2016 SICKLE & SHEAF ➻ Fall

SICKLE & SHEAF AF THE MAGAZINE OF ALPHA GAMMA RHO AGRICULTURE FRATERNITY ➻ FALL 2016

Omaha!

AGRs gather for 64th Annual Convention

100 Years of Excellence Two Chapters celebrate their 100 years of Making Better Men

The Professor “If you really want to learn something, take Cheek.”

Professor.

Colleague.

Captive.

Meet ManBQue dude John Remembering Dr. Tom Sutherland (Colorado State) Carruthers, and his impact on Alpha Gamma Rho brothers.

Tennessee 2006

In Earnest

Why I Give:

“AGR needs it more than we do…”

FOUNDATION DONOR:

Clifford & Virginia Dougherty

CHAPTER AND SCHOOL:

Alpha Delta-Montana State

GIVING LEVEL:

Order of the Crescent and Heritage Club

Brother Clifford “Cliff” & Virginia Dougherty

Many recall his infamous hat and selfproclaimed title of “Senior Go-For” from the 51st National Convention.

The Dougherty’s served as foster parents to

met at Montana State College, now known

one daughter, and nurturing supporters to three

as Montana State University, where he was

other young women and a young man. They

studying agronomy and was an involved

fulfilled their agricultural passions as avid

member of Alpha Delta Chapter of Alpha Gamma

gardeners with a large vegetable garden in

Rho Fraternity.

the back yard of their home.

In the early 1940’s, Brother Dougherty

Brother Dougherty was a passionate AGR and

began his career in the U.S. Army Air Force

loyal donor to The Educational Foundation of

which included services in the Asian theatre.

Alpha Gamma Rho. Many recall his infamous

Subsequent moves by the Air Force placed the

hat and self-proclaimed title of “Senior Go-For” from

family in numerous locations and ultimately

the 51st National Convention (see inside back cover).

Arlington, Virginia where the family remained upon his retirement after 20 years of active service.

In addition to raising the family’s two

In 1995, the Dougherty’s filed a Quitclaim Deed for a house in Sun City, Arizona designating The Educational Foundation of

children, Virginia was a custom seamstress

Alpha Gamma Rho as beneficiary with a life

and also taught in the DC school system. Having

tenant’s agreement for the couple noting that

studied home economics and self-published a

“AGR needs it more than we do…” Brother

book that was used in a series of courses, she

Dougherty passed away in 1999 and Virginia

later joined the faculty in costume design at

recently passed away on April 2, 2016. Upon her

Howard University.

passing, the gift of the house officially became

After retiring from the Air Force, Brother Dougherty sought a law degree from George Washington Law School, where he became

the property of The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho. Brother Dougherty and Virginia’s legacy

the Alumni Director upon graduation and

will be remembered as generous and loyal

spent approximately 20 years traveling and

supporters of The Educational Foundation of

organizing for the GW Law Alumni.

Alpha Gamma Rho, leaving a lasting impact on his beloved Fraternity.

BE A PARTNER FOR PROGRESS. Your contribution—your investment—allows Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity to continue providing its members with exceptional collegiate experiences, shaping more than 100 years of young men and sharpening the leading edge of an ever-changing world of agriculture. Your support provides the resources of the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho—the Foundation that supports your Fraternity. Make a gift today at alphagammarho.org/donate.

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Table of Contents

FALL

2016

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02 Sickle & Sheaf

FALL 2016 | VOLUME 105 | ISSUE 3

Published continuously since 1910 EDITOR

Dave Korbelik

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COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Caitlin Stauffer CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Departments AGR E L E VA N C E 0 2

News from the Home Office and the world of Greek-letter organizations THE PILL ARS

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From Socorro to Grand President with a Passion for Agriculture

Q & AG R

DESIGN & LAYOUT

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THE HARVEST

Professor. Colleague. Captive.

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Awards, Scholarships, Donors, Leadership Seminars, and more

“If you really want to learn something, take Cheek.”

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The Grand Old Man of AGR

T H E L A S T PA S S

Tria Designs SUBMISSIONS FOR SICKLE & SHEAF

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15

Jeff Rowe (Eta-Iowa State) is now the President of Global Seeds and North America for Syngenta

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Philip Josephson

Honoring those brothers who have departed

Features AGRs in Omaha

BUSINESS MANAGER

Take note of these four numbers TR ANSITIONS

John Carruthers, Corey Geiger, Loren Kruse, Chester Peterson Jr, John Ruebush, Patrick Scheetz, Jeremy Zweiacker

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alphagammarho.org/share-your-news caitlin@alphagammarho.org

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

by Publications Office, 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 office.

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

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AGRelevance Over 500 Brothers were in attendance for Theta Chapter’s Centennial Celebration. From the Friday night tailgate at Faurot Field to the closing Vespers service on Sunday, every detail was carefully planned.

100 years

of Excellence THETA

University of Missouri INSTALLED ON APRIL 24, 1916 Theta Chapter at the University of Missouri celebrated 100 years of excellence on campus during the weekend of April 22-24, 2016. Well over 500 Brothers converged on Columbia, Missouri, for a weekend of brotherhood, celebration and reconnection. The Centennial Committee and undergraduate members welcomed brothers from across the country and world back home to Mizzou.

The first event was a tailgate-style reception at Faurot Field’s Columns Club. Drawing inspiration from Mizzou's football fervor, attendees donned their finest black and gold attire and feasted much like a traditional Tiger tailgate.

In addition to the food, an auction was held to benefit the chapter and current undergraduate members.

Saturday morning featured the business portion of the weekend, with many scholarships awarded to undergraduate members who are exemplary leaders and scholars.

During the meeting, the Chapter initiated Missouri Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce as a member of our fraternity. Di2

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rector Fordyce has been a passionate advocate for agriculture in Missouri, and places an emphasis on youth involvement in ag.

Following the morning’s business meeting, brothers were able to choose their favorite Columbia restaurant for lunch. Many took the opportunity to return to favorite campus hangouts such as Shakespeare’s Pizza, Booche’s, and The Heidelberg. After eating lunch, undergraduate members who

The tours also featured a reception at the chapter house, where 100 years of Theta photos, awards, and memorabilia were on display. serve on the university’s student recruitment team or as College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources ambassadors led campus tours. Older alumni were able to see just how much campus has changed and grown since they graduated, and shared stories of their undergraduate days.

The tours also featured a reception at the chapter house, where 100 years of The-

ta photos, awards, and memorabilia were on display. Alumni were able to see the house, many of whom hadn’t been back since the new house was finished. To cap off the visit, all who came by were treated to Mizzou’s own Tiger Stripe ice cream.

The Centennial Gala was held Saturday night, as brothers and their guests donned their finest for the evening’s festivities.

A grand celebration of the Chapter’s long history of Making Better Men included a delicious dinner, champagne toast, and, of course, cake. The Gala also featured the Pink Rose Formal, giving Brothers of all ages the chance to cut a rug and show off their best dance moves.

Sunday was the final day of the Centennial, and started with a vespers service.

Brothers and their wives joined together to worship and give thanks. Following the vespers service, the chapter signed the “New Century Charter.” This document recognizes the tradition of excellence set forth in the past 100 years and expresses our optimism for the next 100. The dedication to Theta Chapter from brothers— both undergraduate and alumni—remains strong, and ensures a bright, prosperous future for Alpha Gamma Rho at the University of Missouri. Cheers to the next 100 years!

AGRelevance

IOTA University of Wisconsin-Madison INSTALLED ON APRIL 29, 1916 It turned out to be a celebration befitting the 100th Founder’s Day of the Iota Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho. In all, 413 AGR Brothers and guests attended the celebration throughout the April 8 and 9 weekend.

Altogether, 25 percent of living Iota AGR Brothers came home from 23 states and Canada.

The celebration began throughout downtown Madison as 300-plus AGR brothers and their guests went to Friday night dinners. Organized by 16 dedicated Iota Brothers who served as “Friday Night Captains”, dinner, drinks, and fellowship took place at 11 different venues sprinkled throughout the Capital area. Walking into the gathering places was like stepping back in time as attendees rekindled bonds of brotherhood and picked up on conversations just as if no time had passed at all.

After those more intimate Friday night gatherings, everyone headed back to home base — the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club. Brothers and their families brought energy and excitement into the room starting at 8 p.m. In fact, well over 80 percent of the attendees were still on hand when the house lights went up at midnight.

Saturday morning began with a breakfast buffet, followed by a quick-paced Corporation and Educational Foundation annual meeting. The business was wrapped up in less than an hour thanks to Corporation Board President Jon Rasmussen’s leadership. In all, 230 Brothers were in attendance to discuss the business-side of Iota.

Many Brothers were able to reconnect during the Saturday evening banquet which included a surprise performance by the University of Wisconsin Marching Band.

After the meeting, Brothers and their guests boarded buses to head to the Wisconsin Institutes of Discovery. It was here that Iota Brothers Jerry Steiner and Pete Kappelman developed a panel on “Feeding the 9 Billion.” Panelists included AGR’s own Sam Miller and Matt Olson. Adding greatly to the panel were Bob Thompson from the John Hopkins School of International Development and Charlie Arnot from

At 6 o’clock, the crowd was treated to a surprise, as 30 members of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band started playing well-known Badger melodies. the Center for Food Integrity, who came as a favor to Brothers Steiner and Kappelman.

The pace and depth of discussion caused many to want to extend the discussion well past the allotted hour.

From this point, undergraduate Brothers stepped up to serve as tour bus captains.

Tour stops included the Dairy Cattle Center, Meat Lab, Wisconsin Institutes of Discovery, and a few unplanned stops to Babcock Dairy Plant for delicious ice cream.

Later on, attendees gathered for a Happy Hour, where they were able to enjoy a historical video presentation created by Brother Dwight Sattler. At 6 o’clock, the crowd was treated to a surprise, as 30 members of the University of Wisconsin

Marching Band started playing well-known Badger melodies. Once the band left, emcee Michael Hutjens took the reins and invited Mr. Iota., Honorary 100th Chair Dale Bruhn, to give grace. Dinner was served and Brothers Rick Daluge, Zachary Shulfer, and John Faldet took turns entertaining the crowd by playing a grand piano.

After dinner, Brother Hutjens led a fast-moving banquet that featured a number of speakers. Leading off was Noble Ruler Jordan Gaal, who set the pace with a dynamic presentation of AGR through the years. Dean Kate Vanden Bosch, AGR Grand President Cal Willemssen, and Mr. Iota, Dale Bruhn, all followed Gaal. The highlight for many may have been hearing the stories from the 50-year initiates.

To close the event, Brothers Bruhn and Daluge led the entire group of 324 attendees in Hail to Alpha Gamma Rho. The 100th Anniversary theme of “relationships, success and youth” was seen and experienced by all in attendance. The youth portion of the theme was certainly on display as the current undergraduate members played a huge role in helping throughout the event. Relationship, success, and youth will continue to be celebrated by the Chapter and their alumni across the Nation … Here’s to the next 100 years!

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AGRelevance UPCOMING EVENTS Please visit our events page for more details: alphagammarho.org/events.

2016 BOARD MEETINGS

November 3-4, 2016 Chicago, IL

2017 ADVISER FORUM

January 13-14, 2017 Kansas City, MO

RECRUITMENT SCHOOL January 20-21, 2017 Kansas City, MO

LEADERSHIP SEMINAR February 3-4, 2017 Nashville, TN

LEADERSHIP SEMINAR February 10-11, 2017 Reno, NV

LEADERSHIP SEMINAR February 17-18, 2017 Washington, D.C.

LEADERSHIP SEMINAR February 24-25, 2017 Milwaukee, WI

RECRUITMENT SCHOOL March 17-18, 2017 Kansas City, MO

BOARD MEETINGS April 13-14, 2017 Memphis, TN

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE August 2017 Kansas City, MO

2018 NATIONAL CONVENTION August 2-4, 2018 New Orleans, LA

FIND US. FRIEND US. FOLLOW US. @alphagammarhohq @alphagammarho Alpha Gamma Rho: Social/Professional Ag, Food, Fiber, & Life Sci. Fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho Alumni Network Alpha Gamma Rho

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MASTERS OF MEAT: Mark Your Calendars!

This past April saw another successful Alpha Gamma Rho National BBQ Competition in Lebanon, TN. Undergrad and alumni teams from several states and as far away as North Dakota filled the cooking grounds at the James Ward Agricultural Center for the 4th annual event.

The main categories of Pork, Chicken and Ribs remained for this year’s competition with the return of the “anything goes” category for the 2016 event. The event ended on Saturday night with its first ever repeat grand champion with 3-Star BBQ taking home the top honors in the alumni division. The brothers of Gamma Beta at Fort Hayes State took home the grand champion honor in the undergrad division.

There were many teams in both divisions that were return competitors and we also saw a few first time teams in both divisions as well. Friday nights ‘pig picking’ returned with all competitors and campers gathering before the cooking was underway with a whole hog being served. The hog was again prepared by local alumni Brent Turner and Donnie Steed.

The 2017 event is already in the planning stages. While making the rounds at National Convention committee members

Chad Bradshaw and Tracey Binkley fielded several questions from Brothers who were interested in attending the 5th annual event. Due to some scheduling conflicts with the location, the 2017 event will be March 24-26, 2017.

We also look at this as an opportunity to see if the March date will be better for the undergrads.

“This will be a change as the previous 4 events have been held in April,” said cochairman Chad Bradshaw. “We also look at this as an opportunity to see if the March date will be better for the undergrads as we move away from the usual Founders Days and other events we typically compete with in April.”

Once all the planning is complete, all information will be at www.agrbbq. com. Check out Central TN AGR Alumni’s Facebook page for updates. We hope all will join us in March 2017 for the 5th Annual AGR National BBQ Competition!

Brothers Changing Ag Opportunity WRITERS WANTED

Alpha Gamma Rho is looking for content, writers and copy editors.

This is a great opportunity for alumni to contribute and for agriculture communications students to get their work published in the Sickle and Sheaf magazine or the S&S online newsletter. Contact Communications Coordinator, Caitlin Stauffer at Caitlin@alphagammarho.org or call 816-891-9200 ex. 11.

Corporate Partners AGR is committed to offering opportunities for members and corporations in the dynamic global agriculture and food industries to connect. Thank you to our Corporate Partners for support of our mission!

Tim Hammerich and Jeremy Turner,

AgGrad is the first online hub focused

both alumni of Phi Chapter at the Univer-

exclusively on Agricultural internships

sity of California, Davis, have developed

and entry­level jobs. Also, AgGrad pro-

an online resource for anyone interested

vides a more enriching experience by

in careers in agriculture. The site is called

offering job seekers blog posts, podcasts,

AgGrad, and its connecting students and

online tutorials, webinars, and videos.

young professionals to new Ag opportu-

This content covers a wide range of topics

nities every day. The UCDavis Brothers

focused on career discovery, professional

believe that many entering the workforce

development, feedback, and networking.

rely heavily on internet based research

AgGrads will also be engaged regularly on

to make career decisions. For years, stu-

social media through LinkedIn, Twitter,

dents and employers have also benefited

Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

from the traditional college career fair.

Internship postings are completely

AgGrad seeks to connect the two and take

free for agribusinesses to post on the site.

this experience online so that jobseekers

AgGrad exists by charging employers for

can learn about opportunities, interact

job postings, sponsored content,

and receive feedback, and connect with

and recruiting services for all levels.

potential employers.

Whether you’re a collegiate member

Traditional online job boards have come a long way to help connect hiring

searching for a summer or postgrad opportunity.

employers with potential employees, but

iStockPhoto

iStockphoto

AGRelevance

ELITE

EQ UITY CULTIVATIN G G R O WTH

DIAMOND

PLATINUM

GOLD

CALENDAR OF AGRICULTURE NETWORKING EVENTS FROM AGGRAD.COM October NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION Oct 19th – 22nd, 2016 Indianapolis, IN November AGRICULTURAL RETAILER ASSOCIATION Nov 29th – Dec 1st, 2016 Orlando, FL December NATIONAL FINALS RODEO Dec 1st – 10th, 2016 Las Vegas, NV

January INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTION & PROCESSING EXPO Jan 31st – Feb 2nd, 2017 Atlanta, GA February WORLD AG EXPO February 14th – 16th, 2017 Tulare, CA March COMMODITY CLASSIC March 2nd – 4th, 2016 San Antonio, TX

May BREWEXPO AMERICA April 10 – 13th, 2017 Washington, DC June WORLD PORK EXPO June 7th – 9th, 2017 Des Moines, IA August IDEAG FARMFEST August 1st – 3rd, 2017 Redwood Falls, MN

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AGRelevance

Brother Pratt teaching Liberian students the 4-H mission.

AGRs in AgriCorps PROVIDING AGRICULTURAL KNOWLEDGE TO THE PEOPLE OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES Over the last two years, five Alpha Gamma Rho Brothers have taken advantage of an opportunity to use their knowledge and passion for agriculture to impact other countries.

Idaho alumnus Seth Pratt, Missouri alumnus Cody Jones, Maryland alumnus Nathan Glenn, and Cornell alumni Kenny Quick and Erik Jorgensen are all AgriCorps Fellows (ACF).

AgriCorps, an organization with the slogan “expanding possibilities,” connects American agriculture professionals to the demand for experiential school-based, agricultural education in countries that need it most. Each member that served through AgriCorps gets the chance to impact the food security in developing countries and teach young leaders farming as a science and a business.

Pratt, Jones, and Quick have returned from their expeditions while Jorgensen and Glenn have just begun. Each Brother sets out with a goal to meet the needs of developing countries by providing them with life skills and agricultural knowledge to become healthy, democratic citizens and critical-thinking farmers.

Brothers Pratt and Quick served the AgriCorps original pilot project as they spent a month on the West African coast in Liberia. Both Brothers enjoyed their 6

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Above: Brother Jones gathers with his students for a photo after he was honored as Chief Development, or Nkosuohene, by the Obomofodensua community.

Above: Brother Jones being carried across the village to be named Chief of Nkosuohene.

experience as an ACF and felt that they learned just as much as they taught.

The young alumni loved sharing their 4-H and FFA experience in another country and feel Alpha Gamma Rho prepared them for their experiences, too. Brother Quick feels that working in communities and influencing those around you is much like being involved with AGR. “The skills needed to be successful in a rural African village are surprisingly similar to those needed to influence a group of fraternity men.” Quick said.

Brother Jones recently returned from living in Obomofodensua, a small community in Ghana’s Eastern Region, for a year. In Ghana, Jones was serving three roles: 4-H adviser, teacher, and extension agent for 56 students at the junior high school and in the community.

“There is no electricity or running water,” Jones said, “but there are some of the kindest, most giving people I have ever met.”

Before leaving Ghana, Jones was honored by the community as Chief of Development, or Nkosuohene, of the community.

In August, Joregensen and Glenn sought out to have similar experiences.

Joregensen will spend the next year in Ghana while Glenn will be taking on an agricultural boarding school in Liberia.

Both will work with AgriCorps to transfer agriculture technology and methodology into farming communities in these developing countries.

“The skills needed to be successful in a rural African village are surprisingly similar to those needed to influence a group of fraternity men.” Quick said.

“When farms make more crops, families make more money. With more money, kids can go to school and there is food on the table.” Quick explained, “As an AgriCorps Fellow, you get to see this all unfold and push it forward.”

This seems to be a simple system; however, it takes passionate, young agriculture professionals to put in the heart and hard work to make it successful.

All five AGR AgriCorps Fellows are examples of living out the Promise and Values of Alpha Gamma Rho.

The Pillars

Rec ruit

Edu cat e

it

Over 72,520 members have been initiated into our Brotherhood in Alpha Gamma Rho history.

Make sure your Chapter attends one of the 2017 Leadership Seminars in Nashville, Reno, Milwaukee, and D.C.

iStockPhoto

The 2016 National Convention was one of the largest in AGR history.

Don’t miss the 2018 National Convention August 2-4, 2018 in New Orleans!

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Scholarships are awarded through the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho. There are two new scholarships available for the 2016-17 year.

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AGRelevance

Omaha

The 64th Alpha Gamma Rho

National Convention was a wonderful retreat filled with celebrations of success and progressive plans for the continued purpose of Making Better Men. The event was overflowing with inspiring stories and informational breakout sessions to keep Brothers motivated in their journey as leaders within the fraternity and the agriculture industry. Panel discussions covered everything from alumni engagement and catastrophic jury verdicts to the empowerment of young leaders and living the Promise & Values of AGR. Wednesday started with committee meetings and an AGR Partners Luncheon that included a welcome from Brad Holen, Convention advisory team chairman, and Brent Pohlman, President of Midwest Laboratories and the Omaha Agri-Business club. After lunch, our Welcome Session began with Cal Poly alumnus Ejnar Knudsen, discussing current potential shifts in the food and ag industry, followed by our Grand President Cal Willemssen, who updated Brothers on the State of the Fraternity.

Wednesday’s program concluded with a Vespers ceremony officiated by Nebraska alumnus Rev. William Holoubek with special readings from Tanner Nelson, Nebraska.

Vespers included the initiation of two leaders in the agriculture industry, Jerry Warner and Brent Pohlman.

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Later on, buses were loaded and Brothers and their guests headed to the Durham Museum for a Brotherhood Celebration. The museum is located in the historic Union Station of downtown Omaha and offered a fascinating look at the history of the region with a broad range of traveling exhibits covering subjects from history to culture to science and industry.

Undergraduate members collected their resumes and can-do attitudes as they attended the first AGR Career Fair. The event room was loud, thriving with conversation, as Brothers visited with representatives from over 20 agricultural companies and organizations.

Brothers from across the country enjoyed a variety of heavy d’oeuvers, refreshing drinks, and made-to-order treats from the old-fashioned soda fountain. Attendees were able to network and create bonds outside their Chapters as they explored the Durham. During the Vespers

ceremony two ag leaders, Jerry Warner and Brent Pohlman, were initiated.

Thursday began with a Monsanto breakfast, which included an empowering speech by Monsanto’s own Vance Crowe. Crowe spoke of the impact young agriculture professionals have on building trust within the food system and the best way to present ideas about the quality of agriculture that will be respected and repeated. Following breakfast, attendees gathered for the second business session to introduce the leaders of the Fraternity, discuss amendments of the Constitution, receive updates on AGRconnect, and more.

Breakout sessions followed covering topics like Alumni Engagement, manners in the world of agriculture, post-graduation leadership, and catastrophic jury verdicts that are currently affecting other fraternal organizations.

Manners in Motion, a session led by the author of Agri-Manners, Dr. Praticia Tice, began the Thursday afternoon Awards Luncheon. John Niemann, Kansas State alumnus and President of Cargill Turkey and Cooked Meats, then spoke of opportunities in agriculture and the importance of civic service throughout one’s career.

After lunch, undergraduate members collected their resumes and can-do attitudes as they attended the first AGR Career Fair. The event room was loud, thriving

iStockphoto

AGRS in

AGRelevance Special events throughout the Convention included an ag-comedy presentation from Damian Mason, Brotherhood Celebration at the Durham Museum, and the Friday evening Hall of Fame banquet.

Photos by A Better Exposure and Caitlin Stauffer.

with conversation, as Brothers visited with representatives from over 20 agricultural companies and organizations. A special presentation of hilarious stories and ag-themed comedy by Damian Mason followed the Career Fair.

The Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum was the beautiful venue for our Thursday night event. The museum, which preserves and displays historic aircraft, missile, and space vehicles, offered an interesting experience as members enjoyed an open bar and making more connections.

Steaks donated by the Nebraska Extension of the University of Nebraska Lincoln were grilled for all attendees to enjoy as they listened to the Chancellor of the Nebraska-Lincoln Ronnie Green. Brother Green, Virginia Tech, entitled his discussion Trailblazing to 2050, which highlighted food and agriculture at the global epicenter.

Friday morning began with breakfast sponsored by Zoetis and included an awakening presentation by Doug McCullough, Virginia Tech. McCullough, Senior Manager in Global Supply Chain Reliability for Johnson & Johnson, is a noted speaker who discussed diversity and inclusion while sharing his personal story of struggles and triumph.

The third business session followed with elections that included the election of Chancellor Green and Delta alumnus Doug Griffin to the National Board of Directors.

Friday Breakout Sessions then covered topics like Trends in Housing, the AGR Promise, and empowering young leaders to better impact their chapter, campus, community, and more.

Scott VanderWal, Vice President of the American Farm Bureau, spoke about showing up and getting involved during the Friday Awards Luncheon. The final business session

followed lunch and included informational breakouts for the Brotherhood Program, Insurance Committee, and alumni authority on expulsions. This is Our Fraternity discussion, led by UTKnoxville alumnus Tracey Binkley and Iowa State alumnus Brandon Schaefer, ended the day highlighting the importance of keeping AGR an integrity-driven, world class organization committed to the highest of standards.

The closing event of the 64th Alpha Gamma Rho Convention was the Hall of Fame Awards Banquet. Brother Ken Root, our entertaining emcee, led guests through the night with an

The 2016 National Convention was the second largest in Alpha Gamma Rho History.

upbeat attitude and jokes for all. Nebraska alumnus Logan Peters gave Root a run for his money as he stepped up as an exciting auctioneer to run the live Bid for Better Men Auction. The live auction was entertaining and successful, raising over $14,000 of the $32,900 total raised for The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho. After the auction, it was back to business as Julian Garcia, New Mexico State, was sworn in as Grand President of Alpha Gamma Rho. He will serve the next year overlooking the National Board and all matters of business for

the Fraternity.

The Top Chapter awards were announced soon after recognizing the outstanding efforts of Chapters who exemplify the Promise and Values of AGR at various Universities. The Sleeter Bull Award, which recognizes the most improved Chapter within the last two years, was awarded to Alpha Pi Chapter at the University of Arizona. Our highest honor, the Maynard H. Coe Award, was awarded to Kappa Chapter at the University of Nebraska, recognizing their efficiency and consistency of excellence over the last two years.

To close the event, four Brothers were inducted into the Hall of Fame: Vermont alumnus Erwin Clark, Kansas State alumnus Loren Kruse, Illinois alumnus Thad Kuhfuss, and Tennessee-Knoxville alumnus Hale Moss.

These men were recognized for their lifelong dedication to the Fraternity and outstanding service to the agriculture industry.

The 2016 National Convention was the second largest in Alpha Gamma Rho History.

Brothers seemed to be engaged throughout every event and left even more passionate about the future of the Fraternity. The countless networking opportunities for personal and professional growth lead to Brotherhood bonding and fun for everyone in attendance.

The event will be hard to beat, but has set the bar high for New Orleans in 2018!

Until then, we will continue to Making Better Men. FA L L 2 0 1 6

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AGRelevance

From Socorro to

Grand President

with a Passion

for Agriculture

By Jeremy Zweiacker, Oklahoma State

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MR. JULIAN GARCIA WAS SWORN IN as the Grand President of Alpha Gamma Rho at the 64th National Convention in Omaha, Nebraska. A past Noble Ruler at Alpha Lambda Chapter, Brother Garcia has a passion for giving back to those organizations who shepherded him.

Julian was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, 74 miles south of Albuquerque in Socorro, New Mexico.

His parents and two sisters still reside in Socorro where his family has been for 400 years. The dry-aired community of approximate 9,000 residents has an annual rainfall accumulation of 10� a year making a life in agriculture difficult. The family got out of farming before Julian got back into agriculture. Julian wanted to be a cowboy and seemed destined to do so before he enrolled in the local agriculture education program at Socorro High School.

It was his high school agriculture education instructor who encouraged

iStockphoto / Wheat

AGRelevance him to attend college at New Mexico State University. The instructor took him to NMSU, introduced him to professors and others in the College of Agriculture, and took him to an Aggie basketball game.

The atmosphere hooked Julian and he knew he wanted to be the first in his family to go to college.

Julian did not have a concept of what college life would be or what fraternity life was. He worked hard as a college student to be active in organizations on campus including Block and Bridle, the Agriculture Student Council and others. It was through this involvement on campus, and relationships with other Brothers from his hometown, that Julian accepted an invitation to go see the fraternity.

When he saw the house and witnessed the comradery of the Brothers, he was able to make an immediate decision to join. His experience with the men he knew, and their exceptional leadership, made it an easy sale.

Looking back on his time as an undergraduate, Garcia recalls that some of his favorite memories were “spending time with my Brothers, who were and are still my best friends. I still communicate with them often.”

After earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Animal Science at NMSU, where he managed a farm and ranch as an undergraduate, he was encouraged

by Ronnie Green (now an AGR board member) and Dr. Tom Fields, to be part of an internship at Colorado State University and then to apply for the Beef Leadership Industry Leadership Program. The program accepts two applicants a year, one of which was Julian.

After receiving his masters from CSU, Brother Garcia moved to Argentina.

While in Argentina, he was asked to interview at Merck for a sales rep position for the southeast region. As soon as he got back to the states, he applied for the job and got it. Julian spent the next 7 years at Merck/Merial in both sales and marketing capacities where he with his wife eventually moved to New Jersey.

While in New Jersey Garcia went to work for Performance Award Center and worked for another AGR from Texas AM — Vince Palasota — and relocated to Texas and the Dallas area. Pfiser offered his Garcia the opportunity to move to Connecticut and work in New York as the US Group Marketing Director for Pfizer Animal Health where he was responsible for leading its marketing and communication teams for cattle, equine, genetics, retail

sales, feed additives, food safety and service platforms. He was given the opportunity to work for Zoetis Cattle, Equine and Genetics where he served as the Regional Business Unit Director in the US market where he was responsible for over 100 territory business managers who provide innovative animal health solutions to beef, dairy, equine and veterinary customers. Julian currently serves as Business Unit Director for the Zoetis Cattle, Equine and Genetics businesses in Canada and currently resides with his family in Montreal.

“We are trying to feed and clothe the world ... What we do is for the betterment of all humankind.”

—J ULIAN GARCIA, GRAND PRESIDENT OF ALPHA GAMMA RHO

Some of the most influential experiences Julian experienced were through the agriculture education program, FFA, Alpha Gamma Rho. Wherever Julian lived he worked to stay connected to both and has served as Georgia FFA Foundation Board President, National FFA Livestock CDE and Chairman and has received the National Honorary American Farmer Degree for exceptional service to Agriculture.

Recently, he reached out to a Brother and asked about volunteering for AGR. That Brother encouraged him to become a member of the national board of directors.

Brother Garcia gave us the opportunity to share his thoughts on his upcoming tenure as Grand President and the future of Alpha Gamma Rho and the fraternity system in American.

Why did you decide to give back to AGR in a leadership capacity, and now Grand President?

First, serving as Grand President is quite an honor. It is something that I would never have imagined, being in the shoes of the great men who have come before me. It is both humbling and scary at the same time. I am excited as I think it is a great opportunity for Alpha Gamma Rho and I look forward to being a part of the

transition of leadership for the future of our fraternity.

What do you see as the major issues that AGR needs to address in the next year or two?

There are a couple of issues. We need to look at and study the evolution of the brotherhood program. Everyone has a different definition of what it is and what it is not. We need to establish what it is and have honest and open dialogue.

There is a task force working on this.

We also need to look at bridging the gaps between the National Fraternity and our undergraduate members and alumni. We need to work to improve the communication between these groups through being accessible and open.

As you look at your time as Grand President of our fraternity what will be your emphasis?

I want to encourage engagement and open communication. It should not matter your title as we are all Brothers.

We need to take the communication up a notch and have an engaged organizations across all parties.”

How does AGR differ from other fraternities?

We have a commonality — a passion and purpose for agriculture — because we are trying to feed and clothe the world. It would be hard to imagine being in a fraternity without that, without a common Purpose. What we do is for the betterment of all humankind and we are there to produce and do something where you might not have that in other organizations.

What are the challenges for fraternities and the fraternity system ahead?

All fraternities are perceived by society as the same. This issue of perception of what a fraternity is makes it difficult when one goes of track as we all get a black mark. Risk litigation alcohol, drugs, hazing, sexual assault and other issues plague the system. Universities and college have to deal with them and they are not going away.

I want to give back to the organizations that have sheparded me — those being FFA and Alpha Gamma Rho.

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by Dave Korbelik, Colorado State We have all had Brothers that have left

lasting impressions; we have witnessed Brothers face difficulty and strife; we have seen Brothers perceiver. Very few did it on the scale and with the passion of Dr. Thomas M. Sutherland, Colorado State. Brother Sutherland passed away this July at the age of 85, but what powerful experiences and memories he leaves behind.

Speaking personally, one of the most impactful moments of my time in college was meeting Dr. Sutherland on the balcony of the Rho Chapter house on a beautiful afternoon in 1991. This was no ordinary afternoon, all of Colorado State University and the city of Fort Collins had welcomed Tom home on his triumphant return with a parade down College Avenue. That afternoon was a celebration of freedom. Dr. Tom Field, my professor at the time and AGR brother, had shared many stories of Tom Sutherland. Dr. Field’s stories had made Dr. Sutherland sound nearly larger than life, and I was discovering first hand on the Chapter house balcony that those stories were not exaggerated. Dr. Sutherland’s strength and joy were magnetic, especially in consideration of the circumstances.

So why the excitement on his return? Let’s find out a little more from Dr. David Ames his longtime colleague, fraternity brother and friend.

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Once in a Lifetime

COLLEAGUE

by Dr. David Ames, Ohio State I KNEW TOM SUTHERLAND PROFESSIONally as a PhD graduate from Iowa State who was recognized as a talented animal breeder. Dr. Sutherland developed a reputation as an outstanding teacher, but he was also interested in administration and chose to accept the position of Dean of Agriculture and Food Science at American University at Beirut, Lebanon.

Tom came to me as the new Department Head and we worked out details so he could accept this new challenge. Tom was never reluctant to accept new assignments and he jumped at the chance to work abroad. He knew Lebanon was somewhat dangerous, but he liked the American University president, Dr. Malcom Kerr, and he enjoyed working with the students as you would expect if you knew Tom. I taught his introductory class while he was on this assignment and the first thing he would always say to me was, “How is class going? Take good care of those students!”

On a visit home from Beirut, Dr. Sutherland came to my office and indicated that he would like to extend his leave because he felt he was making real strides at American University. We discussed this possibility and he said, “I need to get to the airport but hope we can continue this discussion later.”

The next morning when I returned to my office after a meeting, I found 17 phone messages from news agencies worldwide on my desk. Tom Sutherland had been kidnapped returning to the American University campus from the airport in Beirut in 1985.

With yellow ribbons everywhere as reminders, it was a grueling 77 months of wondering before Tom Sutherland was released from captivity in 1991. This had been a national news story for over six years but those who knew Tom would say, “If anyone can survive this nightmare it will be Tom Sutherland.”

I was in the welcoming group when Tom came home to a large and jubilant crowd at Colorado State University. One of Dr. Sutherland’s first visits locally was to the Alpha Gamma Rho house, Rho Chapter, where he shared his experiences with his brothers.

After his return Tom and Jean Sutherland always remained positive and continued to live in the same house on the same quiet street in Fort Collins. They shared their experiences in a book, supported many civic activities and Tom continued to support Alpha Gamma Rho.”

As you hear from Dr. Ames’ comments, Tom Sutherland was determined, resilient, and passionate about his life and work. Tom Sutherland was a survivor. However, his story did not begin or end with survival. Those that knew him would tell you he thrived and inspired others to do the same.

Let's understand more from the direct experiences of one of his students.

Once in a Lifetime

PROFESSOR

by Dr. Tom Field, Colorado State TOM SUTHERLAND WAS A ONCE-IN-Alifetime kind of professor. There are few educators who have the skill set and personality to invite students into the learning process and to be fully engaged in the discussion, but Dr. Sutherland had both.

His enthusiasm for the power of genetics and his dynamic teaching style were such that it was nearly impossible to not learn from his classes. A keen and curious mind coupled with the pragmatism born of an early life on a Scottish farm, were the key ingredients in his ability to move students from reluctant consumers of theory, to advocates of applying the principles of genetics and animal breeding to the improvement of livestock.

By the time we were done with his course, he had us believing that animal breeding and genetics stood at the center of the animal science universe and all the other disciplines were mere moons circling its brilliant mass. Of course he also had a bit of the bard in his soul and thus the last day of class was an experience of Robert Burns poetry read by Tom adorned in his traditional kilt.

As I was trying to determine life’s direction, he was an advocate, if not a downright activist, for me pursuing graduate work. He wrote a letter to me, not long before the beginning of his long ordeal in Lebanon, that laid down the challenge. It would hang above my desk for the duration of a masters and doctoral program at Colorado State.

Upon his return to Colorado State and Fort Collins, it became clear that even while he was held against his will, his reach had exceeded the grasp of his captors. The great teacher had unified both the university and the larger community, and as the sound of the bagpipes filled Moby Arena, and my old professor came home, it was clear that his spirit was unbroken and that his time as a teacher was far from over.”

Dr. Tom Sutherland lived an example for AGR men to follow. He was a survivor of captivity and so much more. He

“Tom Sutherland had been kidnapped returning to the American University campus from the airport in Beirut in 1985.”

—D R. DAVID AMES, OHIO STATE

was a passionate man that left a mark as an educator, a speaker, a philanthropist and as a brother. He inspired colleagues and students, like Dr. Ames and Dr. Field, that in-turn inspired countless others like me. He is one of those rare few that has impact that stretches across generations.

We as brothers celebrate your life Dr. Sutherland. We remember you as you would want — with joy in our hearts and a smile on our face. It seems fitting to share one last toast in your memory. And it is only right that it has some Scottish flare to it.

Epitaph on my own Friend An honest man here lies at rest, As e’er God with His image blest: The friend of man, the friend of truth; The friend of age, and guide of youth: Few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d, Few heads with knowledge so inform’d ...

— Robert Burns

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Transitions

In Memory of Our Great Brothers The following deaths were reported to the Home Office since the last publication of Sickle & Sheaf. The listing includes initiation year.

Arkansas

James A. Rollins, 1950

Auburn

James H. Weeks, 1946

Fresno State

Charles M. Smallwood, 1979 Joel M. Talbot, 2014 Murray R. Whiat, 1964

Eugene E. Kellogg, 1939 Philip H. Wintz, 1950 Zachary L. Woody, 1997

Colorado State

Wilbur H. Hoff, 1948 Glenn F. Jesser, 1948 Bernard J. Smith, 1951 Thomas M. Sutherland, 1963 Donald H. Will, 1949

Connecticut

Alfred P. Brainard, 1952 Roland E. Roberts, 1958

Lewis J. Martz, 1965 Robert P. McCombs, 1948 Melville D. Merry, 1943 Donald I. Wickham, 1952

Florida

Bane W. Cheek, 1981 Robert E. Dixon, 1945 William H. Harper, 1954

Maryland

Hobie R. Hinderliter, 1949 Mark S. Wildman, 1977

Iowa State

Massachusetts

Charles C. Persinger, 1946 Wayne E. Swegle, 1943 Roger L. Wonderlich, 1970

Kansas State

Boyce W. Dougherty, 1947 Boyd B. Forester, 1951 Samuel R. Harris, 1947 Phil A. Knight, 1979 Rodney D. Rogers, 1966

Kentucky

Cornell

Samuel P. Riser, 1990

George S. Barnes, 1942 Raymond J. Diebold, 1960 Charles A. Eby, 1943 Harrison F. Wolf, 1957

Illinois

California-Davis

Louisiana Tech

Douglas R. Brown, 1967 Bruce C. Cotton, 1949 Robert G. Harned, 1948 Jeff Lykins, 1987 David Patton, 1968 Richard B. Phillips, 1961 Shirley H. Phillips, 1947 John O. Venable, 1946 Roger J. Woeste, 1956 Jay Young, 1943

Robert E. Caley, 1955 Owen M. Rogers, 1949

Michigan State

Paul R. Jorgensen, 1952

Minnesota

Warren N. Christopher, 1917 Everett A. Coe, 1917 John M. Crist, 1946 Fordyce Ely, 1918 Devayne N. Eppler, 1941 Walter Frestedt, 1917 John C. Gillilan, 1917 Geo C. Haas, 1917 Edwin B. Harrison, 1917 Arnold Hawkinson, 1917 E. John Koeneman, 1917 John H Kolb, 1917 Robert J. Leary, 1956 Guy T. Preston, 1917 Ernest G. Roth, 1917 Willard Torgerin, 1917

Missouri

Joe B. Allen, 1956 Charles Degenfelder, 1964 Daniel H. Goetz, 1948

Montana State

Conrad Burns, 1990 Robert E. Cline, 1942 James L. Esmay, 1948 C. Ray Halley, 1959 Duane J. Hill, 1982 Phillip H. Hutton, 1946 Robert M. Koch, 1943 Reinhard P. Krenz, 1947 Walter Bruce Mecklenburg, 1948 Carl W. Park, 1940 Paul F. Voorhees, 1943 Kenneth C. York, 1946

Nebraska

David A. Tritch, 1961

South Dakota State

Joel Berg, 1986 Travis D. Eckelberg, 1998 Harold A. Grabouski, 1982 Denton N. Haber, 1968 Keith W. Kettering, 1967 Jeffrey D. Zabel, 1988

Southern Illinois

North Dakota State

Tennessee-Martin

Jon A. Blasing, 1986 Roderick McMillen, 1929 Robert E. Pile, 1940 Alton C. Reiten, 1948 John R. Scalf, 1929

Oklahoma State

Arthur D. Burke, 1921 Lester G. Flesner, 1934 G. Victor Rohrer, 1952 Augustin H. Shi, 1966

Oregon State

Richard V. Wilson, 1943

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Purdue

Daniel Marcum, 2008 James H. Tucker, 1970

John R. Ewart, 1955 William D. Fulton, 1951 James L. Hasler, 1953 William E. Lemmel, 1962 Dean R. Lind, 1947 John A. Stevenson, 2005 Thomas T. Stout, 1950

SICKLE & SHEAF

William C. Altmeyer, 1955 Joseph L. Bowker, 1967 Ronald J. Dinus, 1959 Edward V. Macarthur, 1963 Richard M. Myers, 1946 George K. Nichols, 1948 Albert Vigilante, 1948

William K. Brinkman, 1947 Jay D. Cook, 1956 Curtis A. Graff, 1942 Gary L. Hild, 1952 Scott Japp, 1975 Mark A. Keller, 1941 Frederick Kinghorn, 1949

Ohio State

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Penn State

Tennessee-Knoxville Billy D. Ring, 1969 Gerald L. Stow, 1952 Joe F. Summers, 1952

Tommy G. Barrow, 1966

UW-River Falls

Steven R. Salava,1984 Edward J. Scholler, 1971 Gerald Volbrecht,1968

Washington State

Shirley J. Henrickson, 1954 Donald W. Steiger, 1953

West Virginia

G. Richard Childs, 1949 Emery L. Prunty, 1952

Western Kentucky

Cameron D. Simmons, 2014

Wisconsin-Madison

Willard M. Masterson, 1947 Jerrold J. Ratsch, 1957 Eugene E. Starkey, 1954 John L. Wachter, 1941 Larry J. Wiedenfeld, 1957 Walter A. Wigglesworth, 1956

Q&AGR

Q&AGR JEFF ROWE HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO THE NEW ROLE OF PRESIDENT GLOBAL SEEDS AND NORTH AMERICA FOR SYNGENTA. HE WAS ALSO THE RECIPIENT OF THE 2014 GRAND PRESIDENT’S AWARD. Rowe was initiated into Eta Chapter at Iowa State in 1992. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business and a Masters in Plant Molecular Biology. Rowe then went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from Drake Law School, and a Global Executive MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business and the London School of Economics. Upon graduation, Rowe began his career at DuPont Pioneer. He was named Vice President – Biotech Affairs and Regulatory in 2008, worked as the Europe Regional Director from 2011 to 2015, and returned to Iowa to serve as Vice President Strategic Planning at DuPont Pioneer in 2016. After over 20 years of experience at DuPont, Rowe has now joined Syngenta as their President of Global Seeds and North America.

Why did you choose a career in agriculture?

Like many AGRs, I grew up on a farm, which had an important impact on my life.

When I went to Iowa State, I knew I wanted to have a career associated with agriculture but didn’t really know what I wanted to do.

What I didn’t know then is just how many diverse and exciting career opportunities exist within the agricultural industry. Looking back now some 20 years later, I couldn’t be happier with my decision to pursue a career in agriculture.

What advice do you have for undergraduate Brothers who are interested in preparing for careers in global agriculture?

Get out and see the world.

We are increasingly a global society; particularly in agriculture as global demand for food and energy needs continue to increase, especially in several

markets outside the United States. Countries like China and India and much of the continent of Africa are dynamically growing and can be incredibly changing places to do business. I believe future leaders in agriculture will need to have a global perspective as food production and more specifically food security are truly global issues. As I look back on my career, the times I grew the most professionally are the times I spent living outside of the U.S. Why did you choose Alpha Gamma Rho? I came from a small town in Illinois and was the first member of my family to go to college. I really didn’t know anything about Alpha Gamma Rho when I showed up at Iowa State for orientation in the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.

I was impressed with the guys I met at the Eta chapter.

“AGR does a great job of instilling the values associated with not only learning how to make a living, but also the broader goal of making a bigger and better agriculture.”

There was an immediate bond with the guys in my class because most of us grew up on farms.

How has AGR helped make you a better man?

There is no question that AGR helped prepare me for a professional career. In fact, the first two jobs I had were the direct result of the AGR network. Beyond just the professional network, the AGR organization does a great job of instilling the values associated with not

only learning how to make a living, but also the broader goal of making a bigger and better agriculture. I’ve always been proud to be associated with Alpha Gamma Rho. What attributes of AGR Brothers have you come to most admire over the years?

If I had to use one word to describe AGR Brothers, it would be ‘solid.’ The AGRs I know are guys you can trust, guys who get the job done and do it in the right way. I also have a deep appreciation for the commitment alumni have for the continued success of the AGR organization. I was recently at the National Convention in Omaha and it was great to see so many alums of all ages interacting with undergraduates from all over the country. It reminded me just how much pride and influence the AGR alumni network has in agriculture.

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Bane seemed to never miss a Pink Rose formal or any other AGR events.

He took advantage of everything college offered, within his education and social life.

“If you really want to learn something, take Cheek.”

IT’S OFTEN SAID THAT WE MEASURE OUR LIVES NOT IN WHAT WE ACCOMPLISH, BUT BY THE IMPRESSION WE LEAVE ON THOSE WHO KNEW US WHEN WE GO. BY THAT MEASURE, FLORIDA ALUMNUS BANE CHEEK LEFT A SIZABLE MARK ON THIS WORLD PRIOR TO HIS DEATH IN APRIL.

by John Carruthers, Tennessee-Knoxville As a brother, AGR, scientist, and teacher, Cheek accomplishments leave a long trail.

That he did it all as a quadriplegic is an astounding testament to the power of his intellect and determination.

Cheek’s quadriplegia stemmed from a trampoline accident in February 1976 shortly after his 15th birthday. According to his sister Dana Del Colle, who was also a “little sister” of the Chapter in the 1980s, the event shaped his life, but he refused to let his disability define it. His unflagging 16

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tenacity, she said, is a family trait passed on from their tough-as-nails father.

“When Bane was first hospitalized after the accident, the story goes that he was sitting in a traction bed with a halo on his head and neck for stabilization. Our dad looked at Bane, and Bane looked back at Dad and just said, ‘ok, what do we need to do now?’” Del Colle said. “There was no whining, crying, or depression —simply ‘figure it out and move on.’ It was a recurring theme in Bane’s life.”

Though previously a physical, hands-on type, Cheek needed to adapt his plans around his new reality.

With support from family and friends and the adaptability to navigate a pre-ADA (American with Disabilities Act) world, Cheek moved on to graduate from high school, earn an associate’s degree from Polk State College, and enroll at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He was initiated into the Alpha Gamma chapter in 1981 and fell in love with campus life and the AGR house. Del Colle said that his time at Florida produced some of his happiest days.

“Bane had so many fond memories of the AGR house—he was so accepted there.

His brothers didn’t see him as a guy in a wheelchair, they saw him as Bane. He didn’t get cut any slack,” Del Colle said.

“He talked a lot about his AGR brothers carrying him in his wheelchair up to the

“He loved the traditions at the AGR house and the true sense of family. For me, it seemed very simple—it was family; his family away from home.”

—D ANA DEL COLLE, BANE’S SISTER.

second floor for the chapter meetings. He loved the traditions at the AGR house and the true sense of family. For me, it seemed very simple — it was family; his family away from home.”

Cheek completed his bachelor’s degree in botany in 1982 and a master’s degree in 1985. More than just an inspiring story, Cheek was a well-respected botanist and acknowledged expert on cycads — rare seed plants with prominent palm fronds that date back over 200 million years in the fossil record. In fact, one of his proudest moments was when Walt Disney World purchased the majority of his cycad collection to plant on the Cretaceous Trail in the Dino Land section of Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. At present, the cycads are still thriving at Disney, and park architects are considering moving them to the Pandora: The World of Avatar

section set to open in summer 2017.

“He loved that so many people got to see his treasured specimens,” Del Colle said.

After completing his master’s, Cheek returned to teach at Polk State, remaining on the faculty for nearly 20 years. He fell in love with teaching, receiving a pair of Teaching Chair awards and impressing students with his use of technology and frequent outdoor instruction. He led a 1980 restoration of Lake Gem on the north end of Polk State’s Campus, advocating for supervision of the installation of native maples, pines and oaks along with a walking trail. He asked for no special consideration for his disability, and demanded as much of himself as of his students — an approach that won him respect with students and administrators.

“I do know that a few students initially had a hard time believing that Bane would teach them. One of his first night class students was a very well respected man from the community. He actually asked for a change of teacher, but was told that he already had the best,” Del Colle said.

“Later that semester, that same man wrote a letter to the dean of the college saying what a wonderful teacher Bane was and how much he had learned from him. I think this man not only learned his lessons in biology, but also how you shouldn’t judge people at first sight.”

Indeed, when you look at the archives of ratings from former students on RateMyProfessors.com, Cheek rates a

THE BANE CHEEK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND Del Colle and the Cheek family have begun a scholarship fund to honor Bane’s life and support young science and agriculture students.

The first scholarship is expected to be awarded near the end of the 2016-2017 academic year. It will be awarded annually to a student pursuing a career in a science- or agriculture-related field, and funds will be awarded during the student’s junior year, when their core major courses begin. The inaugural scholarship is targeted at $1,000, and future awards will vary depending on donations, but hold at a $500 minimum.

4.2/5, with his admirers and detractors alike discussing the intellectual rigor of his classes. Descriptions of class include intense studying, demanding exams, and pages of notes. “If you really want to learn something,” one says, “take Cheek.”

Only once in the entire archive does his disability come up, as a warning to potential students not to let it mislead them — “he’s an awesome professor,” it reads.

Ultimately, Cheek not only survived but thrived four decades as a quadriplegic.

But more than that, he didn’t let that identify him. His sister, colleagues, students, and brothers remember a keen intellect, a devoted naturalist, a demanding professor, and a rabid fan of rock and roll.

It’s why they’ll miss the man who found himself in a wheelchair as a teenager, then spent the rest of his life making that chair irrelevant.

[Cheek] received a pair of Teaching Chair awards and impressing students with his use of technology and frequent outdoor instruction.

Professor Cheek spent over 20 years at Polk State College, challenging his students and spreading his love for agriculture.

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The Harvest This section is dedicated to recognizing accomplishments of Alpha Gamma Rho in the 2015-2016 year.

We celebrate the progress of the entire Fraternity and the excellence of its chapters, collegians, alumni, advisers, housemothers, and all those who help advance the Fraternity, and Our Purpose.

The Harvest includes leadership seminar updates, chapter awards, scholarship recipients, major donors, and more.

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

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iStockphoto

Alpha Gamma Rho

The Harvest

Leadership Seminars The 2016 Leadership Seminars, in partnership with Sigma Alpha Sorority, featured informational breakout sessions designed to develop young members’ knowledge and skills in areas including time and chapter management, personal finance, leadership strategies, recruitment education and much more.

The theme was “IMPACT 2016: Your Life is a Campaign” which involved sessions about conflict management, effective communication, and continuous motivation.

This year Brothers from all over the country attended the four leadership Seminars in St. Louis, Atlanta, Denver, and Pittsburgh.

Undergraduate Attendance at 2016 Leadership Seminars

2016 Leadership Seminar Statistics

93% 93% Percentage of chapters that were represented at 2016 Leadership Semniars

Illinois alumnus Dave Maurer discussed the Risk Management policy and ideas for Risk Reduction during one of the educational breakout sessions.

Percentage of attendees who also attended another Leadership Seminar in 2016

160

144 38.0% 120

117 30.9%

80

74% 26%

Pecentage of first time attendees to a Leadership Seminar

66

52

17.4%

40

13.7%

Pecentage of returning attendees to a Leadership Seminar 0 St. Louis

Denver

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The Harvest

Chapter Awards All chapters have an opportunity to be recognized for their excellence.

Chapters who achieve all of the requirements for six of the seven categories below will be recognized as a Gold chapter.

Chapters who achieve all of the requirements for four of the seven categories below will be recognized as a Green chapter.

1. Academic Excellence 2. Lifelong Membership Development 3. Continued Alumni Engagement (Formerly Alumni Relations)

7. Living the Promise and Values 8. Committed Alumni Corporation 9. Outstanding Adviser

4. Chapter Crescents

10. Housemother Social and Cultural Development

5. Recruitment Excellence

11. Housemother Management

6. Chapter Communication

12. Outstanding Undergraduate of the Year

GOLD CHAPTERS: Alpha, Illinois Beta, Ohio State Gamma, Penn State Eta, Iowa State Theta, Missouri Iota, Wisconsin-Madison Kappa, Nebraska-Lincoln Nu, NC State Alpha Delta, Montana State Alpha Epsilon, Louisiana State Alpha Zeta, Kansas State Alpha Eta, Georgia Alpha Theta, Maryland Alpha Iota, Arkansas

The Top Chapter Awards

Alpha Kappa, Tennessee-Knoxville

National Convention in Omaha, Nebraska on Friday, August 12.

Alpha Pi, Arizona

were announced at Hall of Fame Banquet during the 2016

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Our highest honor, the Maynard H. Coe Award, was awarded to Kappa Chapter at the University of Nebraska, recognizing their efficiency and consistency of excellence over the last two years.

Alpha Upsilon, Tennessee-Martin

The Sleeter Bull Award, which recognizes the most improved Chapter within the last two years, was awarded to Alpha Pi Chapter at the University of Arizona.

Green Chapters:

Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls Beta Gamma, Wisconsin-Platteville

Delta, Purdue Epsilon, North Dakota State Omicron, Kentucky Alpha Phi, South Dakota State

The Harvest

Recruitment Excellence

Alumni Corporation Award

Communications Award

Housemother Service

The Recruitment award goes to the top three chapters that have implemented an effective, year round recruitment program.

The Alumni Coporation Award recognizes chapters who’s Alumni Corporations have demonstrated hard work and continued success for their chapter’s undergraduate membership

The Communications award looks to recognize chapters who are using multiple means of electronic communication to engage various age groups on what the chapter strives to achieve, and involvement with both their campus and community.

5 YEAR:

HIGHEST HONOR:

Eta, Iowa State

Shari Willis—Gamma Delta, Abraham Baldwin

HIGH HONOR:

15 YEAR:

HIGHEST HONOR:

Iota, Wisconsin-Madison HIGH HONOR:

Alpha Psi, WisconsinRiver Falls

HIGHEST HONOR:

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State HIGH HONOR:

HONORABLE MENTION:

Epsilon, North Dakota

Epsilon, North Dakota State

HONORABLE MENTION:

Lifelong Membership Development

Alpha Eta, Georgia

Kappa, Nebraska-Lincoln HONORABLE MENTION:

Outstanding Adviser

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State

Given to 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.

Given to three advisers that are committed to engaging all brothers in professional development and lifelong success through the Promise & Values of Alpha Gamma Rho.

Housemother Social & Cultural Development

HIGHEST HONOR:

Eta, Iowa State

Steven Bensend—Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls

HIGH HONOR:

HIGH HONOR:

Alpha Psi, WisconsinRiver Falls

Billy Cole—Alpha Chi, Western Kentucky

HONORABLE MENTION:

HONORABLE MENTION:

Kappa, Nebraska-Lincoln

Paul Heineman - Eta, Iowa State

HIGH HONOR:

Alumni Engagement

HONORABLE MENTION:

Living the Promise & Values

HIGHEST HONOR:

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

Given to the top three chapters who continually foster strong alumni involvement and leadership both on and off campus throughout the year.

HIGHEST HONOR:

HIGHEST HONOR:

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State

Iota, Wisconsin-Madison

HIGH HONOR:

HIGH HONOR:

Eta, Iowa State

Tau, Michigan State

HONORABLE MENTION:

HONORABLE MENTION:

Omicron, Kentucky

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State

Academic Excellence

Best Crescent: Single Issue

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

HIGHEST HONOR:

Theta, Missouri HIGH HONOR:

Alpha Eta, Georgia HONORABLE MENTION:

Alpha Psi, WisconsinRiver Falls

HIGHEST HONOR:

Kappa, Nebraska-Lincoln HIGH HONOR:

Epsilon, North Dakota State HONORABLE MENTION:

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State

Best Crescent: Feature Story HIGHEST HONOR:

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State HIGH HONOR:

Kappa, Nebraska-Lincoln HONORABLE MENTION:

Lambda, Minnesota

Given to housemothers that have developed and implemented programs and initiatives to improve the social development and/or cultural awareness of the brothers.

HIGHEST HONOR:

Cindra Brandl—Kappa, Nebraska-Lincoln Monica Voiles—Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls Dianna Philippi—Alpha Zeta, Kansas State

Housemother Management Given to the top three Housemothers that consistently demonstrate superior management of the chapter facilities and the chapter as a whole.

HIGHEST HONOR:

Monica Voiles—Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls HIGH HONOR:

Cindra Brandl—Kappa, Nebraska-Lincoln HONORABLE MENTION:

Dianna Philippi—Alpha Zeta, Kansas State

Outstanding Undergraduate of the Year

Janet Peterson— Alpha Gamma, Florida Jerrie Conley—Alpha Upsilon, Tennessee-Martin Claudia Salopek—Alpha Lambda, New Mexico State 10 YEAR:

BJ Gardener—Tau, Michigan State

Adviser Service 5 YEARS:

Jonathan Schefers—Iota, Wisconsin-Madison Aaron Lower—Alpha, Illinois Patrick Eslinger—Beta Omega, Missouri State Kenneth Burdine—Omicron, Kentucky Jason Sawyer—Beta Sigma, Tarleton State Douglas Mains—Tau, Michigan State Brad Blaha—Alpha Phi, South Dakota State 10 YEARS:

OL Robertson—Alpha Omega, Murray State Marvin Flatt—Alpha Upsilon, Tennessee-Martin Rick Carpenter—Beta Omega, Missouri State Raymond Knox—Alpha Delta, Montana State Randall Little—Beta Tau, Mississippi State Robert Arcidiacono—Beta Psi, Delaware Valley Bruce Roberts—Alpha Sigma, California State-Fresno 15 YEARS:

Thomas Socha—Epsilon, North Dakota State James Hagar—Beta Epsilon, Arkansas State 20 YEARS:

Steven Bensend—Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls

This award is meant to recognize our undergraduate members who are excelling in their college career both on campus and within the fraternity.

Will Freeman—Alpha Kappa, Tennessee-Knoxville Logan Smith—Kappa, Nebraska-Lincoln Matthew Kerns—Eta, Iowa State

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The Harvest

2016 AGR Scholarship Recipients

J. Wayne Rehn Scholarship Presented to a sophomore or junior member of Alpha Gamma Rho, with preference given to Alpha Chapter members, who is majoring in pre-veterinary 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. hh Josiah Manning, Maryland

Dale Runnion Scholarship Presented to a current AGR undergraduate who plans 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. hh Austin Hunt, Colorado State

Bill Sallee Scholarship AGR Excellence Scholarship

Lester Smith Memorial Scholarship

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

Recognizing a member of Alpha Gamma Rho, with first preference going to Psi and/ or Delta members, who have demonstrated a financial need and a willingness to live by our Promise and uphold the AGR values. Student must be living in the Fraternity house and studying and preparing for a career in or related to agriculture, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, interest and ability in college, university and/or community extra-curricular activities.

hh Ethan Gringrish, Oklahoma State hh Thomas Waldo, Nebraska hh Shayne Wiese, Iowa State

Lindley Finch Memorial Grant Granted to an undergraduate who truly has financial need. Recipient must exhibit 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. hh Logan Lafrenz, Iowa State

Robert L. Oehrtman Scholarship Fund 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. hh Dustin Winston, Idaho

hh Coleman Forst, Kansas State

Harold Olson Scholarship Alpha Gamma Rho undergraduate who has achieved high levels of excellence in scholarship, leadership, citizenship, brotherhood, activities and service.

hh Kyle Foreman, Oklahoma State

Dairy Scholarship Ole Meland has provided a scholarship to be presented annually to one AGR undergraduate who achieves high levels of excellence and is pursuing a major in, among others, dairy science, dairy husbandry, or animal science with a dairy option or emphasis. An undergraduate candidate at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo will be given first preference. hh Clint Gasser, Ohio State

hh Zane Gottschalk, Purdue

Horticulture Scholarship George Staby has provided a scholarship limited to current AGR undergraduates who are enrolled with a declared horticulturerelated 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.

Kirby Barrick Scholarship/ Agricultural Education This fund provides one scholarship to a male student who plans to study Agricultural Education at a college with an AGR chapter. hh Joseph Heavner, Southern Illionis

Gene Swackhamer Ag Economics Ag Business Scholarship

hh Alexander Johns, Illinois

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

hh Nickolas Theisen, Wisconsin-Platteville

hh Hammons Hepner, Oklahoma State

Undergraduate Achievement Award Two scholarships are presented to outstanding undergraduates that excel in all areas of involvement.

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hh Travis Baker, Florida hh Samuel Koeshall, Tennessee-Knoxville

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hh Mitchell Baker, Tennessee-Knoxville

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.

The Harvest TM

Chairman’s Council $250,000.00– 99,999,999 Philip Francis Platinum $100,000.00– 249,999 Douglas Eckrote Doyle Jacklin Diamond $50,000.00– 99,999 Kirby Barrick Jim Borel Sigmund Cornelius Donald De Jong John Douthat Donnie Smith Gold $10,000.00– 49,999 Zane Akins Sandy Belden Jack Britt Donald Brock Tom Davis Ron Grapes Family Ken Isley Al Johnson Loren Kruse Gene Lemon Brian Markwell Dave Maurer Ole Meland Steven Newcom David Parker Jerry Puppe Gerry Rominger Jerry Steiner Buster Stewart Glenn Stith Leland Sundet Gene Swackhamer Gordon Thornhill David Van Wert Paul Weubbe Silver $5,000.00– 9,999.99 David Ames Dick Belcher Keith Bjerke Bill Boehm Michael Bosco Rick Carpenter Edward Dollinger Jim Driscoll Brad Garrison David Hollinrake Chuck Iager James Irvin Duane Jacklin A.J. Jacques Troy Johnson Phil Josephson Rob McClelland Gary Nelson Ted Priebe David Schick Larry Warren Gregory Webb

The AGRconnect Capital campaign provides for the development and continued expansion of AGRconnect — Alpha Gamma Rho’s e-learning resource designed to engage, educate and empower our members. Whether you are an undergraduate or an alumnus, AGRconnect has something to offer each and every member. The following list recognizes those brothers and friends who have supported the AGRconnect Capital Campaign with a gift and/or pledge. Thank you for investing in the future of Alpha Gamma Rho!

Cal Willemssen Jim Zarndt Bronze $0.01–4,999 American AgCredit/CoBank Chicago Alumni Chapter Wendy Longenecker Morgan Stanley Pepsico Foundation Willis of Nebraska Daniel Adams Jeffrey Adkisson James Albright Jordan Alf Chad Allaman Jonathan Allen Kenneth Alley Darren Althouse Joshua Altier Willard Anderson Dave Anderson Thomas Archer Benjamin Arteman Holden Asmus Travis Atkins Marvin Aycock Larry Banks Grant Bargfrede Ralph Barnett Samuel Barrick Andy Barricklow Robert Batchelor Patricia Bathie Mitch Beasley Bill Beddow Judson Belding Steven Bensend Joshua Bernecker Ryan Betka Jared Biciolis Tracey Binkley Robert Bishop Stephen Blackford Brad Blaha Wesley Blanchard Matthew Borges Andrew Bowman Ira Branson Dakota Brasher Andrew Bregel Milburn Brewster Logan Britton Eric Brown Jess Brown William Brown Taylor Broyles Bob Burton Norman Byerly Jeffery Cagle Don Calhoun Michael Cameron Dale Carpentier Stephen Carr Bill Carriere Peter Chaires John Chapman Jay Chapman Jimmy Cheek G. Richard Childs Isaac Christenson John Claassen Peter Clark

Erwin Clark Joseph Coffey Benjamin Collins Donald Colter Theodore Covert Derek Cox Doug Craig Henry Cravens Raymond Crawford John Crosby Rick Daluge Joe Daniels Steven Darcey Andrew Darin Edward Davis John Demerly Tom Denison Kyle Dennis Adam d’Entremont Gary Depue John DeRuiter Mark DiMonte Mitch Donkers Robert Earnest Dave Eastlake Charles Edson Andrew Ellender Steve Ellis Richard Engel Larry Engelkemier Mike Estadt George Estes Don Evashenko R. Featherston Kirby Fecht Dick Feltner Robert Felton James Ferrell Dennis Fiscus Glen Fisher Edwin Fitchett Marvin Flatt Travis Fogler Ed Foley Dan Foor Richard Ford Carl Ford Floyde Forman H. Eugene Forrester Maynard Fosberg Terry Francl Gary Frazier Eldon Fredericks Neil Fruechte Kenneth Fryman Wayne Fuller Julian Garcia Michael Gardella Andrew Geary George Gee Adam Geiger Lucas Gibson Austin Gillham Stephen Ginn H. Charles Goan Ed Goulet Alan Grant Russell Gray J. D. Greiner Doug Griffin Thomas Griffin Walter Griffith Ethan Groos Frederick Gross

Richard Guthrie Paul Gutierrez Kayden Guymon Nicholas Haiwick Thomas Hamm David Hamman Bill Hantke Thomas Hardiman Dale Hardy Ralph Harper George Harris John Harvey Bill Hayen Haven Hayes Albert Headlee Brett Hedrick Brian Hege Gerald Hegreberg Tim Heiller Clifford Henning Kip Herzog Roger Hinkle Ronald Hirst Mark Holloway Charles Holmes Thomas Hookom Michael Hosfield Tony Howard Chuck Howlett Tim Hudson Roy Hunt Robert Hunt Steve Hupman A.L. Hutson Duane Ischer Charles Ivy William Jackson Francis James Shawn Jasper Donald Jensen Ross Jensen Carl Jessen Mark Jewell Dan Johnson Roger Johnson Aaron Johnson Denver Johnston Caleb Jones Neal Jorgensen LCJ Jost Oliver Juengel Eddie Kahle Brenn Kai Jack Kaltenberg Elliott Kann Harry Karle Reagan Kays Garrett Kays Lawrence Keeley Victor Kendall Keith Kennedy Ned Kirklin John Klingenberg Pat Klitz Thad Koenigsfeld Dave Korbelik Adam Krause Cameron Krebs Lane Kreiling Thad Kuhfuss Cody Lane Burgess Lange Dan Larson Roger Latham Scott Laufenberg Al Leidel Russell Leonardini

Bernie Lester Kaleb Long William Longinaker Tom Looney Aaron Lower Vernon Luft Calvin Lynch Justin Lynn Shawn Maclin Sarah Madsen Rodger Main Kyle Malter Harry Markos Elliott Marsh Kenneth Marshall Martin Massengale Michael Mauzey Russ Mawby Robert May Michael McCall Phill McCallon Thomas McCartney Ken McCorkle Larry McCraney Don McFeeters Ken McGuffey Jack McKiddy Ted McKinney Nate McMullen Scott McWhinney Cathie Menard David Merwin Derek Middlesworth Bob Miller David Minnick Scott Moffitt Phillip Monson David Moore Allen Morell Kelvin Moreno John Morris Fred Mueller Wilbur Mull Tony Munsterteiger Brian Myers Marty Napier James Nasados Tanner Nelson Samuel Nelson Clyde Nelson Duane Newman L.H. Nichols Greg Nickerson Lane Nordlund Curtis Norenberg Jim Nunn James Nygren Frederick Oomens Amos Orcutt Eduardo Ortega Steven Ortman Edward Osborne David Ouart Durward Owen Jordan Pahl Lars Palmer Craig Parker Marc Paulson Jacky Pennington Jodie Pennington Ross Peter Darren Peterson Steven Peterson

Tyler Pierson John Pillsbury George Pinkerton Paul Pinyan Keith Pletcher Ray Pletcher Glenn Poxleitner Timothy Preuninger Jim Price Scott Priebe John Pucheu William Pucheu Keith Putnam Matt Rackerby Cole Ratzburg Michael Rawlings David Ray Fred Reichelt Randle Richardson John Ricketts Cory Riggs Aaron Rill Bud Riviere Grady Roberts Richard Roderick Max Rodibaugh John Romines McDonald Rominger Ken Root Jim Ross George Ruff Gerry Salzman Brian Sarris Micah Scanga Allen Schacht Ronald Schaefer Ritchie Schaefer Duane Schaefer Daniel Schafer L. Patrick Scheetz William Schilling Mark Schlesser Kirby Schmidt Kyle Schmit Ben Scholz Will Schuhknecht Paul Schulte Wayne Segner Stasia Sherman Richard Simonian Jesse Singerhouse Ken Slofkosky Samuel Smith Cecil Spear Alexander Spinler Bernie Staller Dwight Steen Earle Steeves Frederick Steinmeyer James Stephenson Ralph Stewart Bruce Stillings Leslie Stith Dale Stith Randy Stoecker Fred Stormshak Christopher Sutton Larry Svajgr James Svoboda David Swaters Gordon Tennett Josh Terhune FA L L 2 0 1 6

Daryl Theis Mark Thies Stanton Thomas James Thompson James Thompson Bret Thurmond Douglas Tippens Peter Tomlinson Randy Torgerson Louis Torre Justin Torres Paul Toste Louis Trapp Jeremy Turner Jay Van Wert Spencer Vance Nicholas Vander Poel Tracy Vigil Donald Villwock Monica Voiles Tim Von Thun Alex Wach Josh Wackler Lenard Wagner Natalie Walker John Walker Ken Walsh Dave Waters K. Russell Weathers Paul Weller Brian Wendland Jerrod Westfahl Doug Weyer Thomas White Doug Wicker Wayne Willems Seth Williams Ronald Willingham Paul Willis Bear Wilson James Wise Arlen Wonderlich Norman Wonderlich Lee Wright David Wuchert Allen Wysocki Logan Yearsley Paul Young

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The Harvest

Lifetime Giving Levels

NAME

CHAPTER-SCHOOL

Founders’ Circle A.J. Jacques Malone Mitchell

Order of the Brotherhood

Norberta Modliszewski Kirby Barrick Dick Bere Douglas Eckrote Mike Jackson Steven Newcom Gene Swackhamer David Sunderland

Bill Hantke Samuel Davis Bradley Gungoll Doug Jackson Lee Larkin Doyle Jacklin Russ Mawby John Douthat Bernie Lester Richard Chase Randy Stoecker Bill Boehm 24 SICKLE & SHEAF

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TOTAL # OF GIFTS

33 1

$500,000 – $999,999

Alpha-Illinois Alpha-Illinois

Order of the Harvest

Order of the Shield

$1,000,000 – $4,999,999 Pi-Oklahoma State Pi-Oklahoma State

Philip Francis Gene Lemon

NAME

22 46

$100,000 – $499,999

3 Beta-Ohio State 73 Beta-Ohio State 17 Delta-Purdue 22 Delta-Purdue 40 Delta-Purdue 42 Delta-Purdue 73 Epsilon-North Dakota State 3 Iota-Wisconsin-Madison 13 Nu-North Carolina State 35 Pi-Oklahoma State 2 Pi-Oklahoma State 6 Pi-Oklahoma State 29 Sigma-Washington State 62 Tau-Michigan State 101 Alpha Gamma-Florida 25 Alpha Zeta-Kansas State 57 Alpha Zeta-Kansas State 8 Alpha Zeta-Kansas State 62 Alpha Psi-UWRiver Falls 113

CHAPTER-SCHOOL

TOTAL # OF GIFTS

$50,000 – $99,999

Fobes 3 Groves, Inc. 1 Steven Gerdes Alpha-Illinois 6 Larry Gerdes Alpha-Illinois 11 Bill Richards Beta-Ohio State 17 Thomas Timmer Beta-Ohio State 7 Rick Carpenter Gamma-Penn State 70 William Yerkes Gamma-Penn State 24 Sandy Belden Delta-Purdue 56 Byram Dickes Delta-Purdue 38 Gregory Halverson Epsilon-North Dakota State 7 Al Johnson Epsilon-North Dakota State 52 Corey Martin Epsilon-North Dakota State 13 Jerry Puppe Epsilon-North Dakota State 41 Jim Borel Eta-Iowa State 45 Sigmund Cornelius Eta-Iowa State 41 David Van Wert Eta-Iowa State 46 Steve Ellis Theta-Missouri 86 Charlie Napier Theta-Missouri 33 Robert Wheeler Theta-Missouri 9 Karl Drye Iota-Wisconsin-Madison 27 Russell Schuler Iota-Wisconsin-Madison 2 Arthur Tab Williams Nu-North Carolina State 3 Glenn Stith Omicron-Kentucky 20 Ray Beck Pi-Oklahoma State 3 Jeffrey Bode Pi-Oklahoma State 4 Gary Clark Pi-Oklahoma State 27 Joe Hinz Pi-Oklahoma State 16 James Sigmon Pi-Oklahoma State 13 Dennis Slagell Pi-Oklahoma State 17 Donald De Jong Chi-Cal Poly 32 Ole Meland Chi-Cal Poly 40 Steve Burgess Alpha Zeta-Kansas State 27 Loren Kruse Alpha Zeta-Kansas State 75 Doug Weyer Alpha Zeta-Kansas State 50 Donnie Smith Alpha Kappa-Tennessee Knoxville 4 Phillip Nichols Alpha Tau-Western Illinois 13

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We recognize those Brothers with cumulative lifetime giving of $50,000 or more to the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho prior to August 1, 2016, and indicated the number of gifts made during their lifetime. Thank you all for your generous and continued support of AGR.

The Harvest

Loyalty Fund for AGR The 2015-16 Loyalty Fund for AGR: Giving for Our Purpose enables the Foundation to support programs for the National Fraternity including scholarships, leadership seminars, recruitment schools, adviser forums, matching funds, and more.

Four Pillars Society

Grand President’s Society

2015-16 Four Pillars Society membership is based on annual, undesignated contributions of $5,000 or more, specifically in response to 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.

2015-16 Grand President’s Society membership is based on annual, undesignated contributions of $1,000-$1,903, specifically in response to 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

Jim & Betty Garrison

Gene Lemon

DELTA-PURDUE

Gene Swackhamer

ETA-IOWA STATE

Jim Borel

XI-AUBURN

Samuel Jones

SIGMA-WASHINGTON STATE

Doyle Jacklin

CHI - CAL POLY

Donald De Jong

The 1904 Society The 1904 Society recognizes donors at three levels:

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.

ALPHA-ILLINOIS

Brett Bayston Joseph Bicknell David Hollinrake BETA-OHIO STATE

Kirby Barrick

GAMMA-PENN STATE

Rick Carpenter Delta Purdue Tom Davis John Demerly Jake Ferris C. James McCormick ETA-IOWA STATE

Michael Borel

THETA-MISSOURI

Larry Warren

KAPPA-NEBRASKA

ALPHA PI-ARIZONA

OMICRON-KENTUCKY

ALPHA SIGMA-FRESNO STATE

Larry Engelkemier William Schilling Glenn Stith

PI-OKLAHOMA STATE

Robert Hodgen Dennis Slagell

TAU-MICHIGAN STATE

Frederick Addy William Hellegas

PHI-CALIFORNIA DAVIS

Gerry Rominger

ALPHA ZETA-KANSAS STATE

Loren Kruse

Kelly Keithly

Ian Burnett Michael Way

ALPHA TAU-WESTERN ILLINOIS

Gerry Salzman

ALPHA PHI-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE

Troy Johnson Cal Willemssen

ALPHA CHI-WESTERN KENTUCKY

Jack Britt

ALPHA-ILLINOIS

William Dimond Edward Dollinger Thad Kuhfuss David Larson Dave Maurer Drew Moore Wilbur Nelson Lyle Orwig Jim Ross David Schick

join this level by making a gift of $19.04 per month (or $228.48 per fiscal year) to the Loyalty Fund for AGR. DELTA-PURDUE

KAPPA-NEBRASKA

Alex Wach

Jason Keck Kyle Zeman

ZETA-CORNELL

ALPHA ZETA-KANSAS STATE

BETA SIGMA-TARLETON STATE

ALPHA PSI-UW RIVER FALLS

GAMMA DELTA-ABAC

Kent Bowen

Colin Russell

ETA-IOWA STATE

Grant Bargfrede Dakota Lueken

Nathan Laudan

Matthew Zajic

Jamison Cruce

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. BETA-OHIO STATE

Jhett McDonald

EPSILON-NORTH DAKOTA STATE

Will Bollum

ETA-IOWA STATE

Cameron Rhodes John Robertson Sawyer Strickland Zack Wilson OMICRON-KENTUCKY

Jacob Mattingly

Brandon Hanson Jon Roettger

PI-OKLAHOMA STATE

THETA-MISSOURI

PHI-CALIFORNIA DAVIS

KAPPA-NEBRASKA

CHI-CAL POLY

Ethan Fordyce Lukas Fricke Tom Waldo

NU-NORTH CAROLINA STATE

Benjamin Alig Ben Cauthen Matt Gould Harrison Jenkins Mason Marriner Joeseph Ogburn

Cody Dean

Geoffrey Koch

James Broaddus ALPHA-KAPPA TENNESSEE KNOXVILLE

Mason Hodge Ben Jelks Erik Wilkowski

ALPHA PI-ARIZONA

Charlie Ferini

ALPHA PHI-SOUTH DAKOTA STATE

Ethan Groos

ALPHA PSI-UW RIVER FALLS

Tanner Johnson Bryce Krull Robin Muenzenberger Matthew Stanek BETA THETA-

Middle Tennessee Tyler Witt BETA MU-AUSTIN PEAY

Austin Henley

BETA NU-TEXAS A & M

Chase Hale

BETA PSI-DVU

Brent Weiss

John Welser Dave Willetts

PHI-CALIFORNIA DAVIS

Bill Carriere Ken McCorkle Jeremy Turner Chi Cal Poly Jeffrey Sanders

ALPHA GAMMA-FLORIDA

BETA-OHIO STATE

Barry Bustillo Bernie Lester Paul Willis

GAMMA-PENN STATE

ALPHA DELTA-MONTANA STATE

Karl Warnke

Tom Scott John Shearer

DELTA-PURDUE

Wayne Beehler Joseph Coffey Dick Feltner Eldon Fredericks Paul Lake David Parker EPSILON-NORTH DAKOTA STATE

Keith Bjerke E. J. Brown Al Johnson Myron Johnsrud ZETA-CORNELL

1904 Society: Young Alumni Young Alumni (30 years or younger) can

TAU-MICHIGAN STATE

Don Calhoun Terry Savidge Oliver Williams

ETA-IOWA STATE

Charlie Brown Sigmund Cornelius James Howe David Van Wert Arlen Wonderlich THETA-MISSOURI

Gary Frazier Jerome Graeser

IOTA-WISCONSIN MADISON

Karl Drye James McCaffree Samuel Miller Robert Schwert Bernie Staller Jerry Steiner KAPPA-NEBRASKA

Jim Driscoll Sam Phares Alpha Eta Georgia J. Austin Pugmire Alpha Theta Maryland Paul Weller

ALPHA KAPPA-TENNESSEE KNOXVILLE

Mac Baggett

ALPHA LAMBDA-NEW MEXICO STATE

Julian Garcia Alpha Pi Arizona Robert Briggs Ronald Rayner Alpha Rho Vermont James Carpenter Erwin Clark Alpha Tau Western Illinois Joseph Smith ALPHA UPSILONTENNESSEE MARTIN

Robert Earnest

ALPHA PSI-UW RIVER FALLS

Bill Boehm Phil Josephson

ALPHA OMEGA-MURRAY STATE

Dwight Armstrong Arthur Green Kenneth Myers

BETA DELTA-ILLINOIS STATE

Bruce Attig Beta Zeta Clemson Michael Freeman

Hal Cooper Bob Emanuel Gregory Mullins Richard Wahlstrom

BETA ETA-VIRGINIA TECH

XI-AUBURN

Jason Searles

Stanley Appleton OMICRON-KENTUCKY

R. Thomas Waldrop

PI-OKLAHOMA STATE

Ronnie Green

BETA THETA-MIDDLE TENNESSEE BETA TAU-MISSISSIPPI STATE

Shane Kitchens Brad Garrison

Paul Burrell A.L. Hutson A.J. Jacques Ken Root

RHO-COLORADO STATE

Larry Christensen Brian Field

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The Harvest

Memorial Gifts may be made on behalf of any departed Alpha Gamma Rho Brother and directed to any fund. The Following listing recognizes the Alpha Gamma Rho Brothers and Friends who gave in memory of their Alpha Gamma Rho Brother between July 10, 2015 and July 10, 2016.

26 SICKLE & SHEAF

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Wayne E. Swegle

by Bill Boehm

by Gary R. Weirauch

by Loren J. Kruse

Christopher E. Masters

by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by

by by by by by

Daniel Blakeley Powell Carman Alan E. Masters David M. Minnick Wedge & Wanda Watkins

William W. Ortlieb

by Andrew P. White Mark Pasch

by Leo E. Pasch Paul E. Sendak

by Carol A Sendak Carroll E. Speaker by by by by by by

Sanford A. Belden Bruce W. Brown Scott & Lori Halterman Thomas R. Stierwalt Gilda Wettschurack Charles L. Whittington

Donald I. Wickham Angleo Balestrieri Jeff Benson Lee Boyd Gary R. Bradley Douglas S. Brodie Donald Brown Craig Buckhout David P. Crowl Travis E. Fogler Kathleen Fox Thomas Kalchik J Robert Maney Allan Mitchell William Page Stephen J. Palladino Theodora Petersen Helen Phalen Catherine Steffen Donna Tyo Brian Western Marcus Whitman Gregory I. Wickham Patrick Wilson

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Memorial Gifts

James R. Heuer

The Harvest

Heritage Club The Heritage Club honors brothers and friends who leave a legacy for the future of Alpha Gamma Rho through specific gifts or bequests. Admittance is attained with planned gifts or $10,000 or more designated to The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho. If you have included the Foundation in your will or estate plan, please notify the Home Office, and you will be recognized as a member of the Heritage Club as one whose legacy will “make better men.”

Alpha-Illinois

Nu-North Carolina State

Gene Lemon Jim Ross Jim Zumwalt

Tyler Warren

Beta-Ohio State Kirby Barrick Gamma-Penn State Rick Carpenter Delta-Purdue William Beard Dick Feltner Mike Jackson Ted Priebe Gene Swackhamer Epsilon-North Dakota State E. J. Brown Dale Carpentier Tom Gates Al Johnson Jerry Puppe Eta-Iowa State Fred Bahrenburg Michael Borel Bret Carter Scott Flynn Steve Hanson David Van Wert Robert Vasko Arlen Wonderlich Theta-Missouri Zane Akins Lynn Fahrmeier Lowell Mohler Lowell Newsom Daniel Prosser Kappa Nebraska Ron Grapes Family William Schilling Dick Stephens Charlie Trauger

Omicron-Kentucky David Case Glenn Stith Pi-Oklahoma State James Ferrell Sigma-Washington State Duane Jacklin Doyle Jacklin Tau-Michigan State Russ Mawby John Welser Phi-California Davis John Kidd Jeremy Turner Chi-Cal Poly Ralph Grossi Ole Meland

Alpha ZetaKansas State

Alpha TauWestern Illinois

Edwin Kerley Loren Kruse Warren Nichols Tim Rosenhagen Doug Weyer

Jeff Warner

Alpha Theta-Maryland Paul Weller Alpha KappaTennessee Knoxville Thomas White Alpha LambdaNew Mexico State

Alpha PsiUW River Falls Bill Boehm Phil Josephson Beta EtaVirginia Tech Jay Poole Beta TauMississippi State Brad Garrison

Paul Gutierrez Alpha Pi-Arizona Len Richardson Alpha Rho-Vermont Erwin Clark LCJ Jost Don McFeeters

Omega-New Hampshire Everett Ryan Alpha BetaOregon State Vince McElligott Alpha DeltaMontana State Jim Driscoll

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SICKLE & SHEAF 27

The Last Pass

The Grand Old Man

of Alpha Gamma Rho

by Dave Bechtel, Illinoiss

The National Fraternity of Alpha Gamma Rho has

had only three Executives in its history. Before Phil Josephson, there was Maynard Coe and before him was Sleeter Bull, sometimes referred to as “The Grand Old Man of Alpha Gamma Rho”. While Sleeter was a “Beta Man” at Ohio State, he spent his long career at the University of Illinois, where hundreds of Alpha Chapter collegiate members got to know him as a Brother and not just a distant dignitary. The Home Office in those days — 1960s and before — was set up in his basement at 809 Michigan Avenue, Urbana, IL, just on the other side of the Ag campus from the AGR Chapter house.

Sleeter Bull was a professor of Animal Science and Meats which, as one might expect, was an apt career for a man named “Bull.” Indeed, his name was well known and well used on the Illinois campus and stories of the good-natured humor about using his name in vane are legion. He was more than an icon to the men of Alpha Chapter as pretty much all of us got to know him, and some were like members of his family.

Sleeter would invite us down to his basement to sit around his enormous desk and regale us with stories about his years in AGR and the happenings at other chapters around the country. In his gravelly voice, which was a bit shaky in his later years, he made Alpha Gamma Rho, as a national movement, very real to us. Perhaps, we can make Sleeter Bull very real to the thousands of AGRs that have subsequently joined our national fraternity that he helped to start.

Sleeter seemed to know everybody and always put people together. Lance Humphreys, an Alpha Chapter alumnus, remembers the extraordinary help and kindness he and his wife received from Sleeter. Newly married and in his graduate school year, Humphreys and his new bride were looking for affordable housing. Sleeter knew of a friend who was leaving for a year and put the Humphreys in touch to sublet the apartment. Lance also got to be the building custodian to reduce the rent and, thus, Sleeter helped their long and lasting marriage get off to a great start Denny Hackett, Noble Ruler of Alpha Chapter in 1964, pictures Sleeter sitting in one of the leather chairs in the Alpha Chapter front room holding the attention of several dozen or more brothers gathered around him telling stories before dinner. Hackett remembers that one of the Brothers, Don 28 SICKLE & SHEAF

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Above: Brother Bill Gray, Alpha Chapter's Noble Ruler in 1959, with Sleeter Bull. Sleeter was known to sit in the Alpha Chapter front room and tell stories of the very beginning of AGR.

Livingston, moved in with Sleeter for a semester after his wife Lucille passed away to provide support and company. Brother Livingston helped with the business of the fraternity as the guys living in the AGR house helped with filing of correspondence, reports, and in any other way they could.

Sleeter Bull was a special man, a legend to us at Alpha Chapter. Despite his low and somewhat intimidating voice, we got to know him as a warm and engaging person that would go out of his way to provide help to any Brother or enchant us all with the wonderful stories of the early history of Alpha Gamma Rho. As many of us reflect on college days, we are grateful for our association with this great man. Noble Rulers had a unique

Sleeter would invite us down to his basement to sit around his enormous desk and regale us with stories about his years in AGR and the happenings at other chapters around the country. relationship with Sleeter, as we were the conduit with which he connected to the chapter. I was the last Noble Ruler to serve in that role before he passed away. I also had the unique experience to get to know Maynard Coe well, and later Phil Josephson. I’m well into my retirement and eventful life, but I still get chills remembering the commanding, and somewhat shaky voice, on the other end of the telephone line that said, “Dave, this is Sleeter! Can you send over some Brothers? The leaves need raking!” And, of course, I always went with them in order to be around the great man.

Sleeter, God bless and Rest in Peace.

You are remembered!

Our Roots

1990 CONVENTION, WASHINGTON D.C. In most cases, a white Styrofoam hat may not be considered a valuable item. However, this one is locked in a glass case of historical items at the Home Office of Alpha Gamma Rho. The fashion accessory was worn by Montana State alumnus Cliff Dougherty, a member of the 1990 Convention steering Committee. Dougherty, self-proclaimed “Senior Go-for” at the Convention, wore the hat throughout the awards banquet and auctioned it off for substantial donation during the Convention’s auction which benefited the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho.

Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity

NonProfit Org. U.S. Postage

10101 N. Ambassador Drive Kansas City, MO 64153-1366

PAID Liberty, MO Permit No. 314

Leadership Seminars 2017 Empowering one another to Make Better Men for our chapters, our Fraternity, and the Agricultural Industry

By attending Leadership Seminars, members develop a strong sense of personal and professional growth.

Through high energy sessions, Brothers have the opportunity to network with other young professionals from across the country to share in each others’ triumphs and challenges.

➸ SAVE THE DATE February 3-4, 2017 Nashville, TN February 10-11, 2017 Reno, NV February 17-18, 2017 Washington, D.C. February 24-25, 2017 Milwaukee, WI

REGISTRATION COMING SOON!

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Through the partnership with Sigma Alpha, AGR is able to provide our members with the ability to share a framework for success, spark a fire of enthusiasm and involvement, and create lasting impacts on the campuses they call home.