as Vice President of Community
Services and Vice President of Council Operations. Brayden has run two marathons and recently completed an Ironman 70.3 triathlon He eventually wants to start his own business and grow his family farm.
Cody Cornell of Alpha Tau Chapter at Western Illinois University is a junior with a 3.8 GPA. Prior to college, Cody was active in National Honor Society, football, youth ministry, theater, Youth Leadership St. Louis Ambassador, and St. Mary’s High School Campus Ministry. Since his career at Western Illinois began, Cody has served on the Western Illinois University Board of Trustees, the Student Government Association, the Interfraternity Council as Vice resident o udicial ffairs as well as ice Noble Ruler and Noble Ruler of Alpha Tau Chapter. He also coordinated the Smokin’ Hog fundraiser, which raised over $30,000. After receiving his degree in Agricultural Science, Cody plans on working toward a master’s degree in business administration and continuing to law school.
Justin Eddy of Theta Chapter at the University of Missouri is a sophomore with a 3.7 GPA. While in high school, Justin served as Missouri State FFA President while participating in speech, debate, cross country, and 4-H. At Missouri, Justin has been recognized on the Dean’s List Honor Roll, the Collegiate Missouri Farm Bureau chapter, and the Agribusiness Club. He is the Noble Ruler of Theta Chapter, previously serving as Vice Noble Ruler of Finance. After graduation, Justin would like to work as a policy advocate for an ag company or commodity group and continue to advocate for agriculture.
Matthew Fischer of Alpha Psi Chapter at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is a junior with a 3.8 GPA. In high school, Matthew was active in FFA, Student Council, Choir, and Honor Society. He currently serves as the Fraternity Life Senator on the Student Senate, the UW-River Falls Agriculture Economics Leadership Group, and the UW-River Falls Interfraternity Council as both Senator and President. Matthew also serves as Alpha Psi Chapter’s IFC Rep, CAFES Student Council Rep, Chaplain, Philanthropy Chair, Vice Noble Ruler of Alumni Relations, and Website Director.
atthew s uture plans include oining the Home Office as an Educational Leadership Consultant, eventually pursuing a career in Dairy Cattle Nutrition.
Wyatt Kendall of Nu Chapter at North Carolina State University is a junior with a 3.1 GPA, double majoring in ag engineering and ag business. During high school. Wyatt was involved in 4-H and showing livestock. He won the Jim Butler Award twice at the North Carolina Jr. Beef Livestock Show. He graduated high school with the third highest GPA in his class and received many awards for academic achievements. At NC State, Wyatt is a member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Club, The Young Farmers and Ranchers Club, and serves as the Communications Chair for the Interfraternity Council Executive Board. Within Nu Chapter, Wyatt has served as both Noble Ruler and Vice Noble Ruler of House Operations.
These new members join Council Chairman (6) Ty Herzog of Alpha Delta Chapter at Montana State University, (7) Gabe Smoak of Alpha Gamma Chapter at the University of Florida, and (8) Cael Alderete of Alpha Lambda Chapter at New Mexico State University.
THE BROTHERS OF ALPHA THETA CHAPTER (University of Maryland) continueto grow support for their philanthropic cause, suicide prevention. The chapter held its first-ever cornhole tournament last spring. Cornhole for a Cause featured 28 teams and held the same weekend as the chapter’s Alpha Gamma Rhodeo. Hundreds of people attended the weekend-long festivities, enjoying cornhole, barbeque, mechanical bull rides, and brotherhood, all while supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The previous weekend, the chapter hosted Mitch-aPalooza, an event started in 2015 after losing Brother Gary “Mitch” Gryszkiewicz to suicide July 22, 2014. The annual event is an opportunity for brothers to get together and celebrate his life and his commitment to Alpha Theta Chapter. Mitch’s mother, known to the chapter as Momma Wanda, and younger brother took part in the event. They read private notes from Mitch, educated the brothers on the importance of their bondage, and reminded them to be a helping hand in their communities to help slow down the rate of suicide in America.
Together, Mitch’s family and the chapter took part in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Campus Walk at the University of Maryland. The two-mile walk raised more than $36,000 for suicide prevention in 2023.
CONFIDENCE IS KEY, AT LEAST that’s how the saying goes. Brother Tim Bostley from Zeta Chapter at Cornell University attributes his growth in confi dence to Alpha Gamma Rho and has used it throughout his life. This includes his favorite hobby, Short-Track Speed Skating.
This semi-contact ice-skating sport is comprised of multiple skaters on an oval track, trying to out-skate one another.
MOST COMMUNITIES SHARE SIMILAR fi rstsigns of spring—leaves budding, birds singing, butterfl ies migrating— but at the University of Delaware it is lawnmowers. Every April, hundreds of lawnmowers are brought to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, for Beta Upsilon Chapter’s annual Lawnmower Tune-Up.
During the event, the chapter cleans the lawn mowers, changes the oil, sharpens the blades, and replaces the spark plugs with new ones for $45 per mower. The chapter hosted the 21st Annual Lawnmower Tune-Up April 14–16.
“As a chapter with only 31 members, we are proud to say that we were able to tune up approximately 300 lawnmowers within a span of just 72 hours,” said James Mooney, Noble Ruler of Beta Upsilon Chapter. “It was truly an awesome accomplishment for us, and we couldn't be more thrilled!”
In recent years, community members dropped o more than 500 lawnmowers for the event. Less than 20 lawnmowers were serviced at the inaugural tuneup. The chapter has serviced nearly 10,000 push lawnmowers since the fi rst Lawnmower Tune-Up.
“You need to be naturally athletic, super strong to withstand turns at 30 miles per hour, and tough enough to crash. I love the sport. It’s fast and physical, and hard to watch as a spectator,” Bostley said. He even compares it to NASCAR on ice.
His love for the sport and the confi dence he acquired as a member of Zeta Chapter has led him to becoming a top-ranking referee for the International Skating Union (ISU), where he gets to oversee major national and international competitions. To add to this, he is also a qualifi ed video specialist. In this position he watches the race from nine di erent screens keeping an eye out for any possible fouls.
“It was fate that I ended up here,” Brother Bostley said. “My wife Cathy Turner was an Olympic gold medalist. I started as an in-line skater for fitness, then I went onto
the ice. I competed for five years at the master’s level before our kids were born.”
Brother Bostley was a referee for the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, re ed world cups and world championships at multiple levels in multiple countries across the globe. While working an event, Brother Bostley even met a fellow AGR.
“I’ve also gained a new, second best friend who is a referee from Michigan,” he said. “Coincidentally, he’s also an AGR.”
Brother Bostley attended Cornell University where he majored in Animal Science. After vet school he returned to his home town of Hilton, New York and founded the Hilton Veterinary Hospital.
Brother Tim Bostley chose to attend Cornell because he wanted to be a veterinarian. “I knew at age 12 what I wanted to do,” Tim said. “I did the right things at the right time to get myself to vet school. Of the 20 early
living on
the top floor of Donlon (Dormitory) my freshman year, I was the only one who made it through. I didn’t have the best grades, but I had the confidence and maybe the right personality to make it through. I give the credit to AGR.
“This confi dence has also helped me as a short track referee,” adds Tim. “I like being in a position to make decisions. You need to have some level of confi dence to stand in there and think you can make the best call. Short track skating is like NASCAR on ice! It’s recently been reclassified as a semi-contact sport. It’s undergone a huge transition. For the past 15 years, Tim has navigated through the ranks of the International Skating Union become a referee at the highest level. In being certifi ed to oversee major national and international competitions, he is qualifi ed as a video specialist. At this post, he monitors nine screens for possible fouls. The ISU is the international governing body for competitive ice skating, including figure skating, synchronized skating, speed skating, and short track speed skating. “I have the unique designation of being the fi rst referee to stop a race with just two laps to go,” said Tim. After vet school, Tim returned to his hometown of Hilton, NY to found the Hilton Veterinary Hospital. The practice has grown to six veterinarians, a part-time surgeon and 35 support sta His specialty is reproduction. Tim’s interest in reproduction started when he was breeding and showing Rhodesian Ridgebacks as a teen. “I’ve always made a point to keep the practice current with diagnostic capabilities,” said Tim. “Advanced technology is allowing us to stay one-step ahead, especially in preventative care, and attracts good people to our practice.”
A sub-specialty of Tim’s is breeding Frenchtons, a cross between a French Bulldog and Boston Terrier. He currently has four breeding females and several males.
“I like being in a position to make decisions. You need to have some level of confidence to stand in there and think you can make the best call.”
STARTING FROM SQUARE ONE IS never easy. Restarting from someone else’s square one can be even harder.
That’s the challenge facing Trenton Lundy at Oregon State University. Trenton is Noble Ruler of Alpha Beta Chapter, which returned to Corvallis, Oregon, after five years, nearly 100 years after it was founded in 1924.
Lundy is a Business Administration major from Salem, OR. It might surprise some that he is the Noble Ruler of Alpha Gamma Rho, as he stated, “When I got into Oregon State, I was not even considering joining a fraternity.” Furthermore, Lundy said “AGR is a Fraternity I did not know anything about when I started college.” Despite the fact that Lundy went into college and the Fraternity experience without prior knowledge, he has taken it in stride and is eager to be part of something unique at Oregon State by being part of a fraternity with “di erent morals than that of any other organization.” Lundy also is proud to be associated with a fraternity that stands for excellence on campus and as a national organization.”
Helping Lundy along the way is Adviser Jeremy Turner, who moved to the region. Jeremy isn’t an Oregon State graduate or even an Oregon native. Turner
attended the University of CaliforniaDavis, where he joined Phi Chapter and served as Noble Ruler, Adivser, and on the Phi Chapter Alumni Board. The Home O ce called after he moved to Oregon, asking if he was interested in resuming the role of Adviser, but for Alpha Beta Chapter. “It wasn’t even really on my radar, but it’s been an exceptional opportunity to be part of growing Alpha Gamma Rho through a local chapter.”
Turner, and the brothers on campus and in the area, Alpha Beta Chapter has been fortunate to retain and revitalize connections. Lundy says, “The networking opportunities have been pleasant surprises. Throughout the general industry, especially the agricultural industry, you’d be very surprised at how many leaders we connect with that are alumni or a liated with the AGR Fraternity somehow.”
The challenges are not surprising to Lundy, “We knew that recruitment would be di cult but are really trying our best to rebuild our chapter with as many quality members as we can.” That has been a big challenge for many chapters of Alpha Gamma Rho and other fraternities across the nation, but it is especially so for a chapter that has been inactive for some time. Through the hard work of Lundy,
Having started from someone else’s square one, Alpha Beta Chapter is moving forward. The chapter leaders are fully prepared to continue the hard work and rise to the challenge of increasing awareness of Alpha Gamma Rho across the campus to build membership, all the while continuing connections with valued alumni and supportive partners to continue Making Better Men. “We want to represent our chapter to the best of our abilities,” Lundy said.
The Fraternity would also recognize Brother Brian Field and Je Heater for their leadership and dedication to Alpha Beta Chapter.
This is a group of men eager to, “get Alpha Beta started back up and get it back to where it was at it’s prime,” said Lundy. Alpha Beta is ready To Make Better Men.
“We knew that recruitment would be di cult but are really trying our best to rebuild our chapter with as many quality members as we can.”
Number of Facilitators identified to help with Top Leaders Institutes.
Number of Top Leaders Institute participants in the second year of Local Chapter Excellence operating as a pilot program.
Number of scheduled Top Leaders Institutes available to chapters in the first year of Local Chapter Excellence operating Fraternitywide.
Facilitators are a crucial part of the Top Leaders Institute experience, leading the O cer Training breakout sessions and promoting a high-energy environment where all participants can actively learn and engage with one another to enhance leadership abilities.
Top Leaders Institute is the flagship training program of the Local Chapter Excellence initiative.
The Institute is an immersive and inspiring experience for local chapter leadership teams that provides best-in-class tools and resources to help chapters achieve goals and To Make Better Men.
257 collegiate members and 52 alumni leaders, Chapter Advisers and Housemothers/House Directors attended four Top Leaders Institutes in 2023. The regionally based institutes took place in Dallas, Texas; Knoxville, Tennessee;, Kansas City, Missouri; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Number of years Brother Doug Craig will serve as Chapter Adviser before his retirement in 2023.
Brother Doug Craig has been a pillar of the Fraternity in Tennessee as Chapter Adviser since 2012 to Alpha Kappa Chapter at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
The success of the chapter and its members in the region is a reflection of his extraordinary service.
Local Chapter Excellence has been the life-breath of Alpha Gamma Rho for over a year and the team at the Home O ce continues to elevate the experience. Amanda Horvat, Ph.D., Director of Leadership & Education, has spent several months planning upcoming enhanced programs.
These enhancements include updated resources on AGRconnect with new training modules for all chapter o cers and on relevant chapter development topics ranging from Fraternity-based issues to overall member well-being.
“Brothers coming into Alpha Gamma Rho or even those just wanting to learn more about the brotherhood can utilize these programs,” Horvat said. “As we continue To Make Better Men, we want our brothers to grow and develop life skills during their collegiate experience.”
The latest developments include the Top Leaders Institute going nationwide consisting of eight locations in 2024. Throughout the months of January and February, AGR will host two events per weekend from January 12 through February 3. The program itself will see some changes including, pre-Institute work, more involvement from national and local alumni as facilitators, moving from entire-group work to small group work and integrating other programming like the Standards of Chapter Excellence, OmegaFi and AGRconnect.
The 2023 Top Leaders Institute
refl ects the need for these elevations in programming. These past sessions had an overall attendance of 257 collegiates, 52 alumni, Housemothers/Directors, and Facilitators; and out of 40 invited chapters, 34 were represented overall.
Local Chapter Excellence isn’t just programming for collegiate members. The Fraternity is excited to be creating new and improved training for Advisers and Housemothers/Directors. Advisers will have a training module on AGRconnect as well as a new program called Adviser Academy along with the two Adviser Forums hosted every year by the AGR Home O ce. An Adviser/Chapter Operations Manual is also in the works as well as enhanced training and resources for Housemothers/Directors. All these new programs will become tools for Alpha Gamma Rho’s Advisers and Housemothers/Directors to have at their disposal to aid our collegiates in becoming the best chapter they can be.
”This has been the largest educational e ort that Alpha Gamma Rho has ever developed and implemented,” stated Rex Martin, CEO. “We know that if collegiates, alumni, Advisers and Housemothers/ Directors are working together then our chapters will become stronger. Local Chapter Excellence gives them the tools to make that happen.”
Alpha Gamma Rho is excited to see these new and updated programs installed into the Local Chapter Excellence curriculum and hopes that it elevates the experience of all members.
“As we continue To Make Better Men, we want our brothers to grow and develop life skills during their collegiate experience.”
CREATING A NEW FRATERNITY CHAPTER IS NO smallundertaking. It requires extraordinary e ort and commitment to a shared goal. It requires relationships on campus and in the community. It requires strong leadership, dedication, and precision. To bring a new chapter to campus requires men who will pull together and get to work.
The University of Tennessee-Martin had such men in 1959. They built the foundation for Alpha Upsilon Chapter to carry on their legacy of fostering excellence in development, recruitment, mentoring, and service to the Fraternity leadership and commitment to pull together.
“The importance of leadership and facing things headon was established from the founders of our chapter,” said Brother Russ Bragg, Adviser of Alpha Upsilon Chapter. “The expectations and the standards and the striving for excellence, and the overall goal building, and Making Better Men. It really started with them, and it is something that just got instilled, and thankfully it is just kind of been the lifeblood of the chapter.”
Rope Pull, also known as tug of war, is taken seriously at UT-Martin. During homecoming in the fall, there is a campus-wide Rope Pull tournament with teams of students from organizations across campus. These teams compete to, “Get Rope,” from their opponent. Alpha Gamma Rho has won it every year but once.
“Get Rope,” is the way of life for Alpha Upsilon Chapter and its members. The importance it has to the chapter can be seen in how it prepares for Rope Pull. Several days a week, the entire chapter meets behind the chapter house for Rope Pull practice. These practices are held throughout the year and attended by alumni. (See the techniques and history of Rope Pull on page 16.) That level of commitment to, “Get Rope,” extends beyond the tournament for the members of Alpha Upsilon Chapter. It is part of member development and fostering teamwork. Bragg and Brother Macon Barrow, the chapter's, Noble Ruler, said it holds all the brothers accountable not only for simple things like cleaning and taking care of the chapter house, but also in their actions.
“What we try to do is help our brothers work through their adversity, whether it is about di erences in opinion or anything else,” Brother Barrow said.
“Get Rope,” can be seen through the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences and throughout the Martin, Tennessee community. Alpha Upsilon members are involved everywhere you look. It is part of their culture. A culture that expects success and the best of everyone. A culture of excellence.
To build a culture of excellence, you need to understand the current culture, identify the traits that exist, and which need to be kept or removed. In a culture of excellence, every member of the chapter feels safe, secure, and supported. Members feel safe because they trust one another. They feel like they belong and are responsible for their success.
A culture of excellence needs everyone to be united toward a clear and measurable goal. The goal cannot be vague and the priorities cannot be ambiguous. Everyone needs to know the plan and how they fit into that plan.
The goals are set high in a culture of excellence. To achieve them takes genuine commitment from everyone involved. It creates an environment that feels authentic, not one just going through the motion. Shared expectations hold people accountable.
Every chapter is unique. Each has di erent needs to be its best. To achieve excellence, every member needs the right resources to grow and contribute. When they do, they feel like they belong and are more willing to grow.
Open feedback encourages collaboration and cultivates leaders; both are necessary for a culture of excellence. Dedicating time to open feedback and a willingness to have frank discussions about misunderstandings can resolve issues before they become problems.
Facing challenges, change and uncertainty develops adaptability and flexibility. Approaching adversity as an opportunity inspires the same in others and instills in them to take more initiative to accomplish their objective.
The chapter's commitment to address issues head-on is crucial to the development of members and to fostering a sense of teamwork. It was the founding brothers of Alpha Upsilon Chapter that used these leadership skills to help them establish the chapter.
The idea of a fraternity for the men of the School of Agriculture was first introduced in the fall of 1959 by Ed Perryman. He recruited fellow agricultural students interested in the idea and in the winter, they met in the basement of the men’s dormitory to lay the groundwork for forming an agricultural fraternity, including the drafting of a constitution for review.
January 14, 1960 was the first formal meeting. Twenty men were present, and each o cially declared interest in forming a fraternity. At this meeting, Ed Perryman, the first to propose
Ed Perryman, Frank Dodd, Jack Davidson, Larry Wade, Bubba Hord, Dewey Bunch, Charlie Grooms, Dr. Bob Duck**, Sammy McCoy, George Haynes, Pat Gray, Bill Towns, Jimmy Gibson, Wayne Ivey, Albert Pledge, Paul Blount, Gordon Crenshaw, Stanley Miller*, Darron McNatt*, William Carmack
* Brothers of the Century
** Brothers the Century and Hall of Fame
the creation of the colony, was elected president of their group. Seven other o cers were elected. These attendees are the, “Founding 20,” of Alpha Upsilon Chapter.
The men considered multiple fraternities and chose Alpha Gamma Rho because it had more to o er an agriculture student. They reached out to the National Fraternity and spoke with then National Extension Committee Chairman, Brother Maynard Coe. Their discussion inspired the men to pursue colony a liation and attend o cer training school hosted by Delta Chapter at Purdue University on April 23, 1960.
Less than a month later, Brother Coe traveled to Martin, Tennessee, for the first time. He met with the colony and with representatives of the university. He also gave his views on securing a home for the future colony.
The Alpha Gamma Rho Colony at UT-Martin was recognized by the National Fraternity at the beginning of the fall quarter of 1960 as, “AGR local fraternity.” Upon recognition, a new o cer class was elected to serve, including its first Noble Ruler, Stanley S. Miller. The fall quarter marked the first pledge class, and initiation of two members. This accomplishment was only the first stepping stone of many as possibilities for a house were explored. Investigations were conducted into the availability of houses for sale. They revealed none were available, so the alternative of building a new house became the next priority of the chapter and an Alumni Building Corporation was formed, and a charter was filed.
It would not be until January 1962 the chapter obtained a house. A few months later, Alpha Gamma Rho Colony became the Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho.
Alpha Upsilon’s founding is just one example of the chapter's profound leadership and dedication that is continued to this day. Their brothers take every opportunity they can to better their leadership. Over the last six years, 73 Alpha Upsilon brothers attended Leadership Seminars and 14 Alpha Upsilon brothers attended the 2023 Top Leaders Institute.
The chapter encourages others to do the same. For information on how your chapter can enroll brothers in leadership trainings hosted by the AGR Home O ce, please reach out to agr@alphagammarho. org or 816-891-9200, and keep an eye out for schedule updates through the National Fraternity’s social media.
Rope pull is a week-long tournament during Homecoming, the fi rst week of October.
Men and women compete in, “the pit,” by the student rec center.
Started as a Homecoming tradition in the early 1970’s.
Alpha Upsilon Chapter has won the tournament every year, but once.
Teams strive to "take tape." This happens when a team gets enough rope from the opposition for the #1 hole to touch the tape. The team that took the tape is declared the winner.
Chalks: Also known as "holes," these give the puller much needed grip. Especially in wet weather, pullers may risk "blowing out" a hole.
Teams "get rope" by making hits. A team can get more rope by quickly "hitting" while the other team is in the middle of a pull.
#1
“Front Hole:” Smaller team member whose job is to control the "swing" of the rope.
#2, #3
Front Holes: The pullers’ front holes spend most of their time “riding the rope.” They rely on the back to, "hit 'em down." Teams work to "pin it down" by pulling their shoulders back while they push their hips up.
#4, #5, #6
Middle Holes: It takes strength, agility, and proper stance from each puller to keep tension on the rope. A team can't do a big hit with slack on the rope. Teams "get rope" by making hits. A team can get more rope by quickly "hitting" while the other team is in the middle of a pull.
#7, #8, #9
Back Holes: The Power pullers of the team generally lie in the back holes. If the front holes are riding the keep tension rope, the back pullers might make hits until the front holes "get right" on the rope.
#10
Anchor: Keeps the rope tight by pulling in the slack front holes in the slack. This puller loops rope under #9 in a hit.
1. Maximum roster size is twenty (20), and no more than ten (10) can pull at one time.
2. Participants can wear any shoes desired except turf shoes or cleats. Any hand protection is permitted (but not gloves). Any substance that produces a better grip shall not be permitted (i.e., rosin).
3. Any member listed on the team’s roster may dig in. Shovels are permitted. Teams competing in the fi rst pull of the tournament are allowed a 30-minute dig prior to scheduled start time. All other pulls will be allowed for 15 minutes.
4. Chalks can be a maximum of 8" deep and extended 20" back. All pairs of chalk must be within 2" of the line marked for each puller, but not beyond the line. The distance between each line marking will be approximately 48" and 12' from fi rst chalk line to fi rst chalk line.
5. Tournament format will be consolation, double elimination.
6. Lock downs are not allowed. A lock down is when any member of the team lays across the rope whereas his shoulder opposite of the rope (top shoulder) is crossing the plain of the rope.
7. Maximum of 3 coaches per team within the pulling area. A coach cannot assist a puller in a way that gives the puller an advantage.
8. Anchor cannot turn more than 90 degrees either way when facing the rope. The anchor must begin standing up and remain standing throughout pull. The end of the rope must go straight back with no resistance to his/her body. There is no chalk allowed in this position, only 2” or fewer trenches.
9. 20-minute time limit per pull for men. 8-minute time limit per pull for women.
10. The pull will be ended by the judge if one team has the center tape in its fi rst puller’s hands.
The Home O ce Sta has been busy on the road working with collegiate chapters and alumni to celebrate a rich AGR history and carving a path for the future. The spring semester brings
Founder’s Days, Pink Rose Formals, and philanthropic events all over the nation. These events showcase the very best of our AGR brotherhood and that made the Fraternity.
Each Year chapters throughout Alpha Gamma Rho take time from their rigorous academic and activity calendars to recognize their achievements from the past year. Whether it’s a Founder’s Day, a Pink Rose Formal, or activities around a spring or fall homecoming celebration, each are a clear demonstration of our fraternal value of taking the time to enthusiastically recognize and reward one another for living the Fraternity’s Purpose and Promise.
On March 4, 2023, AGR Home O ce’s Senior Director of Operations, Grant Bargfrede, had the opportunity to attend Kappa Chapter’s (Nebraska-Lincoln)
Pink Rose Formal. The day began with an open house for alumni and visitors to see the chapter facility while interacting with undergraduate members. A meeting of both the chapter’s foundation and alumni corporation followed where both entities discussed their ongoing progress and priorities of their respective group. This is Local Chapter Excellence in action. Alumni and collegiate members working
hand in hand for the betterment of their chapter while listening and seeking advice from one another.
The evening culminated in a banquet in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska, where nearly 350 brothers, spouses, dates and supporters of the chapter came together to toast the successes of Kappa Chapter while looking to what the future has in store. Individual alumni were recognized for their contributions to the chapter, the university and/or the agricultural industry. Additionally, $61,000 was awarded in scholarships to a number of undergraduate members for their academic and leadership performance. Grant Bargfrede was able to bring greetings on behalf of the National Fraternity, speak to the accomplishments of Kappa Chapter and challenge all brothers to not be satisfi ed with the status quo.
“Kappa Chapter demonstrates what Alpha Gamma Rho chapters should strive for, an engaged alumni base, collegiate members who refl ect the values of the Fraternity and are leaders on campus, and, fi nally, the steadfast involvement of a committed Housemother. Never take any of these for granted.”
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.
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
“Kappa Chapter demonstrates what Alpha Gamma Rho chapters should strive for, an engaged alumni base, collegiate members who reflect the values of the Fraternity and are leaders on campus, and, finally, the steadfast involvement of a committed Housemother. Never take any of these for granted.”
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.
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.
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.
Growth and opportunity filled 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.
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 filled with entertainment including card games, outdoor games, and a crawfish boil at the AGR house. Food, fun, and great fellowship was had by all—a great celebration of Beta Epsilon Chapter's founding!
KAPPA CHAPTER LOOKS FORWARD TO HOSTING its annual Hog Roast Philanthropy each April. This is the largest event the men of Kappa Chapter put on each year. At this event we feed more than 600 students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and members of the surrounding community. During this event, we partnered with Sigma Alpha Sorority to raise funds for Nebraska FFA Bright Futures Blue Jacket Foundation.
The Nebraska FFA Bright Futures program allows the Nebraska FFA program to provide High School FFA students with their blue FFA corduroy jacket and tie to outstanding FFA members, and for those who may not be fortunate enough to fully a ord their own jacket. The men of Kappa Chapter pride themselves in being able to be a major part of this organization by helping younger students receive their o cial dress,
because a significant number of the Kappa brothers were highly involved in FFA themselves. FFA has had an everlasting e ect on many of the undergraduate brothers and will continue to, and the Bright Futures program allows us to help provide that benefit to the next generation by donating the main symbol of involvement of the FFA organization. We typically host this event at Kappa Chapter during the third Thursday of April. The Hog Roast consists of selling dinner tickets to our smoked pork loin dinner along with entertainment such as a mechanical bull, dunk tank, and a live band. We are diligent to raise money from local sponsors to ensure that a large portion of profits are donated towards the Nebraska FFA program.
The day of the event is always a memorable experience for Kappa Chapter brothers. All undergraduate brothers sign up for a job to work during the event and have time to enjoy and take in the Hog Roast. At Kappa Chapter, brothers have di erent skills sets that aid in the process of putting on such a large event. Everyone pitches in weeks in advance to help in any way possible. This can be from sending out invitations to seasoning meat to collecting donations. Every brother has the mindset to put on a successful event to run smoothly and impact the Nebraska FFA
—Sawyer Willrett, Noble RulerSince 2001, the men of Pi Chapter at Oklahoma State University have been honored to host the Alpha Gamma Rho Winter Bonanza, one of the largest cattle shows in the state of Oklahoma. This past December, we carried on that tradition and had one of our best shows yet. Winter Bonanza is one of Oklahoma’s premier jackpot shows, but it has a lot more to o er.
Over the years, Pi Chapter has been blessed to continue to grow the size and impact of our show. This past December was more of the same. Winter Bonanza is a threeday show that consists of three main events. The first day is always dedicated to our event named “Heart of a Champion.” During Heart of a Champion, we invite children from local schools with special needs and the OSU Opportunity Orange program to participate in showing smaller livestock, such as sheep and goats. Each child is paired with a member, who works with them for" showmanship in the ring. While they participate in the ring, members of Sigma Alpha hold up signs that have been personalized for each exhibitor. It is not a competition, the children get to show livestock, hang out with the school’s mascot, Pistol Pete, and spend a day immersed in agriculture with the members of Pi Chapter.
The following two days consist of the steer and heifer shows. Both shows o er the opportunity to show in two rings in front of two separate
judges, with tack boxes, belt buckles, and banners on the line as prizes. On top of this, each exhibitor can compete to win cash prizes and afterwards is given the option to donate 10% of their winnings back to our philanthropy. Over the last two decades, we have built a strong rapport in the Oklahoma show community, not only because of our well maintained and organized show, but also because of the lasting impact we make in local communities.
Within the past decade, Alpha Gamma Rho’s Winter Bonanza formed a coalition with the school's Student Government Association to create a collection of free food pantries on campus exclusively for Oklahoma State Students. Since its creation, we donate annually to ensure every pantry is always fully stocked. Pi Chapter also donated a portion of this year's proceeds towards an endowed scholarship with the Oklahoma Youth Expo.
We take great pride in Alpha Gamma Rho’s Winter Bonanza and ensuring it remains the largest philanthropic event of any IFC Fraternity at OSU. Winter Bonanza is much more than a livestock show- it’s a way for the men of Pi Chapter to make dynamic change in the world around them through agriculture. As we look towards the future, we cannot wait to see the fruits of our continued service towards those around us!
—Ethan Bush, Noble Ruler
Missouri
Theta Chapter at the University of Missouri celebrated its 107th Founder's Day on April 15th, 2023, by welcoming a new brother into the brotherhood.
At the Bradford Research Farm at Columbia, Missouri, Tony Benz, Program Deputy Director of the Missouri Fertilizer Control Board, was initiated and joined the Fraternity.
Founders’ Day concluded with a scholarship banquet with brothers, family, and friends at Theta Chapter house. At the dinner, more than $10,000 in scholarships was awarded. An additional $6,000 was raised during the live auction to support the outstanding undergraduate brothers of Theta Chapter.
From the start of the 2022 year, the men of Eta Chapter at Iowa State University pursued excellence through success. Our extravagant year as a chapter can be highlighted and proven by the two large recognitions our chapter brought to Ames, Iowa in 2022. The fi rst is Iowa State University's Sorority and Fraternity Community President's Cup Award. As the President's Cup winner, we were recognized as the top chapter in all the sorority and fraternity community at Iowa State University. Beyond our involvement on campus, we were also recognized for our stellar year on the National AGR level, as we were named the top chapter in the country by taking home the Maynard. H. Coe Chapter E ciency Award. These awards are a true testament to each of our members' dedication and commitment to excelling at elite levels in all that we do.
To highlight and explain a few of our chapter's large events and successes can be attributed back to the brotherhood within the chapter. Each brother expects to be involved in our chapter activities and the surrounding community. This member engagement led us to host three record-breaking philanthropy events, possess numerous leadership positions on campus, hold two large university faculty events, be heavily involved with Iowa State Homecoming
and Greek Week traditions, and always strive To Make Better Men every day. While highlighting every part of our successful year is hard, a few of our most proud events revolve around philanthropy. Our fi rst philanthropy in 2022 was Wings on Rho. Through this philanthropy event, we served chicken wings to 300 guests, which raised more than $3,000 for the food pantry on our campus. Our next philanthropic event, Agger Fries, was another great success. We served fried food to 723 Iowa State University students and Ames, Iowa community members, which raised roughly $4,000 for Farm Rescue.
Beyond our philanthropy, servant leadership is a common trait of many of our members. Within our chapter membership, every one of our hundred members holds a leadership position amongst the university or the surrounding community. Serving those around us is a trait we are very proud of and continue to build upon every year. Every aspect of our chapter ties back to a common bond of brotherhood in agriculture. Our members a im to impact the agriculture industry now and in the future. Having that common goal pushes us to strive for excellence in all we do and equip us to be leaders in the future.
Nathan Behrends, Noble Ruler
Greetings from the brothers of Alpha Delta Chapter at Montana State University. This spring, we had three brothers participate at the Alpha Gamma Rho Leadership Seminar in Denver: Ty Herzog, Jack Stephens, and Jack Yore. Brother Ty has excelled as the Vice Chairman of the Collegiate Advisory Council. The brothers of Alpha Delta Chapter hold a wide variety of leadership positions across campus, including President of the Collegiate Stockgrowers, O cers in Ducks Unlimited, Ambassadors for the College of Agriculture, Senators for the Associated Students of Montana State University, and Tour Guides for the university. Our presence in Bozeman, Montana, is strong and helps To Make Better Men.
Our chapter brought in two new members this spring. While this is lower than previous semesters, the new brothers show strong promise to be great leaders within the chapter in the future. With the newly initiated members, Alpha Delta Chapter reached a total of 66 undergraduate members. The chapter is already actively recruiting for the fall and is excited to see what a new freshman class at Montana State University brings to campus.
Alpha Delta Chapter was excited to return to Big Timber, Montana, for Pink Rose! On May 6, we had our second annual Alpha Gamma Rodeo, featuring live music, a mechanical bull, chicken roping, and a great time. We are also pleased to announce this fall brings another Testicle Festival, which will be located inside the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse on campus for the third year. Last year, from Testicle Festival alone, we were able to donate more than $17,000 to Montana 4-H, FFA, Heroes and Horses, and the YMCA. We would like to thank all of you for your continuous support and wish all of you the best of luck this summer.
—Jack Stephens, Noble Ruler
Alpha Upsilon Chapter at the University of Tennessee-Martin reached a significant endowment milestone. The endowment was contributed towards the Alpha Upsilon Veteran’s Scholarship, honoring the brothers of Alpha Upsilon who served their country in battle. It was started by some of the 21 brothers who served in the Vietnam War. Brothers were blessed to receive the first Veterans Scholarship given at the most recent Founder’s Day, which was also Alpha Upsilon’s 60th Anniversary.
The theme of our Founder's Day was our most beloved event that has been around since our founding in 1963, Rope Pull. Although it had a di erent name at the time of our founding, “Tug-O-War,” the principles remain the same and the competition is every fall during homecoming. The chapter celebrated its 8th consecutive win last fall, taking six feet of rope from ten men in only 13 minutes, not giving up an inch.
Preparation for Rope Pull is extremely physically and mentally demanding. During those trying times, when everyone struggles towards a common goal, the bonds created are stronger than most can understand. That is why we based our Founder’s Day around a homecoming event. Not because it is fun or enjoyable, but it’s truly what connects all the brothers at Alpha Upsilon. We are not satisfied, as there are always improvements to be made. Every day is a new day, but the mindset will always be to GET ROPE every day.
Macon Barrow, Noble RulerAlpha Chi Chapter at Western Kentucky University wrapped up our spring semester with four new members. We are working with Omicron Chapter at the University of Kentucky and Alpha Omega Chapter at Murray State University to reach out to incoming high school students involved in agriculture programs such as FFA and 4-H. Our goal is to acquire a fifteen-person recruitment class to achieve a roster north of thirtyfive members, which would be the highest since 2003.
In addition to recruitment, Alpha Chi Chapter had been busy training in events such as, “Tug,” and, “Spring Sing.” Preparation of these events were for Greek Week, a campus-wide competition between all Greek organizations to create a safe and fun environment to compete. In past years, we have come up short of receiving two runner-up medals, however, we worked hard to place higher this year. Despite our chapter size being smaller than other groups on campus, Alpha Chi Chapter is able to hold our own.
Our strong brotherhood allows us to come together and work e ciently as a team to be competitive in all Greek Week competitions. We sought to be back-to-back, “Tug,” victories and our 30th win out of 58 years of competition.
We have also been busy working on our chapter house with improvements such as renovating two bathrooms, part of our back deck, and recently upgraded from old heating and air units to each room having its own mini-split air conditioning unit, allowing each room to heat and cool more e ciently and e ectively. We are also planning our upcoming golf scramble in the summer, which has proven to bring more than one hundred undergraduate and alumni members together annually — and has raised more than $20,000 in the last two years. Alpha Chi Chapter is thrilled to be included in this edition of SICKLE & SHEAF and would like to wish our fellow chapters the best of luck in future endeavors!
Jude Baker, Noble RulerThe men of the Beta Rho Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho had the privilege to host our inaugural Philanthropy, Fundraising, and Advocacy Week. During the weeks leading up to this event, the sorority women of Northwest Missouri State University had the opportunity to compete in our Rose Queen competition, raising funds for local philanthropic e orts. At the beginning of our event week, the brothers of Beta Rho Chapter hosted a 3x3 basketball tournament with 11 participating teams!
The chapter's annual Calf on Campus event allowed students to interact with a bottle calf and learn more about the agricultural industry. Lastly, the chapter philanthropy breakfast saw campus and community members and sponsors visit our chapter event for a meal prepared by the brothers. After concluding the week, the men of Alpha Gamma Rho can confidently say we are closer to our campus and Maryville communities and that a renewed focus on community engagement has been instilled in the chapter. Lastly, our chapter was able to raise and donate $2,300 to the local Ministry Center and Humane Society
Dylan White, Noble Ruler
The Brothers of Zeta Chapter at Cornell University have always enjoyed the benefits of the vast alumni network that has been cultivated for us and that we continue to grow. Ranging from internship opportunities to long-term employment and surprising friendships, our members have no shortage of opportunities to engage with alumni, both recent and long graduated. In our experience this network is too often not conveyed or represented properly to potential new members through the lens of recruitment. We have attempted to increase this exposure recently by bringing alumni into the campus setting by hosting continuous series of alumni speakers welcomed to the house to discuss with us their time in the chapter and the impact that it has
had on their life and career as it has unfolded. It also o ers them time to reminisce about the good times, the traditions, and the friendships that were formed during their stay in Zeta Chapter in a fireside-chat setting.
While we encourage alumni to visit us as much as possible, we put great e ort into visiting them and touring the businesses that they have helped to thrive. Although we have always maintained this tradition of visiting alumni, we took it to new heights during the 2022-2023 academic year. Zeta Chapter traveled from New York to Colorado and back, going through 16 states, stopping in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, and Illinois to visit brothers of all ages and walks of life along the way.
— Collin MacDonald, Noble Ruler
The Alpha Pi Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity at the University of Arizona focuses on two concepts. The first is recruiting quality men into the Fraternity through exemplary recruitment events hosted throughout the year. The second is to develop those men to reach their highest potential through Membership Development.
Our chapter focuses on recruitment primarily through the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences here at the University of Arizona. We also have a strong relationship with Arizona FFA, which helps us identify young men interested in agriculture, natural resources, and other similar industries. We have seen numbers fluctuate, so we knew we needed to expand our recruitment e orts. This led us to recently joining the Interfraternity Council here at the University of Arizona. We are looking forward to the future recruitment opportunities and more engagement with Greek Life and our University.
As part of our membership development program, Alpha Pi Chapter holds recognizable professional development events every semester to get brothers connected with the leaders of the agricultural industry in Arizona. The events include tours designed to go through each region every year
and the “4” regions of the state (North, East, South, West). This provides our brothers, who join the chapter as firstyear students, the unique opportunity to experience all four regions of the state, over the course of a four-year collegiate career. They provide opportunities for brothers to network with industry leaders and make connections that can help them with career opportunities after graduation. We also use our Professional Development Tours to highlight alumni of the chapter, by touring their own agricultural businesses that they own or work for.
This past trip, the Professional Development Tour of Fall 2022 took us from Yuma, Arizona across state lines to El Centro, California. The chapter was able to learn up close and firsthand from experts in seed sales, milling, date farming, and hay farming. We visited the following agricultural co mpanies on the tour:
• Gowan Milling, LLC
• Bird Date Company
• Kevin Grizzle Farms
• Vessey & Company, Inc
• Keithly-Williams Seeds
At Keithly-Williams Seeds, we had the honor of touring the company with its CEO before his passing — Brother Kelly Keithly of Alpha Pi Chapter.
Kevin Berrigan, Noble RulerThe past academic year for Beta Phi Chapter at the University of Idaho has been full of excitement, starting o with the fall philanthropy, Log-a-thon. Preparation for the event took the brothers into the woods, cutting down trees for logging themed events. The chapter sold unused lumber throughout the college town of Moscow, Idaho. The chapter placed the revenue in a scholarship fund for the daughter of a brother who passed away.
Farther into the year, we held our first spring philanthropy, Alpha Gamma Rodeo. Thanks to the help of other chapters across the country, we were able to pick events as well as get ideas to best plan out our new philanthropy. All the proceeds went to Tough Enough to Wear Pink, a breast cancer awareness association. Within the University of Idaho, we were among the top five fraternities in GPA. Our GPA last semester was an improving 3.28 cumulative. Beta Phi Chapter is an outstanding group of men in the chapter and are excited for the next group of incoming members to contribute what they have to o er to the house and To Make Better Men.
Tucker Hansen, Noble RulerAlpha Tau Chapter at Western Illinois University celebrated its 60th Founder's Day, 30th Smokin’ Hog, and 14th Alpha Gamma Rho Tee-O for Charity this school year. The largest, Smokin’ Hog, raised more than $30,000. The mayor of Macomb, Illinois, whom the chapter hosted for dinner alongside the police chief, proclaimed October 29, 2022, as, “Macomb Smokin’ Hog Day,” in recognition of the event raising more than $600,000 for the community since it first started.
Following Founder's Day this spring, the chapter hosted its annual golf outing, raising another $10,000 for the community. These events directly benefit local causes, such as programs for veterans’ suicide prevention, and the county's foster care system. Alpha Tau Chapter members also volunteered at the Western Illinois University Food Pantry, and won Homecoming 2022 by partnering with Delta Zeta, Theta Chi, Sigma Alpha, and Delta Tau Delta. Recognizing the individual accomplishments of our brothers:
• Brother Cole Moeller for his service on the 2021 Livestock Judging Team and the 2021 National Barrow Show Team.
• Brother Tyler Barrington for serving as the Secretary of the Agronomy Club and Treasurer of AG Council.
• Brother Jace Green for competing as a NCAA Division I athlete in cross country and on the Western Illinois University track and field team.
• Brother Brandon Hilst for competing as a Division I athlete in e-Sports for Western Illinois University.
• Brother Drew Hallock for receiving the Presidential Scholarship, attending Western Illinois University on a full ride.
• Brother Logan Wheeler for reporting on News 3 for the Western Illinois University Athletic Department and serving as play-by-play broadcaster for the women’s volleyball and softball teams.
• Brother Ryan Kampen for his service as a volunteer firefighter.
• Brother Drew Killam for serving in the Army National Guard Aviation as a Crew Chief for the Black Hawks Helicopters in Decatur, Illinois.
• Brother Seth Mack for serving as a Human Intelligence Collector specialist and a Farsi Linguist in the Army National Guard.
• Brother Dylan McMurren for serving as an IT Specialist in the Army National Guard.
• Brother Dalton Knapp, deployed in Africa, for serving in the Air Force Guard based out of Springfield, Illinois.
• Brother Cody Cornell for being re-elected as Western Illinois University's Student Representative to the Board of Trustees.
Cody Cornell, Noble Ruler
Beta Pi Chapter at Louisiana Tech University had the opportunity to both volunteer for and compete in the 64th Annual Southern Forestry Conclave from March 9-11, 2023. Each year, schools from all over the southeastern United States come together for a weekend of competition and networking at this occasion, which is filled with both technical and physical forestry related events. Competitions include timber estimation, tree and wildlife identification, pole-felling, log chop, crosscut, bowsaw and more. This year was particularly special to Beta Pi Chapter, as Louisiana Tech University would be the host school for the first time in 17 years.
The men of Beta Pi Chapter volunteered to help set up and work all weekend, performing tasks such as moving and loading logs and cants, cutting logs after competitions, cooking food for attendees, delivering firewood, moving hay bales, and more. Alpha Gamma Rho and the LA Tech student chapter of the Society of American Foresters were able to work directly together to accomplish these things, all while networking and developing professional relationships with their future peers from around the country. This was an extremely rewarding experience for the chapter, who looks forward to continuing this partnership each year.
Cody Chandler, Noble Ruler
The passing of the following brothers was reported to the Home Office etween September 16, 2022, and. April 25, 2023. The listing includes initiation year.
Arizona
Hawkins, James D, 1974
Arkansas
Gladden, Daniel B, 1961
Hoggard, Jasper O, 1959
Kennett, Daniel P, 1965
Criley, David M, 1953
Entrekin II, William E, 1991
Ivy, Lamarse H 1992
Looney, Jack L, 1957
Oliver, Frederick D, 1953
Rochelle, William C, 2012
Shore, Lawrence B, 1953
Short III, Jesse E, 1961
Arkansas State
Briggs Jr., Sterling , 1973
Cagle, Martin E, 1976
Furnish, Landon , 2015
Gibson, Jerry , 1973
Goode, Je F, 1985
Gri n, Daniel Aaron, 2016
Hayles Jr., Jasper A, 1973
Helms, Aubrey L, 1973
Highfield, Earl J, 1979
Ivy, Steve C, 1973
Kersey, Jimmie C, 1981
Kie ner, Steven Mark, 2005
Kneibert, Mark F, 1986
Neal Jr., Robert G, 1983
Stephens, Marion , 1973
Wallace, Jimmy D, 1981
Auburn
Cobb, Charles Relius, 1958
Guthrie, Richard L, 1960
Hollingsworth Sr., John R, 1965
Sansing, Norman G, 1951
Speir Jr., Wyeth Holt, 1954
Wise, James Paul, 1961
California-Davis
Watson, Donald William Lindsay, 1949
California Polytechnic State
Bolliger, Steven L, 1975
Killgore, Roy R, 1989
Rollin, Wendell Andrew, 1989
Weseloh, Donald Neill, 1975
Louisiana State
Dawson, Bryan Gibson, 2013
Maine
Edgecomb, Philip L, 1952
Massachusetts-Amherst
Covert, Theodore B, 1949
Gee PhD, George Francis, 1957
Michigan State
Boydston, James N, 1953
Middle Tennessee State
Love, James Robert, 1976
Minnesota
Newman, Ivan C, 1951
Nicholson, Roderic, 1961
Nightingale, Harry I, 1951
Paradee, Lawrence M, 1957
Poling Jr., George A, 1970
Rivera, Luther L, 1954
Romero, Frank M, 1955
Shelley, Thomas R, 1954
Steinepreis, James C, 1951
Thornton, Bluford A, 1953
Thornton, Steven S, 1990
Tindell, Larry , 1976
Vance, Ralph E, 1959
Villarreal, Robert , 1956
Wallace, William , 1951
Watson, Scotty L, 1987
Wheeler, Wayne G, 1955
Pennsylvania State
Bowes, Lynn S, 1958
Brofee, Merril Leroy, 1963
Frieling, Philip H, 1971
Harper, James A, 1940
Harrison, Robert W, 1958
Hartley, Byron Paul, 1957
Luce, Matthew B, 1942
Miller, Reid S, 1962
Morrow, Walter N, 1964
Orner, Russell M, 1949
Telfer, Charles W, 1954
Zelko, Frank J, 1966
Purdue
Knotts, Dale W, 1968
Lawrence, Ross L, 1955
Sommers, Ronald L, 1956
California State-Fresno
Gates, Richard Lee, 1963
Cornell
Carrigan, Earl H, 1949
Crittenden, Harold Cline, 1943
Fitchett, Edwin E, 1942
Huth, Joseph E, 1951
Neenan, Gerald David, 1972
Rodee, William L, 1954
Van Zandt, John P, 1942
Colorado State
Carthel, Bobby Joe, 1952
Connecticut
ODell, Thomas M, 1958
Florida
Cribbs, Timothy A, 1982
Raattama Jr., Henry Howard, 1964
Shackelford, Charles L, 1955
Smith, Joel E, 1955
Willis Sr., John Young, 1950
Yates, Henry C, 1961
Illinois UrbanaChampaign
Ashbrook, David K, 1950
Bergman, Steven Claus, 1970
Brooks, Arnold Lyle, 1961
Brown, Jay R, 1967
Erickson, Scott Donald, 1948
Gehlbach, Gerald D, 1960
Weller, Douglas Paul, 1971
Illinois State
Andres, Steven P, 1975
Isringhausen Jr., Paul M, 1981
Iowa State
Schaefer, David C, 1976
Kansas State
Francis, Darwin R, 1955
Wilcke, Richard W, 1962
Kentucky
Estes, Donald L, 1962
Hall, George Lawrence, 1957
Hamilton, Carl C, 1948
Simonson, Paul Meyer, 1981
Missouri
Basnett, Robert J, 1947
Lindsey, Charles Robert, 1952
Stiles, Billy J, 1950 Wallace, Bratton A, 1960
Montana State
Bird, Edward J, 1976
Decker, Gordon Lee, 1958
Jimmerson, William C, 1967
Switzer, Gerald Robert, 1977
Nebraska-Lincoln
Large, Joey D, 1975
Theobald, Dohn J, 1950
Volk, Robert G, 1956
Wahlstrom, Richard C, 1942
Weyeneth, Ernest Leonard, 2010
New Hampshire
Bullis, Allan A, 1987
Christian, Leslie August, 1972
Fowler, Arnold K, 1955
Hastings, James T, 1954
Lovell, Kenneth O, 1958
Mann USAF, Wayne A, 1954
Meuse, Ronald E, 1952
Oslin, Robert W, 1962
Royce, William C, 1958
Thayer, Stephen C, 1950
New Mexico State
Cauhape, John C, 1971
Caviness, Walter R, 1959
Costa, Paul H, 1957
Dinwiddie, Richard B. , 1955
Harlacker, John A, 1968
Harriman, Frank B, 1951
Ivey, Je rey N, 1980
La Vine, Paul D, 1951
Ladner, Troy D, 1993
Luper, William E, 1954
Madrid, Charles , 1953
Mahill, Joel F, 1971
Minzenmayer, William A, 1959
Monette, Darren C, 1987
White PhD, Robert H, 1951
Zamora, Emilio B, 1952
North Carolina State
Flemer III, Carl Fletcher, 1968
Mitchell, James G, 1974
Shackelford, Arthur Hope, 1954
North Dakota State
Huebner, Howard L, 1976
Moen, Maurice Odean, 1955
Mrozinski, Lawrence Edward, 1980
Strand, Richard C, 1952
Northwest Missouri State
Search, Kevin , 1991
Ohio State
Crawford, Stuart L, 1950
Denison, Tommy L, 1959
Dill Jr., Garrett S, 1956
Huddle, John P, 1955
Krill, Joseph S, 1978
Smith, Quentin Clark, 1965
Yeary DVM, Roger A, 1951
Young, William H, 1959
Oklahoma State
Anderson, Charles W, 1956
Blodgett, Glenn P, 1968
Cheatham, Jack A, 1942
Dearing, Robert W, 1958
Diel, Virgil G, 1958
Eagan, Rex H, 1962
Jones, Fred Harvey, 1953
Kissee, R. Keith , 1977
Larkin, Lee R, 1948
Miller DDS, Frank R, 1954
Moore, Robert L, 1952
Nida, Ronald W, 1967
Noonan, Gary Eugene, 1957
Pratt, Phillip W, 1970
Stewart, Joseph Edward, 1955
Tefertiller, R. H, 1968
Whitt, Billy Lee, 1954
Oregon State
Hilderbrand, John O, 1949
Long, C. Michael , 1956
Stierwalt, Thomas R, 1963
Waitt, Walter P, 1952
Sam Houston State
Adams, Omari , 2017
South Dakota State
Willemssen, Calvin, 1966
Tarleton State
Carpenter Ph.D., Zerle Leon, 1998
Texas A&M
Knight, Kyle Allen, 1989
Texas A&M-Commerce
Hinkle, Roger Dale, 2009
Vermont
Rivers, Brian D, 1967
Smith, Natale L, 1961
Washington State
Schauble, Philip Oscar, 1956
West Virginia
Dowler, Clyde C, 1951
Hauger, Alvin Dailey, 1949
Western Kentucky
Connor, John P, 1970
Dotson III, Orville Wick, 1966
McGehee, Eugene M, 1966
Winn, Larry James, 1966
Wisconsin-Madison
Esch, Edward L, 1957
Herwig, Jim S, 1972
Meulemans, Dennis A, 1968
Nelson, Eric V, 1959
Sasman, Robert T, 1941
Segner Ph.D., Wayne P, 1953
Strahan, William L, 1937
Wisconsin-Platteville
Schleicher, Norbert M, 1972
Wisconsin-River Falls
Hanson, Loren R, 1972
“I’ve always been hooked,” said Ken Isley when asked about the Fraternity. His involvement comes as no surprise to anyone who knows Ken or his family. Isley grew up in central Iowa and, following in his brother’s footsteps, joined the Eta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho at Iowa State University in 1980. Ken went on to serve as Noble Ruler. After graduating in 1984, he joined the AGR Home Offi ce as a Chapter Services Manager, now known as an Educational Leadership Consultant. In 2017, he served as General Counsel for the Fraternity. Most recently in 2023, he joined The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho Board of Directors.
Brother Isley practices law and is a partner with Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Indianapolis. He previously served as the head of Corporate and Financial Law; head of Litigation, Regulatory and Operations; head of Latin America Legal; and vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of Dow’s agricultural subsidiary, Dow AgroSciences. He has also served as administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agriculture Service and chairman of the USDA’s Intra-Departmental Coordination on International Aff airs a total of two times. Ken holds a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University, a juris doctorate from the University of Iowa, and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University.
“I’m a believer in the power of AGR, the impact that AGR has on a lot of young men’s lives, and the network it establishes for the entirety of a person’s life.”
What drew you to Alpha Gamma Rho?
I joined in the summer of 1980 after I graduated from high school. And moved into the chapter house in the fall of 1980. Back in that time period, the brotherhood program was a much longer process. I came in with a class of about 28 or so. That was tied to my brother who was two years ahead of me in high school. He joined Alpha Gamma Rho so I was kind of a natural progression there. I was a legacy member.
What was it like having your biological brother as a brother?
It was very interesting; Michael was very involved on campus. Particularly on the livestock judging team and some other similar opportunities on campus. I had a lot of respect for him and still do. It was a great experience, but I tell you the thing you realize when you join, of those you were initiated with become
almost family-like. I mean we can be very close and continue to be close to this day.
What AGR experience has really stuck out?
A great experience while I was on staff was going to the National Convention in Big Sky, Montana. I rode out with some of the other staff and it happened to be the same time as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Wow! We arrived late at night looking for a hotel. And of course, there were no hotel rooms available. A staff member had a tent with him because he was going to stay after the Convention and go camping. We pitched the tent alongside the interstate and it didn’t last too long because all you could hear all night was the sound of motorcycles.
Since you joined, what is one of the biggest changes you’ve seen?
There’s a lot of changes in the culture of the country and the issues. They are very prevalent in weren’t so much back then, you know 30 years ago or more so how the fraternity has continued to adapt, stay modern, stay relevant. One of the big ones obviously is the change in the Brotherhood Program chapters now utilize, as opposed to 30-40 years ago. Those were positive steps forward for the training and the ability for AGR to be able to navigate the current landscape on college campuses and in the broader culture.
What is something you want to see AGR accomplish?
It’s to continue that modernization process and to be able to really identify what’s the value of the Fraternity. How are we going to measure that and how are we going to continue to enhance the value proposition for young men who are considering joining AGR, the alue proposition or undergraduate members in terms of helping build skills that help them be successful beyond college. Whether that place is in agribusiness, whether that’s going back to a farming operation or something else. It is a lifelong network. How do we as a National Fraternity enable and enhance all those opportunitiesby providing you, our undergraduate members, with the resources, programs, and particularly that leadership development element?
What’s kept you engaged?
I’m a believer in the power of AGR, the impact that AGR has on a lot of young men’s lives, and the network it establishes for the entirety of a person’s life. I’ve been looking at it more broadly and thinking about all the issues facing the agricultural industry — there is no better group of people to help address those issues than AGR’s.
Throughout Ken's interview, his passion for Alpha Gamma Rho shown bright. He believes all brothers, from collegiate to alumni should be working together for the betterment of their chapter and our Fraternity.
“How are we going to measure that and how are we going to continue to enhance the value proposition for young men who are considering joining AGR, the value proposition for undergraduate members in terms of helping build skills that help them to be successful beyond college.”
By Rex Martin
SPRING AND FALL ARE MY FAVORITE seasons. With both, they allow the opportunity to see brothers across the nation. Spring semester traditionally brings Founder’s Day celebrations and Pink Rose events among many others. This is “prime time” for me to reach out and see how things are going at our chapters, hear from other brothers and perhaps provide a helping hand.
In the months of March and April, I was able to join chapters celebrating celebrations of 50 (Alpha Epsilon, Arkansas State University), 60 (Alpha Tau, Western Illinois University), and 100 (Phi, University of California-Davis) years. These are amazing milestones. Each chapter showcased similarities and differences. What a pleasure it was to meet the actual founders at Alpha Epsilon and Alpha Tau. I wondered if they could have imagined, all those years ago, the positive changes that occurred over the years. However, think about it from a collegiate member’s perspective, they are living in the moment but soon, some very soon, will be also viewing the chapter from the lens of an alumnus.
What was the underlying connection between these three chapters that
allowed them to survive and thrive over the many years? It was continued leadership both at the chapter and with their alumni. Each chapter struggled with recruitment and fi nances with their houses during COVID-19. Some are facing headwinds with dwindling male
vibrant for the next generation of AGR’s. You have read and heard about Local Chapter Excellence and why it is so important for our future. We must continue to fi nd ways to work together toward fraternity-wide excellence. If you have not been engaged with your initiate chapter in a while, please reach out to them. I am sure they could use your help. If you live too far away, help an AGR chapter that might be down the road. To fi nd local chapters in your area, please reach out to the AGR Home Office.
enrollment in the agriculture college and college wide. I have read in our archives how many chapters struggled during World War II when many of our brothers went to defend our country. Again, it was strong consistent leadership during World War II and especially afterward that kept our brotherhood
By the time you read this, I will have visited three more chapters including my home chapter, Alpha Iota (University of Arkansas) for their Founders Day. I have not been to their Founders Day since 2018. I look forward to seeing my brothers and my good friends. I will arrive just as they w ill, another alumnus that only wants to help Alpha Iota be the best that they can be. I wish your chapter all the very best and hope you take the opportunity to share your bonds of brotherhood.
If you have not been engaged with your initiate chapter in a while, please reach out to them. I am sure they could use your help. If you live too far away, help an AGR chapter that might be down the road.
Alpha Gamma Rho’s membership is primarily created by students attending a college or university where the Fraternity has an established chapter. Either through recruitment e orts prior to stepping foot on campus or later in their college experiences, these 18-22-year-old students are making the decision to join AGR. But what about those who have since graduated from college and have gone on to establish noteworthy careers in the agricultural industry? They may have been involved within their campus community but did not have the privilege of a fraternity experience.
make an impression within their new-found fraternity and feel the lasting e ects brotherhood can have on an individual.
Think about those mentors and leaders on your campus or in your community; how have they helped individual brothers, or the chapter has a whole over the years? These are the kind of adult leaders who make for great candidates as Alumnus Initiates and make AGR the vibrant Fraternity it is today.
Alpha Gamma Rho is proud to have an established path where those who may able to participate in Greek life college campus can still have ing part of the AGR brotherhood.
able Greek college of brotherhood.
Alumnus are adults university, a who initiated by same manner would
Alumnus Initiates are adults impact either in their local community, role at a university, helped a chapter own personal time, talents, and someone who has made an impact in the agricultural community. Alumnus Initiates are initiated by a chapter in the same manner as would a collegiate brother and are given the same rights and benefits as any other AGR brother.
In the Fraternity’s lifetime and vast network of members, 506 of AGR’s brothers have been brought into the membership as Alumnus Initiates. Some have gone on to serve as Chapter Advisers, are members of alumni boards, donors to chapter projects or National Fraternity e orts, and even inducted into the Fraternity’s prestigious Hall of Fame for their lifetime work. During this past ruary alone, AGR initiated four Alumnus Initiates throughout 2023 Leadership Seminars.
No matter the journey or age which brought them to Alpha Gamma Rho, each one has been able
work. During this past ruary AGR them ma Rho,
