THE MAGAZINE OF ALPHA GAMMA RHO AGRICULTURE FRATERNITY ➻ SPRING 2019
The Spiritual Path 55% of America’s clergy are in their second
career. Among them are four brothers whose AGR experiences have helped them in their spiritual leadership and religious service.
Honeybees!
Providing lessons in chapter and organization management
A Natural Fit AGR and Agricultural Education
Field Notes
Chapters report on their accomplishments
In Earnest
Why I Give:
Career Skill Sets for Future Generations FOUNDATION DONOR:
Troy Johnson
CHAPTER AND SCHOOL:
Alpha Phi, South Dakota State
LIFETIME GIVING LEVEL:
Order of the Sickle
ANNUAL GIVING LEVEL:
1904 Society
“Meeting today’s AGR members reinforced my confidence in the talent our organization continues to attract and the process we have of making better men.”
DESPITE GRADUATING FROM SOUTH DAKOTA
fraternity almost guarantees the connec-
State three decades ago, one of Troy
tions you make in college and ever after
Johnson’s best Alpha Gamma Rho memories
will be beneficial.”
came just last year. As a speaker at Alpha Phi
Never were those connections more
Chapter’s annual Pink Rose Formal, Johnson
evident than at November’s annual Agricul-
had the chance to see the next generation of
tural Retailers Association Conference and
AGR brothers–many of whom are children of
Expo, where Johnson was installed as the
brothers he lived with in college.
organization’s 2018-19 Chairman.
“What struck me is how impressive
“Several AGR alumni were going around
these young people are, and how polite and
the conference and handing out stickers
professional they were around my wife and
to anyone who was in AGR–it was both fun
me,” said Johnson. “Meeting today’s AGR
and surprising to see who all is a part of the
members reinforced my confidence in
brotherhood,” said Johnson.
the talent our organization continues to
Johnson says he gives to AGR because he
attract and the process we have of making
wants to see tomorrow’s ag professionals
better men.”
get the same career boost it has given him.
Johnson encounters many talented AGR
“AGR really did help me get off to a great
brothers in his job as Vice President of
start, and I have been blessed my whole
Central Geography at Wilbur-Ellis, a leader
career because of that,” said Johnson. “I am
in plant protection, plant nutrition and seed
hopeful that my giving can help ensure cur-
development.
rent and future generations gain those same
“The network is invaluable,” said Johnson. “The fact we are an agricultural-based
benefits, and they also start their careers off on the right foot.”
YOUR PURPOSEFUL MISSION
The mission of The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho is to drive Alpha Gamma Rho’s Purpose of Making Better Men. YOUR contributions support scholarships, leadership development training and experiences, opportunities to make life-long connections and more. Every gift to the Foundation, YOUR Foundation, is an investment in the future and makes an impact in the lives of worthy brothers. We thank you for entrusting YOUR Foundation with YOUR gift. Make a gift today at alphagammarho.org/donate.
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Table of Contents
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96 SPRING SPRING
2015 2019
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Sickle & Sheaf
SRPING 2019 | VOLUME 106 | ISSUE 1
Published continuously since 1910 EDITOR
Dave Korbelik COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Shannon Kehoe
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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Departments AGR E L E VA N C E
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JOSHUA ECKSTEIN/UNSPLASH
News from the Home Office and the world of Greek-letter organizations THE PILL ARS
The Spiritual Path
TR ANSITIONS
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7
18
Honeybees & Organizational Leadership
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Agricultural Education & AGR: A Natural Fit
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Honoring those brothers who have departed Q & AG R
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The Hall of Fame life of Brother AJ Jacques is firmly rooted in faith, family and friends T H E L A S T PA S S
Rex Martin Tria Designs, Inc.
Reports from our chapters
Features
BUSINESS MANAGER
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Take note of these four numbers FIE LD NOTE S
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Grant Bargfrede, John Carruthers, Kathleen Cuddy, Becky Haley, Loren Kruse, Sherry Newell, Matt Olson, Chester Peterson, John Ruebush, Leo Patrick Scheetz, Steve Wagoner, Jeremy Zweiacker
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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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First Year Reflections S P R I N G 2019
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AGRelevance
2019 Grand President’s Award Winners FOUR OUTSTANDING BROTHERS WERE SELECTED TO RECEIVE THE 2019 ALPHA GAMMA RHO GRAND PRESIDENT’S AWARD. Administered and nominated by a selection committee, the Grand President’s Award is given to AGR alumni, age 40 or younger, who have achieved success in their professional careers and made significant contributions to agriculture and Alpha Gamma Rho. The award demonstrates an honorable acknowledgement of the recipient’s exceptional brotherhood, leadership, professionalism and knowledge of his industry. Bradley Garrison, Brant Bigger, Dale Winger and Matt Norman were honored with the award at the four 2019 Leadership Seminars in Oklahoma City, Salt Lake City, Indianapolis and Richmond. Each recipient spoke passionately about the opportunities Alpha Gamma Rho afforded them and the lessons they learned as undergraduates and beyond.
For more information, or to nominate a brother for a future award, visit alphagammarho. org/grandpresident-award 2
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Bradley Garrison
Brant Bigger
Brad Garrison received the award during the Oklahoma City Leadership Seminar, continuing his involvement in AGR which began in 1997 at Beta Tau Chapter. There, he served as Vice Noble Ruler for Membership Development and Noble Ruler before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in landscape management. Garrison’s career began with Lambert’s Landscape Company of Dallas, Texas before joining Texas Industries with sales responsibilities in the sports field and horticulture markets. He became AGR’s Director of Development in 2013, becoming Chief Development Officer in 2017. Prior to joining the staff, he was the Leadership Seminar Coordinator and an Adviser to the Iota Chapter at Wisconsin-Madison. At AGR, he managed alumni development and fundraising efforts on behalf of The Educational Foundation including the AGRconnect Capital Campaign and record-breaking annual Loyalty Fund campaigns. “Since visiting the Home Office as a volunteer and throughout my time on staff, I’ve long admired the portraits of past award recipients and am proud to have formed relationships with many of them,” says Garrison. “Knowing their professional success and contributions to AGR, it’s an honor to join their ranks with this recognition.” In 2018, Garrison relocated to Texas and joined AgriVision Farm Management’s executive team to focus on integrating new technology designed to revolutionize waste management practices for animal agriculture. He is a certified BBQ judge, hunter, Ironman finisher and proud uncle.
A bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from North Dakota State University followed by a master’s in horticulture from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln started Brant Bigger’s career in agricultural research. He received this year’s Grand President’s Award at the Leadership Seminar in Salt Lake City. He is among those who have been highly involved in AGR as an undergraduate and an alumnus. “Many alumni are passionate about our Fraternity and make significant gifts of time, talent and treasure to AGR and have made significant contributions to the agriculture industry,” says Bigger. “I am humbled to receive this award. AGR provided many opportunities for me as an undergraduate and continues to benefit me personally and professionally.” Bigger’s AGR involvement began with the Epsilon Chapter at NDSU. He served on its Alumni Board for 11 years. During that time, he led a capital campaign raising more than $2 million for chapter house renovations and a scholarship endowment. He also has participated in the AGR Housing Resources Trust Task Force, National Housing Symposium and Adviser Forum. Bigger worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Research Service (ARS) in Lincoln, followed by a position with ARS in Fargo, North Dakota, managing a multidisciplinary plant molecular biology and biochemistry lab. He has earned awards for outstanding service as a support scientist and volunteer service. He lives in Lake Park, Minnesota, with his wife, Tami, and three children. Both he and Tami participate in the Emerging Leader Program for northwest and west central Minnesota.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
NORTH DAKOTA STATE
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AGRelevance
The Grand President’s Award is presented to outstanding Fraternity alumni age 40 or younger who have achieved remarkable success in their professional careers and made great contributions to agriculture and Alpha Gamma Rho.
Corporate Partners AGR is committed to offering opportunities 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! ELITE
Dale Winger
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
As Vice President of Halliburton’s Specialty Chemicals business, Dale Winger has full strategic, financial, operational and human resource responsibility for the 1,000-employee, 60-location business. He received AGR’s Grand President’s Award at the Indianapolis Leadership Seminar. Winger graduated from Purdue University in agricultural economics and joined AGR’s Delta Chapter in 1997. Later, he earned a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School and worked for Dow Chemical Company for 13 years in a variety of commercial, financial and management roles. His first seven years with Dow were in the company’s AgroSciences business, where he worked in urban pest management, marketing research and new product development. “People are almost always the most important part of success,” says Winger of his experience as an AGR brother and its impact on his career. “The chapter provides a great experience to learn how to build productive and rewarding relationships. Investing in authentic relationships with lots of people provides different perspectives, and this is very beneficial in large, complex leadership assignments because none of us have the ability to see every dimension of a problem.” He advises AGR members to get to know people. “Ask questions. Listen. Understand where people are coming from and what drives them. This builds trust and great relationships that will endure for years,” he adds. Winger lives with his wife and three children in The Woodlands, Texas.
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Matt Norman IOWA STATE
Growing up on a diversified farm near Washington, Iowa, led Matt Norman to Iowa State University and Eta Chapter in 1997 as he pursued a bachelor’s degree in agronomy. He served the chapter as Vice Noble Ruler of Scholarship and Noble Ruler and was involved with campus activities such as Homecoming Central and Interfraternity Council. Upon graduation in 2001, Matt worked for Elanco Animal Health, beginning with its swine sales team and moving into marketing/sales roles in the dairy business. In 2007, he chose to join his family in their farming operation, beginning as the business manager and becoming CEO in 2010. The farming enterprise includes corn and soybean production and contract swine finishing and manure application businesses. His return to the farm reinforced his opinion that college students should work elsewhere before returning to the farm. Norman’s family farm employs high school and college students as interns to educate them on production agriculture. The business also participates in a farming peer group to help stay on the cutting edge of business and production. In accepting the Grand President’s Award at the Leadership Seminar in Richmond, Virginia, Norman offered words of advice to the college students in attendance, including emphasis on using their time in college to get leadership experience in what he called a “safe” environment. “If you make a mistake now, the world doesn’t end,” he said. “Life will throw you challenges you don’t understand at age 21,” he added. “Leadership helps you get through.”
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Greg Nickerson Iowa State ALTHOUGH GREG NICKERSON IS AN ALUMNUS
New Directors Selected The National Board of Directors is the Fraternity’s governing body helping to set the direction for AGR today and the future. Board members are elected during the National Convention and serve a six-year term. Greg Nickerson and Greg Webb were elected to the Board at the 2018 National Convention. Gary Clark was elected to serve the remainder of the unexpired term for the seat vacated by Dr. Ronnie Green, Chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AGR welcomes these new Board members and thanks Dr. Green for his service.
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of Eta Chapter at Iowa State University, until 10 years ago, his activity related to the Brotherhood was limited. There were occasional visits to the chapter and financial support for capital campaigns. Nickerson, Chairman of the marketing agency Bader Rutter, received a request from AGR’s thenExecutive Director, Phil Josephson, to develop a theme and logo for AGR’s National Convention. Since then, Nickerson has circled back to his roots, attending four National Conventions and being elected to the National Board in August 2018. “What AGR taught me was fellowship and the idea of a community. It helped develop my people skills and confidence,” said Nickerson. “I’ve carried that throughout my career.” Nickerson raised pigs and sheep on the family farm in Iowa to pay his way through college, earning a degree in agricultural journalism. He was a reporter at the Des Moines Register, a broadcaster for a radio and television station, and did communications work for two commodity futures consulting organizations before joining Bader Rutter. Bader Rutter has been the largest agri-marketing agency in the country for more than a decade, serving companies such as Corteva, Zoetis, Case IH and Compeer Financial. As chairman, he led Bader Rutter through a doubling of its business in the last nine years and was named the National AgriMarketing Association’s Marketer of the Year in 2017. Nickerson also has served on the National FFA Foundation Sponsors Board and has received the honorary American Farmer degree. He lives in Milwaukee with his wife, Jill. The couple have two sons, Mike and Tyler. “Helping the Fraternity navigate the dynamic world of the contemporary Greek system is an exciting challenge,” he said. “I look forward to serving AGR in this new role.”
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Greg Webb Southern Illinois GREG WEBB IS SHARING HIS SKILLS AND
experience currently being applied as Vice President, State Government Relations, for Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM). Growing up on his family’s cattle and fruit farm in Johnson County, Illinois, Webb was active in FFA at Goreville High School. He carried that interest in agriculture over to Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale, where he was initiated into Beta Alpha Chapter in 1975, eventually serving as Noble Ruler. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics in 1979. Webb says he looks forward to the opportunity of helping the Fraternity remain at the forefront of an evolving agricultural industry. “There are so many young men out there with the talent and ability to drive the future of agriculture,” says Webb. “The social-professional nature of our Fraternity uniquely positions AGR to attract these talented young people to agriculture at the formative stages of their careers, and I’m excited to help." Webb’s career at ADM started in 1986, working in the North American oilseeds processing business. In July 2002, he was named the company’s North American trade representative for Grain and Oilseeds. He has served in his current role since October 2007. The SIU College of Agricultural Science honored Webb with its Outstanding Alumnus award in 2009. Among his many service activities, Greg serves on the boards of the Public Affairs Council and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, and has served as a board member for the National Oilseed Processors Association, the American Council of Agriculture, the North American Grain Association and the National FFA Foundation Sponsors' Board.
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Gary Clark Oklahoma State GARY CLARK, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND
General Counsel at Oklahoma State University, was humbled to be asked to join the National Board. He will serve on the Board until 2022 and looks forward to working with the other National leaders who have shown their commitment to Alpha Gamma Rho. “I want to give back to AGR by providing bestin-class leadership training and meaningful chapter support with the goal of assisting our members reach their full potential,” he said. "AGR changed my life and helped me realize what I could accomplish if I applied myself, and I want others to have the same opportunities I had.” Clark was active in FFA and served Oklahoma as the state FFA reporter. He enrolled at Oklahoma State University to study agriculture education and lived with Bill Dillsaver, a high school classmate and future AGR brother. He was recruited by Pi Chapter and was initiated in 1966. He remembers fondly being mentored by his Big Brother, John Kusel. During college, Clark was involved in Blue Key, Collegiate FFA as president, Alpha Zeta as chancellor, Agriculture Student Council as secretary, and Student Senator. After graduation, Gary began teaching agricultural education and married Jane Wilder before being drafted into the Army. He finished his master’s degree and eventually earned a law degree. He and Jane have been married for 49 years and have two children, Ross and Lauren. Service to AGR has always been important to Clark, who has served Pi Chapter since the late 1970s. When thinking about how he can help the Fraternity, Clark has a vision in mind: "We must do everything we can to make the Fraternity better and continue changing young men's lives like ours were changed.”
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AGRelevance legacy—it’s definitely where my heart is,” said Johnson. With an inborn fondness of agriculture and a genuine desire to befriend and serve others, she was influenced by her dad, Pat Bettis, who worked off the farm his whole life to be able to continue the family farm. She feels thankful that he and her mother, Kathy, made so many sacrifices and provided her and her sister opportunities to develop their own paths yet kept them tied to the farm. She is grateful for her involvement with FFA, and the teachers and professional mentors who guided and molded her into the professional she is today.
“AGR’s Purpose is so critical during this pivotal and transformational time in agriculture. AGR is Making Better Men who can lead a broader and better agriculture.”
Feeling at Home AGRICULTURE IS PART OF WHO CAROL JOHNSON IS, SO IT IS ONLY NATURAL A CAREER IN AGRICULTURE AS ALPHA GAMMA RHO’S NEW CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER IS WHERE HER PATH WOULD LEAD. JOHNSON JOINED AGR AS ITS Chief Development Officer in January and already has begun to lay the groundwork for the future, which includes cultivating stronger leaders for a broader and better agriculture. Johnson was raised on her family’s farm and still lives there with her husband, Eric and their children, Jessica and Evan. Johnson is the sixth generation on the farm homesteader by her father’s family
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in 1878 on Bettis Mountain in Quitman, Arkansas. The farm, which primarily began as a beef cattle operation, has diversified over the years as Johnson and her sister, Melissa, and their children expanded their show ring experiences with hogs, sheep, chickens and even a few horses for trail riding. “Agriculture is my home, my community, my education, my work, my heritage, and my
Johnson’s love of agriculture took her to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business. It was while at Arkansas State she became associated with AGR and was a sweetheart for the Beta Epsilon Chapter. Following graduation, she began her career as a business manager and educational development officer for the Arkansas Cattleman’s Association. Two years later, she found herself at Farm Credit Services, where she eventually served as a branch manager. While at Farm Credit, she completed a master’s degree in business administration from Baker College in 2002. Johnson then began a 13-year career working for Arkansas State University–Beebe in several roles including Adjunct
Instructor of agricultural seminar and business courses, Student Development Specialist, Development Officer and Associate Vice Chancellor of Advancement. While serving on an interim basis as the Vice Chancellor of Advancement in 2016, Johnson completed a doctoral degree in educational administration with an emphasis in governance from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She then joined Arkansas Children’s Foundation where she served as a Senior Development Officer. From there, she was hired as Chief Development Officer with AGR. “Having grown up on a farm, been affiliated with AGR, worked in ag, developed national networks in ag, worked in higher ed, developed national networks in higher ed, worked at a high level of development and advancement across the nation, I could not imagine a more perfect fit,” says Johnson. “I know it’s a divine plan that led me straight to where I am supposed to be—AGR!” As Chief Development Officer, Johnson looks to elevate the Purpose of AGR by discovering new venues to share AGR’s story, engage others to be involved in the organization, and secure the funding to accelerate the Purpose of AGR by connecting people, including collegiate, alumni and partners with its programs, to “Make Better Men.” One of her favorite things about fundraising is knowing people are investing in an effort that can change the world—and, in AGR’s case, it’s changing the future by cultivating stronger agricultural leaders. “AGR’s Purpose is so critical during this pivotal and transformational time in agriculture,” says Johnson. “AGR is Making Better Men who can lead a broader and better agriculture. Any agricultural entity and all alumni will want to be engaged to support AGR brotherhood of excellence.”
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The Pillars
Rec ruit
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it
Both alumni and friends of AGR provide support at the chapter level to collegiate and alumni groups.
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ze
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384 AGR collegiate members and 215 Sigma Alpha collegiate members attended the four 2019 Leadership Seminars held in Oklahoma City, Salt Lake City, Indianapolis and Richmond.
With new member additions over 40 men strong, Pi Chapter at Oklahoma State University and Alpha Kappa Chapter at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, initiated the largest number of members out of the 71 chapters and one new colony.
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Between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2018, 2,343 donors representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia made gifts to The Educational Foundation.
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The Spiritual Path A 2018 research study by Barna, a California-based research company focused on the intersection of faith and culture, found 55 percent of America’s clergy are in their second career. Among them … four brothers whose AGR experiences have helped
Adopting A New Life Path to Service Father Rick Nagel’s career path is unusual, if not extraordinary. He is pastor of St. John the Evangelist, the oldest and fastest-growing Catholic parish in Indianapolis. But until 2002, he was more likely to be at an FFA meeting than at the altar. Yet, the passion that led Father Nagel to receive both an AGR Grand President’s Award for professional achievement and a Brother of the Century honor for success in his first career is evident in his second. As an agricultural educator, he trained other young teachers, conducted Leadership Seminars and opened a new agriscience and business magnet program, STAR Academy, in inner-city Indianapolis. As a priest, he was the first director for the Young Adult and College Campus Ministry for the Indianapolis diocese, founded
them in their spiritual leadership and religious service. They each fulfill vital roles of healing, comforting, bereavement and religious celebration with people in their local communities and in mission locations around the globe. At right: The Holy Bible, foil stamped with “Alpha Gamma Rho” with a gold Coat of Arms, was presented on August 26, 1960 by A.B. Hamilton, who was Grand President in 1958. Each Grand Preisdent since A.B. has been sworn in on this Bible during the National Convention.
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the Race for Vocations and built outreach to young adults at his parish attracting more than 1,200 members. Raised on the family farm in Rensselaer, Indiana, by Catholic parents, Father Nagel suspended his freshman year at college to serve as Indiana FFA State President. “I asked God to guide my way as I traveled over 30,000 miles while giving keynote addresses, challenging high school students through leadership sessions and sitting with peers during one-on-ones to share life experiences and answer life’s tough questions for teens,” he recalls. It was during this time he came to love teaching, facilitating group sessions and guiding young people. Later, he was president of the Purdue freshman class, Iron Key senior leadership honorary president and commencement speaker. As the Noble Ruler of AGR’s Delta Chapter, he learned multi-tasking, decision-making, critical thinking, self-motivation and teamwork. Each skill was applied in his six-year teaching career at Tri-County High School in northwest Indiana, his year building STAR and his three years as the Indiana FFA Executive Director. “I was quite blessed to be able to give back some of which had been given to me as a young leader,” he says. One more stop in his ag-related path included serving as Executive Director for the Indiana FFA Foundation and Leadership Center. He was responsible for a staff of 15 and a board of 35, as well as fundraising, leadership development, visioning and managing a retreat center hosting more than 15,000 people annually.
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The duties had parallels to what Father Nagel’s next job would be. “I discerned priesthood seriously after my father passed away in 1997, and I began to pray about God’s will in my life,” he explains. “My dad, Jerry, was a great man who loved God and neighbor by word and example. His witness inspired me to seek more fully God’s will in my journey, which led me to seminary and priesthood.”
“I have great zeal to serve ... college students and young adults who are lost or seeking something more in their lives.” He entered Saint Meinrad Seminary in 2002 and was ordained in 2007. Over the next five years, he served parishes, the Archdiocese, and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis before becoming
pastor of his current parish. Since then, Father Nagel has expanded the homeless ministry of the church and established sister parish relationships in Haiti. He led a campaign to “Open Wide the Doors to Christ,” welcoming thousands to the church during Super Bowl XLVI. And his work with youth continues. “I have what we might say is a ‘call within the call’,” he says. “I have great zeal to serve a particular demographic: those college students and young adults who are lost or seeking something more in their lives.” Successful in his first career path, Father Nagel is now immersed in his second. “I love being a priest and most fully alive in this vocation,” he says.
Above left: Father Nagel leading a Catholic college men’s retreat on the lake with the theme Esto Vir = Be a Man! Above right: Laying of the hands by Archbishop Daniel Buechlein for Fr. Nagel’s ordination on June 2, 2007. Above: Wedding of nephew and Delta Chapter alumnus Clayton Nagel and wife Tricia at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Rensselaer, Indiana, the home parish of the Nagel family.
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The Spiritual Path Here are the personal testimonies of a pastor, a priest, and a seminarian—all of whom started their career paths in one direction but were ultimately led to a calling in the ministry. It was rooted in the strong bonds of Brotherhood they found as part of AGR and its Purpose to “Make Better Men.”
Life Changing Call by D r. Herb Hiatt, Founding Pastor, Church of the Heartland My background was in the Methodist tradition, like many rural youth of the 60s and 70s. At Purdue University, the AGR House (Delta Chapter) was everything I could imagine. We had great upperclassmen I wanted to emulate, and the academic standards were important to me and quite challenging, too. The closeness of brotherhood, men you could succeed or fail with, filled a huge void I found within myself. After graduating, I spent seven years in business that prepared me for what I thought was my life calling, being a successful business executive. With financial help from family, my wife, Sandy, and I purchased a Buick Pontiac GMC dealership. It was very successful, but it brought me to a question I had difficulty answering: What is life all about? Would a house on the lake or a bigger dealership in a larger city fill this huge hole in me? I desperately wanted an answer to that question. After a close friend shared her life change through Christ with me, I thought, “I’m a man searching for answers; what do I have to lose?” and I gave my life to Christ. I believe without my AGR experiences, which helped me conquer the fear of change and taught me to be willing to take risks, I would not have sought the answer. 10
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I found my future was in both success and failure. I decided to sell our smaller auto dealership and was about to be rewarded with a larger one. The news got out our family was leaving town, so sales plummeted as did profits. I thought I was a failure, but looking back, I thank God for leading me to the greatest calling and vocation on earth. We sold the dealership and moved to Oklahoma to study for this new life, calling Above: Herb and his wife Sandy. Left: Herb pictured with the ordained pastors he supervises.
and direction. My master’s degree was granted by Oral Roberts University Graduate School of Theology and Ministry. My wife and I became very involved with a wonderful church and watched it grow from a congregation of 400 to over 4,000 members. We started a ranch to help young men overcome addictions and other problems. Again I thought, “This is it!” Along with these young men came huge problems and again what looked like success was another failure. My wife felt like we should
My time in AGR set me as a pioneer and gave me confidence and a desire to impact lives. Thank you, AGR, for that “I won’t quit!” attitude.
move back to Indiana to the hometown where we were born and pioneer a church. At our first Sunday gathering, we had eight people, four of whom were our family members. Those humble beginnings have grown into a thriving ministry, Church of the Heartland, with eight church campuses in north central Indiana. The leadership seeds and training from AGR helped us to also develop North Central Indiana Bible College and scores of ordained men and women in full- and part-time ministries. My time in AGR set me as a pioneer and gave me confidence and a desire to impact lives. Thank you, AGR, for that “I won’t quit!” attitude and for giving me a pioneering spirit that did not just change my life but changed the lives of hundreds of others, too. Thank you, Lord, for making this lifelong adventure fruitful and fulfilling!
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God’s Agenda by R ev. Thomas J. (T.J.) Hart, Pastor, Immaculate Conception Church and St. Matthew Church, Recipient, Brother of the Century Award My life began as the youngest of 10 children on a dairy farm north of Morrilton, Arkansas. It is known as Catholic Point in the foothills of the Ozarks. My parents were hard workers dedicated to their family, and we were at Mass every Sunday and helping the church any way we could. After high school, attendance at the University of Arkansas was my next target, where a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business was obtained and certified me as a Razorback in 1992! During college, the AGR brotherhood gave me a sense of belonging and a home away from home with others I had a lot in common with through agriculture. Following college, I spent eight years as a grain merchandiser and an assistant manager at a grain elevator in southern Arkansas. I then was in sales and management with SF Services Cooperative in Little Rock, and eventually Farm Bureau Insurance as an agent for a year. During my tenure with Farm Bureau, I was happy and doing well, but my life was not at peace. I went through a search for the missing link, which led me to the priesthood through a youth conference in June of 2000. This career option
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was on my mind since I was eight years old as an altar server. I was not really listening to God, but God never gives up.
The priesthood vocation is a very rewarding vocation but at times challenging. I am with people in their happiest times as well as their most difficult times. Instead of selling life, home, auto and health insurance, I am now selling insurance for the salvation of souls. My life is a living testament to having one’s agenda instead of having God’s agenda. My ministerial life began with the seminary in 2001 at age 30. My priesthood ordination occurred June 30, 2007, for the Diocese of Little Rock. My first assignment as a priest was in Hot Springs as an associate. My first pastor assignment was in Magnolia, St. Louis and Camden, Arkansas, at Immaculate
Heart of Mary Catholic Church; then at Immaculate Heart of Mary, North Little Rock; and since June 2016 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Blytheville and St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Osceola. The priesthood vocation is a very rewarding vocation but at times challenging. I am with people in their happiest times as well as their most difficult times, as I am an instrument of God’s love and peace. He gives me the grace to do His will daily. When I visit the sick and elderly, the ministry of presence is powerful, and I am there to give them God’s love. He helps them carry their crosses. The ministry to the sick and elderly comes through my mother, as she would take me with her to visit them when I was growing up. She was busy raising 10 children, working on the farm, gardening and milking cows, but she always made time to visit
the homebound and bring the Eucharist to them to feed them spiritually. I also have made six mission trips to Haiti in 10 years, where our focus is feeding and educating school children. It’s essential for faith communities to work together to achieve a common goal to provide medical care and help save lives. The people in Haiti don’t have much materially, but they do have their faith and love of God. It’s truly a humbling experience to bring the sacraments to the people of God. There is no doubt God wants us to be truly happy with Him on our earthly journey and with Him in Heaven. My vocation is to serve, not to be served, and it gives me happiness, joy and much peace. In turn, I spread joy with all those I meet and serve. Below: Fr. Hart stands among the school children of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, a kindergarten through 6th grade Catholic school in Marmont, Haiti.
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The Spiritual Path (Continued) Pastoral Awareness by M att Olson, Lutheran Seminarian My hometown was Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, where my father and uncle own and operate the 1,100-acre, 60-cow dairy which has been in the family since my great-great-great-grandfather moved from Norway to Door County in 1872. Throughout my childhood, the church was my community—a place where I saw my extended family, made friends, assisted in various missions and learned from others what a community could be. My community supported me, guided me and molded me into the man I am today; I was afforded a strong foundation and understanding of what a community means. I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned a degree studying life sciences communication. In 2015, I was elected Noble Ruler of Iota Chapter. I faced extraordinary responsibilities; it was finding my faith that enabled me to persevere through those challenges. Near the end of my year as Noble Ruler, three of my friends and peers in AGR experienced separate mental health crises and made multiple attempts at suicide within a month. It felt like my responsibility to care for these friends, and as a leader, it was my duty to provide emotional stability and support for the other 12
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60 members of the chapter at the same time. When combined with work and school, I was overwhelmed and looking for someone to help me tread the deep waters. During the first crisis, our Chapter’s Adviser prayed with the whole chapter; that prayer was a comforting moment.
It was clarity in a time of chaos and confusion, and the first time I felt the comfort and strength God provides. That pivotal moment enabled me to lead and effectively care for the three who were experiencing crises and the other members. This was the first time I remember truly leaning on God and allowing Him to take my burdens. It was clarity in a time of chaos and confusion, and the first time I felt the comfort and strength God provides. That pivotal moment enabled me to lead and effectively care for the three who were experiencing crises and the other members. To my surprise, this was my first
experience in pastoral awareness and care. In May 2016, I joined Charleston|Orwig, a public relations and marketing firm in Hartland, Wisconsin. I serve as an account executive working with awesome clients including Zoetis Genetics, Vytelle (an innovative cattle reproduction technology company), Hoard’s Dairyman, Salford Group, CoBank, the Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. My areas of expertise are public relations, corporate social responsibility and crisis communication. During this same time, I became involved in my new church family at Christ Our Savior in Sussex, Wisconsin, guiding a small group of confirmation students, chaperoning a high school mission trip to Washington, D.C., joining a Bible study group, singing in the church choir and serving as an assistant lay minister for worship. While working full time, in fall 2018 I started studying full time through Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, in a distributed learning model. This model includes online and virtual learning as well as oneweek intensive courses. Typical students complete their seminary education in four years—three years of coursework and one year of internship with a congregation. While I am only beginning my journey, I have faith God knows where the future path will take me.
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LESSONS IN ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT
A RECENT CONVERSATION WITH Alpha Zeta Chapter member Rogan Tokach revealed an interesting similarity between a healthy Alpha Gamma Rho Chapter and a beehive! According to Kansas State University AGR Tokach, “Both rely on effective communication, organization, a sense of order and respect for the one in charge.” Tokach should know, too. He has immersed himself in learning about, caring for and educating others about honeybees since he first discovered them at his county fair between seventh and eighth grade. He encountered a honeybee observation hive at the fair and has been fascinated with their interaction ever since. He is currently a junior majoring in agronomy and minoring in entomology at Kansas State. According to Tokach, communication is key in a beehive as well as a chapter house. He said, “How bees interact with each other is similar to brothers in a chapter. There is a sort of ‘dance’ both do as they learn how to get along with
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“How bees interact with each other is similar to brothers in a chapter. There is a sort of ‘dance’ both do as they learn how to get along with each other and identify resources that are needed to get work done.”
each other and identify resources that are needed to get work done (for bees, that’s nectar and pollen) and fulfill necessary roles.” Even important beehive and chapter roles are similar. The queen bee is in charge of a beehive just as a chapter Noble Ruler is in charge, and both realize they cannot get everything done by themselves. Internal communication helps bees and AGR members work to communicate within their respective ‘hives.’ The nurse bee takes care of the younger bees much like Big Brothers nurture and take care of their Little Brothers. The worker bees go out into the world as do brothers who graduate. There is still a connection to the chapter even though it is more distant. When talking with Tokach, it quickly becomes evident how passionate and knowledgeable he is about honeybees. He got his start through a scholarship from the Kansas Honey Producers Association (KHPA), and he has learned primarily through handson experience. His first scholarship provided him a hive, bees, two suits and the necessary equipment to start his own beehive with his sister. The award also provided a mentor much like Alpha Gamma Rho Chapter Advisers. Tokach expanded his honeybee outreach over the years through 4-H and FFA.
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The money he is currently generating is teaching residents in Guatemala and Honduras how to take care of their honeybees, to pollinate and to produce more fruit for their families.
Left: Rogan and his research partner are looking at the hive scales and recoding initial weights to help them determine when nectar flow is occurring for their research project
Heifer International
®
Heifer International® is a global nonprofit working to eradicate poverty and hunger through sustainable, values-based holistic community development. Heifer distributes animals, along with agricultural and values-based training, like the training through Tokach’s project, to families in need around the world as a means of providing self-sufficiency.
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His participation in a countywide 4-H SPIN or ‘special interest’ 4-H club called Brown’s Busy Beekeepers helped deepen his commitment to educating others about honeybees. By his second year in the project, he was producing so much honey he realized it could serve a larger purpose. His family had previously been involved in Heifer International® so it made sense to him to develop a service project by selling his jars of honey and donating the proceeds back to the organization. “Honey for Heifer” emerged as Tokach’s service project with an annual goal of selling 150 jars of honey. He could sell a one-pound jar of honey for $10, so selling 150 jars enabled him to buy 50 hives for communities in need. The money he is currently generating is teaching residents in Guatemala and Honduras how to take care of their honeybees, to pollinate and to produce more fruit for their families. A second project separate from “Honey for Heifer” reflected Tokach’s desire to bring beekeeping to his home county of Dickinson County, Kansas. Growing up in Abilene, he wanted to help people become educated on the costs involved in becoming hobby beekeepers. Through a second KHPA
grant, he received two more hives and equipment to start another bee farm at a local retirement community. This allowed people to avoid high start-up costs, experiment and learn about beekeeping before deciding whether to continue with their enterprise. The desire to experiment explains why Tokach has worked as a Kansas State research assistant to gain general research knowledge, and for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in North Dakota. There he studied how land-use change was affecting honeybee health. Being detail-oriented with a strong curiosity, he hopes to one day work for a university doing research trials with honeybees. Tokach equates his future academic pursuits to beekeeping. He says, “Beekeeping is an organizational thing. Bees have to stay on top of the work, make sure everything is running smoothly, and then they’re rewarded with good experiences and honey.” For Tokach, that’s a chance to impact the industry by researching important issues in honeybee production such as affects of insecticides and pesticides. Learning how to make agronomic practices safer for beekeepers is one of his personal goals. Obtaining a graduate degree from a reputable university with a beekeeping program is in his plan. When asked about challenges Tokach has experienced while working with honeybees, he mentioned the importance of having a strong enough colony to survive the winter. Problems such as the varroa mite and collapse disorder can prevent a colony from surviving until spring. Collapse disorder occurs when a majority of worker bees in a colony disappear and leave behind a queen, plenty of food and a few nurse bees to care for the remaining immature bees and the queen. Sounds like another lesson for an AGR Chapter—straight from honeybees!
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Field Notes
ETA CHAPTER Iowa State
Elementary Students Learn About Food and Agriculture LAST FALL THE MEN OF ETA CHAPTER AT IOWA STATE
buy grapes, oranges, strawberries, Cheez-its (to repre-
University helped to kick start a project called “ISU
sent cheese), or popcorn for $1 each. The children were
4U Promise,” a program through which brothers
given three “Ag Bucks” or dollars to buy one of the items
educate students in the Des Moines metropolitan
while learning the source of the product and the areas in
area about agriculture.
the United States with the ideal environmental factors to
Two schools, King and Moulton Elementary schools, are
support its production.
included in the program. The elementary students who
Past topics have included wind energy, beef cattle,
participate are rewarded with financial assistance if they
dairy products, rivers and water quality, pigs and
choose to attend Iowa State University when ready
much more. King Elementary students also tour the
for college. Since the students often don’t have an
Iowa State University dairy farm, followed by visiting
agricultural background, the brothers can provide
Eta Chapter for ice cream.
once-monthly education about agriculture and where their food comes from.
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Eta Chapter loves working with the students and staff of King and Moulton Elementary schools and plans to
In February, six brothers held a farmers' market exercise
continue offering its agricultural knowledge, hopefully
with kindergarten students, who were given the choice to
also inspiring them to pursue careers in agriculture.
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Field Notes ALPHA PHI
South Dakota State
High Involvement by SDSU Members More than half of the brothers of Alpha Phi Chapter are holding leadership positions on campus during the 2018-19 academic year, including two who serve as presidents of Chess Club and American Society of Civil Engineering. Those successes are among the signs of how the chapter has flourished on campus recently. Four members have been participating on three different judging teams, including two for livestock judging and one each for soils and crops. Meanwhile, two new members are on the Interfraternal Council (IFC) executive committee, a group the chapter has not had a brother serve on for over 10 years. Six members serve as ambassadors for the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAFES), becoming the face of the college of agriculture at South Dakota State with the responsibility for recruiting new students from across the region and country. Alpha Phi Chapter is also involved in the Little International Livestock Exposition, the largest two-day student-run show in the nation. Students show different species of animals, organize Career Development Events (CDEs) for FFA members and network with SDSU alumni. This year, 14 members have served on staff and 10 members are show participants. Pictured below are some of the members who participated in the Little International event last year.
ALPHA PI
University of Arizona
Alumni Help Provide Ag Tour Brothers at Alpha Pi Chapter coordinate an annual “Professional Development Tour” during the fall semester, exploring the agricultural industry across Arizona. For the tour, the state is divided into four territories: the southern/western region (Mexico border, Bisbee area), the northern region (Flagstaff area), the eastern region (Yuma area), and the central region (Phoenix area). Originally, it was an exclusive trip, but last year the trip was expanded to other chapters across the nation. Not only did they host the Alpha Lambda Chapter, New Mexico State, but the visiting members were also shown around campus in Tucson and taken to a football game. A visit to Colorado State AGR Alumni kicked off the three-day tour at the Green Valley Pecan Orchard (Rich Walden) and the Santa Rita Ranch (Andrew McGibbon). They provided information about what it takes to
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manage a large-scale pecan operation and the challenges of raising Red Angus cattle close to the Mexican border. Day two included a stop in Stanfield, Arizona, for a tour given by Alpha Pi’s alumni, Jim and Kevin Whitehurst at Shamrock Farms. After the dairy tour, a University of Arizona alumnus at Pinal Feed Company's feed mill and feed lot hosted the group, then it was full circle by visiting Shamrock Foods to learn more about food distribution and supply chain operations. The day's final tour was to Duncan Valley Farms in Goodyear, learning about micro green and composting production. On the final tour, Alpha Pi alumnus, Sean Deacon, hosted the group at Helena Chemical. Several Alpha Pi alumni opened their homes for housing and feeding the participants.
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Field Notes ALPHA University of Illinois
ALPHA DELTA Montana State
Alpha Gamma Rhodeo Initiated
No Hard Alcohol for Montana State Fraternities, Thanks to AGR Leadership
BETA Ohio State
AGR Holiday Classic Benefits Cancer Research Hosting the annual AGR Holiday Classic cattle show engaged Beta Chapter, with members practicing networking skills and building relationships with sponsors and advertisers. The steer and heifer show spans two days, each with two competitive rings and two jackpots. The show, held December 8-9, 2018, attracted more than 525 head of cattle from all corners of Ohio as well as surrounding states. The spectacular numbers and the support of generous sponsors allowed the chapter to donate $10,000 to Nationwide Children’s Hospital through BuckeyeThon, the largest student-run philanthropy at Ohio State. The men of Beta Chapter hope to continue growing the AGR Holiday Classic in cattle numbers, exhibitors and sponsors in order to provide more to children’s cancer research and other worthy causes. 20 SICKLE & SHEAF
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A new signature philanthropy event was introduced by Alpha Chapter in the fall, replacing an event held for nearly 50 years. Seeing it was time for a change, the chapter also saw the potential to develop a staple event for agricultural fraternities and sororities on campus as well as at fellow state schools. Just like that, Alpha Gamma Rhodeo was born. After months of planning, the two-day event came together in late October with a series of country-themed competitions, a petting zoo, a dinner and a bonfire. The competitions included mechanical bull riding, a corncob eating relay, a lasso toss and an obstacle course. Eight sororities and four fraternities, (including the AGR Beta Alpha Chapter at Southern Illinois, as well as two other University of Illinois agricultural fraternities) participated in the competitive events. The best part of Alpha Gamma Rhodeo? It raised $5,000 for AGRAbility Unlimited and had over 15 sponsors with an average donation of $200. The former philanthropy raised an average of $1,200 a year, so the chapter looks forward to its Second Annual Alpha Gamma Rhodeo in the fall and extends an invitation for any Alpha Gamma Rho Chapter to come to enjoy (and compete in) the event!
A revolutionary policy banning hard alcohol in fraternity houses at all times was spearheaded by AGR's Alpha Delta Chapter at Montana State. Garth Grimsrud, a brother currently serving as the IFC President, saw the dangers of hard alcohol in chapter houses and followed through with research that backed up the benefits of banning these beverages. Grimsrud involved the campus by making an offer to increase Greek benefits for following through with the policy. The benefits included freshmen being allowed to move out of dorms and into the chapter houses early, a privilege greatly desired by the Greek community. After Grimsrud completed his term in office, Brother Tory Johnson stepped in and pitched the policy to every Greek organization. By January 31, 2019, every fraternity president had signed the policy into effect. Due to the leadership of two AGRs, Montana State University saw an unprecedented level of cooperation and teamwork from the Greek community, resulting in a massive public relations benefit with far-reaching effects. Several news stations did stories on the responsibility of the fraternities and the level of commitment they have to the safety of students. The alumni of Alpha Delta Chapter heard about the story through the circulating newspapers and heard the chapter's Noble Ruler received many emails thanking the chapter for producing such driven and committed men like Grimsrud and Johnson. Alpha Delta Chapter is excited to have moved in this direction, believing that making positive changes in the community generates member and alumni excitement for their own involvement. Articles about the move can be located at: bit.ly/ 2HeYMPD and bit.ly/ 2HqaSoh
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Field Notes Smokin’ Hog 2018 saw good weather, helping to bring more than 600 people through the chapter house for a guided tour and hospitality. A concert at the end of the night used 40-foot goose-neck trailers as a stage for “Shotgun Rider” from Texas, the musical guest. The event did an incredible job of raising money, setting a new record of $24,000.
ALPHA TAU Western Illinois University
26 Years of Smokin’ Hog Alpha Tau Chapter roasted seven hogs and fed the local community a delicious pulled pork meal at an event that's been taking place each fall since 1992. Smokin' Hog has grown,
in part due to a nine-year relationship with “McDonough County V.I.B.E.,” a local organization that distributes all of the money raised to great causes in the community.
“Without the generosity and humility of our sponsors, community and alumni, this event would not have been possible,” said Jake Foy, Vice Noble Ruler of Activities. The Alpha Tau Chapter thanks its alumni, sponsors, and the entire community surrounding Western Illinois for continued support.
BETA EPSILON Arkansas State
Raising Money for Brother's Memorial sponsored by Zeta Tau Alpha, and hosting a Collegiate College Ministry.
The Annual Greek Rodeo at Arkansas State raised $3,443 for St. Jude’s, but a new philanthropy event for the chapter is being held in honor of Daniel Griffin, a brother who passed away during the summer. A memorial scholarship will be established from the proceeds.
The chapter continues to grow, with the largest spring initiate class at Arkansas State, and sent five members to the AGR Leadership Seminar in Oklahoma City.
Beta Epsilon Chapter continues to have a strong campus presence, including helping to raise money for Special Olympics, placing first in Queso for the Cure
Nineteen new brothers have joined the Beta Epsilon Chapter over the past year, helping the group achieve a cumulative chapter GPA of 3.0.
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ALPHA THETA
University of Maryland
Suicide Awareness at College Park After losing Brother Gary “Mitch” Gryszkiewicz to suicide, July 22, 2014, Alpha Theta Chapter adopted suicide awareness as its philanthropic cause. Following suit of many other chapters across the country, the chapter held its first-ever Alpha Gamma Rhodeo last spring. Attendees enjoyed a day full of barbecue, brotherhood and bull rides, all while raising suicide awareness at an event that included hundreds of other students. The following weekend was the chapter's annual Mitch-a-Palooza event, featuring a pig roast and a celebration of the life of Brother Mitch. It provides an opportunity for alumni to return to the chapter and interact with the undergraduates while remembering the importance of mental health and suicide awareness. In addition, the chapter attends the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention campus walk. The two-mile walk allows groups from all backgrounds on campus to unite under one cause. Last year in total, the University of Maryland walk raised over $30,000 for suicide prevention.
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Field Notes CHI California Polytechnic–San Luis Obispo
Along Comes Hope: Chi Philanthrophy The brothers of Chi Chapter, Cal Poly,
hosted their second annual Alpha Gamma Rhodeo philanthropy, which benefits Along Comes Hope, a nonprofit organization which directly supports families with children battling cancer. This organization was created by a San Luis Obispo native, Jennifer Mulks Wieneke, who battled cancer herself. Along Comes
DELTA Purdue University
Junior Beef Show Attracts Exhibitors
Hope provides families the ability to make their journey to heal, with financial assistance to travel for treatment, creative emotional support, and advocacy to promote policy changes, awareness and education. Chi Chapter raised $3,000 for Along Comes Hope, with the help of California
For 38 years, the brothers of Delta
to come together and work
Chapter at Purdue University have
hard on something they are
Obispo Greek Life and plans to continue
hosted one of the first and largest
passionate about.
supporting the cause.
Indiana Junior Beef Cattle Association (IJBCA) points shows, the Purdue AGR Preview Show. An AGR alumnus judges the showmanship portion of the show.
Polytechnic State University and San Luis
The show also helps members advance their communication skills while developing a new sense of pride by mentoring the young men and women who attend. A long
The most recent show brought in
weekend of taking out trash, tailing
215 head of cattle, allowing broth-
cattle and scooping manure makes
ers to work with the youth as they
for a fun and exciting weekend
develop their projects and their
where brothers connect with old
show skills. The chapter takes pride
friends, serve the community and
in providing an opportunity for the
raise money for scholarships.
next generation of industry leaders Above: Jenny from Along Comes Hope with some of Chi Chapter executive board.
XI Auburn University
Events Highlight Xi Calendar In the last few months, Xi Chapter has had multiple events that have strengthened the brotherhood. The two most notable ones have been an annual Christmas Classic Cattle Show and the semi-annual Skeet Shoot. The Christmas Classic is the chapter's big philanthropy event of the year. It is a cattle show to raise money for the Boys and Girls Ranch of Alabama. The most recent Classic 22 SICKLE & SHEAF
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had over 100 head of cattle registered to participate in the show. The Skeet Shoot is a recruitment/brotherhood event at the beginning of the spring and fall semesters. The last few skeet shoots have been held at Collins Farms, which is run by Jim Collins, an alumnus of Xi Chapter. It is one of the chapter’s favorite events.
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Field Notes PSI University of Maine
Paint Wars Raise $300 for Military In September the brothers of the Psi Chapter held their annual philanthropy event known as Paint Wars. Paint Wars is essentially "dodgeball meets paintball" where, instead of dodgeballs, splash balls and buckets with a mixture of paint and water are used. Much like paintball, barriers made up of pallets are set up as a course. The rules are simple—if a player is hit by the opposing team, that player is out. Each team consists of five players, and each match has two teams, who play a best of three set. The last team standing wins the tournament and gets the bragging rights. Paint Wars always brings out other fraternities and sororities, and last year was no exception. At the end of the day the winning team was “Connor’s Angels,” which included members of the UMaine club softball team. Another event added by the chapter was soap hockey. A huge tarp was covered in a mixture of soap and paint with the outside lined with hay bales to form a wall and keep the ball in play. Each team included three people, and the first team to get seven points won. To win a game, players didn’t just have
BETA SIGMA Tarleton State University
Achievement at Tarleton "The Beta Sigma Chapter at Tarleton State University in the past two years has dramatically changed, we are THRIVING,” says Noble Ruler Thomas Podleski. "Among the seven fraternities on campus, Alpha Gamma Rho made strides that has made us the best fraternity on campus." Podleski reports chapter members hold high positions in the new student program, giving them a recruitment advantage. In these
to beat the other team, but they had to
freshman camps, AGR has the most representation of all fraterni-
battle constant slips and slides on the
ties, giving them access to incoming students.
tarp. This also featured a tournament, which offered a second chance for the teams who lost at Paint Wars. The chapter raised $300 for the United Service Organizations (USO), an organization which provides recreational services to members of the U.S. military and their families. The entire day was a great opportunity for UMaine students and Greek life to come together in a competitive but
Members are also a part of organizations such as Order of Omega, a Greek honor society, and IFC. At the most recent Office of Greek Life awards ceremony Beta Sigma Chapter won half of the honors, including Chapter Officer of the Year, Philanthropy of the Year, Adviser of the Year and Chapter President of the Year. In addition, the previous chapter president was Taleton's Sophomore of the Year. Among Beta Sigma Chapter's achievements is a philanthropy
fun environment, and go head-to-head
event called Crawfish Boil, attended by 700 people who consumed
for a great cause. Every year this event
more than 1,600 pounds of crawfish. The event has raised as much
gets more popular, so the Psi Chapter expects 2019 to be an even bigger year to raise money for the USO!
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as $4,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and donated half of its proceeds to the MS Foundation. S P R I N G 2019
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Field Notes GAMMA CHAPTER Pennsylvania State University
Highest GPA
Gamma Chapter at Pennsylvania State University achieved the highest GPA out of all the IFC fraternities on campus during the fall 2018 semester! The chapter membership's cumulative GPA was a 3.40, which was higher than every other fraternity on campus. Gamma Chapter has the third largest membership out of all the fraternities at Penn State with 86 brothers, making this an even greater achievement.
PI Oklahoma State
Campus Honors for OSU AGR Brothers Pi Chapter has had an outstanding year both locally in Stillwater, and nationwide, continuing to set the Oklahoma State standard when it comes to academics, service, leadership and social relationships on an individual and a chapter-wide level.
America’s Greatest Homecoming for the fourth year in a row. The brotherhood calls this its crowning achievement, as it seeks to honor Brothers Kevin Wilson, Merle George and Randall Logan, who tragically lost their lives in a Homecoming accident 42 years ago.
Every year Oklahoma State recognizes one outstanding member per grade, and Pi Chapter swept, as Kade Killough, Jake Swanson, Clay Daily and Gatlin Squires were all recognized within their respective classes.
The AGR members at Oklahoma State were also pleasantly surprised by the musical talent of its members as they sang and danced their way into the show alongside the women of Delta Delta Delta for the first time in four years. Brother Michael Albright stole the show in the crowd hit “Duel of the Decades.”
Eight members from the Pi Chapter's freshman class were recognized for outstanding achievement on and off campus with the title of Top 20 Freshmen. Kade Killough, Dawson Haworth, Cale Henrichson and Luke Muller all went on to be honored with OSU’s highest honor of Top 10 Freshman Men. Academically, Pi Chapter exceeded expectations, rising to third place on campus. This is largely due to efforts from its Noble Ruler, Cole Dewitt, as he has emphasized academic excellence during his term. Since his term began, Pi Chapter has risen from eleventh place to third place, and members are "chomping at the bit" to take the coveted first place title. After countless hours of dedication, sweat, and grit, Brother Cody Gingrich lead Pi Chapter to victory, along with the women of Kappa Alpha Theta, winning the Sweepstakes of 24 SICKLE & SHEAF
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Pi Chapter is also ecstatic that Beta Psi Chapter of Sigma Alpha has begun to establish a strong presence on campus. Chartered in 2017 and continually growing, the brothers had the pleasure of meeting these women with a dinner at the chapter house, and have continued to build relationships and develop leadership prowess with these outstanding individuals. Finally, brothers are proud of their yearly philanthropy, Winter Bonanza. Headed by Alec Bailey and Ryan Callahan, the chapter was given the opportunity to serve the community with a special needs livestock show. Following this, members facilitated over 150 junior stock showers and raised $20,000 which was donated to a member’s uncle who is battling cancer.
GAMMA ALPHA Florida Southern College
“Swamp Smash” Aids Recruiting On a Friday evening in September, the Gamma Alpha Chapter hosted the “First Annual Swamp Smash,” an event open to all students on the Florida Southern College campus. It was designed to be a pre-recruitment event while also growing awareness of what Alpha Gamma Rho is and what we are about. Activities and a smorgasbord of food and drinks available, including items like fried wild alligator and deer, which were harvested by brothers. Smoked baby back ribs, deer jambalaya, crawfish boil and other items satisfied appetites as well. The meal was finished off with fresh homemade donuts. All of the food was prepared by brothers. The event helped bring in potential new members, aided in awareness of Alpha Gamma Rho, and strengthened a sense of brotherhood through brothers working together to prepare the food while feeding hungry college students. What other organization would do that other than the agriculture fraternity? Gamma Alpha Chapter hoped making the food and serving it free of charge would help raise an awareness of where food comes from and help students understand the job of the American farmer. All in all, almost 200 college students attended the Swamp Smash, and five new members entered the brotherhood in the fall, as well as three new brothers in the spring. The Florida Southern student population includes about 2,750 students, making the event successful for recruiting at a small school.
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Field Notes LAMBDA University of Minnesota
Blood Drive Meets Important Need In the time it takes to read this sentence, nearly eight people in the United States will have needed a blood transfusion. This amounts to 36,000 units of red blood cells needed every day in the U.S. The Lambda Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho has been partners with the American Red Cross for over 40 years for the purpose of philanthropy. The chapter works with University of Minnesota Student Union and Activities Committee on the Saint Paul campus to host a blood drive each semester, and on some occasions, multiple times a semester. A blood drive is a simple process. Volunteers staff a registration desk to assist with donor preparation. Once the donor has completed a short orientation, a nurse will run a couple of brief blood tests to check
iron levels and any major issues. When this is complete, the nurse escorts the donor to either a recliner with all of the equipment, or in Lambda’s recent drive, a bus. Anyone who is hesitant to donate blood has nothing to fear, as every Red Cross volunteer is a professional and has performed the procedure many times. Lambda Chapter has hosted many successful blood drives over the course of its history. During the most recent drive February 12, the chapter’s goal, in conjunction with the Red Cross, was 22 donors in six hours. The goal was exceeded— 29 donors visited the drive. Each blood donation can save up to three lives. Lambda Chapter is proud to know its success makes a major impact in the local community with only a small investment of resources.
IOTA University of Wisconsin—Madison
50 Years of Mendota Sunsets Iota Chapter at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its current chapter house. In 1969, the collegiate brothers of Iota relocated from the west side campus to the shores of beautiful Lake Mendota. Corresponding with the move was the establishment of the AGR Iota Educational Foundation, which has provided brothers with substantial financial assistance throughout
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the years. Several improvements and replacements have been made to the house in recent years, including water heaters, carpets, security system, fresh paint and a deck remodeling. Although much work has been done to improve the house over the years, new projects are always being undertaken. Last fall, extensive flooding caused substantial damage to the shoreline masonry and recently completed
landscaping; reworking the shoreline will be a major project in 2019. Other items that may be replaced in the next few years include the patio furniture, the heating and air conditioning units, and reupholstering the chapter room furniture. To celebrate the 50th anniversary milestone, Iota Chapter’s Founders Day celebrations are bigger than ever this year (April 5 and 6). Alumni were invited to return to campus and partake in celebrations including a kickoff with Era Dinners at several venues throughout the city. The following morning's schedule was expanded to include visits to past chapter houses and the Chazen Art Museum, the largest art museum located on any Big Ten campus. Culminating the celebratory activities, the Founders Day Banquet invited special guests Mike Leckrone, legendary band director of the UW Marching Band, and Bernie Staller, AGR Grand President.
PHI
University of California Davis
Phi and Phood: New Philanthrophy Drive Phi Chapter is currently planning and executing a brand new philanthropy called Phood Drive. The two purposes of Phood Drive are to collect non-perishable food items from the Davis community and donate them to the on-campus food pantry to raise awareness about issues in the food system as it relates to food waste, food insecurity and food distribution (aka WID topics). To accomplish these goals, the brotherhood is planning three major events: a social media 'likes and shares' contest, a WID conference and a community food drive. The conference will bring in students, alumni and industry experts to go more in-depth about the WID topics and facilitate discussion about the issues being faced. The goal is to reach as many people as possible so they are aware of where their food comes from and how it gets to them. In addition, the chapter hopes to bring the UC Davis campus together by reaching out to agricultural/ environmental science-based clubs, fraternities/sororities, and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Visit the chapter's Facebook page at Facebook.com/phooddrivephi to learn more. S P R I N G 2019
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Field Notes ALPHA KAPPA
University of Tennessee - Knoxville
115 Brothers Strong Along with the women of Delta Gamma, the Alpha Kappa Chapter won Homecoming festivities in 2018. The University of Tennessee Knoxville Homecoming tradition is like TAU
Michigan State
no other, and the chapter participated in events throughout the week,
University of Georgia
some which benefited charity. The
UGA Greek Cup Champions
Beef Show Raises Funds for Agrability
Alpha Kappa Chapter also had a
The weekend of February 8-10,
great start to the spring semester
the Tau Chapter hosted its seventh
with a successful recruitment week,
annual beef show. Over 450 exhibitors attended the show in East Lansing, Michigan, coming from all over the Midwest. In all, 363 steers were exhibited at the show on Saturday and 197 heifers were exhibited on
chapter prides itself on being able to consistently place among the top competitors.
giving 20 quality control interviews, a process to really get to know the potential new members before extending a bid. The chapter voted to hand out 14 bids, with 12 new brothers accepting, followed by one snap
Sunday. Sorting through the cattle
bid to another qualified man two
in Ring A was Mark Johnson from
weeks later, reaching 13 new mem-
Oklahoma and in Ring B was Torie
bers and making it the second larg-
Schwartz from Nebraska. The event is completely organized and run by Tau Chapter members with some generous help from alumni and other local livestock community members. All of the Tau Chapter members put in long hours to help run their biggest philanthropy. This year the Tau Chapter raised over $20,000 for Michigan Agrability. Agrability is a charitable organization that does amazing work in the state helping disabled farmers continue to farm. 26 SICKLE & SHEAF
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ALPHA ETA CHAPTER
est AGR chapter, with 115 brothers.
Alpha Eta Chapter participated in UGA's Dance Marathon, which was put on by UGA Miracle. UGA Miracle is a student-run organization that benefits Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. This year, UGA Miracle raised over $1.1 million for families who need specialized care for their children. The Brothers of Alpha Eta Chapter came together to donate and cook over 700 pounds of meat for this incredible event while enjoying great fellowship. Throughout last semester and into the current semester, members of the Alpha Gamma Rho Miracle Team have worked diligently to raise more than $24,000, earning the honor of UGA's Greek Cup Champions. The chapter was grateful to participate in and donate to such an outstanding organization that does so much good to support those who need it most.
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Field Notes ZETA Cornell University
Faculty & Staff Appreciation Reception Recently Cornell's brotherhood hosted the second annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Reception, where all brothers invited professors and staff members who go above and beyond for the chapter and work to advance the shared land grant mission. Organized by Brother Austin Weaver, ’19, the reception was held in February and attendees represented the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management and Cornell Cooperative Extension. A slideshow was featured throughout the evening in which short reflections, submitted by brothers, were given about the positive impact all attendees have on agriculture and life sciences. Chapter Advisers Karl Czymmek, ‘86, and Thomas Overton, ‘91, were elected by the brotherhood to be recipients of the inaugural Alpha Gamma Rho Faculty Member of the Year distinction. Czymmek’s nominators noted his willingness to always promote AGR on campus and even accompany brothers on trips through the Cornell University Dairy Science Club. Overton’s nominators commented on his open, engaging classroom and his willingness to personally counsel brothers and other students on an array of subjects. The reception helped express gratitude for the faculty and staff and allowed Zeta Chapter to showcase itself and the reach it has within the Cornell community, even outside the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. They hope to continue the annual tradition of honoring faculty and staff, and growing the event each year!
L to R: Aaron Harbach, '20, (VNR Scholarship), Karl Czymmek, Thomas Overton, and Eric Bates, Noble Ruler.
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BETA GAMMA University of Wisconsin - Platteville
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Sam Peetz
Sam Peetz, an undergraduate member of the Beta Gamma Chapter, recently completed a study abroad program at Aeres University of Applied Sciences in Dronten, The Netherlands (about an hour east of Amsterdam). The course was in international dairy management, corresponding with the junior's double major in dairy science and agribusiness and Spanish minor. Peetz lived on a campus with over 250 international students from more than 40 different nations and backgrounds. In between classes, he visited a number of countries across Europe learning about different ways agriculture takes shape around the world. Through technology, Brother Peetz took part in the Beta Gamma Chapter's officer elections and was elected Vice Noble Ruler of Scholarship for the upcoming year. He is also involved in Pioneer Dairy Club, Agronomy Club and the Soils Judging Team at UW-Platteville. “While I first came to Platteville and wanted nothing to do with Greek life, I had friends already in both AGR and Sigma Alpha who worked day and night to get me to join," says Peetz. "Thanks to them, I slowly changed my mind until I was initiated at the very last minute in the fall of 2017. In the end, I realized joining AGR was an amazing opportunity to expand my professional network while being part of an organization that works every day to Make Better Men.” S P R I N G 2019
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Agricultural Education & AGR: A Natural Fit THE LIST OF AGR BROTHERS WITH
“I always say AGR and FFA go together. The goals are the same: to make better men.” — ROBERT BROECKELMAN (KANSAS STATE), WHO SPENT FIVE YEARS TEACHING AND LED FFA AT KANSAS STATE
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agricultural education degrees, or pursuing one, is long. It’s prominent in the mix of fields studied by those who have chosen the Fraternity–and AGR is prominent in the biographies of many of those ag education graduates who have achieved acclaim in the teaching field and beyond. That’s likely not a coincidence, according to one brother who parlayed ag education into a lifetime of farm credit work, and another who’s wrapping up his fifth year as a high school ag teacher and FFA advisor. “I always say AGR and FFA go together,” says Robert Broeckelman (Alpha Zeta Chapter), who spent five years teaching, led FFA at Kansas State for five years and then was recruited by the Farm Credit system, from which he retired after 33 years. “The goals are the same: to make better men.”
Kirby Schmidt (Lambda Chapter) identifies another link between AGR and those who choose ag education fields. “The core values are to nurture, give, grow and repeat,” he says. Schmidt began teaching in an established ag program in 2014, then moved on to restart agriculture courses at a different school. While he began college with an animal science major, he soon realized he was interested in working with people more than with animals. Both Broeckelman and Schmidt were also exposed to role models who showed them what they could accomplish. For Schmidt, his high school agriculture teacher was an AGR alumnus, as was the dean of students at the first school where he taught. Broeckelman, from a family of 12, says he lacked confidence until he became involved with ag education and FFA.
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“A FORCE IN URBAN CENTERS …” AGR members provide education to consumers, too It’s not surprising to learn many in the AGR brotherhood have earned agricultural education degrees and gone on to teach and influence rural youth. But another kind of ag education is something Greg Nickerson (Eta Chapter), pictured at left, believes has an impact through the Fraternity … the kind of education people with ag knowledge provide to their urban friends, family and associates. “In the Chicago (AGR) alumni chapter, all but one have jobs not related to agriculture,” Nickerson explains. “They went to school and had an ag background but work in other fields.” Nickerson has spent years in the business of helping educate the masses through his role with the marketing agency Bader Rutter in Milwaukee. He’s seen the need for people to understand what farmers and ag companies do is safe and sustainable. And, he’s engaged with companies who are making a greater investment in that effort. “It’s only going to get more difficult,” says Nickerson of spreading the word about agriculture to the masses. “It’s getting harder and harder to find people with an ag background. Talking with our non-aggie folks is so critical.” Enter AGR. With chapter outreach in communities talking about agriculture, and alumni moving in urban circles, an “army” of potential educators exist. It may not be what’s generally thought of as “ag ed,” but it’s clearly another way AGR is providing lessons to those who are willing to listen and learn.
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Then he “wanted to do for others what they did for me,” leading him to become a teacher. “Most kids don’t know their potential until you help them realize it,” Broeckelman says. The ability to influence others is Schmidt’s reward for his work. “It’s so very fulfilling to see their (students’) accomplishments,” he says. “The classroom I teach in is larger than one room. I can extend my reach through the value of each individual.” “It’s my duty to overflow their cup— so they can fill others’ cups,” he says, citing an example of a former student who is now a college sophomore studying agricultural education. In moving on from his AGR chapter to an ag education career, Schmidt says he experienced a seamless transition of values. “Cooperate, collaborate. That’s normal in a fraternity. We’re choosing to live at a higher standard,” he says. Schmidt also sees parallels between how teachers give back, and how his chapter also worked to give back to the community. “Giving back was ingrained in me through AGR, and through my parents’ example,” he said. For Broeckelman, an ag education, FFA and AGR background continued to guide him at Farm Credit. As a teacher, he was recruited by his future employer and throughout the years, he knew seeing AGR and FFA on a resume was a signal to put that person on an interview list. “If we had those things in a potential employee, we felt we had the cream of the crop. Many of those recruits are now leaders in the farm credit industry,” Broeckelman says. He also credits the National Fraternity for its leadership development and training. The outstanding qualities frequently found in ag education backgrounds create a challenge as well: ag teachers often move on from the classroom to other roles. Broeckelman left the profession after only five years yet continued to champion those following in his footsteps. Schmidt is headed to graduate school to earn his master’s degree so he can teach the next generation of ag educators. Nurture. Give. Grow. Repeat.
“It’s my duty to overflow their cup—so they can fill others’ cups.” —K IRBY SCHMIDT (MINNESOTA)
EDUCATING ABOUT WHAT? When Agriculture is more than you thought It’s not necessary to major in agricultural education to become an agriculture educator. That’s clear from the way Steve Wagoner’s career has played out. Wagoner, an AGR brother who graduated from Southern Illinois (Beta Alpha) in animal science, now works with a team of Purdue University Extension professionals in Indianapolis. The largest contingent of the team works in agriculture and natural resources, somewhat surprising, in an urban center. “So many people think, ‘agriculture is not relevant to me,’ especially in an urban area,” says Wagoner. “Agriculture is a much broader area than we think.” During his days as a collegiate member, even a forestry major was outside the mainstream of what the Fraternity viewed as agriculture. But as he looks back on his years as a 4-H youth leader, he realizes many 4-H projects relate to food, and consequently, agriculture. Today in Indianapolis, his co-workers teach biotechnology and a gardening club helps teach young people about food. Urban farmers are learning how to grow food, even if they’ve never used a hoe. “It’s reaffirming to me as a farm boy. Our urban farmers are so passionate,” he adds.
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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 G. McEntire, 1967 Arkansas State Taylor Martin, 2018 Auburn Frank A. Kozel, 1956 California-Davis Edward J. Armbrust, 1960 Colorado State Ross Campbell, 1946 Clemson Jack Thomas Condulis, 2014
Kentucky Paul B. Sturgill, 1947 Darwin J. Thomas III, 1967
Oklahoma State Tommy H. Birkes, 1950 Tenys E. Parr, 1942
Tennessee-Martin Charles A. Howell, 1963 Joseph Brett Malone, 1980
Maine Manley H. Bailey, 1949
Penn State Kim A. Bailey, 1974 William J. Kincaid, 1951 Edwin D. Sherman, 1975
Texas Tech John R. Abernathy, 1998
Michigan State Ronald K. Hendrix, 1969 Minnesota Bob Bergland, 2002 Howard L. Carlson, 1947 Robert W. Kugler, 1962 Lynn M. Lagerstedt, 1961 John D. Lindstrom, 1953
Cornell Ronald D. Forness, 1955
Missouri Charlie Napier, 1962 Ross W. Weaver, 1942
Florida John H. Love, 1976 Donald F. Rothwell, 1946
New Hampshire Wallace P. Mack III, 1954 Everett Ryan, 1954
Georgia Sidney C. Lanier Jr., 1977
North Carolina State Dewey G. Harwood Jr., 1950
Illinois Douglas J. Baker, 1992 Robert W. McQueen, 1970 Bobby J. Wills, 1971
North Dakota State Gerald Clarence Puppe, 1957 Vincent Montana Maciej, 2011 Earl Carl Stegman, 1957
Iowa State Dale W. Clausen, 1949 Timothy E. Reever, 1984 Donald E. Schwendemann, 1938 Andrew P. Varley, 1953
Ohio State Joseph W. Dulin, 1943 Allen C. Kingseed, 1958 James H. Kyle, 1959 Gordon Ray Flax, 2004 Theodore C. Wensink, 1991 Thomas L. Winemiller, 1950
Kansas State Arnold Pierce Appleby, 1954 Sherlund D. Prawl, 1952 George E. Raymond, 1964 Robert Edd Sterling, 1949
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Purdue Michael J. Emmert, 1972 Harry L. Miller, 1971 Allen E. Orr, 1952 Ned P. Swanson, 1951 Bruce C. Waterman, 1962 Rutgers Albert K. Bollmeyer, 1952 Tennessee-Knoxville Charles Braswell, 1951 John Dement, 1951 James M. Gravely, 1969
Vermont Timothy G. White, 1985 West Virginia Robert W. Cheves, Jr., 1963 Woodbridge Stout, 1949 Western Illinios William R. Breese, 1976 Aaron R. Boysen, 1986 Wisconsin-Madison Ronald Wilson Caldwell, 1953 James M. Halpin, 1971 James C. Walsh, 1948
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Q&AGR
Q&AGR Brother AJ Jacques is firmly rooted in faith, family and friends AJ and Susan Jacques are known as humble, modest, generous people who are passionate supporters of Oklahoma State University (OSU). They also are known for not seeking praise. That didn’t stop OSU from inducting AJ and Susan into the OSU Hall of Fame February 8. The Hall of Fame is OSU’s highest honor and recognizes alumni and former students with outstanding lifetime achievements in society and professional life. Only 177 out of more than 260,000 alumni have been inducted. “AJ and Susan are as generous as they are humble,” said the emcee of the event. Among those attending the ceremony were members of AJ’s Pi Chapter pledge class. In accepting the award, he thanked AGR and his brothers who helped give him a good start at OSU and remain his lifelong friends. AJ and Susan met on a blind date arranged by an AGR brother. AJ proposed to her on the steps of her Pi Beta Phi Chapter house. He majored in ag economics and Susan in recreation. They graduated from OSU in 1975. He began his career in the meats business, then joined the oil and gas industry, eventually starting two drilling companies. Susan became a middle school science teacher. As they moved six times around the Plains, they always volunteered and served in leadership in their communities and at OSU. AJ serves on the boards of the OSU Foundation and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. They support their Greek chapters as well. AJ serves on the Pi Chapter Alumni Board and helped lead the successful capital campaign to build a new chapter house in 2015. Both have been generous donors to AGR and OSU. Together AJ and Susan have funded a chair position in the OSU Department of Agricultural Economics and four professorships in the College of Education. AJ and Susan now live in Stillwater and have been blessed by two daughters and three grandchildren. He is passionate about life. He loves spending time with his family and friends, riding his motorcycle, hunting, fishing and watching the OSU Cowboys. AJ’s motto for life is “There is no way you can have too much fun!” What life lessons did you learn on your family farm? I learned how important it is to be responsible and accountable at all times, not just sometimes. The cows need milked, the horses need to be fed, the eggs need to be gathered and so on each day, not just when you want to or feel like it.
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Each new day presents an opportunity to accomplish something worthwhile.
What did you learn In your career about opportunities, risk? I believe it is not where a person starts out but rather where they end up that matters most.
Susan and AJ Jacques, were recently inducted into the Oklahoma State Hall of Fame.
I always tried to do my best at whatever position I was in until a new opportunity presented itself. If you work hard and continue moving forward with your life and career, new opportunities will always come along. I learned it is important to live within your means and take risks you are capable of handling if things don’t work out like you hope. You don’t want to “bet the farm” on one opportunity.
“Each new day presents an opportunity to accomplish something worthwhile.”
In what ways has your AGR experience impacted your life and career? I see my experience with AGR as a cornerstone in the foundation of my life
and career. I came to AGR with a good set of values my parents taught me, but I believe AGR helped grow and expand those values and broaden my horizons. I have lifelong friends and brothers I cherish; this, perhaps has been the greatest benefit I have received from AGR. The three things that mean the most to me are my faith, family and friends.
How has your attitude about “giving back” evolved? I think the attitude has always been there. It has just been the last few years we have had the capacity to give back. If you have been blessed like we have, it seems like a natural thing to do. Susan and I enjoy giving back to things we are passionate about, especially investing in education and improving the lives and opportunities of young people. S P R I N G 2019
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The Last Pass
First Year Reflections By Rex Martin, CEO of Alpha Gamma Rho AS I REFLECT OVER THE LAST YEAR,
it’s hard to believe it has been a little over a year since I was named CEO of Alpha Gamma Rho. In thinking about the paths we take, I am confident I was being led back home to AGR, a place where I first found a home as a member of the Alpha Iota Chapter at the University of Arkansas. It has been a rewarding year as I have learned even more about what a great fraternity AGR is because of the strong bonds of brotherhood we have. I have enjoyed connecting across the AGR network with undergraduates, alumni and board members and forging new partnerships with like-minded organizations who also wish to develop future leaders for agriculture.
WORKING THROUGH THE TRANSITION One of my first priorities was to understand how the current AGR framework was built, including what is succeeding, what we should do differently, and how we can restructure and make necessary improvements to move AGR forward for the future. I wish to thank retired executive Phil Josephson for his assistance in ensuring a smooth transition.
LOCAL OUTREACH A top highlight from the past year has been the interaction with our chapters. I was able to get to more than 11 chapters in the last 12 months and connect with our collegiate brothers as well as alumni who are so committed to AGR. I attended Founder’s Day events, alumni events, chapter meetings, Adviser Forums, Recruitment Schools and Leadership Seminars.
AGRICULTURE PARTNERSHIPS I had the opportunity to work with long-time and new agriculture partners who all share a common goal in building the leaders of tomorrow. The National FFA Convention provided us a great opportunity to recruit the members of tomorrow. 32 SICKLE & SHEAF
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Sigma Alpha Sorority continues to be an active partner in our combined Leadership Seminars. New opportunities included the Agriculture Future of America, the National Association of Farm Broadcasters and the Independent Professional Seed Association.
“We have begun exploring a new vision for the future of AGR. We must remain relevant for a new generation of agricultural leaders.” RECORD-SETTING LOYALTY FUND The 2017-2018 Loyalty Fund: Giving for Our Purpose enables the Educational Foundation to support educational programs and services for the Fraternity, including Leadership Seminars, scholarships, matching funds to chapters and more. We were able to surpass our goal, raising more than $411,900. With the addition of our new Chief Development Officer, Carol Johnson, we will continue to enhance our fundraising efforts.
hit a home run with amazing events including the World War II Museum and Mardi Gras World, capped off by the Hall of Fame Banquet where we honored collegiate and alumni members for their accomplishments.
NEW FOCUS FOR THE FUTURE We have begun exploring a new vision for the future of AGR. We must remain relevant for a new generation of agricultural leaders, Gen Z, who think very differently than this Gen Xer. We held a focus group to look at refreshing our brand, and we look forward to having our new communications manager, Shannon Kehoe, join us to spearhead an improved AGR website. I am thankful for our strong staff — both new and long-time members — who remain the backbone of the Home Office. As I move into the next year as your CEO, I remain excited and committed to build on AGR’s strong foundation and lead the Fraternity forward into the future.
THE CONVENTION IN NEW ORLEANS The National Convention theme, Explore the Energy, lived up to its promise. The Convention afforded our brothers great educational and networking opportunities and the establishment of the Collegiate Advisory Council. It also
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Our Roots
THE CEO RINGS as told by Phil Josephson
When I became Alpha Gamma Rho’s Executive, Maynard Coe recognized I only had my AGR badge with my Alpha Psi Chapter dangle attached. Maynard knew I needed an anchor to the National Fraternity and had to let go of the chapter affiliation when I was on official Fraternity business. Maynard presented me with a unique all-diamond badge without any dangle. I don’t believe there is any badge like it. He asked that I wear it on all National Fraternity business– and I have to this day. When Rex Martin became AGR’s CEO in the spring of 2018, he beat me to the punch and bought a badge without a dangle he wears to AGR functions. Knowing I couldn’t repeat the same Coe/Josephson badge exchange, I had to turn to a different recognition. I received an official AGR ring in the late 1970s, which has served as a constant reminder of my obligations to the national AGR brotherhood. I contacted Rex’s wife, Kristie, to get the right size, ordered the ring, and had it delivered to Oklahoma City. Past Grand President Larry Warren flew me to the Oklahoma City Fall AGR Board meeting, where I made the presentation and asked Rex to wear the ring in honor of his National Fraternity responsibilities. Rex wears it with pride and recognition as he works as a servant leader for AGR. Top: Ted Priebe, Maynard Coe and Phil Josephson. Middle: Rex Martin and Phil Josephson. Bottom: Close-up of Rex and Phil showing their rings.
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Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity 10101 N. Ambassador Drive Kansas City, MO 64153-1366
“How bees interact with each other is similar to brothers in a chapter. There is a sort of ‘dance’ both do as they learn how to get along with each other and identify resources that are needed to get work done.” PAGE 14