CREATING, BUILDING AND SUPPORTING THE FRATERNAL BONDS
Designing a Better Brotherhood
THE MAGAZINE OF ALPHA GAMMA RHO AGRICULTURAL FRATERNITY ➻ SPRING 2025
Departments
Sickle & Sheaf
EDITOR
Madeline Mapes
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Matt Olson
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Grant Bargfrede, Carol Johnson Ed.D, Becky Haley, Amanda Horvat Ph.D, Rex Martin
BUSINESS MANAGER
Rex Martin
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Tria Designs, Inc.
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Growing Leadership
TOP LEADERS INSTITUTE BRINGS ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR
BROTHERS FROM ACROSS THE nation joined the National Fraternity and the Educational Foundation at six Top Leaders Institutes this past January to explore leadership behaviors, discuss risk management, mental health and Make Better Men
Nearly all chapters were in attendance this year. Brothers met in Atlanta, Georgia; Reno, Nevada; Kansas City, Missouri; Dallas, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; and Albany, New York.
The content was refined based on feedback received last year and offered a greater emphasis on risk management and mental health resources for brothers to use. Brothers worked with alumni and other chapters to learn more on these topics, create SMART goals for their chapter, develop a stronger understanding of their officer role and share ideas with one another.
Friday kicked off with identifying individual leadership behaviors and how to sharpen them. Saturday was focused on officer training and strategic
This year's content was refined to offer a greater emphasis on risk management and mental health resources.
goal setting. Assessment data collected show that brothers who attended feel that their overall knowledge of the topics discussed increased.
Several chapters took to social media to showcase the educational experiences they were having at the Top Leaders Institutes while also sharing some of their greatest takeaways.
Alpha Beta Chapter (Oregon State) shared, “Our executive team was able to attend the Top Leaders Institute in Reno, Nevada, this past weekend! There, they gained [greater] perspective and learned tools to improve leadership skills for the betterment of the chapter. We were able to meet and connect with brothers all over the West Coast as well!”
Alpha Lambda Chapter at New Mexico State said, “After 32 hours and 1,800 miles on the road, the 2025 AGR Executive Board attended Top Leaders Institute in Reno, Nevada. Bringing back with them knowledge and expertise to advance the Alpha Lambda Chapter. The brothers all had a great
time meeting other chapters and hearing other perspectives about how AGR can be driven toward excellence. We also had the privilege of working alongside one of our alumnus Brothers, Cael Alderete.”
Beta Gamma Chapter from Wisconsin–Platteville shared, “This weekend our chapter’s executive team attended Top Leaders Institute in Chicago. Our officers were able to gain valuable leadership and management skills that they can each bring back to the chapter.”
“Members of our executive board had a great time attending the Top Leaders Institute put on by the National Fraternity in Chicago. We learned different types of leadership skills we can bring back to benefit the Alpha Chapter,” shared our University of Illinois chapter.
Brother Tom Meyer, an alumnus of Beta Alpha Chapter at Southern
Illinois, who was in attendance at the Chicago location, shared in an email to the Home Office, “We want to express our sincere appreciation for an excellent Top Leaders Institute. Depth of content showed a large incremental
Brothers worked with alumni and other chapters to create strategic goals for their chapter, develop a stronger understanding of their officer role, and share ideas with one another.
increase. The list of accomplishments by our team is deep and extensive. It would not have happened without TLI.”
Dr. Amanda Horvat, AGR’s Director of Leadership and Education, said the goal has always been to make Top Leaders Institute a world-class leadership training opportunity for chapter officer teams to develop individualized plans for long-term chapter success. The AGR Home Office team is always looking for ways to enhance the experience and create an environment where brothers can learn from one another.
The National Fraternity would like to thank the Home Office team, the National Board of Directors, the Board of Directors of the Educational Foundation, those who donated to the Capital Campaign and all alumni volunteers who made this successful national event possible for a fourth year.
Brothers from all over the country collaborated to build on their leadership skills and focus on building strategic goals for their chapters. Various activities are used to demonstrate bonding and skill building throughout Top Leaders Institute.
2025 Grand President’s Award Winners
FOUR OUTSTANDING BROTHERS WERE SELECTED TO RECEIVE THE 2025 ALPHA GAMMA RHO GRAND PRESIDENT’S AWARD.
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 significant 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. Ben Brown, Lucas Sjostrom, Michael Pisciotta and Tyler Harper were recognized for their achievements during the Leadership Seminars held in February. During their acceptance speeches, they reflected on the opportunities AGR afforded 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
Ben Brown KANSAS STATE
Ben Brown was a raised on a family farm near Appleton City, Missouri. He graduated from Kansas State University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics with a specialty in Agronomy. As an undergraduate, Ben joined the Alpha Zeta Chapter and served as VNR-Alumni Relations.
Brown received a master’s degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics from the University of Missouri in 2017. While at Missouri, he was a graduate research assistant with the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute helping provide policy analysis used in what would become the 2018 Farm Bill.
After graduating from Missouri, Ben worked as an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Agricultural Risk Management at Ohio State University. In 2021, Ben moved back to Missouri to serve as an Extension Specialist in Agriculture Business and Policy at Missouri. In this role, Ben works with producers and agribusinesses across the state while teaching an undergraduate course in farm and ranch management. Ben has assisted the Theta Chapter first as interim Adviser and then as a member of the alumni outreach committee.
Lucas Sjostrom MINNESOTA
Lucas Sjostrom grew up on a dairy farm in southern Minnesota. He graduated with a major in animal science from the University of Minnesota. After joining Lambda Chapter, Sjostrom took positions with Holstein Association USA, Inc., then Hoard’s Dairyman and Dairy Herd Management magazines. In these positions, Lucas traveled to dairy farms in 44 states and the family traveled to over 50 dairy processing plants studying their businesses. Lucas works full-time as managing director for the Voice of Milk, a collection of dairyfocused companies.
With his wife, Alise, and parents-inlaw, Jerry and Linda Jennissen, the family began Redhead Creamery in 2014 and has served hundreds of thousands of customers, added a delivery service to survive the pandemic as a business, and began one of the world’s few distilleries as they focus on agritourism. They own the world’s first whey distillery, with the cheese, whey filtration and alcohol production all under one roof. JerLindy Farms, a partnership of the same four family members, milks about 200 cattle. Lucas and Alise have three young children.
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.
Michael Pisciotta
GEORGIA
Michael Pisciotta is the Founder and President of agricultural consulting firm Poma Ag Group. The firm has grown its’ offerings to leverage expert-level support within the plant biological product space and extensive creativity for ag tech companies that build products to better educate farmers. Prior to launching Poma Ag Group, Michael served as the Director of Agronomy for the southern U.S. at Timac Agro USA. As a Certified Crop Advisor and a 4R Nutrient Management Specialist, Michael is a leading voice on specialty fertilizer products, fertilizer regulation/laws, and biological product positioning for grower success.
He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Plant Food Educational Society and as a member of The Fertilizer Institute’s Biostimulant Council. Michael has an extensive record of service including the UGA Alpha Gamma Rho Alumni Board, the Agricultural Economics Association of Georgia, and the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Alumni Association. Michael has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He lives in Bishop, Georgia with his wife Amanda and their three children — Noah (8), Mason (6), and Ansley (2).
Tyler Harper
GEORGIA
Tyler J. Harper is a seventh generation farmer, small business owner, former State Senator, and the 17th Agriculture Commissioner of the State of Georgia. Tyler lives in Ocilla, Georgia, and is a lifelong resident of South Georgia. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering and has an associate’s degree in Agriculture from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Tyler is an alumnus of the Alpha Eta Chapter and currently serves as its Alumni Board President. He is an active member in his local community and has helped lead organizations across the state from his local rotary club, to the Georgia Young Farmers Association, among numerous others. He is also serving as the past Chair of the Southern Legislative Conference’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. When he isn’t serving the state as Agriculture Commissioner or working on his farm, you can find Tyler enjoying the outdoors, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, or at Satilla Baptist Church, where he plays in the band every Sunday.
AGR is committed to offering 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!
Rutter
Want to see your company added to our list? Visit alphagammarho.org/ corporate-partners for information on how to become a Corporate Partner.
Philanthropy For Pizza
ALPHA KAPPA BROTHER SELLS PIZZA TO BOOST PHILANTHROPY IN THE CHICAGO AREA
It might seem a bit strange to some to pick up a pizza order in an alleyway, but for Brother John Carruthers of Alpha Kappa Chapter, Tennessee-Knoxville, it’s the perfect spot for him to share his pizzas while encouraging philanthropy through his Crust Fund Pizza.
During the Pandemic, Brother Carruthers found himself at home with his family as most people did. He spent a lot of time with his kids and one of the fun activities they started was making homemade pizzas on Friday nights. This sprung the idea of selling pizzas to encourage community members to give to organizations and projects that better the Chicago area, and help others.
“I thought if all I could do really well at this point is make pizza, that’s what I’ll do and we will make sure that’s going towards something good for the place that I live,” John said.
Brother Carruthers has worked in the food industry for years, most recently, he worked for six years at Revolution Brewery in Chicago, holding various communication positions over those years. He has also written cookbooks and wrote for New City as a freelance food columnist. John was also on an episode of “Chopped” that aired in early 2023.
The way Crust Fund Pizza works is John will share a monthly menu and specialty pizza on his Instagram account that people can order from. Instead of directly paying John, people make a donation to the organization John has chosen that month. Using proof of a donation, John will fulfill a person’s order and deliver the pizzas in an alley near his home. Brother Carruthers does not take the money
for the organizations. People just need to have a donation completed by a scheduled Monday and he delivers the pizzas that following Thursday.
“In my experience, people tend to give more than they would have normally, if they were just writing a check to some guy,” Brother Carruthers said.
“In my experience, people tend to give more than they would have normally, if they were just writing a check.”
doing some kind of direct social good for the community.
These organizations range from homeless shelters to food pantries and more. As of January 2025, Crust Fund Pizza has raised $88,519 for local charities and organizations since its inception in 2020.
Brother Carruthers has also received requests that he visit local restaurants and make pizzas as a guest cook.
Depending on the workload, sometimes he and some of his friends who also like to cook will spend a day at a restaurant and cook a large order of pizzas for the restaurant.
Above: Brother John Carruthers has been recognized locally and nationally for his pop-up pizza charity fund raisers. Photo taken by Alex Zeren from StarChefs.
He explained that allowing people to donate directly to the organizations rather than paying him the money provides a level of transparency that he feels leads to better giving outcomes.
John said the organizations that receive support every month through
According to Eater Chicago, Crust Fund Pizza received an Eater Award in 2021 as the best Chicago pop-up.
For those who would like to support Brother Carruthers and the Chicago area, people can visit crustfundpizza. com and purchase a cookbook written by John. Funds from cookbook purchases often go towards goods needed to make the pizzas. People and organizations can also donate goods to Crust Fund Pizza such as cheese, tomatoes, and other pizza ingredients.
BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION
There are a variety of ways a chapter can organically grow the bonds of brotherhood. This can be through events, one-on-one time, small chapter gatherings and more.
Fraternal membership is associated with greater involvement in curricular and co-curricular activities, promotes student learning and development, and promotes satisfaction with the college experience.
Brother Colin Boyd, a senior at Beta Omega Chapter (Missouri State) and a member of the Collegiate Advisory Council, was elected as VNR-Membership Development and in 2024 he became Noble Ruler. During this time, he has worked to grow the chapter, and worked to strengthen the bonds between brothers. Recently, the chapter began giving praises to brothers during every weekly chapter meeting.
He explained throughout the week, if brothers saw each other doing something that deserved praise, they could text it to the VNR-Scholarship and those praises would be shared during the meeting.
“ We’ll share those at the end of chapter meetings,” Brother Boyd said. “It ends the meetings on a good note. That might seem little, but it’s, it’s usually a lot of laughs and a lot of fun.”
Brother Boyd emphasized the importance of brother bonding and that it was often the little things that really added up to a big impact within the chapter. Another way the Beta Omega Chapter spends time together is by helping their Chapter Adviser put up Christmas trees and decorations at his rental properties. The brothers will often carpool together, allowing for more time to bond and have fun.
Other events he mentioned were poker nights, recreational sports, social nights and group dinners. Brother Boyd said many of the big brothers will take the little brothers to dinner to make sure they are doing good and get to know them better, which often leads to a profound impact on each member. It shows new members there is someone looking out for them.
Brother Cannon said his chapter enjoys similar activities including cooking, holding bonfires and just spending time together at the chapter house in general.
He comes from a chapter of roughly 20 to 30 men. Although his chapter is not the biggest, Brother Cannon feels that the quality of the men chosen to be a part of the chapter make their bonds strong. He said it really boiled down to recruitment and what a chapter prioritizes when picking new members. Brother Cannon also said that all brothers, including new members, need to buy into what AGR stands for. If a brother is not dedicated to the values of the
Fraternity, this allows for disconnect to root itself between the members.
Brother Preston Spencer Nu Chapter (North Carolina State) and the incoming Collegiate Advisory Council Chairman of said his chapter does their best to hold a brotherhood dinner every other week. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up the schedule with classes, jobs, internships and more, but part of being in the brotherhood is finding ways to make things work.
During these dinners, different recruitment classes take turns cooking. He said this allows for the class to have their own bonding time and then the entire chapter can get together afterwards.
Brother Spencer said the chapter also likes to shoot sporting clays together, go golfing, fishing and hunting. He mentioned that some of the brothers are in the same clubs and classes together, giving them other ways to bond outside of the chapter house and chapter activities.
SHARING THE SUPPORT
Every chapter does brotherhood bonding differently. One piece of advice Brother Spencer would have to give chapters is to be open to new ideas and consider other ways to deepen the bonds of brotherhood. He said he encourages all brothers to take a look at how different chapters commit to the brotherhood experience and apply it to their own chapter.
He explained that since Nu Chapter was the only chapter in North Carolina, it is important that when they can attend national events, they take the opportunity to talk to other chapters and share ideas. He said even if it is something outside of the chapter’s comfort zone, brothers should remain open-minded and consider different brotherhood experiences, no matter what they may be.
Brother Boyd related to this in noting that different bonding experiences can be anything. He emphasized focusing on smaller things rather than chapters trying to make a grand event to build brotherhood.
He also highlighted the tools that the Alpha Gamma Rho Home Office provides to chapters through AGRconnect and through programs.
“There’s a reason they have made these national standards, because they work,” Brother Boyd said. “They have shown time in, time out again, that they work. You might have to change them to fit your program, but they work.”
The AGR Home Office encourages members and officers to reach out to their Educational Leadership Consultants to get more details on where they can learn more about strengthening their brotherhood.
Brother Cannon said Alpha Lambda Chapter really focuses on new members that align with their values, their interests and strive to be part of the group to help build their bonds. He said the goal is to make it so that chapter members feel they can go to any brother during a time of need.
“It’s important to have your two or three friends that you can really count on to call at three o’clock in the morning if you need it, but we prioritize having 20 of those.”
Brother Cannon said. “Having these experiences with our brothers to build that sense of brotherhood, takes a lot of trust.”
Chance said brothers should take advantage of being in the brotherhood and building connections with one another, which includes alumni relationships with collegiate brothers.
Brother Justin Eddy of Theta Chapter (Missouri), and the Collegiate Advisor Council Chairman, emphasized the importance of generational bonding and being part of the brotherhood goes beyond the walls of each individual chapter.
Brother Eddy explained the collegiatealumni bond as a symbiotic relationship where one cannot live without the other. He said classifying brothers as one or the other builds a false wall between older and younger members that shouldn’t exist. Alpha Gamma Rho brothers are bonded under one Purpose, which is To Make Better Men, and through them a broader and better agriculture.
“Drop the classifications of membership when we’re talking about our brothers, and now it’s not them and us, them being alumni, us as in undergraduates,” Brother Eddy said. “It’s us as Alpha Gamma Rho.”
Another piece of advice he gave was to not be afraid to invite brothers, especially alumni, to events. They may decline and not show up, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be able to attend other events or gatherings in the future.
Brother Eddy also said that although having a fun time can improve brotherhood, it’s the tough times and hard work that bring out brotherhood. It forces brothers to expand and grow with one another in ways that a game or event can’t always accomplish. Brothers should embrace adversity and use it as a tool to shape chapter members into the men that
Alpha Gamma Rho knows they can be. “ We’re all on the same page to support the same organization, and we must recognize that.”
FRATERNITY VS. CLUB
As a Greek organization, it is also important to recognize that the brotherhood uniting Alpha Gamma Rho is more than any campus club.
Brother Spencer said that clubs are great for building resumes, and provide a lot of value while in college, but, depending on the club, some of that value is lost after graduation. After graduating, members of clubs do not attend regular meetings and sometimes don’t stay connected. Being part of an organization like Alpha Gamma Rho is continuous.
Brothers who graduate and move on to start their careers or continue their education can still attend regular meetings as an alumnus. They can visit the collegiate chapter and get together with their recruitment class.
“I think being in the Fraternity, you have a life-long network and it’s like a family,” Brother Spencer said.
Brother Spencer said it is important that brothers bond and continue to keep their connections with other Alpha Gamma Rho brothers because being a part of AGR carries weight in the agriculture industry. He said being part of an organization that is dedicated to fostering leadership potential, growing young men and striving to improve their lives means being part of something greater than a single club.
He noted that when entering the workforce and stumbling upon another AGR alumnus, there is a higher level of engagement compared to if it was someone who isn’t a member of the Fraternity. It opens doors for further connections and opportunities.
“ You already kind of know a little bit about them just because they are a brother — because of the type of men AGR recruits as well as produces,” Brother Spencer said.
A ll four brothers agreed that being a part of a Fraternity is a life-long endeavor that holds brothers to a higher level of accountability. Being a brother goes beyond living in a chapter house or attending chapter meetings. It’s about getting to know one another on a level that sometimes a club can’t provide.
But, for many members of AGR, brotherhood isn’t just a collegiate experience — it’s a lifelong connection that continues to
“Drop the classifications of membership when we’re talking about our brothers, and now it’s not them and us, them being alumni, us as in undergraduates.”
— JUSTIN EDDY OF THETA J USTIN CHAPTER (MISSOURI)
“Pick two or three brothers that you really want to stay connected with and be intentional about it. It’s a great way to keep those bonds strong.”
— DARIN KNOBBE OF
shape and influence their lives well beyond their university years. While the fraternity experience in college is filled with late-night study sessions, shared meals, and campus events, the transition from collegiate member to alumnus member presents a new phase of brotherhood that carries its own meaning and responsibilities.
FOUNDATIONS OF BROTHERHOOD
Tracey Binkley of the Alpha Kappa Chapter (Tennessee-Knoxville), vividly recalls the moments that built his early sense of fraternity. What started as study sessions often turned into late-night conversations and jokes, sometimes bonding over shared challenges, heartbreaks and personal growth.
“What grew out of that was a shared experience creating mutual trust that I think men just need to be able to rely on each other,” Binkley said. “Knowing that you’ve always got somebody that’s there to help you through the inevitable ups and downs of life is just so reassuring.”
Beyond the informal gatherings, traditions in his chapter played a key role in strengthening some of his bonds. Binkley, a Regional Vice President, who is also a barbecue judge, attributes his passion for cooking to the time spent around the grill.
“There was kind of a hierarchy — the old brothers would be the cooks and the supervisors, and the young brothers would be the ones shoveling the coals in,” he recalled. “But we were all there together all night long, laughing, storytelling, cooking barbecue.”
That sense of mentorship and shared responsibility carried forward into his life
Darin Knobbe of the Kappa Chapter (Nebraska) echoes this sentiment, recognizing the impact of both structured and organic experiences within the
“When I joined AGR, I didn’t really understand what fraternity life was supposed to be,” he admitted. “But looking back, I realize the brotherhood aspect was huge. You automatically had a community you could count on, and opportunities that helped shape your leadership skills.”
THE TRANSITION TO ALUMNI
Leaving behind the structured world of the collegiate AGR house and stepping into alumni life presents a challenge for many
brothers. Maintaining brotherhood requires intentional effort as careers begin, relationships evolve, and responsibilities grow.
For Binkley, the transition was seamless because he went to work for the AGR Home Office as a traveling consultant, visiting chapters in nearly 40 states.
“I discovered that other areas of the country were very different, but the agricultural and rural backgrounds we shared created a universal bond that I don’t think other organizations have,” he said.
His continued involvement at the national level, serving on alumni committees and attending events, has helped him maintain a strong connection to the Fraternity.
“It keeps me feeling youthful,” he joked. “Being engaged with the next generation of AGRs keeps me in touch with the pulse of what’s going on.”
Knobbe’s transition was a bit more complicated.
He said it wasn’t the best experience and by his last semester, he was already phasing out of the Kappa Chapter house life.
After graduation, Knobbe spent six months in Uganda before moving to Portland, Oregon, making it challenging to stay connected with his home chapter. However, through national AGR leadership roles, he found ways to reengage.
“Being a Regional Vice President gave me the opportunity to visit chapters across the country and help them grow,” he said. “It gave me a deeper appreciation for the Fraternity beyond just my own chapter.”
SUSTAINING BROTHERHOOD AS ALUMNI
Despite the changes that come with life after college, AGR alumni often find creative ways to maintain their fraternal bonds. Some return to campus for tailgates and chapter events, while others engage in mentorship and leadership at the national level.
For Binkley, one of the strongest connections back to his home chapter was a man named Norman Willis — the cook who has been serving the Alpha Kappa Chapter for 35 years.
“He became kind of the glue for the whole chapter,” Binkley said. “People come back just to see Norman, and he connected generations of brothers across decades.”
So significant was Norman’s impact that the chapter is holding an alumni weekend in April 2025 to celebrate his retirement.
Beyond chapter traditions, staying connected also means creating new traditions. Knobbe emphasized the power of showing up.
“Presence is key,” he said. “Visit the chapter, attend events and make it a priority. You don’t have to do anything — just showing up makes all the difference.”
ADVICE FOR STAYING ENGAGED
For younger brothers preparing to transition into alumni status, Binkley and Knobbe both emphasize the importance of maintaining relationships.
Binkley recommends simple steps like keeping contact information up to date with your chapter and the AGR Home Office as well as staying plugged into chapter newsletters. More importantly, he stresses the role of mentorship.
“The best way to stay involved is to mentor younger members,” he said. “You’d be surprised how meaningful it is to a young man to hear from an alumnus who has been where he is now.”
Knobbe, on the other hand, highlights the mental barriers that sometimes prevent alumni from staying engaged.
“Get out of your own way,” he advised. “Don’t let shame, self-doubt, or the feeling of ‘I haven’t been involved enough’ keep you from reconnecting. Your brothers are always going to welcome you back.”
He also suggests a practical approach.
“Pick two or three brothers that you
really want to stay connected with and be intentional about it. Help each other make decisions, set goals, and hold each other accountable — it’s a great way to keep those bonds strong.”
A BROTHERHOOD FOR LIFE
While fraternity life in college is a unique and transformative experience, AGR’s brotherhood extends far beyond those formative years. The connections forged in study sessions, bonfire nights, and chapter meetings don’t end at graduation — they evolve.
Whether through mentoring the next generation, showing up to events, or simply picking up the phone to call a brother, the lifelong bonds of AGR continue to shape and support its members.
As Binkley put it best: “Brotherhood isn’t an accident. It’s an investment. You have to recognize it for the opportunity that it is and put in the effort to make it last a lifetime.”
The National Fraternity aims to make sure brothers feel that they belong when they make the choice to join the brotherhood, and throughout the rest of their lives. Many members of the AGR Home Office, the National Board of Directors and the Board of the Educational Foundation have been in the shoes of the brothers that are currently dealing with the transition to college, the transition from college and everything in between.
A s a Fraternity, it is our job to hold each other up when times are hard and to celebrate with one another when one of us achieves success no matter the lifestyle, age difference, or career choice. We are not collegiates and alumni. We are Alpha Gamma Rho.
Tips For Developing & Maintaining Brotherhood
For Collegiate Members:
f B e Present and Engaged: Attend chapter events, participate in traditions, and invest time in relationships with your brothers. Shared experiences, from study sessions to philanthropy events, create lasting bonds.
f Foster Traditions and Create New Ones: Whether it’s a chapter bonfire, a tailgate, or a weekly dinner, traditions help build a sense of community and belonging. Updating and creating new traditions ensures continued engagement.
f M entor and Be Mentored: Learn from older brothers and pass down knowledge to younger members. Taking on a mentorship role helps strengthen connections across generations and ensures continuity in leadership and values.
f S upport Each Other Beyond the Chapter House: Brotherhood isn’t limited to fraternity events. Be there for your brothers during personal
The enhanced AGRconnect website is now an intuitive platform for all members.
“This
system offers more time-efficient ways to produce reports, update information and is more user friendly.”
— AMANDA HORVAT, PH.D. A MANDA DIRECTOR OF LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATION
The Enhanced AGRconnect Experience
CHECK OUT THE RECENT CHANGES AGR HAS MADE TO ITS PERSONALIZED ONLINE PLATFORM
Last year, Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity heard the needs of its brothers and decided to transition from OmegaFi’s software for finances and membership tracking to an enhanced AGRconnect membership experience through re:Members CRM, formally known as ChapterSpot.
Through this partnership, AGR is now able to provide a single sign-in software where brothers are able to track their personal growth within the Fraternity,
track chapter finances, track membership changes and more.
Rather than creating an entirely new platform, Alpha Gamma Rho wanted to create a seamless transition for its members and utilize a platform that brothers would already be familiar with.
The enhanced AGRconnect website is now an intuitive platform for all members.
“This system offers more time-efficient ways to produce reports, update information and is more user friendly,”
CHAPTERS REPORT ON THEIR
Accomplishments and Impacts In Their Communities
BETA TAU
Missssippi State
Building Brotherhood
Beta Tau Chapter helped frame a roof on a home for Habitat for Humanity. Over half of the chapter helped build the trusses for the home. The chapter said the volunteer work allowed the brothers to bond and learn more about working together, especially with the new members of their chapter. In the future, Beta Tau Chapter plans to work more with Habitat for Humanity as they need help building homes. The brothers were excited to support their local community while also strengthening their fraternal spirit in one another and having a great time together.
ALPHA DELTA
Montana State
Amplified Giving
Alpha Delta Chapter donated $3,000 to five different organizations in December 2024. The money donated came from the profits of their annual Testy Fest, which is a live country music concert that brings together their campus and community to support local causes. This past concert featured Corey Kent. The chapter donated all profits to Heroes and Horses, Montana 4-H, Montana FFA, Eagle Mount and Gallatin Valley YMCA. Brother Hayden Gaal said these organizations are chosen based on the chapter’s values and commitments to agriculture. Not to mention, some brothers were a part of these organizations, which supported them in their agricultural journeys.
RHO
Colorado State
Sizzlin' Support
Rho Chapter held their annual Frying for Agriculture event in October 2024 to support Colorado FFA. The chapter has held the event for nearly a decade, which consists of the chapter cooking food, providing games and cornhole for attendees. The chapter hosts roughly 200 people from the Fort Collins area, including students, faculty, community members and alumni. This past fall, the chapter raised $3,500 and they donated $2,500 of that total to the Heifer Wrangle Grant, which sponsors FFA students, allowing them to purchase a heifer they can show at the Colorado State Fair. The chapter said they enjoy donating to an organization that they benefitted from and love seeing their sponsored heifers at the livestock show.
Holiday Cheer for Mom’s Day
Stephan F. Austin State
Victory Lap
Several brothers of the Beta Chi Chapter represented Alpha Gamma Rho at the Stephen F. Austin State Agricultural Achievement Banquet in April 2024. Brother Garrett Cummings received Outstanding Member of Alpha Gamma Rho Beta Chi. Brother Wyatt Cookston made the President’s List and received the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship. Brother Zion Kellough was Outstanding Leader of Alpha Gamma Rho Beta Chi Chapter and Rising Star of Animal Science Degrees. The chapter also took home the Ag Olympics trophy.
Alpha Theta Chapter hosted another Mom’s Day at AGR. Brothers got to invite their mom’s over for a night of good food, Christmas tree decorating and gingerbread house decorating competitions. The winner of the gingerbread house competition received a decorated wreath donated by Hidden Lake Farm, as well as a fresh Christmas tree.
NU
North Carolina State
Beyond the Storm
Last October, Nu Chapter reached out to their community to gather donations for those in North Carolina affected by hurricane Helene. The chapter took donations of toiletries, baby food, batteries, water, blankets nonperishable foods and more. They also took monetary donations to purchase more supplies in the instance someone couldn’t give an item.
In the past, the chapter has held other successful events and strived to achieve the Purpose of Alpha Gamma Rho. For their work in 2023, Nu Chapter was awarded the John T. Caldwell Award as the Top Fraternity on their campus. This is the first time the chapter has received the award since 1981. The award is given based on excellence in the categories of scholarship, community service and athletics.
BETA CHI
ALPHA THETA Maryland
GAMMA ETA SUNY-Cobleskill
SUNY Clears
Snow for the Community
Several brothers from the Gamma Eta Chapter took some time to clear snow during a snowstorm in mid-February. The brothers walked nearby neighborhoods, going doorto-door to offer the free snow removal. The chapter said this year’s winter was difficult for a lot of the people in their community, so they saw the opportunity to help to the best of their ability.
One of the community members approached them about a woman down his street that might need some help. The brothers knocked on her door and offered to clean her driveway. When she tried to pay them, they turned down the money and began working on her driveway. The woman said she was extremely thankful that the brothers had come to clean her driveway as her husband had recently passed away and it was difficult for her to get out of her home with all the snow. The chapter said despite being sore and tired, it was all worth it to help the community and they hope to continue tasks like this in the future.
PHOTO BY MATILDA RAE PHOTOGRAPHY
THETA Missouri
Cattle Show for Youth
Theta Chapter held their annual Mizzou AGR Classic cattle show with the Missouri Club Calf Association’s Battle of the Breeds February 7-9, 2025, in Chillicothe, Missouri. The chapter handed out roughly $11,000 in prizes and payouts to winners of the various classes. Prizes included custom champion suitcases and cattle-skin tote bags and a variety of other custom AGR Classic merchandise.
Participants of the Mizzou AGR Classic were youth and young adult’s showing their finest cattle at the event.
ALPHA ZETA Kansas State
Making Change On Campus
The Alpha Zeta Chapter was recognized by Kansas State University at their annual Fraternal Excellence Awards as the Change Maker Chapter of the year and they were the runner up for the Excellence in Philanthropy award. Every year, the university awards Greek Life chapters for their goal-oriented hard work from the previous calendar year.
LAMBDA CHAPTER Minnesota
Spreading Cheer
Lambda Chapter went Christmas Caroling to share the holiday spirit at the Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota campuses before Christmas 2024. The brothers visited sororities at the campuses singing songs and making memories.
Their House Director, Mrs. G, also hosted her annual Tie-One-On event where each brother got a new tie and stocking stuffers.
ALPHA IOTA Arkansas
Golfing For A Purpose
Alpha Iota Chapter held their Annual AGR Golf Tournament last fall where they raised $3,000 that was donated to Special Olympics Arkansas. Special Olympics Arkansas Area 3 shared on social media the chapter’s donation thanking them for their support.
"I enjoyed seeing our brothers get together and play golf with our dads,” Brother Drew Hamilton said. “I’m glad that we are able to support a great cause in our own community and have a great time in the process.”
PHOTO BY C.H. PHOTOGRAPHY LLC
In Memory of Our Great Brothers
The Alpha Gamma Rho Home Office received reports of the following deaths between August 27, 2024 through January 28, 2025. The listing includes initiation year.
ArkansasFayetteville
Greer Smith, 1976
Auburn
Jerry Clark, 1960
California-Davis
Albert Boyce, 1951
Fresno State
Arthur Fringer, 1988
Randal Rocca, 1979
Cal Poly - SLO
Mark San Diego, 1976
Clemson
Joseph Loflin, 2003
Connecticut
Reno Franconi, 1948
Arden Tanner, 1968
Cornell
Daniel Abrahamson, 1988
William Brodie, 1914
Max Tessmer, 1981
Florida
Allan Archey, 1970
Eli Beasley, 1967
William Lester, 1958
Georgia
Keith Boyett, 1976
Timothy Butler, 1975
Illinois
Charles Bloomberg, 1962
Jerry King, 1955
Michael Megginson, 1968
Richard Rehn, 1960
Iowa State
Royal Holz, 1965
Owen Jones, 1958
Terry Lister, 1967
Harley Pollei, 1954
Kentucky
Christopher Combs, 1956
Robert Coots, 1963
Gary Durham, 1982
Louisiana State
Sidney Grillot, 1967
Paul Halphen, 1971
Shannon Russom, 1992
Maine
Joshua Gray, 1992
Jonathan Pulsifer, 1951
Joseph Suga, 1959
Maryland
Richard Steuart, 1957
Michigan State
Bruce Dowd, 1962
Minnesota
William Donwen, 1956
Arthur Jindra, 1956
Montana State
William Nottingham, 1956
Nebraska
Gary Berke, 1956
Gene Gangwish, 1972
New Hampshire
Richard Simonian, 1958
North Carolina State
William Huxster, 1953
North Dakota State
Leonard Dalzell, 1950
Robert Geston, 1947
Richard Quam, 1970
Morris Roningen, 1955
Ohio State
Richard Bere, 1951
Peter Gillam, 1973
William Richards, 1951
Oklahoma State
Warren Noland, 1969
Gregory Shepherd, 1977
Dirk Webb, 1975
Jerry Zahl, 1963
Oregon State
Jeffery Jackets, 1955
Melvin Lardy, 1993
Ralph Ward, 1949
Penn State
David Brown, 1958
Robert Donaldson, 1957
Steryl Grove, 1967
Raymond Heimbach, 1947
Abraham Pennebacker, 1947
John Shearer, 1949
Matthew Thorn, 1974
Purdue
Raymond Clark, 1962
Byram Dickes, 1954
Jerald Vaughn, 1975
TennesseeKnoxville
Ted McDonald, 1952
Joe Taft, 1955
Troy Turrentine, 1986
Tennessee-Martin
Troy Moore, 1966
Truman State
Justin Steinman, 2015
Virginia Tech
Clay Childs, 1984
Jack Poole, 1978
West Virginia
Charles Barnes, 1952
Western Illinois
Charles Lotz, 1966
Donald Schiff, 1969
Western Kentucky
James Bailey, 1966
Charles Neely, 1984
WisconsinMadison
Danley Gildner, 1977
Wyoming Abner Long, 1988
Q & AGR
Bill Schilling, Nebraska
Brother Bill Schilling of Kappa Chapter, Nebraska, once served as Alpha Gamma Rho’s Associate Executive Director and was Editor of the Sickle & Sheaf magazine for 14 years (1981-95). He currently serves on the Nominating Committee for the National Fraternity. He was also the Executive Director of Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity for nearly 30 years before retiring in 2022.
What’s the difference between being part of a fraternity vs a club? Fraternity is a lifelong endeavor, whereas clubs are more temporary in nature. You are committed to a Fraternity brotherhood and involved in a club. Once you join a fraternity, you’re in it forever. That’s different than things like Rotary and Kiwanis; once you stop paying your dues, you’re out. Whereas in a fraternity, you’re a member for life. Hopefully, you acknowledge that and continue to give back. For me and many, you also live with all these young men, and the relationships you build daily are constant. Those immersive relationships are much different than the average club.
Why are collegiate and alumni relationships so important?
It’s important to try and maintain relationships where you can — just for your own joy — as well as networking opportunities. I recently went on a Nebraska alumni outing to Tanzania with three Nebraska AGRs and our wives. One reached out and all of us immediately said, “Let’s do it, it’ll be fun!” We’re retired now and able to do these things more readily, but I’ve also been on fishing trips many
times with them and other brothers! I have many, many AGR friends (Kappa Chapter and otherwise) that I stay in touch with whom I haven’t seen in-person in a long time. It is always uplifting to engage with these guys. (I happily saw several at the National Convention in Sacramento.)
“My advice to anyone, young or old, includes these basics: do what you say you are going to do.”
What led to you working with the National Fraternity in your various roles?
At first, wanderlust! When I went to college, I’d never been anywhere — a high school senior sneaking to a Kansas City Royals game was the farthest journey. After two years as an AGR staff member, I had visited 48 states, and nearly all our chapters. Since then, my wife and I have been to more than 50 countries and hope to hit many more. During college, I was Noble Ruler and was also involved in many campus activities. It became clear that I was a people person and
apparently had some skills at organizing things. So, when a job opening at AGR came up, I jumped on it. I luckily was hired and ended up being the number two guy for my great mentor and friend Phil Josephson. I also had the great examples from Russ Mawby, Bill Sayre, Ed Lidvall, Al Johnson and many others that helped me advance professionally and personally.
What advice would you give to collegiates transitioning to young alumni?
The biggest thing is to stay involved for your own benefit and to give back —
to help make things better for the brothers yet to come. Don’t be afraid to use the brotherhood to reach out to ask questions to meet and stay in contact with people. I have found that most people like to be asked for advice and professional guidance. No matter how accomplished folks are, it is still flattering. My advice to anyone, young or old, includes these basics: do what you say you are going to do. If you agree to be a volunteer, make sure you follow through and do the work in a timely manner.
Bill and wife, Sherry, in Patagonia
Wearing Your Letters
AS A LAST RITE in Alpha Gamma Rho’s initiation ceremony, each new member receives the badge of the Fraternity by the Noble Ruler of the chapter. Taken from the pages of the Golden Crescent “Membership in AGR is bestowed only on those who wholeheartedly embrace the principles and ideals of the Fraternity, and agree to live up to the Fraternity’s basic expec tations.” The badge is made of up of the working tools and emblems of the Fraternity: the sheaf, the sickle, and the crescent. Each represent a value for all brothers to abide by and use as a resource in their personal and professional lives, and is to be worn over your heart to signify your love and devotion for the Fraternity. Through thoughts, words, and actions, every brother represents Alpha Gamma Rho’s ideals and carries the symbolic weight of the letters they have earned the right to wear. Whether it is on campus or in the classroom; in the fields or in the boardroom, AGR brothers should seek to maintain a positive image in all they do in order to abide by the expectations and Purpose of Making Better Men . “Those who wear the badge wear it proudly, for they know Alpha Gamma Rho stands for lofty ideals.”
Through thoughts, words, and actions, every brother represents Alpha Gamma Rho’s ideals and carries the symbolic weight of the letters they have earned the right to wear.
