2021 SICKLE & SHEAF ➻ Summer

JUST TWO OF THE MANY FACES, STORIES AND JOURNEYS OF ALPHA

THE MAGAZINE GAMMA RHO AGRICULTURAL SUMMER 2021 OF ALPHA FRATERNITY

GAMMA RHO BROTHERS

Why I Give: “A Wider Acquaintance, A Broader Outlook”

FOUNDATION DONOR: Bill Hantke

CHAPTER AND SCHOOL: Iota , University of Wisconsin-Madison

LIVETIME GIVING LEVEL: Order of the Harvest

THE PURPOSE OF ALPHA GAMMA

Rho focuses on the endeavor to Make Better Men , an endeavor close to the hearts of all members, including Bill Hantke of Iota Chapter at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. However, one of the most significant growing edges of AGR is promoting an acceptance of diversity and respecting each other’s differences. Diversity is seen many ways, such as race, orientation and faith, but it also exists in political ideology, socio-economic backgrounds and through variety in majors.

“AGR helps young men come to accept differences,” says Hantke. “They start to learn about taking a step back, listening to one another and coming away with an appreciation for a different perspective.”

Whe n it comes to personal growth and professional development, helping students explore different ways of thinking can open new pathways, ideas and opportunities. AGR has a long tradition of providing a foundation for all students to have the opportunity to succeed in the pursuit of Making Better Men

“I think AGR is like a big family. We’re each unique, and we have differences,” says Hantke. “But we can encourage and mentor each other to look beyond the labels and see we’re all human. We all want to do well and be successful.”

A PURPOSE IN DIVERSITY

“To promote a wider acquaintance and a broader outlook on the part of agricultural men…” The second half of the Purpose of Alpha Gamma Rho speaks directly to gathering a wider array of membership and backgrounds to continue pushing the frontier of agriculture.

Like much of the agriculture industry, AGR is seeing diversity grow in some chapters. However, across the broader agriculture industry, there is still a shortage of candidates from diverse backgrounds. With alternate ways of thinking and approaching challenges, new ideas and innovations start to emerge.

“We’re not going to solve all of the problems,” says Hantke. “But the more we talk about diversity and being more accepting of others—the more we look beyond

YOUR PURPOSEFUL MISSION

labels—we can stop being afraid and start focusing on making a difference.”

A WORK IN PROGRESS

“I’ve seen a lot of progress,” says Hantke when discussing diversity in AGR. “I’m seeing it in chapters. But, of course, there is room for growth and improvement.”

Bill and his wife Leslie say they support AGR at both the chapter and National Fraternity levels because they continue to see growth and development in the young men. They’re excited to see how students make progress in the effort to Make Better Men

Hantke is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He served as the alumni secretary of the Iota Chapter Corporation Board for 15 years and has served on The Edutcational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho Board of Directors. Bill and his wife Le slie live in Madison, Wisconsin, where they enjoy volunteering in the community, gardening and feeding the wild turkeys in their back yard.

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.

& Sheaf

SUMMER 2021 | VOLUME 109 | ISSUE 1 Published continuously since 1910

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER & EDITOR

Shannon Kehoe & Madeline Mapes

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2021 Grand President’s Award Winners

FOUR OUTSTANDING BROTHERS WERE SELECTED TO RECEIVE THE 2021 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 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. Robert Elliott, Tim Hammerich, Justin Sharpless and Josh Wackler were recognized for their achievements during the two 2021 Leadership Seminars held virtually in February. Across Alpha Gamma Rho social media ch annels, 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

Robert Elliott TENNESSEE – KNOXVILLE

Robert Elliott is from Cedar Hill, Tennessee, where he, his wife, Lindsay, and two daughters, Meredith and Bailey, reside on their family’s farm originally established in 1807. Robert’s father, uncle and first cousin still run the tobacco, hay and registered angus cattle operation today full-time, and all are Alpha Kappa Chapter Alumni. Robert was initiated into the Alpha Kappa Chapter in the fall of 2001 and later served his chapter as Vice Noble Ruler-Recruitment, then as Noble Ruler in 2004. Robert received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics in 2005 and Master of Science in Agriculture Extension and Education in 2008. As an alumnus, Robert has served on the Alpha Kappa Chapter Alumni Board as Vice President and continues to sit on the scholarship committee that proudly distributes over $50,000 in scholarships annually. In 2016 Robert was recognized by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture as the Horizon Award winner for young alumni. Robert also serves his brothers as co-chairman of the National AGR BBQ competition held in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Professionally, Robert works for Corteva Agriscience as a District Sales Leader for the Pioneer Seed Brand. Robert is passionate about the agricultural industry and works diligently to ensure a future exists for successful agricultural industry professionals.

Tim Hammerich CALIFORNIA, DAVIS

Tim Hammerich is the Senior Director for Strategic Communications at Cogent Consulting. He is the creator and host of “Future of Agriculture,” a weekly podcast about agricultural innovation with more than 1,000,000 downloads. Hammerich has successfully created podcasts and built digital media brands for agricultural companies, industry trade groups and research institutions. In 2015, Hammerich launched AgGrad.com to provide career resources for young professionals in the agriculture industry, and o er recruitment services to agribusinesses. Through AgGrad, he launched agriculture’s first “30 Under 30” which highlights early-career talent in the industry through social media, blog posts, videos, podcasts and an annual print publication. Hammerich is a radio personality for the Ag Information Network, where he reports for “California Ag Today” and “Farm of the Future” daily segments. A native of Fulton, California, he is a graduate of the University of California, Davis (Phi Chapter) with a bachelor’s degree in Crop Science and Management. Hammerich is a former National FFA President.

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.

Corporate Partners

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!

Justin Sharpless

FLORIDA

In 2003, Justin Sharpless was initiated into the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho at the University of Florida (UF). During his time at UF, Sharpless served the Chapter as the Vice Noble Ruler–Alumni Relations, Vice Noble Ruler–Scholarship, Vice Noble Ruler–Recruitment and as the Alpha Gamma Chapter Parent’s Night Committee Chair. In 2007, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and communication, followed by graduating with a Master of Agribusiness in 2008.

After graduating, Brother Sharpless worked as a middle and high school agriculture teacher, before returning to school at the University of Missouri and working as a graduate teaching assistant. In 2014, he earned a master’s degree in agricultural education and leadership. He’s continuing his education, working towards a Ph.D in Agricultural Education and Communication while working as the Department Chair and an Assistant Professor in Agricultural Studies at Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida.

Sharpless continues to foster lifelong personal and professional development through serving the Alpha Gamma Chapter’s Educational Foundation as a Board Member and Secretary, and a National Fraternity volunteer.

Josh Wackler

OREGON STATE

Josh Wackler was initiated into the Alpha Beta Chapter at Oregon State University in 2001 where he went on to serve as Vice Noble Ruler–Activities, Vice Noble Ruler–Recruitment and Noble Ruler. He also served on the AGR National Board of Directors in 2004 as an Undergraduate Director, and was highly involved on campus.

Upon graduation Wackler spent eight years on the AGR Home Office staff as a Chapter Consultant and as the Chief Recruitment Officer. He was also pivotal in overseeing the colonizations at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Sam Houston State University, as well as the chartering of three colonies to full chapter status at Louisiana Tech, Southern Arkansas and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

Wackler is currently the Livestock Production Specialist at Zoetis. In this position, he is responsible for consulting with veterinarians, nutritionists, cattle producers and feed companies on nutrition and production practices for a 12-state territory in the Southeast.

An avid runner and three-time qualifier for the Boston Marathon, Wackler is a published author of the book, “In My Shoes: An Unlikely Runner’s Guide to Running…and Life.”

Bader Rutter College Fresh SPONSOR

Want to see your company added to our list? Visit alphagammarho.org/corporatepartners for information on how to become a Corporate Partner.

@alphagammarhohq

@alphagammarho

Alpha Gamma Rho: Social/ Professional Ag, Food, Fiber, & Life Sci. Fraternity

Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity

Research Provides Insight Into the Positive Impact Fraternities Have for First-Year Students

AMIDST A GLOBAL PANDEMIC, COLLEGE students and campuses were unsure of what the outcomes of the year would bring, including what distanced learning would look like and how a virtual setting would impact students overall. Fraternities and sororities have also been experiencing mounting pressure questioning the benefit of Greek-letter organizations. However, a higher education researcher, published the largest study of its kind in March 2020, finding benefits for fraternity and sorority members, including greater gains in learning and more overall satisfaction with their college experiences.

The Indiana University researcher, Dr. Gary R. Pike, found results indicating improved learning ga ins, acting through higher levels of student engagement as a result of fraternity and sorority membership.

When realizing research on students in fraternities and sororities was limited, Dr. Pike worked to replicate a study he had previously done in 2003, utilizing the National Survey on Student Engagement (NSSE) data to determine levels of

engagement and learning outcomes over time. The data used in the most recent study was collected from the 2014 and 2017 administrations of the NSSE. Each year, about 700 institutions participate in the NSSE, resulting in over 200,000 responses from either first-year students or seniors. Providing a, “tremendously robust and representative data-set to operate from,” Dr. Pike remarked during the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE) summer seminar.

Some specific conclusions found from Dr. Pike’s study included:

 Fraternity/sorority membership also indirectly improved learning gains, acting through higher levels of student engagement.

 Despite being less diverse than students in general, fraternity/ sorority members reported higher levels of interaction with people di erent from themselves than did other students.

 Membership in a fraternity or sorority is associated with greater involvement in curricular and co-curricular activities, promotes student learning and development, and promotes satisfaction with college experiences.

 The largest positive e ects were generally found for first-year students, arguing against deferring recruitment until the second semester or second year.

 The findings of this study indicate fraternities and sororities are not antithetical to the values of American higher education.

During the FFE summer seminar, Dr. Pike remarked that collaborative learning effects were most dramatic for first-year students and there was a much higher participation and interaction with faculty from first-year fraternity members compared to first-year nonaffiliated students.

Although fraternity and sorority life face the harsh reality of criticism, Dr. Pike’s research finds membership in a fraternity or sorority is associated with greater involvement that only increases after the first year. There’s even arguments against deferring recruitment until the second semester or second year, as involvement in the Greek-letter org anization is associated with greater involvement in curricular and co-curricular activities, promoting student learning and development.

Alpha Gamma Rho is dedicated to its Purpose of Making Better Men, preparing its brothers for life beyond a classroom. The research done by Dr. Gary Pike provides data support the personal testimonials’ brothers share regarding their chapter experiences.

Despite being less diverse than students in general, fraternity/ sorority members reported higher levels of interaction with people di erent from themselves than did other students.

Recruit 840

Number of Initiates in during 2020–2021 academic year

In a school year not conducted virtually, initiation numbers typically look like: 20192020: 1,090 initiates. Despite a change in the way recruitment was conducted, chapters were able to initiate brothers for an overall growth of the Fraternity.

Commit 8

Number of Chapter Engagement Series meetings held virtually for Chapter O cers by Educational Leadership Consultants

Educate

171

Number of members who have enrolled to become Certified PhiredUp Recruiters

Recognize

19

Total number of chapters recognized in the Fraternal Excellence Awards

Throughout these eight meetings, 85% of chapters participated monthly, engaging with Educational Leadership Consultants and National Leaders in topics covering recruitment, membership development, risk management, brotherhood and other relevant topics as they navigated their school year.

Alpha Gamma Rho has partnered with PhiredUp to educate our members about key industry trends through intentional, hands-on learning using a digital classroom where individuals can become Certified PhiredUp Recruiters. We highly encourage any collegiate member or Chapter Adviser who is eager to assist in the chapter’s recruitment e orts, to complete the certification through this interactive learning resource.

Be on the lookout for the 2021 Fraternal Excellence Awards to be announced in August!

Doug Griffin Named Grand President

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW AS A FRATERNITY

by Shannon Kehoe

WHILE GROWING UP IN EAST CENTRAL INDIANA on his family’s corn and soybean farm, Doug Gri n found his way into 4-H and FFA. Little did he know his involvement in these two premier youth organizations would lead him to fraternity life. Doug unexpectedly found the opportunity to combine his agricultural heritage, interest in the industry and a common bond with others in Alpha Gamma Rho.

Before attending Purdue University and majoring in agricultural engineering, Doug didn’t know about Alpha Gamma Rho and wasn’t looking to engage in fraternity life. But, when friends from his 4-H and FFA network introduced him to Delta Chapter brothers, the rest was history. He was initiated in 1987 as a rst generation Greek Life member in his family, and even while working for Caterpillar every other semester in a co-op engineering education program, bringing him in and out of the house and o campus or even out of state, Brother Gri n remained very connected with what was happening in his chapter. His dedication led him to becoming Noble Ruler of the Delta Chapter before graduating in 1990.

A er graduating from Purdue University, Brother Gri n’s career brought six relocations across the country in 10 years, and a strain on remaining connected with AGR. But a er settling near Atlanta, Georgia, the lifelong bonds created during his undergraduate years resurfaced and Brother Gri n found hi mself getting involved at the national level with strategic planning and Leadership Seminars.

In 2004, his reengagement brought recognition as he was awarded the Grand President’s Award, and was named a Brother of the Century. Each of these awards honors the values and ideals

“Today, I believe there is more reason than ever for young men to learn critical life skills they’re not learning in other places, and AGR provides those opportunities.”

of Alpha Gamma Rho, the success of brothers in their professional careers, and contributions made agriculture and the Fraternity.

Alpha Gamma Rho has changed Brother Gri n’s life, both professionally and personally.

e Fraternity taught him key life skills, such interpersonal communication and con ict management.

“Not only was I more prepared to interact with people in many ways, there were also the connections and relationships with other AGRs around the country, that has proven to be valuable and has even taken me to my business today,” Brother Gri n recounted. Doug is a principle, and with eight others, owns the e Context Network. “With other fraternities you’ll have lifelong friends, but there’s not always a common connection with members from other chapters around the country, for us it’s agriculture.”

In 2016, he was elected to the National Board of Directors during the National Convention in Omaha, Nebraska, and has continued to dedicate time to the advancement of Alpha Gamma Rho. During the 2020 Virtual National Convention, Brother Gri n was elected to serve the Fraternity as Grand President for the coming two years. During his two-year term, there are four primary focuses the newly elected Grand President and National Board of Directors will be focusing on: leadership development, alumni engagement, recruitment and diversity.

Developing strong leaders within the Fraternity ensures brothers will become better

men, and be well equipped to engage outside of the Fraternity whether on their campus, in their community or professionally a er graduation. Alpha Gamma Rho works to create well rounded leaders, however there is always room for progress.

Alumni engagement has proven to be one of the key factors in a chapter’s success. e future of AGR rides on the back of the alumni, not just in donations, but also in the time put in at the chapter level. Consider how involved alumni are in recruitment and how engaged they are in setting good examples for young men. How alumni choose to be involved with chapters ca n shape the young men, and the National Board hopes to provide tools for alumni to be engaged and work towards successful chapters.

“As the world changes, we have to consider whether our recruitment practices have kept up,” Brother Gri n remarked during his rst address to the Fraternity. e Fraternity and its chapters need to continue to look into out-ofthe-box ideas and leading e orts to continue to recruit new members.

Diversity amongst our members develops a better understanding of di erences that will carry into a professional atmosphere. “A diverse chapter will be a stronger chapter and Make Better Men,” Brother Gri n stated, noting we need to have a diverse level of membership.

All four of these goals should be focused within chapters as they work towards being successful, well-rounded chapters. e Fraternity will work to coach, develop and train collegiate and alumni leaders to continue to progress forward. It is the goal of the National Board and Fraternity leaders to provide undergraduates with the tools they need to succeed, because ultimately the Fraternity is only as strong as its chapters.

“Today, I believe there is more reason than ever for young men to learn critical life skills they’re not learning in other places, and AGR provides those opportunities,” Brother Gri n remarked when asked if the Purpose of Alpha Gamma Rho is still as relevant in 2020 as it was in 1904. e Fraternity should feel challenged to look beyond the news and focus on the excellent opportunities in front of us to grow and be stronger than ever.

Above: Brother Gri n in front of Delta Chapter (Purdue) House's fi replace. Photo provided by Doug Gri n.

of Gamma the success in their careers, and to and the Fraternity. Gamma Rho has Brother Gri n’s both and e Fraternity him life such as ict

“Not was I more to interact with in many ways, there were connections

2020 Hall of Fame Inductees

Jack Britt

WESTERN KENTUCKY

Born January 25, 1945, Dr. Jack Haiden Britt was initiated into the Alpha Chi Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho at Western Kentucky University on January 8, 1966. As an undergraduate, Brother Britt was on the Dairy Judging Team, was selected to the Who’s Who of American Colleges and Universities, was the Sports Editor of the Western Kentucky yearbook, the Talisman, and Senior Class President in 1966. Brother Britt was elected Noble Ruler when the chapter became the first fraternity to own and operate a chapter house on campus, he later served as Vice President of the Interfraternity Council and was selected as Outstanding Greek Man of Western Kentucky University.

THE

AGR HALL OF FAME IS TO HONOR

those Alpha Gamma Rho Brothers who have made outstanding contributions to the Fraternity, steadfast service in their professional work or exceptional service to mankind.

Selection guidelines strive to honor brothers who are true role models for all members. Contributions to the Fraternity are measured in many ways from chapter experiences and involvement regionally or nationally. Those selected exemplify the spirit and ideals of Alpha Gamma Rho as leaders in their industry, their communities and beyond.

Alpha Gamma Rho is proud of each of its brothers for achieving this level of recognition and looks forward to celebrating more brothers in years to come.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Biology, Brother Britt went on to earn a Master of Science in Physiology, minoring in Animal Science and a Ph.D in Physiology with a minor in Biochemistry, both from North Carolina State University. Dr. Britt served as an advisor and mentor for students completing graduate degrees at Michigan State University or North Carolina State University and students at universities in Canada and Australia. The students he mentored have been highly successful, including one college president, three college deans, one international scientific director and several more with distinguished careers.

Blackwell Britt & Associates LLC was founded by Brother Britt and he led e orts in recruiting executives for agriculture and veterinary medicine positions in higher education. He was a founding partner of Swine AI Publications with North Carolina State University faculty members to create technical handbooks for artificial insemination of swine. He’s provided farm consults for dairy and swine farms across the United States and the world.

Brother Britt continued his involvement with Alpha Gamma Rho after his undergraduate experiences as an Adviser for Tau Chapter at Michigan State and Nu Chapter at North Carolina State, then as a member of the National Board of Directors and a Trustee of the Housing Resources Trust where he served as Chairman. While working at the University of Tennessee as a faculty member, Brother Britt regularly spoke to and recruited new members on both the Knoxville and Martin campuses. In 2004 he was named a Brother of the Century by Alpha Gamma Rho. Along with his late wife, Frances, he’s donated $100,000 to establish the Jack and Frances Britt Fund for Innovation and Learning in 2018, to provide valuable experiences for agriculture students to have outside of the classroom.

A.L. Hutson

OKLAHOMA STATE

Arthur L. (A.L.) Hutson was born in Elk City, Oklahoma, on January 4, 1948. In 1967, he was initiated into the Pi Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho at Oklahoma State University. As an undergraduate he was involved with Alpha Zeta, the Interfraternity Council, Aggie-X and with Phi Kappa Phi. He served the Pi Chapter as Assistant Treasurer and then Noble Ruler, before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics in 1971.

Brother Hutson went on to earn a master’s degree in agricultural economics in 1973 from Oklahoma State University before beginning a career with Oklahoma Area Extension as an ag economics specialist with Oklahoma State University. His primary responsibilities included marketing and risk management, financial management and planning, farm and ranch record keeping, crop and livestock development and use, as well as estate planning. Brother Hutson worked diligently advising farmers and ranchers in risk management and in 1985 he spent every weeknight and many weekends working to save the farms and ranches in Oklahoma.

A.L. Hutson was been recognized with a Distinguished Service award from OCES in 1996, the Farm & Ranch Management Program Award by OCES in 1995, Oklahoma State University Alumni Service Award in 1990 and Outstanding Field Staff by OCES in 1987. He’s been involved with the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, and many other groups.

As an Alpha Gamma Rho alumnus, Brother Hutson has served the Oklahoma Alumni Association of AGR on the Board of Directors for 24 years, nine of those as president, two as vice president and one year as secretary. He served as the chairman of the Pi Chapter Campaign of the Century, working to raise funds for the building of the chapter house. Pi Chapter has recognized A.L. with the Virgil Stratton Outstanding Alumni Award and has inducted him into the Pi Chapter Hall of Fame. Additionally, he has served the National Fraternity as a member on the Task Force for Alumni Authority on Expulsions and a variety of other committees. Brothers state that no other Pi Chapter alumnus has come close to contributing the combination of time, energy, resources and talent to Alpha Gamma Rho as Brother Hutson.

Glenn Stith

KENTUCKY

January 9, 1954, Glenn Allen Stith was born in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1972 he was initiated into the Omicron Chapter at the University of Kentucky (UK). During his time at Kentucky, Brother Stith was Vice President of the UK Student Government, a member of the Student Center Board, a UK Cheerleader, Lances Jr. Men Honorary, and Lamp and Cross Senior Men’s Honorary. In the Omicron Chapter, he served as the summer recruitment chairman in 1974 and then the Vice Noble Ruler–Recruitment from 1974-1975.

In 1978, he earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Kentucky. In 1985 he graduated from Columbia University’s marketing management program and later he earned his MBA from Washington University in St. Louis.

Brother Stith worked for Monsanto for 35 years as vice president and general manager of Canadian Ag. Operations, vice president Strategic Accounts, vice president of U.S. Branded Business, president of Seminis Vegetable Seed division and vice president of Crop Protection division for North American & Northern Latin America. After retiring in 2010, he began working as a senior associate with The Context Network, and as the President of Top Hand Consulting, Inc.

Glenn has been recognized with a Distinguished Service Award from the Iowa State FFA Association, has earned the Honorary American FFA Degree, the National FFA Organization Distinguished Service Award and the National FFA Foundation Outstanding Service Award. He also served the National FFA on the Foundation Sponsor Board and later as Chair, on the Foundation Individual Giving Council and later as Chair, and on the National FFA Foundation Board of Trustees. In 2013, Brother Stith was inducted into the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Hall of Distinguished Alumni and in 2004, he was named a Brother of the Century Award recipient from Alpha Gamma Rho.

As an alumnus, Brother Stith has served the Omicron Chapter as the co-chair for Omicron’s $3 million “Building for Better Men” housing campaign. He’s served the National Fraternity as an AGRconnect solicitor and coach, Chair of the St. Louis AGR National Convention fundraising committee, as a Board Member for The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho and most recently serves as Chairman of the Educational Foundation.

JUST TWO OF THE MANY FACES, STORIES AND JOURNEYS OF ALPHA GAMMA RHO BROTHERS

by Shannon Kehoe

WHEN STUDENTS GRADUATE from universities they put on the traditional regalia, adorned in chords and stoles commemorating their collegiate experiences. And many never look back. The path moving forward takes them towards a career, a family and beyond. However, for those who take part in Greek-letter organizations, the path forward frequently still involves those organizations that provided unique, individual experiences as a member of a collective brotherhood.

Alpha Gamma Rho bonds brothers in their passion and interest in agriculture, bringing those together who have had numerous previous experiences or none at all, before attending their chosen college or university. Not every AGR brother has a “typical” pathway to college and not every brother has had robust experiences outside of their

town. AGR brothers are in pursuit of degrees in agriculture, business, biology and careers as lawyers, doctors, farmers and educators.

Two young alumni recounted their experiences as undergraduate brothers in their respective chapters, fondly remembering the ways their brothers provided comradery and support through two very di erent experiences on two ends of the country. These testimonials share the gripping impact Alpha Gamma Rho had on each of them as they navigated the collegiate landscape they initially did not intend on being a part of.

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

Brice Bonds

BRICE WAS RAISED BY HIS mom, Lori and dad, Bill and was a triplet to his siblings, Barrett and Aubrey. He and his siblings came into the world 10 weeks premature, which resulted in Brice having Cerebral Palsy. His mom has worked in special education for over 30 years and his father, was a football coach and educator for 26 years, before passing away in 2009. Brice was raised in the small, agriculturally based town of Swainsboro, Georgia, and although his family did not have any direct ties to the industry, his fascination with it led to him joining the FFA in high school. Joining the FFA opened Brice’s eyes to the opportunities ahead of him in agriculture. He said, “I never thought it would be a career option for me, because of my disability, but my agriculture teacher encouraged me and showed me how I could make it a career.”

When it was time to determine where Brice’s college experience would be held, Brice knew he always wanted to attend the University of Georgia (UGA) and didn’t even consider anywhere else. In his senior year, he applied early to UGA and was deferred. The next day he took a chance and went to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), for their open campus day, mostly out of spite. “As soon as I got there, I had a feeling this is where I needed to be, because of how welcoming

it was. I thought, ‘I’ll start here, then transfer.’” He had applied to ABAC prior to going for the visit, and while there the admissions team accepted him. And, despite his initial thoughts, ABAC was the perfect fit and Brice stuck it out to receive his bachelor’s degree in agribusiness from the college in 2019.

When Brice moved to campus in August 2015, he knew he wanted to get involved. Both of his parents were in Greek Life, and he knew the bonds his dad had with his brothers from a small college in South Carolina, bonds that extended to his mom after his father’s passing. So early on he saw the impact a fraternity can have. When the time came to begin seriously considering the options to join a Greek-letter organization, it was the people around him in his community of Swainsboro that put Alpha Gamma Rho on his radar. As a freshman, with intentions of transferring, Brice intended on waiting until he made the move from Tifton, Georgia, to Athens, Georgia, to go through recruitment, but at the last minute he decided to “check it out.” That fall, Brice was initiated into the Gamma Delta Chapter and credits the Fraternity with him staying at ABAC, saying, “It was a culture I couldn’t leave. It made my time, from the start, easier on campus.”

Being in Alpha Gamma Rho provided confidence

to Brice. At 18 and 19 years old he felt the most normal and accepted once he joined the Fraternity, and not just amongst his brothers, but also across campus. “I felt like there was finally nothing holding me back.”

Even beyond chapter activities, brothers provided new experiences to Brice. “My junior year, I told Miles Ward and Austin Byrd, ‘my birthday is coming up and I really want to to go deer hunting.’” Brice’s family was never one to hunt and it was something his friends had always done, but he never had the opportunity to join them. That year, they took him out and he shot his first deer. Ever yone from the chapter showed up to celebrate the achievement and were all excited. “It may seem like a small thing, but in that moment I could definitely tell there was so much more to brotherhood than just sitting in a chapter meeting.”

Brice says his time as an undergraduate in Alpha Gamma Rho allowed him to share a different perspective with his brothers around him. “In a way, I did have a different experience, because of the fact that I do have a disability, but it was not in a bad way.” He says he had a different perspective than most and was most commonly the only one with an obvious disability in the room, but it provided a good learning experience for everyone. To his brothers, he says, “Thanks for giving me a chance, accepting me and supporting me—pushing me out of comfort zone and making me a better person.” Brice believes in the Greek life experience and says it’s all about finding the right fit making the most when it comes Brice says, “no different somejust treat somebody. Be Alpha Gamma strong basis Brice beshould be easier because of people in industry and an extengraduating Brice returns Delta Chapter and insight, strange young alumnus. graduated University degree in education. have a career University of Extension and work with with disabiliagriculture.

“No matter how di erent someone might look, just treat everybody like somebody. Be kind.”

Below: First turkey hunt with Chapter Brother Zebb Gri n.

Bottom: Showing a pig during the Sigma Alpha-Beta Nu Swine Showdown.

Luis Mendoza

BORN IN 1996, TO HIS MOTHER SERENA AND FATHER LUIS, Mendoza found himself two generations removed from agriculture and would later find himself as a first-generation college student. Luis’ dad moved from Mexico to the United States and didn’t have the opportunity to attend college. Although his mom started at a junior college, she didn’t finish, so his parents pushed him to attend and finish college.

Luis found interest in the agricultural community as he up in the small farming community of Denair, California,outside of Modesto, surrounded by cattle and almonds. In high school joined the FFA but was minimally involved. His passion truly fested from the environment he was in and family friends, the type of people Luis wanted to be associated with. However, started his studies at Modesto Junior College, he actually started science major, with intentions of being a firefighter. But, the he encountered had such a strong impact, he switched his business within a week.

Luis started at a junior college out of high school because, did not have the proper requirements to attend a four year it wasn’t something he initially wanted. However, when he he fell in love with learning. “I met professors who actually

California State–Fresno

fell in love with higher education.” After earning his associate degree from Modesto Junior College, Luis made the decision to attend Fresno State University because of its convenience to home.

“It’s in the heart of farming communities in the valley.” He recalls his professors at Fresno State were motivated and invested in his education, and provided a hands-on approach to learning about the industry.

Immediately after leaving Modesto Junior College In spring 2018, Luis started at Fresno State in the fall. The first thing he did was go through the recruitment process for Alpha Gamma Rho. He knew he wanted to join Greek life, and AGR, as soon as possible because a childhood friend’s grandfather is an AGR, one of the first 10 classes at Fresno State, Brother Rick Kindle. “He acted a lot like my grandfather and was a mentor to me. When he found out I was going to Fresno State, his first words were ‘join AGR’.” Luis credits his mentor as someone who truly shaped him and allowed his growth professionally.

However, when Luis was initiated in the fall of

2018 into the Alpha Sigma Chapter, he was considered nontraditional as a transfer student and as a new brother at 22 years old. Despite the push and the initial confidence, he was hesitant, knowing he was older. When he realized how many other brothers transferred as well, he became more comfortable and was able to really dive headfirst into his involvement with the Chapter. He was involved with any type of activity, philanthropy and fundraising on and off campus. “You can ask an AGR anything and they’ll never say no. We really want to network across the country and be as involved as possible, which is why I joined the Collegiate Advisory Council (CAC).”

It was because of AGR that Luis felt at ease in his transition to Fresno State. It helped him get out of his comfort zone and become more involved elsewhere on ca mpus as well as become more skilled professionally. “At junior college I was laid back and not involved in any clubs, but at Fresno State, once I joined AGR, my mindset changed completely. I had a whole group of guys who had my back, acting as hype-

men. They’re your support system, no matter how far away from home become your home.”

During his time as an undergraduate, Luis witnessed brothers have high successes and great loss. Two brothers lost siblings and to him, it was incredible to see the support AGRs showed them.

AGR allowed Luis to take internships which eventually led to his career. The large group of men he was consistently spending time with led to him gaining skills in public speaking, leadership and even compassion. He believes his experience was so great because of the commitment he made to his brothers and the way he utilized his time. “For us, out here, everything seems like more of an open playing field in the way of being a non-traditional student. So many brothers were first-generation college students, of different ethnicities, belonged to different cultures and had different upbringing and relation to agriculture.”

Luis says to those considering Greek life, “It may be daunting at first, coming into any group with anywhere from 20 to 100 members, but the experiences and relationships you gain will far outweigh anything else.” He encourages chapters to never overlook someone when recruiting. To ask them questions and make sure they have the opportunity to ask you questions.

“It’s something that sticks out to me as we were able to be t here for them and support them.” His favorite thing about the Fraternity is that it’s so family oriented, “as you become brothers, you gain more mothers, fathers and siblings.”

Because of his experience in college, Luis’ younger sister, Yasmin is also planning to pursue a degree in agriculture. Luis is currently working as a sales representative for Syngenta, continuing to make connections with brothers across the country.

“So many brothers were firstgeneration college students, of di erent ethnicities, belonged to di erent cultures ...”

men. your no matter far away you are, they become

Left: (L to R) Luis, Mark Martin and Anthony Pacheco at the Alpha Sigma Chapter (Fresno State) House during "Big Bro" night.

In Memory of Our Great Brothers

The following deaths were reported to the AGR Home Office between June 22, 2020, and April 21, 2021. The listing includes initiation year.

Arizona State

R. Kingston Cooper, Jr., 1958

Arkansas

Perry Adkisson, 1947

Larry H. Pitman, 1954

Carlos Neil Michell, 1962

Arkansas State

Terry R. Gairhan, 1973

Auburn

Albert M. Thompson, 1940

Robert F. Scofield, 1945

Foster G. Owen, 1947

Richard T. Turner, 1950

Napp N. Granade, 1952

Augustus Brice Moore, 1953

Samuel T. Hall, IV, 1954

Desmond L. Merrill, III, 1993

Austin Peay

David James Woods, 2017

California-Davis

Glenn F. Wilkins, 1940

Walter F. Hughes, 1942

James Knox Reynolds, 1953

Randolph Hugh Zellinger, 1964

Cal Poly State University- SLO

John Henry DeRuiter, 1975

Fred Miles Sweeney, 1990

Colorado State

Robert B. Rudolph, 1935

Wilson C. Henize, 1936

Wendell Bever, 1938

Robert H. Vermillion, 1953

Jerry Wesley Maranville, 1959

James T. Rowe, 1959

Connecticut

Richard R. Del Favero, 1958

Joseph Maisano, Jr., 1958

Edward J. Malchisky, 1958

David S. Engstrom, 1959

David R. Butka, 1959

Peter J. Williams, 1959

Walter G. Neuhauser, 1960

Phillip J. DuPont, 1966

Cornell

Leon L. Decorrevont, 1942

Ralph E. Stewart, 1953

David E. Shephard, 1953

Al L. Smith, 1953

Harvey A. Lyndaker, 1954

Phil T. Gravink, 1954

Robert W. Dunn, 1956

Florida

Ralph Grady Dawkins, 1938

Joe F. Harper, Jr., 1950

Charles R. Smith, 1951

Cecil A. Tucker, II, 1951

Cal Dana Wilder, III, 1951

George B. Chappell III, 1955

Joseph E. Williams, 1956

Wayne R. Pless, 1978

John C. Annarumma, 1993

Fresno State

Tim L. Keegan, 1968

Shane Alan Canfield, 1980

Illinois

Robert D. Corzine, 1942

Orland McAllister, 1943

Delbert A. Denby, 1956

John C. Curtin, 1956

Frank Leroy Whitney, 1963

C. Thomas Richardson, 1964

Steven Bush, 1984

John R. Rehn, 1986

Iowa State

Wayne W. Blahauvietz, 1942

John V. Nissly, 1946

Larry Lee Nelson, 1955

Wayne B. Smith, 1951

Jerry A. Steiert, 1953

Maurice E. Hesson, 1961

Kansas State

Douglas George, 1943

Duane E. Fredrickson, 1958

Larry D. Stuckey, 1963

Kentucky

Eugene Rybum Weakley, 1947

Landon K. Burcham, 1948

Brent Druien Thompson, 1948

William W. Durham, Jr., 1953

Earl Leon Campbell, 1960

Maine

Angus C. Black, Jr., 1946

Frank S. Beal, 1951

Roland M. Leach, 1951

Paul S. Andrews, 1952

David W. Wadsworth, 1956

Charles G. Hunnewell, 1958

Adam Timmons Woodbrey, 2006

Maryland

George L. Steffens, 1950

Ronald Allen Jones, 1953

Wayne Marion Holland, 1965

Carl Edwin Anderson, Jr., 1974

Massachusetts

Frederic S. Smith, III, 1960

Michigan State

Allan W. Gauss, 1952

Stanton G. Thomas, 1953

Bill F. Klein, 1953

Roy A. Mecklenburg, 1956

Fredrick Phillips, 1965

Middle Tennessee

Jerry Wright Williams, 1976

Michael Aden Brown, 2002

Minnesota

Forrest R. Mykleby, 1946

Quentin Harold Nelson, 1949

Richard “Dick” David Meyer, 1951

Neil James Rudeen, 1978

Missouri

William E. Summers, Jr., 1957

Leroy Arthur Burkemper, 1962

Major D. Hammett, 1962

Montana State

George Mortimer Clemow, 1952

Robert Dean Carver, 1960

Nebraska

Donald I. Roth, 1940

Stanley C. Haworth, 1947

Robert Raymond Berke, 1949

Walter Roy Akeson, 1956

Keith W. Carlson, 1961

Jeffery E. Skinner, 1963

Larry Clarence Shavlik, 1966

Douglas G. Sterkel, 1986

New Hampshire

Hazen Frederick Gale, 1953

Gerald J. Ouellette, 1957

New Mexico State

William H. Ferguson, 1952

Julian J. Villarreal, 1954

Randy J. Ballard, 1984

North Carolina State

Douglas M. Crutchfield, 1950

Bob L. Cockerham, Sr., 1952

C. Lee Calhoun, 1953

Kenneth Edward Warren, 1967

North Dakota State

Kenneth E. Heine, 1949

Kenneth C. Hanson, 1949

Lester W. Amundson, 1954

Tom Russell Gates, 1954

Dennis L. Wold, 1957

Douglas Hofstrand, 1958

Dennis G. Johnson, 1959

Orlan R. Swenson, 1961

Archie Jerome Wanner, 1978

Ohio State

George Louis Gebhard, 1938

John R. Moore, 1948

John N. Schnurrenberger, 1949

Roger Bernard, 1952

Ronald E. Disher, 1953

Richard H. Miller, 1955

Warner W. Plahs, 1956

Roger R. Dush, 1967

James Melvin Hunter, 1967

G. Michael Barnhart, 1971

Oklahoma State

V. Gail Fenderson, 1947

Jack Dreessen, 1948

Harold J. Cheatham, 1949

Ernest A. Hellwege, 1949

Glen Martin Grantham, 1950

William “Danny” Daniel Thomas, Jr., 1954

Joseph F. Chabot, 1959

Lewis Block, Jr., 1960

Royle “R.A.” Arthur Devore, Jr., 1967

Don Troy Kirby, II, 1968

Oregon State

Leighton G. Perkins, 1948

Pennsylvania State

William R. Hazlett, 1939

Harold R. Wakefield, 1946

John S. Whitesell, 1953

Irving Lowell Buck, 1954

Charles W. Glidden, 1957

Rutgers

Art B. O’Connor, 1952

South Dakota State

Neal A Jorgensen, 1967

George Charles Stverak, 1964

Robert Kevin Stover, 1985

Bart Fischer, 1988

Southern Illinois

Herb Reyes, 1974

Brian Timothy Maxwell, 1988

Tennessee–Knoxville

William K. Mullins, 1951

Bill D. Hardison, 1951

Max E. Gregory, 1952

Joseph Brent Hurd, 1952

Colman C. Wright, 1954

Sam M. Gamble, 1954

James L. McClain, 1957

Thomas Henry Fouche, 1965

Robert Lawrence Buck, Sr. 1982

Richard A Zimmerman, 1983

Tennessee-Martin

Fred Rondal Ward, 1963

James Pinkney Umbarger, 1965

Charles Arthur McPeake, 1967

David Morris Vowell, 1972

Stacey A. Bru , 1982

Frank G. Dodd, Sr., 1983

Blaine

Vermont

Herman R. Hoops, Jr., 1965

Washington State

Alexander Swantz, 1937

Mike Allen Stedham, 1954

Richard Allan Nelson, 1973

Brent Carl Koller, 1983

West Virginia

John L. Gerwig, 1949

George Hampton Harris, 1951

Ronald Dean Walker, 1958

Roger D. Perdue, 1968

Robert Lee Jack, 1989

Western Illinois

C. Malcom Patrick, 1963

David A. Fowler, 1969

Western Kentucky

Robert D. Stevenson, 1973

Wisconsin–Madison

Glen V. Vergeront, 1937

Verle Christensen, 1939

Eugene O. DeYoung, 1946

Maynard A. Fosberg, 1946

Thomas J. Krainile, 1946

James F. Wilford, 1948

Robert E. Marquardt, 1949

Vern R. Olson, 1949

David D. Carew, 1950

Richard W. Rundell, 1950

Donald J. Fieldhouse, 1951

Scott K. Hale, 1951

Vern M. Aaroen, 1953

Jim F. Helgeson, 1955

James D. McCa ree, 1961

John Arthur Nettum, 1965

Richard Lee LaCrouix, 1965

Donald L. Waldvogel, Jr., 1984

John R. Andersen, 1985

Wisconsin–River Falls

Rodney P. Selzler, 1997

Andrew C. Hartvig, 2001

William Howard Prindle, 2007

Lowell Nelson Lewis, 1957

Lowell Nelson 1957

Warren Lee Mathias, 1959

Warren Lee 1959

Ken L. Dietz, 1977

Purdue

Robert E. Peterson, 1949

Wendell L. Cooprider, 1951

Wendell L. 1951

Sam R. Winters, 1953

James Waldo Matchette, 1954

George W. Record, 1955

David R. Madill, 1956

Jack C. Richason, 1957

Richard “Dick” L. Feltner, 1957

Glenn Wood, Jr., 1959

John Lindley Comer, 1959

John M. Miller, 1960

Neil A. Hu , 1964

William G. Lesher, 1965

Andrew E. Illyes, 1968

David K. Park, 1969

Gregory A. Inskeep, 1978

John Comer, 1959

Scott Franklin, 1984 John Lamar Tucker, III, 1990

Q & AGR

FROM DAIRY PRODUCER TO SPOKESMAN TO THE WORLD

Doug McCullough grew up on a Pennsylvania dairy farm. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in dairy science from Virginia Tech, and was named top dairy student in the nation. This past year he was honored as the 2020 Distinguished Alumnus of the Dairy Science Department.

In 1986, he was initiated into Beta Eta Chapter and served as the Vice Noble Rule–Planning. Doug obtained a Master of Science degree in Dairy Science from the University of Florida. He worked in the family dairy business, as a University of Wisconsin Extension specialist, and as a consultant at a start-up dairy fi nancial services fi rm. He next earned an MBA at Du ke University.

In 2000, Doug joined Johnson & Johnson (J&J) where he has served in a number of diverse roles and leadership positions. He is now a senior manager supporting global supply chain reliability in J&J’s pharmaceutical division, Janssen. Doug is also a leader in J&J’s Diversity & Inclusion efforts, serving on the global leadership team for J&J’s Alliance for Diverse Abilities employee group, which encompasses autism, disability and mental health.

Born with a progressive form of muscular dystrophy, Doug performs community service to help people with disabilities lead more active lives. His activities include serving on advisory committees for the National Muscular Dystrophy Association, CureSMA, and for Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.

A popular speaker known for his aut henticity and humor, he has been invited to speak at events throughout the United States and internationally. He is also the business manager and co-owner with his brother of a 150-cow, 600-acre dairy farm near Springfi eld, Missouri.

How are you applying lessons learned in AGR at the world’s largest healthcare company?

AGR helped me develop skills that are important regardless of your work, such as leadership skills, the ability to get along and live and work with others, and to get things done. I spent time with high quality brothers of integrity and strong work ethic. I also learned about developing relationships and how to recruit high quality people to your team. These

are all critical skills that I continue to use.

What are your key messages as you speak around the nation and world?

The disabled community consists of over one billion people and is the world’s largest and most misunderstood minority group. The most common question I get is: “How do I o er help to a person with a disability?” The answer is the same way you o er help to any person. This

speaks to how we objectify people with disabilities instead of thinking of them as just regular people that happen to do things a bit di erently. We shouldn’t pity people with disabilities

unemployment rate for people with disabilities is 75%, even before the pandemic. We can’t a ord to lose the insights of a billion people. Some of them likely have the insights to help us solve key problems within the industry of agriculture for example. Everyone has value and should be encouraged to participate and flourish. Inclusion is not about being nice. It is really about being better!

nor call them inspirational for doing routine things like having a job. Treat people with disabilities like anyone else. Hold them to the same standards and value the diversity they have to o er.

What is the value of diversity?

You never know whose experience will be key to solving a problem. The

What can AGR do to encourage diversity?

I would ask each brother to take a genuine interest in learning about others, especially people di erent from himself. Be open. You don’t know everything! By getting to know others, you will be pleasantly surprised and also accomplish more.

“Inclusion is not about being nice. It is really about being better!”

The Harvest

This section is dedicated to recognizing accomplishments of Alpha Gamma Rho in 2020.

We celebrate the progress of the entire Fraternity and the excellence of its chapters, collegians, alumni, Advisers, Housemother/House Directors, and all those who help advance our Purpose of Making Better Men .

The Harvest includes Fraternal Excellence Awards, scholarship recipients, major donors and more.

Whether you are a collegiate leader, an adviser, or a generous donor, thank you for helping Alpha Gamma Rho pursue excellence.

Heritage Club

The Heritage Club honors brothers and friends of Alpha Gamma Rho who leave a legacy for the future of the Fraternity through specifi c gifts or bequests. Admittance is attained with planned gifts of $10,000 or more designated to The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho as of December 31, 2020.

Alpha-Illinois

Steven Gerdes

Jim Ross

Jim Zumwalt

Beta-Ohio State

Kirby Barrick

Gamma-Penn State

Rick Carpenter

William Miller

Delta-Purdue

Dick Feltner

Russell Hardin

Mike Jackson

Ted Priebe

Gene Swackhamer

Epsilon-North Dakota State

Jack Brown

Tom Gates

Al Johnson

Eta-Iowa State

Fred Bahrenburg

Mike Borel

Bret Carter

Scott Flynn

Steve Hanson

David Van Wert

Robert Vasko

Arlen Wonderlich

Tim Heiller

Theta-Missouri

Zane Akins

Lynn Fahrmeier

Lowell Mohler

Lowell Newsom

Dan Prosser

Bradley Starbuck

Kappa-Nebraska

Ron Grapes

William Schilling

Charlie Trauger

Nu-North Carolina State

Tyler Warren

Omicron-Kentucky

David Case

Glenn Stith

Sigma-Washington State

Doyle Jacklin

Tau-Michigan State

John Welser

Phi-California-Davis

John Kidd

Jeremy Turner

Chi-Cal Poly

Ole Meland

Alpha Beta-Oregon State

Vince McElligott

Alpha Delta-Montana State

Jim Driscoll

Alpha Zeta-Kansas State

JD Hagedorn

Edwin Kerley

Loren Kruse

Warren Nichols

Tim Rosenhagen

Doug Weyer

Alpha Theta-Maryland

Paul Weller

Alpha Kappa-TennesseeKnoxville

Thomas White

Alpah LambdaNew Mexico State

Paul Guiterrez

Alpha Pi-Arizona

Len Richardson

Alpha Rho-Vermont

Erwin Clark

Laurence Jost

Don McFeeters

Alpha Tau-Western Illinois

Je Warner

Alpha Psi-WisconsinRiver Falls

Bill Boehm

Phil Josephson

Beta Eta-Virginia Tech

Jay Poole

Beta Tau-Mississippi State

Brad Garrision

Friends of AGR

Eric Johnson

AGR

Fraternal Excellence Awards

Sleeter Bull Most Improved Chapter Award & Maynard H. Coe Chapter E ciency Award

The Sleeter Bull Most Improved Chapter and Maynard H. Coe Chapter E ciency Awards are given biennially at the AGR National Convention. The Sleeter Bull Award is given to the chapter(s) that have shown the most improvement in the past two years and the Maynard H. Coe Award is given to the chapter(s) that have maintained a high level of consistent chapter operations. During the 2020 virtual National Convention, the chapters awarded were:

Sleeter Bull Most Improved Chapter Award: Alpha Theta, University of Maryland

Runner up: Beta Sigma, Tarleton State University

Maynard H. Coe Chapter E ciency Award: Alpha Zeta, Kan sas State University

Runner up: Alpha Kappa, University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Green & Gold Chapters

All Alpha Gamma Rho Chapters have an opportunity to be recognized for their excellence. Chapters who achieve all of the requirements for four of the seven categories below will be recognized as a Green Chapter while Chapters who achieve all of the requirements for six of the seven categories below will be recognized as a Gold Chapter.

1. Academic Excellence

2. Lifelong Membership Development

3. Continued Alumni Relations

4. Chapter Crescents

5. Recruitment Excellence

6. Communications

7. Living the Promise & Values

GOLD STATUS

Eta, Iowa State

Theta, Missouri

Iota, Wisconsin-Madison

Kappa, Nebraska

Lambda, Minnesota

Omicron, Kentucky

Alpha Gamma, Florida

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State

Alpha Theta, Maryland

Alpha Iota, Arkansas

Alpha Kappa, Tennessee-Knoxville

Alpha Phi, South Dakota State

Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls

GREEN STATUS

Epsilon, North Dakota State

Alpha Tau, Western Illinois

Alpha Upsilon, Tennessee-Martin

Beta Sigma, Tarleton State

Academic Excellence

Recognizes the top three chapters that have shown campus leadership in academics and established a strong academic program for their chapter.

HIGHEST HONOR

Eta, Iowa State

HIGH HONOR

Alpha Gamma, Florida

HONORABLE MENTION

Lambda, Minnesota

Continued Alumni Engagement

Recognizes the top three chapters that continually foster strong alumni involvement and leadership both on and off campus throughout the year.

HIGHEST HONOR

Eta, Iowa State

HIGH HONOR

Kappa, Nebraska

HONORABLE MENTION

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State

Chapter Crescent: Single Issue

Recognizes the top three chapters that have compiled a Crescent that is visually appealing, free of grammatical errors, and is comprised of approximately 75% Alumni News and 25% undergraduate news.

HIGHEST HONOR

Lambda, Minnesota

HIGH HONOR

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State

HONORABLE MENTION

Iota, Wisconsin-Madison

Chapter Crescent: Best Feature Story

Chapters that wish to apply for this award will submit the article as it appeared in their Chapter Crescent. A feature story can include, but is not limited to, making a difference on campus or in the community, alumni accomplishments to the chapter or agricultural industry, chapter philanthropic events, etc.

HIGHEST HONOR

Alpha Phi, South Dakota State

HIGH HONOR

Eta, Iowa State

HONORABLE MENTION

Lambda, Minnesota

Communications

Recognizes chapters that are engaging alumni, potential new members and those outside of the Fraternity through multiple online platforms. Chapters who are actively involved on their chapter website, e-newsletters, social media sites, and more are eligible.

HIGHEST HONOR

Eta, Iowa State

HIGH HONOR

Lambda, Minnesota

HONORABLE MENTION

Alpha Sigma, Fresno State

Lifelong Membership Development

Recognizes the top three chapters that have implemented a program which encompasses continuous education and lifelong personal development in not only new members, but also successful re-engagement of alumni.

HIGHEST HONOR

Eta, Iowa State

HIGH HONOR

Alpha Psi, Wisconsin River Falls

HONORABLE MENTION

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State

Recruitment Excellence

Recognizes the top three chapters that have implemented an effective, year-round recruitment program.

HIGH EST HONOR

Eta, Iowa State

HIGH HONOR

Kappa, Nebraska

HONORABLE MENTION

Iota, Wisconsin-Madison

Living the Promise & Values

Recognizes the top three chapters that enthusiastically embrace and uphold the Promise & Values, in turn, continually presenting a positive image of Alpha Gamma Rho.

HIGHEST HONOR

Eta, Iowa State

HIGH HONOR

Alpha Gamma, Florida

HONORABLE MENTION

Lambda, Minnesota

Outstanding Community Service & Philanthropic Efforts

Recognizes the top three chapters that are involved in their communities and promote service through volunteerism and philanthropic efforts.

HIGHEST HONOR

Alpha Gamma, Florida

HIGH HONOR

Pi, Oklahoma State

HONORABLE MENTION

Eta, Iowa State

Housemother/House Director Social & Cultural Development

Recognizes Housemothers/ House Directors who have developed and implemented programs and initiatives to improve the social development and/or cultural awareness of the brothers.

HIGHEST HONOR

Diane PinnekeEta, Iowa State

HIGH HONOR

Arlene McCollumTheta, Missouri

HONORABLE MENTION

Cindra Brandl–Kappa, Nebraska

Housemother/House Director Management

Recognizes the top three Housemothers/House Directors that consistently demonstrate superior management of the chapter facilities and the chapter as a whole.

HIGHEST HONOR

Diane PinnekeEta, Iowa State

HIGH HONOR

Arlene McCollum–Theta, Missouri

HONORABLE MENTION

Dianna PhilippiAlpha Zeta, Kansas State

Outstanding Undergraduates of the Year

Recognizes collegiate brothers who are excelling in their college career, both on campus and with the Fraternity. Criteria will be based off of academic achievements, leadership and community involvement and personal growth. A brother may only receive this honor once.

SAMUEL PINCHART

Alpha Phi, South Dakota State

JOHN CALVIN BRYANT

Alpha Kappa, Tennessee-Knoxville

CASE EMERSON

Alpha Gamma, Florida

Committed Alumni Corporation

Recognized Chapter Alumni Corporations that demonstrated hard work and continued success for their chapter’s undergraduate membership.

HIGHEST HONOR

Eta, Iowa State

HIGH HONOR

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State

HONORABLE MENTION

Pi, Oklahoma State

Outstanding Adviser

Recognizes three individuals who go above and beyond when it comes to engagement and assistance to their chapter, as well as being a living testament to the AGR Promise & Values. The Fraternity recognizes that the Chapter Advisers play an important role in helping chapters, Make Better Men.

HIGHEST HONOR

Brad StarbuckLambda, Minnesota

HIGH HONOR

Dr. Charlotte EmersonAlpha Gamma, Florida

HONORABLE MENTION

David HeimerdingerBeta Gamma, WisconsinPlatteville

2020 Scholarship Recipients

The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho offers scholarships to undergraduate brothers across the country. Criteria for eligibility for each scholarship differs, but is based on the individual’s pursuit of excellence in scholarship and leadership, and for his contributions to community and Fraternity. The deadline for all scholarship applications is April 30.

AGR EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP

Up to four scholarships will be awarded to the individuals that excel in scholarship, leadership, citizenship, activities and fraternal involvement.

> Zack Leist, Iowa State

> Bobby Marchy, Oklahoma State

> Devon Frederick, Wisconsin-Platteville

> Wesley Wach, Nebraska

BILL SALLEE SCHOLARSHIP

Alpha Gamma Rho Pi Chapter members who truly have the financial need, and exhibit leadership and citizenship traits like Bill Sallee including individual endeavor, resourcefulness, aggressive effort and a balanced lifestyle are awarded this scholarship.

> Traber Smithson, Oklahoma State

DAIRY SCHOLARSHIP

Ole Meland has provided a scholarship for an AGR undergraduate who achieves high levels of excellence and is pursuing a major in dairy science, dairy husbandry, or animal science with a dairy emphasis. An undergraduate candidate at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo will be given first preference.

DALE RUNNION SCHOLARSHIP

Presented to a current AGR undergraduate who plans to complete a college course to pursue a career in agrimarketing, journalism, advertising or public relations. The completion or plans to complete a course in livestock judging or evaluation, campus and/ or community leadership and active participation in journalistic activities will receive strong consideration.

GENE SWACKHAMER AG ECONOMICS/ AG BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIP

Presented annually to one AGR undergraduate who achieves high levels of excellence and is pursuing a major in agricultural economics, agribusiness, resource management or a closely related field of study.

HAROLD OLSON SCHOLARSHIP

Presented to an Alpha Gamma Rho undergraduate who has achieved high levels of excellence in scholarship, leadership, citizenship, brotherhood, activities and service.

HORTICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP

George Staby has provided one scholarship to be awarded to an undergraduate who is enrolled with a declared horticulture-related major in; among others: entomology, environmental horticulture, horticulture, landscape gardening, landscape horticulture, ornamental horticulture, pest control, plant breeding, plant pathology, plant science (with horticulture emphasis), pomology and/or vegetable crops; who have completed at least three courses in the department of their declared major.

> Jacob Hess, Maryland

J. WAYNE REHN SCHOLARSHIP

A sophomore or junior member with preference given to Alpha Chapter members, who is majoring in preveterinary medicine or in animal science, living in the Fraternity house, and agrees to return to college for his ensuing year, live in the chapter house and continue to pursue his major with a high GPA.

> David Vega, Delaware

KIRBY BARRICK AGRICULTURE EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

This fund provides one scholarship to a male student who plans to study agricultural education at a college with an AGR chapter with the intent to teach after graduation. Payment of the scholarship is made once the student enrolls in agricultural education and is initiated into the local AGR chapter.

> Justin Armstrong, New Mexico State

LINDLEY FINCH SCHOLARSHIP

The Foundation will grant one scholarship to an undergraduate who truly has financial need and exhibits leadership and citizenship traits like those of Lindley Finch, including endeavor, resourcefulness, aggressive effort and a balanced lifestyle. First preference will be given to students of Eta Chapter, Iowa State University.

> Jake Hlas, Iowa State

ROBERT L. OEHRTMAN SCHOLARSHIP

The recipient must be enrolled as a full-time student at their university and current brother of AGR, who has held leadership positions in their community, academics or religious affiliations. Applicant must have a GPA of 3.0 or better.

> Andrew Fuhrmann, Middle Tennessee State

UNDERGRADUATE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Two scholarships are presented to outstanding undergraduates that excel in all areas of involvement on campus and within Alpha Gamma Rho.

> Jason Quintana, New Mexico State

> Caleb Swears, Arkansas

Apply for AGR’s National Scholarships!

Applying for scholarships from The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho has never been easier! Undergraduate members can apply for over 12 available scholarships with just a single online form. The “Educational Foundation Scholarship Application” can be found at www.alphagammarho.org/educational-foundationscholarship-application. All applications should be submitted by April 30 each year.

> Derrick Nunes, Cal Poly

> Anthony Camacho, Fresno State

> Cameron Stake, Florida

> Brayden Stewart, Oklahoma State

Lifetime Giving Levels

The following Lifetime Giving Levels recognize brothers with cumulative lifetime giving of $50,000 or more to The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho as of December 31, 2020. Thank you for all your generous and continued support for AGR.

Founders’ Circle

$1,000,000 – 4,999,999

A.J. Jacques Pi-Oklahoma State

Malone Mitchell Pi-Oklahoma State

Order of the Brotherhood

$500,000 – $999,999

Phil Francis Alpha-Illinois

Donald De Jong Chi-Cal Poly

Edward Reilly Alpha Theta-Maryland

Adayana Inc. Friend of AGR

Order of the Harvest

$100,000 – $499,999

Kirby Barrick Beta-Ohio State

Dick Bere Beta-Ohio State

James Berg Beta-Ohio State

Thomas Timmer Beta-Ohio State

Joseph Co ey Delta-Purdue

Byram Dickes Delta-Purdue

Douglas Eckrote Delta-Purdue

Mike Jackson Delta-Purdue

Steven Newcom Delta-Purdue

Gene Swackhamer Delta-Purdue

Al Johnson EpsilonNorth Dakota State

David Sunderland EpsilonNorth Dakota State

Jim Borel Eta-Iowa State

Bill Hantke Iota-Wisconsin-Madison

Jerry Steiner Iota-Wisconsin-Madison

Samuel Davis Nu-NC State

Gary Clark Pi-Oklahoma State

Bradley Gungoll Pi-Oklahoma State

Doug Jackson Pi-Oklahoma State

Lee Larkin Pi-Oklahoma State

Doyle Jacklin Sigma-Washington State

N. Brooks Alpha Gamma-Florida

John Douthat Alpha Gamma-Florida

Bernie Lester Alpha Gamma-Florida

Ed Smoak Alpha Gamma-Florida

Randy Stoecker Alpha ZetaKansas State

Dough Weyer Alpha Zeta–Kansas State

Bill Boehm Alpha PsiWisconsin-River Falls

Norberta Modliszewski Friend of AGR

Order of the Shield

$50,000 – $99,999

Ed Foley Alpha-Illinois

Gerald Gehlbach Alpha-Illinois

Steven Gerdes Alpha-Illinois

Larry Gerdes Alpha-Illinois

Thad Kuhfuss Alpha-Illinois

Jim Ross Alpha-Illinois

David Schick Alpha-Illinois

Bill Richards Beta-Ohio Sate

Rick Carpenter Gamma-Penn State

John Shearer Gamma-Penn State

William Yerkes Gamma-Penn State

Dick Belcher Delta-Purdue

Sandy Belden Delta-Purdue

Tom Davis Delta-Purdue

Jake Ferris Delta-Purdue

Dean Saunders Alpha Gamma-Florida

Ernest Sellers Alpha Gamma-Florida

Dale Zimmerman Alpha GammaFlorida

Steve Burgess Alpha ZetaKansas State

Samuel Hands Alpha ZetaKansas-State

Loren Kruse Alpha ZetaKansas-State

James Mitchell Alpha Iota-Arkansas

Donnie Smith Alpha KappaTennessee-Knoxville

Larry Lepper Alpha TauWestern Illinois

Phil Nichols Alpha TauWestern Illinois

Jack Britt Alpha ChiWestern Kentucky

Lillian Fobes Friend of AGR

Joseph Hasler Delta-Purdue

Gregg Halverson North Dakota

Hasler Delta-Purdue Halverson EpsilonNorth State

Corey Martin North Dakota

Greg Wickham Zeta–Cornell

Corey Martin EpsilonNorth Dakota State Wickham

Sigmund Cornelius Eta-Iowa

Cornelius

David Van Wert Eta-Iowa

Eta-Iowa State Eta-Iowa State

Steve Ellis Theta-Missouri

Steve

Robert Wheeler Thet

Theta-Missouri

Karl Drye Iota-Wisconsin-Madison

Karl Iota-Wisconsin-Madison

Russ Schuler Iota-Wisconsin-Madison

Scott Brown Omicron-Kentucky

Scott Brown Omicron-Kentucky

Glenn Stith Omicron-Kentucky

Ray Beck Pi-Oklahoma

Glenn Stith Beck State

Je rey Bode Pi-Oklahoma

Joe Hinz Pi-Oklahoma

A.L. Hutson Pi-Oklahoma

Paul Schulte Pi-Oklahoma

Scott Sewell Pi-Oklahoma

Je rey Bode Pi-Oklahoma State State Pi-Oklahoma State State State

James Sigmon Pi-Oklahoma

James Pi-Oklahoma State

K. Wayne Sizelove Pi-Oklahoma

K. Sizelove Pi-Oklahoma State

Dennis Slagell Pi-Oklahoma

Paul Yauk Pi-Oklahoma

Dennis Slagell Pi-Oklahoma State State

Gerry Rominger Phi-California-Davis

Ole Meland Chi-Cal

Phi-California-Davis Chi-Cal Poly

Skye Krebs Alpha BetaOregon State

Skye Krebs Oregon

Richard Ladd Oregon

Alpha BetaState

Gary Nuss Alpha Beta-Oregon

Nuss State

Brown Alpha Gamma-Florida

Reggie Brown Alpha Gamma-Florida

Smoak Groves, Inc. Friend of AGR

Inc.

Loyalty Fund For AGR: Giving For Our Purpose

The 2020 Loyalty Fund for AGR enables the Eductional Foundation to support programs for the National Fraternity including scholarships, Lea dership Seminars, Recruitment Schools, Adviser Forums, Matching Funds and more.

Four Pillars Society $5,000 +

Four Pillars Society membership is based on annual undesignated contribution of $5,000 or more, specifically in response to the Loyalty Fund for AGR solicitation. This listing recognizes brothers who are focused on a vision in support of educational programs that inspire young brothers towards success.

DELTA-PURDUE

Gene Swackhamer

ETA-IOWA STATE

Jim

Greg

IOTA-WISCONSINMADISON

Jerry Steiner

LAMBDA-

Randall

Grand President Society $1,000 – $1,903.99

OMICRONKENTUCKY

Glenn

SIGMA-

2019-2020 Grand President’s Society membership is based on annual, undesignated contributions of $1,000-$1,903.99, specifically in response to the Loyalty Fund for AGR solicitation. This listing recognizes brothers who are focused on a vision in support of educational programs that inspire young brothers towards success.

ALPHA-ILLINOIS

Cli ord Beatty

Ed Dollinger

Gerald Gehlbach

Mark Gossett

BETA-OHIO STATE

David Ames

James Berg

GAMMA-PENN STATE

John Shearer

DELTA-PURDUE

John Cottingham

Dick Feltner

EPSILON-NORTH

DAKOTA STATE

Keith Bjerke

ZETA-CORNELL

John Noble

Greg Wickham

Oliver Williams

ETA-IOWA STATE

Fred Bahrenburg

Grant Bargfrede

Charlie Brown

Sigmund Cornelius

Arlen Wonderlich

THETA-MISSOURI

Eddie Sydenstricker

Larry Warren

Bill Williams

IOTA-WISCONSIN-

MADISON

Rick Daluge

Bernie Staller

KAPPA-NEBRASKA

Hal Cooper

LAMBDA-MINNESOTA

Bill Manwarren

NU-NC STATE

Charles Little

PI-OKLAHOMA STATE

Dale Elsener

A.L. Hutson

RHO-COLORADO STATE

Brian Field

Robert Prosser

SIGMA-WASHINGTON STATE

Robert Felton

Wallace Vog

TAU-MICHIGAN STATE

Rodney Winkel

PHI-CALIFORNIADAVIS

Wayne Bartholomew

CHI-CAL POLY

Je rey Sanders

Tim Souza

ALPHA GAMMAFLORIDA

Jared Finks

Robert Hunt

Bernie Lester

ALPHA DELTAMONTANA STATE

Philip Donally

Donald Sanders

ALPHA ZETAKANSAS STATE

Robert Broeckelman

Donald Gri ths

Keith Heikes

Loren Kruse

Tim Ohlde

Michael Torrey

ALPHA THETAMARYLAND

Chuck Iager

Paul Weller

ALPHA KAPPATENNESSEEKNOXVILLE

John Tarpley

ALPHA MU-RUTGERS

Michael Mekenian

ALPHA PI-ARIZONA

Robert Briggs

Ronald Rayner

ALPHA RHO-VERMONT

Jim Carpenter

ALPHA UPSILON, TENNESSEE-MARTIN

Robert Earnest

ALPHA PSIWISCONSINRIVER FALLS

Phil George

Gary Sackmann

Edward Whitman

ALPHA OMEGAMURRAY STATE

Dwight Armstrong

Kenneth Myers

BETA GAMMAWISCONSINPLATTEVILLE

Duane Schaefer

BETA DELTAILLINOIS STATE

Bruce Attig

BETA ZETA-CLEMSON

Michael Freeman

BETA THETA-MIDDLE

TENNESSEE

Jason Searles

BETA KAPPACHICO STATE

Lee Cole

BETA LAMBDA-TEXAS

A&M-COMMERCE

Ben Scholz

FRIENDS OF AGR

Ann Angle

CHI-CAL

The 1904 Society recognizes donors at three levels:

1904 Society: Alumni - All alumni can join this level by making a gift of $1,904-$4,999 per fiscal year to the Loyalty Fund for AGR.

1904 Society: Young Alumni - Young Alumni (30 years or younger) can join this level by making a gift of $19.04 per month (or $228.48 per fiscal year) to the Loyalty Fund for AGR.

1904 Society: Collegiate - Collegians can join this level by making a gift of $19.04 or more per fiscal year to the Loyalty Fund for AGR.

1904 Society: Alumni $1,904 – $5,000

ALPHA-ILLINOIS

Brett Bayston

Ed Foley

David Hollinrake

Thad Kuhfuss

Dave Maurer

Wilbur Nelson

Lyle Orwig

Cory Peter

David Schick

Jay Vroom

BETA-OHIO STATE

Kirby Barrick

Tom Denison

Karl Warnke

Hugh Wilson

GAMMA-PENN STATE

Rick Carpenter

DELTA-PURDUE

Doug Gri n

David Parker

Keith Welty

EPSILON-NORTH

DAKOTA STATE

Al Johnson

Myron Johnsrud

James Mostad

ETA-IOWA STATE

Mike Borel

Rob Dittmer

Albert Duroe

Jim Howe

David Van Wert

THETA-MISSOURI

Jerome Graeser

KAPPA-NEBRASKA

Jim Cada

Larry Engelkemier

OMICRON-KENTUCKY

Tom Waldrop

PI-OKLAHOMA STATE

Gary Clark

Kim Ford

A.J. Jacques

Dennis Slagell

ALPHA GAMMA-

FLORIDA

Mark Clikas

Paul Willis

ALPHA DELTAMONTANA STATE

Jim Driscoll

ALPHA IOTAARKANSAS

Rex Martin

ALPHA KAPPATENNESSEEKNOXVILLE

Peter Markovich

ALPHA TAU-WESTERN

ILLINOIS

Gerry Salzman

ALPHA UPSILONTENNESSEE-MARTIN

Robert Earnest

ALPHA PHI-SOUTH

DAKOTA STATE

Brad Blaha

Troy Johnson

ALPHA CHI-WESTERN

KENTUCKY

Ernest Yates

ALPHA PSIWISCONSINRIVER FALLS

Phil Josephson

ALPHA OMEGAMURRAY STATE

Arthur Green

BETA ALPHASOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Greg Webb

BETA ETAVIRGINIA TECH

Ronnie Green

BETA OMEGAMISSOURI STATE

Garrett Hawkins

Borel

Nickerson

MINNESOTA

Sook

Stith

WASHINGTON STATE Doyle Jacklin

POLY

Donald De Jong

ALPHA GAMMAFLORIDA James Clinard

ALPHA THETAMARYLAND

Edward Reilly

ALPHA SIGMAFRESNO STATE

Ian Burnett

ALPHA PSIWISCONSINRIVER FALLS

Bill Boehm

BETA SIGMATARLETON STATE Michael Keith

1904 Society: Young Alumni ($228.48+ per year)

ALPHA-ILLINOIS

Joseph Morrison

GAMMA-PENN STATE

Michael Gleyze

Dan Gleyze

EPSILON-NORTH

DAKOTA STATE

Martin Peterson

ETA-IOWA STATE

Grant Bargfrede

THETA-MISSOURI

Jacob Thompson

KAPPA-NEBRASKA

Alan Christensen

Mitchell Fagan

Eric Leisy

Tanner Nelson

Logan Peters

Blake Ristine

LAMBDA-MINNESOTA

Thomas Schwarz

OMICRON-KENTUCKY

Kimo Kimura

Ben Willoughby

PI-OKLAHOMA STATE

Carson Horn

PHI-CALIFORNIA-

DAVIS

Bret Babbitt

ALPHA ALPHA-WEST

VIRGINIA

Nate Hoxter

Paul Lentz

ALPHA GAMMAFLORIDA

Clark Futch

ALPHA ZETAKANSAS STATE

Logan Britton

JD Hagedorn

Nathan Laudan

William Longinaker

Will Ohlde

Brett Wilson

ALPHA ETA-GEORGIA

Justin Brown

ALPHA LAMBDANEW MEXICO STATE

Tyler DuBry

ALPHA NUCONNECTICUT

Joshua Feliciano

ALPHA RHO-VERMONT

Richard Brisson

ALPHA SIGMAFRESNO STATE

Matthew Borges

ALPHA UPSILONTENNESSEE-MARTIN

Ronald Travers

ALPHA PSIWISCONSINRIVER FALLS

Andrew Gathje

Ben Thompson

Jacob Timm

Morgan Vetterkind

BETA GAMMAWISCONSIN-

PL ATTEVILLE

Jordan Alf

Grant Kohlbauer

BETA ETAVIRGINIA TECH

Tyler Duty

Jacob Leonard

John Leonard

BETA KAPPACHICO STATE

Shane Young

BETA LAMBDA-TEXAS

A&M-COMMERCE

Nathan Burt

Beta Phi-Idaho

Seth Pratt

Nick Winner

Dustin Winston

BETA CHI-STEPHEN F.

AUSTIN

Jacob Spies

BETA PSIDELAWARE VALLEY

Ethan Arsenault

Jonathan Carey

SUNY COBLESKILL

Allen Graulich

1904 Society: Collegiate ($19.04 per year)

ALPHA-ILLINOIS

Austin

Brockmann

GAMMA-PENN STATE

Pat Fitzsimmons

DELTA-PURDUE

Chase Creek

EPSILONNORTH DAKOTA STATE

Lincoln Ostlie

ZETA-CORNELL

Sampson Alley

Alan Henry

ETA-IOWA STATE

Christian Atkinson

Nathan Behrends

Andy Boschert

Trey Boyle

Cameron Boyle

Larame Boysen

Koby Boysen

Tate Boysen

Kabe Boysen

Dawson Brader

Dayton Brugman

Bryce Bruns

Ross Cady

Josh Carlson

Jack Carter

Jim Chism

Spencer Collins

Spencer Cook

Hunter

Crawford

Cal Daughton

Marcus

Daughton

Andrew

Dornbier

Brock

Durflinger

Cole Eden

Tyler Eldridge

Hunter Field

Riley Ford

Landon Foster

Cody Gibson

James Griswold

Max Halstead

Tyler Hartman

Jake Hlas

Logan Ho man

David Hora

Matthew

Hougland

Connor

Hultman

Bryce Kafton

Grant Kiefer

Parker Kliegl

Bryce Lafrenz

Cole

Lauterbach

Zack Leist

Gus Leonard

Brian Lois

Kyle Lois

Devan Mann

Nathan Manternach

Ben McClain

Ryland

McCormick

Cooper

McDermott

Cody Mead

Ben Means

Kaleb Miller

Trentin Moeller

Lane Morrison

Nate Orban

Nathan Parchert

Cale Pellett

Samuel Peters

Clay Pfeifer

Nate Rea

Hans Riensche

Bryce Robison

Dalton Roling

Brett Schiele

Quinn Schmidt

Gabe Shultz

Colin Stark

Jake Sterle

Scott Stoll

Stuart

Tiedemann

David Trumm

Joe Westlake

Tyler Whited

Isaac Wiley

Jack Wilson

Nathan Zumbach

THETAMISSOURI

Zach Ayers

Ben Maune

KAPPANEBRASKA

Eli Skalka

LAMBDAMINNESOTA

Martyn

Novacek

XI-AUBURN

Matt Howell

OMICRONKENTUCKY

Joseph Lucas

PI-OKLAHOMA STATE

Ronnie Brown

John Fausz

Ben Gross

Grant McClure

Cooper Rogers

Traber

Smithson

Hunter

Thomason

RHOCOLORADO STATE

Michael

Doolittle

Eddie Ellis

TAU-MICHIGAN STATE

Logan Leen

Gage Lindner

Nate Scovill

PHI-

CALIFORNIA-

DAVIS

Matthew Lombardi

Nathan Scheinman

John Simas

CHI-CAL POLY

Jiml Valov

OMEGA-NEW HAMPSHIRE

Dominic Borrelli

ALPHA ALPHA-

WEST VIRGINIA

Corban Wiles

ALPHA GAMMAFLORIDA

Tyler

Herrington

Cameron Stake

ALPHA

EPSILONLOUISIANA STATE

Chase Nevers

ALPHA ZETAKANSAS STATE

Brett Dick-

Wolfe

Kalen

Richardson

ALPHA ETAGEORGIA

Eddie

Henderson

Chase Williams

ALPHA THETAMARYLAND

Jacob Hess

Edward Reilly

ALPHA IOTAARKANSAS

Zach Andrews

Jake Shelton

Caleb Swears

ALPHA PIARIZONA

Eben

LeBerthon

Brandon

Martinez

Chase Parks

ALPHA SIGMAFRESNO STATE

Luis Mendoza

ALPHA UPSILONTENNESSEEMARTIN

Nicholas

Dotson

Dawson Moore

ALPHA PHISOUTH DAKOTA STATE

Ryan Peterson

ALPHA PSIWISCONSINRIVER FALLS

Sam Androli

Trevor

Balthazor

Lukas Bennett

Blaze

Bergmann

Cole Berra

Noah Bestul

John Birr

Grant Burns

Cody Bussert

Benjamin

Donnay

Skyler Dwyer

Jacob

Ellerbrock

Peter Elwood

Maxwell

Emerson

Jon Erickson

Luke Geist

Cale Graeber

Lucas Gra

Caleb Green

Bryce Hering

Zach Hines

Lane Hischke

Lee Huberty

Logan Huppert

Reese Johnston

Kevin Kitchen

Dan Klinke

Will Klinkner

Dawson

Knutson

Bryce Kragness

Anaiah Legare

Jacob Maier

Thomas

Malzacher

Parker Massie

Noah Massie

Eli Newton

Travis Oliver

Ruard Otten

Kal Randall

Jake Roche

Russell Rogall

Stetson Rueth

Andrew Scheller

Alec Schmidt

Andrew Seefeldt

Nate Stein

Nate Stepp

Gus Swenson

Wyatt Tesch

Heath Tietz

Alex Toebes

Ryan Trettel

Eric Wachtendonk

Brandon Wachter

Kyle Wanous

Nathan Welsh

Colin Wussow

Eric Wuthrich

Owen

Zakrzewski

ALPHA OMEGAMURRAY STATE

Austin Marburger

BETA GAMMAWISCONSINPLATTEVILLE

Jay Long

BETA ZETACLEMSON

Christopher Humbert

BETA NU-TEXAS

A&M

Drew Morton

BETA OMICRONWYOMING

Crawford

Cooley

Owen Hof

BETA RHONORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE

Grant Anderson

BETA CHISTEPHEN F. AUSTIN

Zach Martin

BETA PSIDELAWARE

VALLEY

Ryder Campbell

GAMMA DELTAABAC

Bradley Peterson

GAMMA ZETAARKANSAS TECH

Cameron Grimes

Gavin Jones

Wyatt Petty

Memorial & Honorary Gifts

Memorial and Honorary Gifts may be made on behalf of any Alpha Gamma Rho brother and directed to any fund. The following listing recognizes the Alpha Gamma Rho brothers and friends wh o have given in honor of a brother or supporter between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020.

In Memory Of:

Benjamin P. Anderson by Joshua J. Ulbricht

Stephen M. Barrett by Clarence L. Boettcher by Larry R. Larson

Cale Boedeker by Clint L. Guier

Warren L. Bohn by Susan Bohn

Charles E. Claybrook by James and Elizabeth Halling

Charles Claybrook by Chris Claybrook

Lucas Dipuma by Michael L. Dipuma

Inez Driscoll by Watts and Assoicates by Shirlene Watts

Wyatt Feltman by Wayne Feltman

Max E. Gregory by James C. Nunn

Robert Hall, Jr. by Lee C. Hall

Richard Harp by William D. Carriere

John R. Harvey by Carol Harvey

Ronald Wayne Hurt by L. Patrick Scheetz

Donald L. Jayne by Linda Jayne

Don G. Knoche by Drew D. Carls by Mark E. Fecht by Kim A Knoche by Denny Myers

Roger Larson by Dayton W. Hougaard

Bill Maddie by Tick J. Rabalais

William Maddie by Kenneth D. Haynes

Charles Main by Van B. Powell

Robert Albert Martens by Harold C. Ulrich

Robert Mauk by Ralph S. Wirebaugh

Clyde R. Nelson by Tom J. Mueller

Robert A. Olsen by Paul and Donna Olsen

William Prindle by Dayton W. Hougaard

Charles L. Rowan by Pattie Rowan

Roy H. Saigo by Donald E. Brock

Blake Swears by Caleb Swears

Daniel Swinney by Cheyenne T. Davis

Daniel L. Winans by Rick H. Hiatt

Navigating Life’s Maze

Rex Alpha Gamma Rho

By Rex Martin, CEO of Gamma Rho

AS I BY MY LAPTOP AND this piece, I it is another at the office. I am not at the Home Office in Kansas City and most of our staff is either remote or in shifts to reduce the total amount of ees at one time. I have on schedule a and several Zoom meetings. This is not some strange ethereal dream caused by overeating lunch, but reality for all of us. For our collegiate brothers, it is not very fun. Both of my are in college and I feel for them as this environment.

SIT WRITE opinion recognize it is another day at the office. Except not in Kansas staff is working shifts to reduce employtogether have the conference call several This not dream caused but unfortunately of us. For our collegiate brothers, it is not daughters are them as they navigate this changing environment. College should involve bonding around fall activities, instead we had Zoom chapter meetings and attending class from afar.

Wait a minute…. Aren’t you the CEO? Shouldn’t you be giving us some uplifting message. Bear with me, we’re getting there.

Earlier in my career, I had a boss that gave me a book called “Who Moved My Cheese” by Dr. Spencer Johnson. Johnson’s book is a story of four characters who live in a maze and look for cheese to eat and keep them happy. Cheese represents what you want in life, for example a good job, a loving family, money or peace of mind. The maze is where you look for what you want, but the problem is the cheese keeps moving. One of them deals with the change successfully and then allows them to learn from their experience.

It was a quick entertaining read while on a plane. When I landed, I had a voicemail message to call into an emergency meeting. I called into the meeting at the airport (yes on a pay phone — a different time) and found out that our company was being merged with another company. Someone moved my cheese and

I had to determine if I was going to adapt to my new environment. I did and it worked out fine. Sometimes, before you see the light at the end of the tunnel, you have to assess your situation for what it is and then decide the appropriate action.

If you smell gas in the tunnel, you don’t strike a match and light a lantern when maybe a flashlight will do. As I wrote in an earlier article, traditions are important, but we must adapt and embrace change.

Our survival and freedom to operate as a fraternity depends on it. I am very proud of how our brothers throughout the nation have found a way to manage this unique, difficult situation and not only survive but, at times, thrive. We, as alumni, must continue to support our undergraduates, but in a manner that helps them in today’s world, which is very different than our experiences. When I look around, I know we are and will continue to meet the challenge ahead. We stand ready to work with you to protect and enhance our brotherhood experience whether you are a new member that was recruited virtually or a veteran that enjoys those calls and notes from other members. Brotherhood is not cancelled! Just like the cheese, it moves, and it can look different, but you will always find it when AGRs gather. I hope as you read the Sickle & Sheaf, you are doing well and embracing 2021.

We, as alumni, must continue to support our undergraduates, but in a manner that helps them in today’s world, which is very di erent than our experiences.

Former Grand President and Epsilon Chapter (North Dakota State) alumnus, Brother S.K. Bjornson recognized that, for Alpha Gamma Rho to thrive as an impactful fraternity, all of its members must reflect the values instilled by AGR. Whether treat-

ing all of your peers with mutual respect, being involved as leaders on campus or possessing the confidence in one’s self or their brothers. These words editorialized in 1918 are just as relevant today.

Together, as brothers in Alpha Gamma Rho, we strive to always present a positive image in all we say and do. Let these words be a reminder to us all to simply be human, accept responsibility when necessary and to be men of action when given the opportunity to serve.

Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity 10101 N. Ambassador Drive Kansas City, MO 64153-1366

Learning Continues

2020 Leadership Seminars

In February 2020, Alpha Gamma Rho and Sigma Alpha Sorority came together in four regional locations to hold the annual Leadership Seminars. The theme, Own Your World, wrapped the participants in concepts to prepare them for taking ownership in their day-to-day lives, whether that is in the chapter house, their scholastic career or beyond. The Seminars, hosted in St. Louis, Reno, Atlanta and Baltimore brought in brothers from across the country to focus on their ability to grow and learn about their impact on others.

 St. Louis: 353 attendees

 Reno: 100 attendees

 Atlanta: 159 attendees

 Baltimore: 146 attendees

2021 Leadership Seminars:

As 2020 progressed, it became evident that holding the 2021 Leadership Seminars in person at regionally based locations, was not going to be possible. Alpha Gamma Rho and Sigma Alpha leadership came together and determined it would be best to hold the Leadership Seminars virtually in two one-day sessions in the same weekend of February. The four Leadership Seminar Facilitators came together and wrote sessions based around the theme, Navigating Change. The sessions allowed brothers to explore ways to work through the difficulties that may arise in their lives, like remote work and learning. The weekend saw high participation and