2021 SICKLE & SHEAF ➻ Summer

THE MAGAZINE OF ALPHA GAMMA RHO AGRICULTURAL FRATERNITY ➻ SUMMER 2021

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

In Earnest

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.”

When 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 Leslie 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.

Table of Contents

9 SPRING SUMMER

2015 2021

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18 Sickle & Sheaf

SUMMER 2021 | VOLUME 109 | ISSUE 1

Published continuously since 1910 COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER & EDITOR

6

Shannon Kehoe & Madeline Mapes ASSISTANT EDITOR

Matt Olson CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Departments AG RELE VANCE

2

News from the Home Offi ce and the world of Greek-letter organizations

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Grant Bargfrede, John Carruthers, Loren Kruse, Chester Peterson, John Ruebush, Patrick Scheetz, Steve Wagoner, Jeremy Zweiacker BUSINESS MANAGER

Rex Martin DESIGN & LAYOUT

Tria Designs, Inc. THE PILL ARS

5

Take note of these four numbers TR ANSITIONS

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Honoring those brothers who have departed

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Q& AG R

Features

Two Brothers Two Experiences One Fraternity

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From dairy producer to spokesman to the world THE HARVEST

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Fraternal Excellence Awards, Scholarships, Foundation Donors and more

10

THE L AST PASS

SUBMISSIONS FOR SICKLE & SHEAF

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Sickle & Sheaf (ISSN 8750-6866) is published two times a year (Fall and Spring)

by Publications Offi ce, 10101 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO. Members receive life subscriptions with payment of initiation fee. Non-Profit Standard postage paid at Bolingbrook, IL, and additional mailing offi ce.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Sickle & Sheaf, 10101 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153-1366.

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Navigating Life’s Maze S U M M E R 2021

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AGRelevance

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 channels, they refl ected on the opportunities AGR aff 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 2

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Robert Elliott

Tim Hammerich

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 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 offer 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.

TENNESSEE – KNOXVILLE

CALIFORNIA, DAVIS

AGRelevance

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!

ELITE

Justin Sharpless

Josh Wackler

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 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.”

FLORIDA

OREGON STATE

GOLD

SILVER

Bader Rutter College Fresh SPONSOR

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

FIND US. FRIEND US. FOLLOW US. @alphagammarhohq @alphagammarho Alpha Gamma Rho: Social/ Professional Ag, Food, Fiber, & Life Sci. Fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity S U M M E R 2021

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AGRelevance 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 different 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.

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 gains, 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 4

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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.

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

 The largest positive effects 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 organization 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.

The Pillars

Rec ruit

Com m

it

ber Num ter ap h of C ent gem a g n E s Serie s ing t e me ally virtu held er t hap for C y b s r e Offic l iona t a c Edu ip h s er Lead ts ultan s n o C

f ber o Num rs who e b mem olled enr have e com to be d e ifi Cert dUp Phire rs uite Recr

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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.

Rec ogn i

ze

ber l num Tota s r apte of ch in d e iz gn l reco a n rater the F ce llen Exce rds a w A

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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.

Edu cat e

8

840

f ber o Num s e t Initia ring in du 1 –202 2020 ic em acad r a ye

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 efforts, to complete the certification through this interactive learning resource.

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

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AGRelevance

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 Griffin 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 first 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 off campus or even out of state, Brother Griffin 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.

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

“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.”

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

AGRelevance

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

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

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

The Fraternity taught him key life skills, such as interpersonal communication and conflict 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 Griffin recounted. Doug is a principle, and with eight others, owns the The 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 Griffin 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 after 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. The 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 can 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 Griffin remarked during his first address to the Fraternity. The Fraternity and its chapters need to continue to look into out-ofthe-box ideas and leading efforts to continue to recruit new members.

Diversity amongst our members develops a better understanding of differences that will carry into a professional atmosphere. “A diverse chapter will be a stronger chapter and Make Better Men,” Brother Griffin 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. The 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 Griffin remarked when asked if the Purpose of Alpha Gamma Rho is still as relevant in 2020 as it was in 1904. The 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.

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AGRelevance

2020 Hall of Fame Inductees 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.

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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 fi rst 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.

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 efforts 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.

AGRelevance

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.

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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

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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 different 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 S U M M E R 2021

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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.”

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

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

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“No matter how different someone might look, just treat everybody like somebody.

Be kind.”

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.

Everyone 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 for you, and making the most out of it. But when it comes to recruiting, Brice says, “no matter how different someone might look, just treat everybody like somebody. Be kind.” With Alpha Gamma Rho having a strong basis in agriculture, Brice believes it should be easier to diversify, because of the good people in the ag industry and AGR being an extension of that.

Since graduating from ABAC, Brice returns to the Gamma Delta Chapter to provide advice and insight, which he says is a strange feeling, as a young alumnus.

He has recently graduated from Clemson University with a master’s degree in agricultural education.

He hopes to have a career with the University of Georgia Extension and wants to work with people with disabilities in agriculture.

California State–Fresno

Luis Mendoza BORN IN 1996, TO HIS MOTHER SERENA AND FATHER LUIS, 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 really pushed him to attend and finish college.

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

Luis started at a junior college out of high school because, initially, he did not have the proper requirements to attend a four year university, and it wasn’t something he initially wanted. However, when he started classes, he fell in love with learning. “I met professors who actually cared, and I S U M M E R 2021

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

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 14

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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 campus 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 you are, they 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.

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

“It’s something that sticks out to me as we were able to be there 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.”

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.

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.

Transitions

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

Kansas State Douglas George, 1943 Duane E. Fredrickson, 1958 Larry D. Stuckey, 1963

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

Kentucky Eugene Rybum Weakley, 1947 Landon K. Burcham, 1948 Brent Druien Thompson, 1948 William W. Durham, Jr., 1953 Earl Leon Campbell, 1960

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

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

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Transitions 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

Rutgers Art B. O’Connor, 1952

Vermont Herman R. Hoops, Jr., 1965

South Dakota State Neal A Jorgensen, 1967 George Charles Stverak, 1964 Robert Kevin Stover, 1985 Bart Fischer, 1988

Washington State Alexander Swantz, 1937 Mike Allen Stedham, 1954 Richard Allan Nelson, 1973 Brent Carl Koller, 1983

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

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

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 Lowell Nelson Lewis, 1957 Warren Lee Mathias, 1959 Ken L. Dietz, 1977 Purdue Robert E. Peterson, 1949 Wendell L. Cooprider, 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. Huff, 1964 William G. Lesher, 1965 Andrew E. Illyes, 1968 David K. Park, 1969 Gregory A. Inskeep, 1978

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Southern Illinois Herb Reyes, 1974 Brian Timothy Maxwell, 1988

Tennessee-Martin Fred Rondal Ward, 1963 James Pinkney Umbarger, 1965 Charles Arthur McPeake, 1967 David Morris Vowell, 1972 Stacey A. Bruff, 1982 Frank G. Dodd, Sr., 1983 Blaine Scott Franklin, 1984 John Lamar Tucker, III, 1990

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. McCaffree, 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

Q&AGR

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 Duke 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 authenticity 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 Springfield, 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 offer help to a person with a disability?” The answer is the same way you offer 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 differently. We shouldn’t pity people with disabilities

“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 offer.

What is the value of diversity?

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

unemployment rate for people with disabilities is 75%, even before the pandemic. We can’t afford 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!

What can AGR do to encourage diversity?

I would ask each brother to take a genuine interest in learning about others, especially people different from himself. Be open.

You don’t know everything!

By getting to know others, you will be pleasantly surprised and also accomplish more.

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The Harvest

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.

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

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The Harvest

Heritage Club The Heritage Club honors brothers and friends of Alpha Gamma Rho who leave a legacy for the future of the Fraternity through specific 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

Theta-Missouri

Alpha Beta-Oregon State

Alpha Tau-Western Illinois

Steven Gerdes Jim Ross Jim Zumwalt

Vince McElligott

Jeff Warner

Alpha Delta-Montana State

Alpha Psi-WisconsinRiver Falls

Kirby Barrick

Zane Akins Lynn Fahrmeier Lowell Mohler Lowell Newsom Dan Prosser Bradley Starbuck

Gamma-Penn State

Kappa-Nebraska

Beta-Ohio 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

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

Jim Driscoll

Alpha Zeta-Kansas State JD Hagedorn Edwin Kerley Loren Kruse Warren Nichols Tim Rosenhagen Doug Weyer

Alpha Theta-Maryland Paul Weller

Bill Boehm Phil Josephson

Beta Eta-Virginia Tech Jay Poole

Beta Tau-Mississippi State Brad Garrision

Friends of AGR Eric Johnson

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

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The Harvest

AGR Fraternal Excellence Awards

Eta, Iowa State

Sleeter Bull Most Improved Chapter Award & Maynard H. Coe Chapter Efficiency Award

Theta, Missouri

The Sleeter Bull Most Improved Chapter and Maynard H. Coe

Iota, Wisconsin-Madison

Chapter Efficiency Awards are given biennially at the AGR National Convention. The Sleeter Bull Award is given to the chapter(s) that

Kappa, Nebraska

have shown the most improvement in the past two years and

Lambda, Minnesota

the Maynard H. Coe Award is given to the chapter(s) that have

Omicron, Kentucky

maintained a high level of consistent chapter operations. During the 2020 virtual National Convention, the chapters awarded were:

Alpha Gamma, Florida

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

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State

Runner up: Beta Sigma, Tarleton State University

Maynard H. Coe Chapter Efficiency Award: Alpha Zeta, Kansas 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

Alpha Theta, Maryland Alpha Iota, Arkansas Alpha Kappa, Tennessee-Knoxville Alpha Phi, South Dakota State Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls

the seven categories below will be recognized as a Gold Chapter.

GREEN STATUS

1. Academic Excellence

Epsilon, North Dakota State

2. Lifelong Membership Development 3. Continued Alumni Relations 4. Chapter Crescents 5. Recruitment Excellence 6. Communications 7. Living the Promise & Values 20

GOLD STATUS

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Alpha Tau, Western Illinois Alpha Upsilon, Tennessee-Martin Beta Sigma, Tarleton State

The Harvest 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

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

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

Eta, Iowa State HIGH HONOR

Kappa, Nebraska HONORABLE MENTION

Iota, Wisconsin-Madison

Alpha Kappa, Tennessee-Knoxville CASE EMERSON

Alpha Gamma, Florida

Committed Alumni Corporation

Eta, Iowa State

Housemother/House Director Social & Cultural Development

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State

Eta, Iowa State

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 HIGH HONOR

HONORABLE MENTION

Pi, Oklahoma State

Outstanding Adviser

HIGH HONOR

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.

HONORABLE MENTION

Brad StarbuckLambda, Minnesota

HIGHEST HONOR

Diane PinnekeEta, Iowa State

Arlene McCollumTheta, Missouri

Housemother/House Director Management

Recruitment Excellence

JOHN CALVIN BRYANT

HONORABLE MENTION

Pi, Oklahoma State

HONORABLE MENTION

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

SAMUEL PINCHART

Alpha Phi, South Dakota State

HIGH HONOR

Alpha Gamma, Florida

HIGH HONOR

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State

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.

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

HIGHEST HONOR

Cindra Brandl– Kappa, Nebraska

Alpha Psi, Wisconsin River Falls

Outstanding Undergraduates of the Year

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

HIGHEST HONOR

HIGH HONOR

Dr. Charlotte EmersonAlpha Gamma, Florida HONORABLE MENTION

David HeimerdingerBeta Gamma, WisconsinPlatteville

HIGHEST HONOR

Diane PinnekeEta, Iowa State HIGH HONOR

Arlene McCollum– Theta, Missouri HONORABLE MENTION

Dianna PhilippiAlpha Zeta, Kansas State S U M M E R 2021

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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.

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> Traber Smithson, Oklahoma State

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The Harvest DAIRY SCHOLARSHIP

HORTICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP

LINDLEY FINCH 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.

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.

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.

> Derrick Nunes, Cal Poly

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. > Anthony Camacho, Fresno State

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. > Cameron Stake, Florida

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. > Brayden Stewart, Oklahoma State

> 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.

> 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

> Justin Armstrong, New Mexico State

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.

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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

$50,000 – $99,999

A.J. Jacques Malone Mitchell

Ed Foley Gerald Gehlbach Steven Gerdes Larry Gerdes Thad Kuhfuss Jim Ross David Schick Bill Richards Rick Carpenter John Shearer William Yerkes Dick Belcher Sandy Belden Tom Davis Jake Ferris Joseph Hasler Gregg Halverson

Pi-Oklahoma State 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 Dick Bere James Berg Thomas Timmer Joseph Coffey Byram Dickes Douglas Eckrote Mike Jackson Steven Newcom Gene Swackhamer Al Johnson

Beta-Ohio State Beta-Ohio State Beta-Ohio State Beta-Ohio State Delta-Purdue Delta-Purdue Delta-Purdue Delta-Purdue Delta-Purdue Delta-Purdue 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 24

Order of the Shield

$1,000,000 – 4,999,999

SICKLE & SHEAF

SUMMER 2021

Alpha-Illinois Alpha-Illinois Alpha-Illinois Alpha-Illinois Alpha-Illinois Alpha-Illinois Alpha-Illinois Beta-Ohio Sate Gamma-Penn State Gamma-Penn State Gamma-Penn State Delta-Purdue Delta-Purdue Delta-Purdue Delta-Purdue Delta-Purdue EpsilonNorth Dakota State Corey Martin EpsilonNorth Dakota State Greg Wickham Zeta–Cornell Sigmund Cornelius Eta-Iowa State David Van Wert Eta-Iowa State Steve Ellis Theta-Missouri Robert Wheeler Theta-Missouri Karl Drye Iota-Wisconsin-Madison Russ Schuler Iota-Wisconsin-Madison Scott Brown Omicron-Kentucky Glenn Stith Omicron-Kentucky Ray Beck Pi-Oklahoma State Jeff rey Bode Pi-Oklahoma State Joe Hinz Pi-Oklahoma State A.L. Hutson Pi-Oklahoma State Paul Schulte Pi-Oklahoma State Scott Sewell Pi-Oklahoma State James Sigmon Pi-Oklahoma State K. Wayne Sizelove Pi-Oklahoma State Dennis Slagell Pi-Oklahoma State Paul Yauk Pi-Oklahoma State Gerry Rominger Phi-California-Davis Ole Meland Chi-Cal Poly Skye Krebs Alpha BetaOregon State Richard Ladd Alpha BetaOregon State Gary Nuss Alpha Beta-Oregon State Reggie Brown Alpha Gamma-Florida

Dean Saunders Alpha Gamma-Florida Alpha Gamma-Florida Ernest Sellers 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 Smoak Groves, Inc. Friend of AGR

The Harvest

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, Leadership 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 Borel Greg Nickerson

IOTA-WISCONSINMADISON

Jerry Steiner LAMBDAMINNESOTA

Randall Sook

OMICRONKENTUCKY

Glenn Stith

SIGMAWASHINGTON STATE

CHI-CAL POLY

Donald De Jong

ALPHA GAMMAFLORIDA

James Clinard

Doyle Jacklin

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

Clifford 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

RHO-COLORADO STATE

ALPHA PI-ARIZONA

SIGMA-WASHINGTON STATE

Jim Carpenter

Brian Field Robert Prosser Robert Felton Wallace Vog

TAU-MICHIGAN STATE

Rodney Winkel

PHI-CALIFORNIADAVIS

Wayne Bartholomew CHI-CAL POLY

Jeff rey Sanders Tim Souza ALPHA GAMMAFLORIDA

Jared Finks Robert Hunt Bernie Lester

Fred Bahrenburg Grant Bargfrede Charlie Brown Sigmund Cornelius Arlen Wonderlich

ALPHA DELTAMONTANA STATE

THETA-MISSOURI

Robert Broeckelman Donald Griffiths Keith Heikes Loren Kruse Tim Ohlde Michael Torrey

Eddie Sydenstricker Larry Warren Bill Williams IOTA-WISCONSINMADISON

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

ALPHA OMEGAMURRAY STATE

Dwight Armstrong Kenneth Myers

BETA GAMMAWISCONSINPLATTEVILLE

Duane Schaefer BETA DELTAILLINOIS STATE

Philip Donally Donald Sanders

Bruce Attig

ALPHA ZETAKANSAS STATE

Michael Freeman

ALPHA THETAMARYLAND

Chuck Iager Paul Weller

ALPHA KAPPATENNESSEEKNOXVILLE

John Tarpley

ALPHA MU-RUTGERS

Michael Mekenian

BETA ZETA-CLEMSON

BETA THETA-MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Jason Searles BETA KAPPACHICO STATE

Lee Cole

BETA LAMBDA-TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE

Ben Scholz

FRIENDS OF AGR

Ann Angle

Ian Burnett

BETA SIGMATARLETON STATE

Michael Keith

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.

ALPHA UPSILON, TENNESSEE-MARTIN

Phil George Gary Sackmann Edward Whitman

ALPHA SIGMAFRESNO STATE

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.

ALPHA RHO-VERMONT

Robert Earnest

Bill Boehm

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.

Robert Briggs Ronald Rayner

ALPHA PSIWISCONSINRIVER FALLS

Edward Reilly

ALPHA PSIWISCONSINRIVER FALLS

The 1904 Society recognizes donors at three levels:

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

ALPHA THETAMARYLAND

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 Griffin 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 GAMMAFLORIDA

Mark Clikas Paul Willis

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

ALPHA DELTAMONTANA STATE

Jim Driscoll

BETA ETAVIRGINIA TECH

Ronnie Green

ALPHA IOTAARKANSAS

BETA OMEGAMISSOURI STATE

Rex Martin

Garrett Hawkins

ALPHA KAPPATENNESSEEKNOXVILLE

Peter Markovich ALPHA TAU-WESTERN ILLINOIS

Gerry Salzman

ALPHA UPSILONTENNESSEE-MARTIN

Robert Earnest

S U M M E R 2021

SICKLE & SHEAF

25

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

1904 Society: Collegiate ($19.04 per year)

ALPHA-ILLINOIS

ALPHA-ILLINOIS

ALPHA GAMMAFLORIDA

Joseph Morrison GAMMA-PENN STATE

Michael Gleyze Dan Gleyze

ALPHA ZETAKANSAS STATE

Grant Bargfrede

Logan Britton JD Hagedorn Nathan Laudan William Longinaker Will Ohlde Brett Wilson

THETA-MISSOURI

EPSILON-NORTH DAKOTA STATE

Martin Peterson

ETA-IOWA STATE

Jacob Thompson Alan Christensen Mitchell Fagan Eric Leisy Tanner Nelson Logan Peters Blake Ristine

ALPHA RHO-VERMONT

Richard Brisson

PI-OKLAHOMA STATE

ALPHA UPSILONTENNESSEE-MARTIN

ALPHA ALPHA-WEST VIRGINIA

Nate Hoxter Paul Lentz

SICKLE & SHEAF

Matthew Borges Ronald Travers ALPHA PSIWISCONSINRIVER FALLS

Bret Babbitt

Chase Creek

ALPHA LAMBDANEW MEXICO STATE

OMICRON-KENTUCKY

PHI-CALIFORNIADAVIS

DELTA-PURDUE

ZETA-CORNELL

ALPHA SIGMAFRESNO STATE

Carson Horn

Pat Fitzsimmons

BETA LAMBDA-TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE

Joshua Feliciano

Kimo Kimura Ben Willoughby

Tyler Duty Jacob Leonard John Leonard

ALPHA ETA-GEORGIA

ALPHA NUCONNECTICUT

Thomas Schwarz

BETA ETAVIRGINIA TECH

GAMMA-PENN STATE

EPSILONNORTH DAKOTA STATE

Tyler DuBry

LAMBDA-MINNESOTA

Jordan Alf Grant Kohlbauer

Austin Brockmann

BETA KAPPACHICO STATE

Justin Brown

KAPPA-NEBRASKA

26

Clark Futch

BETA GAMMAWISCONSINPLATTEVILLE

Andrew Gathje Ben Thompson Jacob Timm Morgan Vetterkind

SUMMER 2021

Shane Young 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

Lincoln Ostlie

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 Hoff 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

ALPHA GAMMAFLORIDA

Tyler Herrington Cameron Stake ALPHA EPSILONLOUISIANA STATE

Chase Nevers ALPHA ZETAKANSAS STATE

Brett DickWolfe Kalen Richardson

ALPHA ETAGEORGIA

Eddie Henderson Chase Williams ALPHA THETAMARYLAND

Jacob Hess Edward Reilly ALPHA IOTAARKANSAS

Zach Ayers Ben Maune

Zach Andrews Jake Shelton Caleb Swears

KAPPANEBRASKA

ALPHA PIARIZONA

Eli Skalka

LAMBDAMINNESOTA

Eben LeBerthon Brandon Martinez Chase Parks

XI-AUBURN

ALPHA SIGMAFRESNO STATE

Martyn Novacek

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 PHICALIFORNIADAVIS

Matthew Lombardi Nathan Scheinman John Simas

CHI-CAL POLY

Jiml Valov

OMEGA-NEW HAMPSHIRE

Dominic Borrelli

ALPHA ALPHAWEST VIRGINIA

Corban Wiles

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 Graff 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

The Harvest

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

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

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

recognizes the Alpha Gamma Rho brothers

Donald L. Jayne

Charles L. Rowan

and friends who have given in honor of a

by Linda Jayne

by Pattie Rowan

brother or supporter between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020.

In Memory Of:

Benjamin P. Anderson

Charles Claybrook

by Joshua J. Ulbricht

by Chris Claybrook

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 Michael L. Dipuma

Inez Driscoll

by Watts and Assoicates

by Shirlene Watts

Wyatt Feltman

by Wayne Feltman

Max E. Gregory

by James C. Nunn

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

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

William Maddie

by Kenneth D. Haynes

Charles Main

by Van B. Powell

Robert Albert Martens

by Harold C. Ulrich

ISTOCKPHOTO

by James and Elizabeth Halling

Lucas Dipuma

Don G. Knoche

S U M M E R 2021

SICKLE & SHEAF

27

The Last Pass

Navigating Life’s Maze

By Rex Martin, CEO of Alpha Gamma Rho AS I SIT BY MY LAPTOP AND WRITE

this opinion piece, I recognize it is another day at the office. Except I am not at the Home Office in Kansas City and most of our staff is working either remote or in shifts to reduce the total amount of employees together at one time. I have on the schedule a conference call and several Zoom meetings. This is not some strange ethereal dream caused by overeating lunch, but unfortunately reality for all of us.

For our collegiate brothers, it is not very fun. Both of my daughters are in college and I feel for 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

28

SICKLE & SHEAF

SUMMER 2021

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.

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.

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.

Our Roots

“I WANT MY FRATERNITY, OUR FRATERNITY,

to be the best, strongest and cleanest under the sun. I want her men to be the leaders of the future… I want them, by their deeds and actions, to justify the existence of Alpha Gamma Rho.” 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 retention, even in its virtual format.

 Friday Session: 131 attendees  Saturday Session: 311 attendees