2017 SICKLE & SHEAF ➻ Fall

THE MAGAZINE OF ALPHA GAMMA RHO AGRICULTURE FRATERNITY âž» FALL 2017

50 Years

The fraternity celebrates Gene Lemon

Harvest

Recognizing the accomplishments of AGR

Making a Difference

A former housemother shares her tips

In Earnest

Why I Give:

Dreams Do Not Retire! FOUNDATION DONOR:

L. Patrick Scheetz

CHAPTER AND SCHOOL:

Delta, Purdue

LIFETIME GIVING LEVEL:

Order of the Lamp

L. PATRICK SCHEETZ WAS INITIATED INTO

Delta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho in 1961.

“People do not stop doing things because they get older, they get older because they stop doing things.”

While at Purdue, he earned a BS in 1964 and MS in 1965. In the early 1970s, he completed his Ph.D. from Michigan State University in Higher Education Administration. Scheetz filled many roles at MSU from 1967 to 1997, including Director of the Collegiate Employment Research Institute, Assistant Director of Career Services and Placement, and Adjunct Professor for Educational Administration. For 27 years, he authored Recruiting Trends, an annual, national survey of job market trends for new graduates. Scheetz retired from his position as Director of Alumni Career Services for the MSU Alumni Association at Michigan State University in 2007. Throughout his years as a placement officer for MSU, Scheetz’s role was helping new graduates and alumni prepare for a career by defining their objectives and pursuing their dreams with positive results. “My work with AGR has been similar— connecting, helping, and getting positive results,” Scheetz said. Scheetz served as a Director on AGR’s National Board from 1994 to 2000, was recognized as a Brother of the Century in 2004, and has served as a Sickle & Sheaf contributor for almost 20 years.

He has also remained involved with Delta Chapter since his initiation and serves on the Fund Advisory Committee of the Ron Hurt Memorial Fund, which provided $5,000 in scholarships to Brothers this year. “My campus experiences with Alpha Gamma Rho were very positive,” said Scheetz, “so it is only proper for me to give back in ways I can.” Scheetz is a Vietnam veteran, who served as a 1st Lt in the US Army from 1966-67 as the Executive Officer of Battery D, 6th Battalion, 71st Artillery. His honors outside of AGR and the Army include the Midwest Association of Colleges and Employers’ President’s Award for Meritorious Service and Leadership and the Capital Area United Way Board Award for Outstanding Leadership. In May 2017, he was named Outstanding Volunteer of the Year by the MSU Retirees Association. Since 2007, he has helped with making more than 10,000 wooden toys each year for needy children in the Lansing/East Lansing area with the R. J. Scheffel Memorial Toy Project. Brother Scheetz’s motivation for continued involvement could be summarized by two of his life mottos: “Keep in mind, dreams do not retire!” and “People do not stop doing things because they get older, they get older because they stop doing things.”

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

Table of Contents

9 SPRING FALL

2015 2017

34

28

Sickle & Sheaf

FALL 2017 | VOLUME 105 | ISSUE 2

Published continuously since 1910 EDITOR

Dave Korbelik COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

32

Caitlin Stauffer CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

John Carruthers, Loren Kruse, Chester Peterson Jr, Ted Priebe, John Ruebush, Patrick Sheetz, Steven Wagoner, Jeremy Zweiacker

Departments AGR E L E VA N C E

2

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

TR ANSITIONS

Features In Honor of Our Military Brothers

7

50 Years of Gene Lemon

28

Making a Difference

32

Q & AG R

SUBMISSIONS FOR SICKLE & SHEAF

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

34

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.

35

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

18

Honoring those brothers who have departed

8

Philip Josephson Tria Designs, Inc.

Awards, Scholarships, Donors, Leadership Seminars, and more

8

BUSINESS MANAGER

DESIGN & LAYOUT

Take note of these four numbers THE HARVEST

32

Mike Way is one of the “The Pepper People” T H E L A S T PA S S 36 The Foundation and its mission FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF

1

AGRelevance

Alpha Gamma Rho National Leaders including Home Office Staff, Regional Vice Presidents, National Board Directors, Undergraduate Directors and more, traveled to Kansas City, Missouri for AGR’s Leadership Conference on July 21-23. The theme of the 2017 Leadership Conference was “Experience. Evolve. EMERGE.” which emphasized the planning process of a progressive organization that continues to provide Brothers with superior lifelong personal development and professional success.

Isn’t there an App for That? Understanding, Engaging, and Recruiting Millennials and Globals Jeff Hiller, Director of Learning and Development for JB Training Solutions, spoke on the topic of Understanding, Engaging, and Recruiting Millennials & Globals. JB Training Solutions is a learning company that develops employees throughout their entire life cycle — from entering the workforce all the way to succeeding in senior leadership roles. His speech gave an interesting insight to the history of relationships between different generations. He covered what Alpha Gamma Rho should understand about the new-com-

WHAT IS THE AGR LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE? Every other year, in-between years of Alpha Gamma Rho’s biennial National Convention, a Leadership Con-

constantly have a progressive attitude about recruitment and

ference is held for AGR’s National Leaders to gather and

engagement with the younger au-

discuss the future of the Fraternity.

dience. He advised older genera-

The 2017 Leadership Conference began with an opening session and opening ceremonies, followed by an introduction to the weekend from CEO of Alpha Gamma Rho, Phil Josephson. Updates on current projects of the Fraternity followed suit of the theme as representatives reported on changes happening within the National Fraternity due to past experience, current development, and plans for forthcoming achievements. 2

ing generations of Brothers and how the Fraternity should

SICKLE & SHEAF

FALL 2017

tions to begin with understanding why the younger generations have acquired different challenges, thought processes and skills.

AGRelevance

Whatta Lemon!

An evening honoring Brother Gene Lemon for 50 years of selfless service to Alpha Gamma Rho. On Friday evening, guests gathered at the Kansas City Downtown Marriott to attend a festive lemon-themed celebration on behalf of Gene Lemon. Brother Lemon has been an invaluable resource for the Fraternity for over 50 years. The lemon-everthing event included yellow bandannas for attendees to wear, a “Gene’s lemonade stand” at the reception, and a lemon-tart dessert after the formal dinner. A humorous performance highlighted some of Gene’s most memorable stories throughout his involvement with AGR. Chief Executive Officer Phil Josephson thanked Gene for his many years of mentorship, both personally and for Alpha Gamma Rho. Glenn Stith, Chairman of The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho, thanked Gene for his endless support and announced an upcoming Gene Lemon Legacy Fund Project. Gene took the opportunity to close the evening with comments of his gratitude, but made sure to speak of the challenges Fraternity life may face, and how everyone in the room can make just as much as an impact as he has, if not more.

CLIMBING A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Gearing up for the challenges and triumphs of AGR’s next Capital Campaign Patrick Alderdice traveled to the 2017 Leadership Conference for a special presentation, entitled “What will AGR’s next capital campaign look like?” Alderdice is the President of Pennington & Company — a company that combines unique fundraising, communications, and marketing to Greek-letter organizations for successful housing campaigns. His insight on fraternal fundraising success and facing challenges inspired the room of leaders. He spoke of his experience climbing Kilimanjaro with a Fraternity Brother at 40 years old — relating the challenges and triumphs to that of a strategic fundraising plan of Alpha Gamma Rho.

Shootin’ Hoops

THE CLOSING RECEPTION AND DINNER FOR THE 2017 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE TOOK PLACE AT THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME IN DOWNTOWN KANSAS CITY. Alpha Gamma Rho rented out The Basketball Experience venue for guests to tour the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, touch up on their basketball history knowledge, and shoot some hoops on Saturday evening. The College Basketball Experience is a 41,500-square-foot faninteractive facility which includes skill challenges like “beat the clock” baskets and “make the pass” games to test how well

participants could keep up on the court. National leaders, including their guests, got to compare their physical attributes to current college players and attempt to make the perfect slam-dunk on the many available baskets. After touring the facility and keeping up on the courts, attendees gathered on center court for a plated dinner to celebrate the closing of the successful weekend .

FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF

3

AGRelevance

BRINGING HOME BETA SIGMA Tarleton State Brothers were encouraged to “come home” to Beta Sigma Chapter on June 23-24 weekend to celebrate 25 years of Making Better Men. The weekend began with an open house at the Beta Sigma Chapter House in Stephenville, Texas. Following the open house, many Brothers and friends gathered at the Tarleton State Alumni House for an evening welcome reception. Despite the rain cancelling their Saturday morning golf outing, Brothers met at the Legends Country Club for lunch. Attendees had the opportunity to enjoy a great meal, retell old stories, and renew friendships. The weekend concluded with a dinner banquet and auction at the City Hall Banquet Facility. The evening was filled with fun and fellowship as Brothers heard from speakers who talked of the past, present and future of their Chapter, their University, and their National Fraternity. Throughout the evening, the Chapter sponsored an auction, consisting of items created and donated by various Brothers. Over $5,000 was raised for Chapter resources from the auction. Beta Sigma Chapter plans to use the money raised for scholarships and attending events such as AGR Leadership Seminars and National Convention. The Chapter concluded the night by recognizing four of Beta Sigma Chapter’s founding colony Brothers. Each were recognized and given a framed copy of the Beta Sigma charter. Beta Sigma Chapter feels the weekend celebration was a huge success and the Brothers look forward to the next 25 years of Making Better Men. 4

SICKLE & SHEAF

FALL 2017

EXPLORE THE ENGERGY! New Orleans—home of energetic culture, Cajun cuisine, old-time jazz and Alpha Gamma Rho’s 65th National Convention. It’s a city in motion—a place alive with rich agriculture and colorful charm. The 2018 National Convention will be held at the New Orleans Marriott on August 2-5, 2018. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the Marriott is within easy walking distance from the world-famous Jackson Square and Bourbon Street. Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with Brothers all over the country. Meet other prominent leaders in agriculture, transact business of the Fraternity, witness the 2018 Hall of Fame inductions, tour the New Orleans area, and more! Save the date and start planning your adventure in The Big Easy! Uncover the rhythm of this city and Explore the Energy with your Brothers in August 2018.

AGR NATIONAL CONVNETION New Orleans ➸ August 2-5, 2018

AGRelevance

Connecting through Conversation One Brother helping another connect with over 500 Brothers—that’s the synopsis of what Alpha Gamma Rho Brothers Mike Smith and Del Adcock accomplished in the summer of 2017. Mike Smith is the CEO of Ag1Source, an agricultural recruiting firm that is a national leader in helping agribusiness firms across the industry find and connect good people with great opportunities. He was initiated into Alpha Zeta Chapter at Kansas State University in 1978 and has been a great supporter of the Chapter through volunteer service and scholarship sponsorship. Del Adcock, Alpha Zeta Chapter’s current Noble Ruler, is the son of Brother Jim Adcock, Illinois alumnus, and grandson of Brother Howard Unger, Purdue alumnus. The two Brothers met at AGR’s National Convention on August 11, 2016 in Omaha, Nebraska. They began talking and Mike brought up the idea for a summer internship. The task was simple, Mike wanted Del to join him at his office in Hesston, Kansas and spend the summer connecting with other AGR Brothers. “The lessons learned as an undergraduate of the fraternity include self-control, team work, time-management, and conversation skills—all are attributes that carry into successful professionals in the industry,” Mike said. “Myself, and many clients that Ag1Source works with, place value on being a Brother of Alpha Gamma Rho.” Del was on board. In mid-May, he moved to Hesston for the summer to start his project of connecting over the phone with Alpha Zeta Chapter alumni. After 10 weeks, Del had made 1,383 outward calls and spent 5,462 minutes on the phone. He engaged with 530 alumni, making over 700 updates to their contact information, which included tracking down 25% of Alpha Zeta’s lost alumni. “I would introduce myself as a member of the Alpha Zeta Chapter at K-State, ask for them to update their info, and simply catch up with where they are living, working, and more,” Adcock said.

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

DIAMOND

PLATINUM

“It was easy conversation and I enjoyed getting to listen to their stories.” Del found that alumni of his Chapter were spread across the country, with all different roles. “I talked with Brothers serving in the military, milling wheat in Montana, and working farm retail in Texas,” Adcock said. “I visited with the CEO of California Rice Co-op and the CEO of the largest broadcasting firm in the world, TWR, reaching 4.8 billion people every day with the word of God.” For many of the alumni, this was the first time in decades they had heard from the undergraduate chapter. Del took the opportunity to remind them to not forget about AGR, and invited each Brother to join Alpha Zeta Chapter for the 90th Founders Day event in September 2017. At the end of each conversation, Del would mention that Ag1Source is assisting his efforts of helping Alpha Zeta Chapter connect with alumni and the project was only possible due to their generous support. Now, there are at least 150 more alumni who can be reached with the Alpha Zeta Crescent to keep up on happenings within the Chapter. “That’s 150 more opportunities for alumni support,” said Mike. “What is the value? In our opinion, it is priceless.”

GOLD

SILVER ADM | Cargill | Crop Production Services Lindsay Corporation Midwest Laboratories Farmers National Company | Zinpro

BRONZE Bader Rutter | Zen-Noh Grain Corp

SPONSOR AgReliant Genetics | TS Bank Nationwide | The Progressive Farmer

FIND US. FRIEND US. FOLLOW US. @alphagammarhohq @alphagammarho Alpha Gamma Rho: Social/ Professional Ag, Food, Fiber, & Life Sci. Fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF

5

AGRelevance

See you at the AGR BBQ! UNDERGRADUATES AND ALUMNI FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY WILL GATHER IN CENTRAL TENNESSEE FOR GOOD FOOD, FUN AND FELLOWSHIP. The BBQ competition is open for all undergraduate and chapter teams to participate. Teams will compete in four categories: pork, ribs, chicken and brisket -2018 will be the first year with the brisket category. Team fees are $300 ($350 after March 1st), but first-time teams (undergrad or alumni) are only $200 ($250 after March 1st). The committee makes it EASY for first-time teams to cook, helping provide them a cooker, meat, charcoal, ice, etc. In fact, several first-time teams have won with the provided cookers and local meat. A $45 weekend pass is available ($55 after March 1st) which includes multiple meals

and all activities. Activities include the Friday night whole-hog reception, live music and the annual AGR Olympics, complete with corn-hole toss and rope-pull competitions. Tent campsites and RV hook-ups are available and the event facilities have plenty of space including shelters, bathrooms, and showers. BBQ judging will take place on Saturday afternoon and there will be a large alumni reception and meal during the event. Tickets are available in advance or at the door for $15, and friends and family are welcome. Pre-purchase your team, weekend pass and/ or alumni dinner tickets by completing the

registration form at www.agrbbq.com. The Central Tennessee Alumni Association, who hosts this event, is also looking for local sponsors, volunteers and BBQ judges. Check out www.agrbbq.com for more information.

SAVE THE DATE! April 13-14, 2018 will be the sixth annual Alpha Gamma Rho National BBQ Competition in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Montana State Makeover Alpha Delta Chapter at Montana State University began their renovation project in 2013, when they established the Alpha Delta Housing Fund with The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho. After three years of fundraising efforts, they began construction on their Chapter House in May 2016. Bill Perry, Montana State alumnus and treasurer for the Alpha Delta Alumni Association, is thrilled with the outcome of the renovation project. “We consider the project to be a huge success!” said Brother Perry, “The process was smooth and we have been pleased with our relationship with the staff at the 6

SICKLE & SHEAF

FALL 2017

Foundation.” The primary focus of the renovation plan was upgrading the dorm wing portion of the building. This component of the project included a full remodel of the bathrooms, removal of all previous study rooms and sleeping dorms and construction of 24 new rooms. There are 8 double rooms and 16 single rooms which provide for a live-in capacity of 32 Brothers. Currently, the undergraduate chapter at Montana State is thriving with more than 60 members and strong prospects for continued growth. “Alpha Delta Chapter continues to demonstrate unparalleled leadership on campus and we certainly take pride in their accomplishments,” said Perry.

In the fall of 2016, the Chapter received an educational grant and a fundraising fee which helped to pay down the construction loan, prior to establishing our long-term financing. “Working with The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho has been great,” said Perry, “the Chapter Assistance Program allowed all donations from our alumni to be fully tax deductible, which helped in our fundraising success.” Alpha Delta Chapter is thankful for the loyal donors whose generous support made the renovation project possible. “Their donations will help ensure the vitality of Alpha Gamma Rho at Montana State University for years to come!”

The Pillars

Rec ruit

ber Num w e n r/ of othe sem u o H s tor Direc far so d e hir 7. 1 in 20

Edu cat e

it

ISTOCK: TROPHIES/ DNY59

Chapter Houses with a new Housemother/ Director include North Dakota State, Wisconsin-Madison, Oklahoma State, Washington State, Cal Poly State, Maine, Louisiana State, Tennessee-Knoxville, Fresno State, and South Dakota State.

ze

ber Num ter ap h C of d r s& Awa ip larsh o Sch s r o t a Evalu

48 different Advisers attended AGR’s Adviser Forum in Kanas City, MO over the last five years. Adviser Forums are held at the Home Office in Kansas City, Missouri each summer, fall, and winter.

Over the past year the National Fraternity has had five Taskforces actively engaged in various components of the Fraternity and the Foundation.

Rec ogn i

21

49

f ber o Num rs e b mem ntly curre on ing serv s force k s a T e h for t t rmen bette a h of Alp Rho. ma Gam

27,065

10

Com m

iles 65 m 27,0 led trave ter ap h C by rs e Advis d n e t t to a r e Advis m Foru e in th h it w e v last fi s. year

Evaluators were selected from various chapters to review and select the recipients for the Fraternity’s various awards and scholarships. Thank you for your assistance and dedication! FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF

7

who have donned All men, women, Brothers and friends, Forces, deserve d Arme s State the uniform of the United For this issue, ude. gratit our unwavering support and numerous the of we bring you the stories of just six tremendous price AGR veterans and Brothers who paid a brothers who for the United States of America. Many a Gamma Rho served did not “come home� and Alph have sacrificed salutes the brave men and women who and heroic tism patrio The try. their lives for Our Coun freedom our of ity secur and devotion to the safety to honor nue conti will is an unpayable debt, and we . Alpha come to and support our troops for the years ring and hono in Gamma Rho will continue to do its part n. supporting our soldiers and airme

8

SICKLE & SHEAF

FALL 2017

Care and Excel

NA ME: Jeff Crangle, University of Maine R A N K: Master Chief Petter Officer, Nav y

Jeff Crangle’s time with Psi Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho at the University of Maine was short-lived yet impactful. He recalls Brothers giving their guidance and showing support as soon as he was initiated into the Chapter in 1988. “Unfortunately, I only attended UMO for a year,” Crangle said, “but the experiences, especially at the fraternity, had many positive life-long effects.” Older Brothers within the chapter provided sage wisdom and light-heartedness that Crangle felt necessary to overcome the stress of college. He was also impressed with Psi Chapter’s alumni, and their support maintaining the Chapter house, guiding the students, and offering their assistance for the good of the organization. “The support, friendships, and association in general helped to enforce the comraderies required for military service.” Crangle said. During Crangle’s first spring break away from college, he assessed his future desires and felt a calling to enlist. In May of 1988, Crangle left for boot camp in San Diego, California and joined the United States Navy. After boot camp, he had 18 months of schooling to learn his selected trade of electricity and electronics. “My parents still tease me that I left school only to go to school,” Crangle said, “but that was what attracted me to the Navy.” Crangle learned how to repair electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems, calibrate electronic control systems for gas turbine engines, manage programs, and lead people. “They fully equipped me for what I needed to know to perform my duties, enforced the knowledge with practical hands-on work, and sent me to the fleet to perform the work I was trained to do.” During his 21 years of service, Crangle served in the Gulf War, War in Afghanistan, Iraq War, and War on Terror. “The military exposed me to many things that most never have the opportunity to experience, such as life onboard a ship, visiting foreign ports, and firing weapons in the defense of our country and way of life.” Crangle feels his career was very difficult at times but exceptionally fulfilling. His wisdom to younger AGR Brothers is to be passionate about their career. “If you care about what you do, you have already beaten 95% of the competition,” said Crangle, “so CARE, and excel!” After over 20 years of service and many wars later, he retired from the Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer in 2009.

FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF

9

An Uphill Battle NA ME: A l Johnson, Nor th Da kota State R A N K: Sergeant E-5, Army

Al Johnson, North Dakota State alumnus and Past Grand President, is no stranger to service. In November of 1968, Johnson began his US Army service by completing Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lewis, Washington. Three other Epsilon Chapter Brothers, Darryl Lutofsky, Jerome Narum and Rick Sys, joined Johnson. The challenges of training came from of physical difficulty just as much as it did from the psychological adjustments, which was an unfamiliar way of life for these four AGRs. “Their friendship and support made it a bit easier,” Johnson said. After graduating from North Dakota State in the spring of 1969, Johnson arrived in Vietnam at Bien Hoa Air Base for a week of in-country training as a private first class. Soon after his arrival, Johnson was assigned to Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, also known as The Screaming Eagles. BATTLE OF HAMBURGER HILL

Within 30 days of arriving in Vietnam, Johnson was part of a major assault into the A Shau Valley, one of the key points into South Vietnam for men and material brought along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. His unit was to be engaged in the battle for Dong A P BIA Mountain, also known as “Hamburger Hill”. The Battle of Hamburger Hill was fought by US and South Vietnamese forces against troops from the North Vietnamese Army (N VA) from May 10-20, 1969. Although the heavily fortified hill was of little strategic value, the U.S. command ordered its capture with a frontal assault. On May 14, 1969, Johnson’s unit was one of the first to assault the mountain. Johnson’s company were the aggressors moving from tree to tree, bomb crater to bomb crater, attempting to reach the well-armed enemy 29th N VA Regiment, dug in on top of the mountain. During the first assault up the hill, his unit seemed to be advancing quickly, but was soon pinned down by rifle fire and Russian made hand grenades being lobbed down the hill by the N VA. “ You would hear the grenades land, grab your helmet, and hug the ground,” Johnson said, “The sound was deafening and unlike anything I had ever experienced.” He felt some things happened in slow motion. Johnson’s unit was within sight of the

10

SICKLE & SHEAF

FALL 2017

summit when they started running out of soldiers. During the climb, he witnessed platoon leaders being hit with grenades as well as a young medic who was aiding them. “The medic had less than a week left in country,” Johnson explained, “but, he volunteered to come back into the field when his replacement in the company was wounded.” The young man was killed instantly. Johnson himself had already taken shrapnel from a grenade, but continued moving forward since the other direction was not much of an option anymore. As soon as he realized most of his squad, including his squad leader, was wounded, Johnson attached to another unit. They were moving from tree to tree seeking cover while the leader lobbed grenades up the hill into the N VA bunkers. They were so close to the top of the mountain that Johnson recalls hearing the N VA yelling to each other. However, the unit was now down to a handful of young recruits so the Company Commander decided to move the remainder of the troops back down the hill. Johnson and a handful of others were picked to carry the wounded platoon leader and deceased medic. Once safely back inside his unit’s perimeter, the officers assessed their situation. The platoon of 30+ men was now down to seven with their highest ranking soldier being a specialist. Johnson and his fellow soldiers packed up all they could carry from the dead and wounded and marched six kilometers, in the dark, over thick and hilly terrain to a more secure command post. “I was as exhausted as I had ever been in my life,” Johnson said. “ You just kept putting one foot in front of the other and telling yourself that being left behind was not an option.” Total losses for the US during the Battle of Hamburger Hill were 72 killed and 372 wounded. During the rest of his Vietnam tour, Johnson had some enemy engagement, but nothing compared to that day.

“I was as exhausted as I had ever been in my life,” Johnson said. “You just kept putting one foot in front of the other and telling yourself that being left behind was not an option.”

PURPLE HEART

The Purple Heart is awarded to any member of the US Armed Forces who has been wounded or killed while serving in an authorized capacity. The CO of Charlie Company 3/187 put Johnson in for the Purple Heart because of shrapnel wounds inflicted during the Battle for Hamburger Hill. “It hurt like hell,” Johnson said. BRONZE STAR MEDAL

The Bronze Star denotes “participation in acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF

11

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

enemy ” and is the fourth highest military decoration for valor. Sp4 Johnson, received the Bronze Star Medal with the “ V” device symbolizing valor in combat for his actions. RETURNING HOME

The return home from Vietnam seemed to be much less than climactic. “There were no parades,” Johnson said, “nor did I get spit upon either.” He simply came home and went back into civilian life. Among his Army metals, Johnson has led a rewarding life. Graduating in 1968 with a bachelor ’s degree in agronomy, he worked at Dakota Farmer Magazine until 1979. He then served the Midwest Unit Farm Publications of Hartsdale, N.Y., as eastern manager, and next in 1981 as national sales manager of Farm Progress Companies, Oak Brook, Ill. He later advanced to vice president for advertising and then to president. In 2003, President George W. Bush appointed Johnson as director of legislative and public affairs at USDA Rural Development and later as deputy undersecretary. He retired from USDA in 2009. Johnson and his wife, Sara, own AgriPulse Communications, an electronic publishing firm serving agriculture and rural policy leaders. He and his wife have two sons, Jason and Jordan, and currently live in Camdenton, Missouri. BACK TO THE HILL

In November 2015, Johnson went back to visit Vietnam, after his wife encouraged him to make the trip. Mother Nature had done her work with new growth since 1969, but several reminders remained, including a wrecked helicopter. The Vietnamese have erected a monument where the main command post was located. “That day brought back a flood of good and bad memories,” Johnson said, “But, it did help me a lot.” AL & ALPHA GAMMA RHO

Serving in various capacities for more than 40 years, Johnson’s service includes Grand President, National Board of Directors, Regional Vice President, Director on the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma R ho, the Hall of Fame and Brother of the Century, among other accomplishments.

12

SICKLE & SHEAF

FALL 2017

Helping Here and There NA ME: John Kerby, Tarleton State R A N K: Lieutenant Colonel, Army

LTC John F. Kerby was initiated into Beta Sigma Chapter at Tarelton State University in 1996. Since his initiation, he has held the positions of VNR Planning, VNR Alumni, Vice Noble Ruler, and Fort Worth National Convention steering committee member. Additionally, Kerby was the President of Tarleton State University’s Inter-fraternity Council and an active member of student government as the Ag Services and Development Department Senator. In 2000, Brother Kerby was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Signal Corps and assigned to the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. On September 11, 2001, as Kerby was graduating from a Unit Movement Officers course, America was attacked. Less than two years later, he was putting his training to the test as he packed up a 130 soldier company and sent it to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. His most memorable moment from that time was quickly changing plans from invading Iraq through Turkey to invading through Kuwait. “Over a year of planning had to be recreated in a few months,” Kerby said. After the initial Invasion, Brother Kerby spent 7 months in Tikrit, Iraq with the 124th Signal Battalion, building and maintaining a communications network that was over 40,000 sq. KMs and supporting 20,000 soldiers. The network went from Baghdad to Tikrit, to Kirkuk, and out to the Iraq Boarder. After establishing the largest digital tactical network in the history of the Army, Kerby was transferred to 1-66th Armor Battalion in Samarra, Iraq. Here, he spent 5 months designing and building the communications for Forward Operating Base Brassfield-Mora. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for his hard work and dedication to the mission. BAGHDAD SURGE

After returning home for 3 years, Kerby went back to Iraq for the Baghdad surge (Operation Iraqi Freedom) in 2007 with 1-28th Infantry Battalion from Fort Riley, Kansas. During this 15 month deployment, he established internet and voice communications in new Company Outposts within Baghdad. Overnight parking lots and buildings were converted into life support areas for over 250 Infantryman each. As the surge continued, more Military Transition

Teams where needed to train the Iraqi Army. In October 2007, he was selected to join 2-2-11 Iraqi Army Battalion as an advisor. “One of my most memorable moments was driving a F-350 pickup truck in Baghdad with an Iraqi machine gunner in the truck bed,” Kerby said, “that’s something that most American soldiers do not get to do.” Brother Kerby was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal and a Combat Action Badge for his work with the Baghdad Surge. OPERATION NEW DAWN

In May 2008, Kerby returned home and transferred to the Texas Army National Guard where he took command of the 36th Infantry Division Signal Company. In 2010, he deployed them to Basra, Iraq for the transition of Iraq back to the Iraqi Government, also known as Operation New Dawn. While in Iraq, his 135 Soldier Company provided internet and telephone communications to over 2/3 of Coalition forces in Iraq. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal and a Meritorious Service Medal for his service in Operation New Dawn. OPERATION SPARTAN SHIELD

In June 2016, Kerby returned from a 9 month deployment to Kuwait. During this time he was the Battalion Executive Officer of the 136th Expeditionary Signal Battalion for Operation Spartan Sheild. While in the Middle East, his unit provided communications to 23 sites in 7 countries. Kerby was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal for this operation. HELPING AT HOME

Today, Brother Kerby is the Battalion Commander of the 136th Expeditionary Signal Battalion in Houston, Texas. His 500 Soldier Battalion is located in Alabama, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas. They are prepared to provide communications support to the Gulf States in case of Natural Disasters and Hurricanes. His Texas Soldiers supported the communications of military units that deployed in support of Hurricane Harvey in addition to supporting the Houston area officials with disaster analysis teams. At the time of this writing, his Louisiana and Alabama Companies were receiving warning orders to be prepared to support Florida after Hurricane Irma.

FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF

13

From Farm to flight

NA ME: Wa lter Hughes , Californ ia-Davi s R A N K: 1st Lieuten ant, Air Force

A FARM KID FROM CALIF ORNIA

Like the majorit y of AGR brother s of his genera tion, Walter Hughes was a farm kid. Gradua ting from Santa Barbara (Califor nia) High School in 1940, Walter and his sibling s funded their college educati on via their 4-H

club dairy cows. The second of the five childre n, Walter headed home to tend to the herd after high school, until the third brother gradua ted in 1941. Shortly thereaf ter, Walter followe d suit with his brother s and entered the Agricu lture College in Davis, Califor nia. He knew of Alpha Gamma R ho Fratern ity from an older cousin, and joined Phi

“I entered the [Alpha Gamma Rho] house in fall of ’41…I was in my room studying when word of Pearl Harbor came over the radio.” — WALTER HUGHES

14

SICKLE & SHEAF

FALL 2017

Chapte r in the fall of 1941. A few months later, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor , and the United States was thrust into World War II. Severa l weeks after that cold Decemb er day, a Japane se subma rine emerge d off the Califor nia coast and shelled the oil fields at Elwood , California. Three of the shells explode d in the field where the Hughes brother s’

cattle were pasture d. It had hit home, in this case, literall y, that Walter was going to war. FROM AG TO AIR

In June of 1942, the draft board gave Walter an inducti on date of August 1, 1942. A few days later, Walter enliste d in the Army Air Force Pilot Trainin g Program . Recruit ers told him to expect a call in a few months and recomm ended he take college physics in the meanti me Walter comple ted the course in just five weeks. In Januar y 1943, he got the call to report to the Santa Anna Air Force Base on Februa ry 2 to begin the rigorou s pilot trainin g program . The subseq uent trainin g was a combin ation of physica l, mental , military and aerona utical trainin g. The weedin g out process was fierce. "Early on, our squadr on officer said, 'Everyo ne look at the person to

you r righ t, he won ’t mak e it to flig ht sch ool. Not bec aus e he won ’t mak e a goo d pilo t, but bec aus e he doe snt hav e the ded icat ion to wor k har d eno ugh ,'" said Wal ter. The squ adro n offi cer was righ t;few er than half fini she d the pref ligh t prog ram . Wal ter was on the list to go to pilo t trai ning at Thu nde rbird #2 in Sco ttsd ale, Ariz ona . "It was here that I got my firs t airp lane ride fort una tely, I love d it, " said Wal ter. I was now a pilo t and I love d flyi ng. From ther e, Wal ter mov ed on to Bas ic Tra inin g in Bak ersf ield , Califor nia; Adv anc ed Flig ht Sch ool in Mar fa, Tex as;a nd Tra nsit ion Tra inin g in Alb uqu erqu e, New Mex ico for the B-2 4 bom ber. Rep lace men t Tra inin g with his new ly app oint ed crew then took plac e at Mar ch Fiel d in Riv ersi de Cou nty, Cali forn ia, whe re Wal ter met Cpl. Viol et Sas so, a WA C who wou ld one day bec ome his wife . LANDING IN EUROPE

Upo n com plet ion of Rep lace men t Tra inin g, Wal ter sign ed a rece ipt for a bran d new B-2 4 bom ber. He and his crew imm edia tely took off to fly the bom ber to Eng land . It was Augus t, 194 4, and this one -tim e farm boy was abo ut to ente r Wor ld War II as par t of the 93 rd Bom bard men t Gro up. Wal ter beg an flyi ng mis sion s on Sep tem ber 9 th , 194 4. His 15 th mis sion ove r Ham bur g, Ger man y on Nov emb er 21, 194 4 led to a stay at Coo mbe Hou se in Eng land . He was sen t ther e to reco ver from psy cho logi cal trau ma and min or bur ns cau sed by Ger man flak whi ch took the life of Pete , his clos e frie nd and cop ilot . "Pet e’s dea th robb ed me of my sen se of invi ncib ility and imm ortali ty repl acin g it with guil t ove r his dea th and fear for the live s of the rest of the crew that I led into dan ger, " said Wal ter.

RETURNING TO COLLEGE AND AGR

He flew his 35 th mission on April 8, 1945, which completed his tour and he was ordered back to the states for reassignment. While he was waiting in England for transportation back to the states, V E Day was declared on May 9, 1945. Walter headed home, back to Violet, college and Alpha Gamma R ho. Like many colleges, UC Davis was closed during the war and turned over to the Army Signal Corps. It reopened to students on October 10, 1945. There were 210 total students only five of them AGRs. Four of the five were married with families. "Almost every one of the prewar AGR brothers served in the war," said Walter. "Very few of the members I knew returned after the war my roomy, Irv Nielsen, was one of the many who didn't make it back." IT ALL COMES BACK TO FLYING

Though he loved flying, April 8, 1945 was the last time Walter piloted a plane. When leaving the service, pilots were supposed to get a civilian pilot's license. As fate would have it, Walter got out on the second day of operation of a new discharge station no one there had ever heard of the pilot's license program, let alone the forms and regulations, and said to come back in six months to receive his license. "I didn't care because I thought I was afraid of flying," said Walter. "It took me a year to realize that I still loved flying just not being shot at every time I got into an airplane!" Walter wrote an inquiry. In reply, they said he would have to start over and certify ground school and flying school. By then, he was in college, married, no money or expectation of any for years. For practical purposes, flying could not be a part of his life. A co-member of my daughter's in the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDA R) heard the story and took off with it. She took it all the way to the head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FA A), trying to find a way to make it possible. Finally, the director said, just do it and on August 21, 2015, Walter at the age of 93 received an envelope containing his pilot's license.

Over the course of eight months in 194445, Walter Hughes took part in 35 bombing missions — most under fire in heavy flak.

FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF

15

"An angel on my shoulder" Name: Norman Dalsted Rank: 1st Lieutenant, Army

Dalsted described picking shrapnel out of his face and body numerous times from explosives that ricocheted off of the tanks.

16

SICKLE & SHEAF

FALL 2017

Norman L. Dalsted was initiated into Epsilon Chapter at North Dakota State University in the spring of 1965. His biological brothers, Galen and Kevin, also joined the chapter a few years after he did. “All three of us developed longterm friendships with our AGR Brothers,” Dalsted said. “My four years at North Dakota State University and Alpha Gamma R ho were four of the best years of my life.” Brother Dalsted has served as Chapter Adviser for Epsilon Chapter and R ho Chapter at Colorado State University, where he developed more friendships with younger members over the years and continues to foster those relationships today. Upon graduation in May 1968, Brother Dalsted was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Armor Corps. His military occupational specialty was a “1204” which was a cavalry platoon leader. After Armor Officer Basic Training in Fort Knox, Kentucky, he served as Executive Officer with Charlie Troop, 4/12 Cavalry, 5th Mechanized Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. In July 1968, the First Brigade, 5th Mech., was sent to Vietnam to serve along the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone, which was the divider between North and South Vietnam. Many Alpha Gamma R ho Brothers were sent to Vietnam, including Darryl Lutovsky, Richard Sys, and Al Johnson (page 10) who were all initiated into Epsilon Chapter at North Da-

kota State around the same time as Dalsted. Brother Dalstad even stopped to see Johnson at Camp Evans in central Vietnam in 1969 (pictured below left). Upon his arrival in Vietnam, Dalsted was sent to the 1st Brigade and served with an armored tank battalion. He served four months as Battalion Maintenance Officer, responsible for nearly 500 vehicles including almost 80 tanks. Due to casualties, the unit had a shortage of platoon leaders, which meant Dalsted became a platoon leader with the 2nd Platoon. He was now responsible to the crews of five tanks, including the platoon’s medic. “My proudest accomplishment as a tanker was not losing any of my troops,” said Dalsted. “But, we did have a number of troops wounded, including myself.” Dalsted described picking shrapnel out of his face and body numerous times from explosives that ricocheted off of the tanks. Considering himself a “lucky one who came home,” Dalsted expressed that he is thankful for each and every day. “Considering where we operated, I thought I had an angel on my shoulder the whole tour,” said Dalsted. “Many of my buddies who went through the Armor Officer Training or Special Forces Jungle Training came home in body bags. I think of them nearly every day.” Dalsted is partially disabled due to his exposure to Agent Orange, a herbicide and defoliant chemical that was widely used during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1971. “However, this is a medical condition I can live with, and have for nearly 50 years.” He feels blessed for the life he has, with loving sons, wife, and a supportive family. “They have helped me through the difficult memories I carry with me each and every day.”

Major Mas Loved to Fly NA ME: Masa ki ‘Mas ’ Hatto ri, Calif ornia -Davi s R A N K: Majo r, Army

As written by Marvin Lynn Wilson ki I am writing this story on behalf of Masa Uni‘Mas’ Hattori, my Brother at Phi Chapter, iAmer an was He avis. rnia-D versity of Califo scholar. can of Japanese ancestry and brilliant g We all were certain he would be a leadin professor at a major university someday. had In the late 1950s , the UC-Davis campus ns. an airport where they gave flying lesso from Brother Mas caught the flying bug, and pilot then on it was his calling. His skill as a only served to deepen his interest in flying of as a profession . Hattori was a member from ers broth al sever ROTC , along with Phi Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho. Soon he was deployed to Europe, flying fixed er, wing aircraft, where another Phi broth . Army US the in pilot a also Dick Immel, was were At that time, the brothers in Phi chapter ri extremely close, and Immel and Hatto were able to spent time with each other while stationed in Europe. nMasaki was promoted to Major in a reaso ort supp g stron gives which ably short time, and to our believing he was an excellent pilot in him of ahead e futur t brigh a officer. He had underthe Army. For reasons none of us could ned stand, he had a burning desire to be statio to evin Vietnam, and made his hopes clear Hattori eryone including Dick Immel. Because Immel was married and had a family, Brother but teer, volun to not him nce tried to convi country. Hattori felt it was his duty to serve his The Vietnam War was heating up with yed American military personnel being deplo Army the from ort supp air The re. to that theat was comprised of mostly helicopters and use of Mohawk fixed wing, in large part beca terrain the heavy foliage in the war zone and of Vietnam. We were all concerned because a pilot, particularly with Masaki’s skill level, would be in high demand. However, Brother Mas persisted until he was sent to Vietnam. During this time, the Army was sending pilots to Vietnam despite having logged minimal hours of flight time in helicopters . Tom Watson,

also a Phi C hap ter Brother , was an officer an d pilot in Vie tnam and made this statement more than once. Mas had Vietnam on been servin ly a shor t ti g in me before ultimate sa paying the crifice. It w as repor ted th killed while at he was attempting to avoid tw while flying o helicopte a Mohawk rs during a ni naissance. ght reconThe circum stances are known, but not clearly it is believe d he swer ve the helicop d to miss ters which had flown his flight p directly into ath. His pla ne crashed in and neithe to a river r his body nor the bod of his obse y rver was ev er recovered. What is clea r is we lost a valued b friend and rother and the U.S . Arm y lost a terr It is probab ific officer. le Masaki’s heritage an patriotism d innate were factor s in his ulti decision to mately fata be assigne l d to Vietnam it was , we . Whatever owe him ou r lasting gra giving his lif titude for e for his co untr y and fo r us .

FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF

17

The Harvest This section is dedicated to recognizing accomplishments of Alpha Gamma Rho in the 2016-17 year. We celebrate the progress of the entire Fraternity and the excellence of its Chapters, collegians, alumni Advisers, Housemother/Directors, and all those who help advance Our Purpose of Making Better Men. The Harvest includes leadership seminar review, chapter awards scholarship recipients, major donors, and more. Whether you are a collegiate leader, an adviser, or a generous donor, thank you for helping Alpha Gamma Rho pursue excellence.

18

SICKLE & SHEAF

FALL 2017

The Harvest

2017 LEADERSHIP SEMINARS The 2017 Leadership Seminars, in partnership with Sigma Alpha Sorority, featured informational breakout sessions designed to develop young members’ knowledge and skills in areas including time and chapter management, personal finance, leadership strategies, recruitment education and much more. The theme was “TOTAL LEADER CHALLENGE” which involved sessions focused on using personal strengths and the skills of others in a group, building resiliency to overcome any challenges members may encounter, and best practices to recruit the best leaders to our respective organizations. The 2017 Leadership Seminars were held across the country in Nashville, Washington D.C., Reno, and Milwaukee. Overall, Leadership Seminars provide a venue for all chapter leaders to come together and learn about ways to enhance themselves personally and professionally.

2017 LEADERSHIP SEMINAR AGR ATTENDANCE STATS:

370

26 63

Undergraduates

Advisers

Alumni

459

Total AGR Attendees

61

Number of AGR Chapters that participated (85% of chapters represented)

1

Number of AGR colonies in attendance (Arkansas Tech)

FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF

19

The Harvest

GOLD CHAPTERS: Alpha, Illinois Delta, Purdue Epsilon, North Dakota State Eta, Iowa State Theta, Missouri Iota, Wisconsin-Madison

CHAPTER AWARDS Chapters have an opportunity to be recognized for their excellence.  All Chapters who achieve all of the requirements for 6 of the 7 categories below will be recognized as a Gold Chapter.

Kappa, Nebraska-Lincoln Lambda, Minnesota Nu, North Carolina State Omicron, Kentucky Alpha Delta, Montana State Alpha Zeta, Kansas State Alpha Theta, Maryland Alpha Iota, Arkansas Alpha Kappa, Tennessee-Knoxville



Alpha Pi, Arizona

Chapters who achieve

Alpha Upsilon, Tennessee-Martin

all of the requirements for 4 of the 7 categories below will be recognized as a Green Chapter. 

Alpha Phi, South Dakota State Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls Beta Gamma, Wisconsin-Platteville

1. Academic Excellence 2. Nurture: Lifelong Membership Development 3. Alumni Engagement

Green Chapters:

4. Chapter Crescents

Beta Rho, NW Missouri State

5. Grow: Recruitment Excellence 6. Communications 7. Livng the Promise & Values 20 SICKLE & SHEAF

FALL 2017

Beta Phi, Idaho

The Harvest Academic Excellence

Communications

The Academic Excellence award is given to the top three chapters that have shown campus leadership in academics and established a strong academic program for their chapter.

Communications Award recognizes Chapters who are engaging alumni, potential new members and those outside of the fraternity through multiple online platforms. Chapters who are actively involved on their Chapter website, e-newsletters, social media sites, and more are eligible.

HIGHEST HONOR

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State HIGH HONOR

Delta, Purdue HONORABLE MENTION

Alpha Gamma, Florida

Alumni Engagement The Alumni Engagment Award is given to the top three chapters who continually foster strong alumni involvement and leadership both on and off campus throughout the year. HIGHEST HONOR

Kappa, Nebraska HIGH HONOR

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State HONORABLE MENTION

Nu, North Carolina State

HIGHEST HONOR

Alpha Delta, Montana State HIGH HONOR

Alpha Theta, Maryland HONORABLE MENTION

Lambda, Minnesota

Lifelong Membership Development The Lifelong Membership Development Award is given to the top three chapters that have implemented a program which encompasses continuous education and lifelong personal development in not only new members, but also successful re-engagement of alumni. HIGHEST HONOR

Chapter Crescent: Single Issue

Iota, Wisconsin-Madison

The Best Single Issue Award is given to the top three chapters who have compiled a Crescent that is visually appealing, free of grammatical errors, and is comprised of approximately 75% Alumni News and 25% undergraduate news.

Eta, Iowa State

HIGHEST HONOR

Epsilon, North Dakota State HIGH HONOR

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State HONORABLE MENTION

Kappa, Nebraska

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

Iota, Wisconsin-Madison HIGH HONOR

Eta, Iowa State HONORABLE MENTION

Alpha Kappa, Tennessee-Knoxville

HIGH HONOR

HONORABLE MENTION

Alpha Pi, Arizona

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

Eta, Iowa State HIGH HONOR

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State HONORABLE MENTION

Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls

Living Our Promise & Values The Promise & Values award is given to the top three chapters who enthusiastically embrace and uphold the Promise & Values, in turn continually presenting a positive image of Alpha Gamma Rho. HIGHEST HONOR

Eta, Iowa State HIGH HONOR

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State HONORABLE MENTION

Epsilon, North Dakota State

Housemother/Director Social & Cultural Development The Housemother/Director Social & Cultural Development Award is

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

Monica Voiles – Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls HIGH HONOR

Logan Yearsley - Alpha Theta, Maryland HONORABLE MENTION

Brad Starbuck – Lambda, Minnesota

Committed Alumni Corporation This award recognizes chapters whose Alumni Corporation has demonstrated hard work and continued success for their chapter’s undergraduate membership. HIGHEST HONOR

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State HIGH HONOR

Diane Pinneke – Eta, Iowa State

Alpha Iota, Arkansas

Housemother/Director Management

Alpha, Illinois

The Housemother/Director Management award is given to the top three Housemothers/ Directors that consistently demonstrate superior management of the chapter facilities and the chapter as a whole. HIGHEST HONOR

Dianna Philippi – Alpha Zeta, Kansas State HIGH HONOR

Jaques Bartholomew – Phi, UC-Davis HONORABLE MENTION

HONORABLE MENTION

Adviser Service 5 YEARS

Ryan Ashley – Alpha Lambda, New Mexico State Doug Craig – Alpha Kappa, Tennessee-Knoxville Joaquin Gallegos – Rho, Colorado State Richard Morris – Beta Upsilon, Delaware Mac Nolen – Beta Theta, Middle Tennessee State Peter Tomlinson – Alpha Zeta, Kansas State

Logan Yearsley – Alpha Theta, Maryland

Tony Waller – Alpha Eta, Georgia

Outstanding Undergraduates of the Year

Christ Austin – Beta Mu, Austin Peay State

The Outstanding Undergraduates Award is meant to recognize our collegiate brothers who are excelling in their college career, both on campus and with the Fraternity. Criteria will be based off of academic achievements, leadership and community involvement, and personal growth. A brother may only receive this honor once.

Richard Markman – Alpha Lambda, New Mexico State

Tyler Majchrzak – Omicron, Kentucky Shayne Wiese – Eta, Iowa State David Schuler – Kappa, Nebraska

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

10 YEARS

Karl Czymmek – Zeta, Cornell

15 YEARS

Kevin Bacon – Alpha Tau, Wester Illinois Bryan Dillehay – Gamma, Penn State

Housemother/Director 5 YEAR

Billy Cole – Alpha Chi, Western Kentucky 10 YEAR

Cindra Brandl – Kappa, Nebraska 20 YEARS

Monica Voiles – Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls

Frank Santiago – Alpha Pi, Arizona Chuck Steiner – Beta Gamma, Wisconsin-Platteville FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF

21

The Harvest

2017 AGR Scholarship Recipients The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho offers scholarships to the undergraduate Brothers across the country. Criteria for eligibility for each scholarship differs, but is based on the individual’s pursuit of excellence in scholarship and leadership, and for his contributions to community and fraternity. The deadline for all scholarship applications is April 30.

13 SCHOLARSHIPS, 1 APPLICATION Applying for scholarships from the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho has never been easier! Undergraduate members can apply for all 13 available scholarships by completing 1 form online. The “National Scholarship Application” form can be

22 SICKLE & SHEAF

FALL 2017

found at www.alphagammarho.org/ undergraduate-scholarships. Download the form, complete the questions, and email the completed form to awards@alphagammarho.org.

Gene Swackhamer Ag Economics/ Ag Business Scholarship A scholarship will be presented annually to one AGR undergraduate who achieves high levels of excellence and is pursuing a major in agricultural economics, agribusiness, resource management or closely related field of study.

hh Dustin Winston, Idaho

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

hh Cody Dean, Oklahoma State hh Samuel Daniel, Tennessee-Knoxville hh Samuel Johnson, South Dakota State hh Cody Shick, Montana State

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

hh Samuel Johnson, South Dakota State

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

Kirby Barrick Agriculture Education Scholarship This fund provides one scholarship to a male student who plans to study agricultural education at a college with an AGR chapter. Payment of the scholarship is made once the student enrolls in agricultural education and is initiated into the local AGR chapter.

hhJohnathan Heavner, Florida

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

hhJosiah Manning, Maryland

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

hh Del Adcock, Kansas State

Horticulture Scholarship George Staby has provided for one scholarship for AGR undergraduates who are enrolled with a declared horticulture-related major in; among others, entomology, environmental horticulture, horticulture, landscape gardening, landscape horticulture, ornamental horticulture, pest control, plant breeding, plant pathology, plant science (with horticulture emphasis), pomology, and/or vegetable crops; who have completed at least three courses in the department of their declared major.

hh Travis Baxter, Florida

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

hh Kade Hill, Illinois

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

hh Gatlin Squires, Oklahoma

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

hh Trey Wiese, Iowa State

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

hh Zane Gottschalk, Purdue

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

hh Hammons Hepner, Oklahoma hh Hunter Jones, TennesseeKnoxville

hhJosiah Manning, Maryland

FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF 23

The Harvest

Lifetime Giving Levels

NAME

The following Lifetime Giving Levels recognize

Order of the Shield

Brothers with cumulative lifetime giving of $50,000 or more to The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho prior to July 1, 2017, and indicate the number of gifts made during a their lifetime. Thank you for all your generous and continued support for AGR.

NAME

CHAPTER-SCHOOL

TOTAL # OF GIFTS

Demeter’s fellowship

$5,000,000+

Founders’ Circle A.J. Jacques Malone Mitchell

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

Order of the Brotherhood Philip Francis Gene Lemon

$500,000 – $999,999

Alpha, Illinois Alpha, Illinois

Order of the Harvest

FALL 2017

22 47

$100,000 - $499,999

Norberta Modliszewski Kirby Barrick Beta, Ohio State Dick Bere Beta, Ohio State Thomas Timmer Beta, Ohio State Douglas Eckrote Delta, Purdue Mike Jackson Delta, Purdue Steven Newcom Delta, Purdue Gene Swackhamer Delta, Purdue David Sunderland Epsilon, North Dakota State Bill Hantke Iota, WisconsinMadison Samuel Davis Nu, North Carolina State Gary Clark Pi, Oklahoma State Bradley Gungoll Pi, Oklahoma State Doug Jackson Pi,Oklahoma State Lee Larkin Pi,Oklahoma State Doyle Jacklin Sigma, Washington State Donald De Jong Chi, Cal Poly Russ Mawby Tau, Michigan State John Douthat Alpha Gamma, Florida Bernie Lester Alpha Gamma, Florida Richard Chase Alpha Zeta, Kansas State Randy Stoecker Alpha Zeta, Kansas State Bill Boehm Alpha Psi, UWRiver Falls 24 SICKLE & SHEAF

33 1

3 79 17 8 22 40 42 74 3 13 35 28 2 7 30 64 36 103 26 59 8 65 118

CHAPTER-SCHOOL

TOTAL # OF GIFTS

$50,000 - $99,999

Lillian Fobes 3 Smoak Groves, Inc. 1 Steven Gerdes Alpha, Illinois 6 Larry Gerdes Alpha, Illinois 11 Jim Ross Alpha, Illinois 46 James Berg Beta, Ohio State 30 Bill Richards Beta, Ohio State 17 Rick Carpenter Gamma, Penn State 72 John Shearer Gamma, Penn State 31 William Yerkes Gamma, Penn State 25 Dick Belcher Delta, Purdue 25 Sandy Belden Delta, Purdue 57 Tom Davis Delta, Purdue 56 Byram Dickes Delta, Purdue 39 Eldon Fredericks Delta, Purdue 58 Joseph Hasler Delta, Purdue 13 Gregory Halverson Epsilon, North Dakota State 8 Al Johnson Epsilon, North Dakota State 55 Corey Martin Epsilon, North Dakota State 13 Jerry Puppe Epsilon, North Dakota State 41 Jim Borel Eta, Iowa State 46 Sigmund Cornelius Eta, Iowa State 42 David Van Wert Eta, Iowa State 48 Steve Ellis Theta, Missouri 89 Charlie Napier Theta, Missouri 34 Robert Wheeler Theta, Missouri 9 Karl Drye Iota, WisconsinMadison 28 Russell Schuler Iota, WisconsinMadison 2 Arthur Tab Williams Nu, North Carolina State 3 Glenn Stith Omicron, Kentucky 23 Ray Beck Pi, Oklahoma State 3 Jeffrey Bode Pi, Oklahoma State 4 Joe Hinz Pi, Oklahoma State 16 James Sigmon Pi, Oklahoma State 13 Dennis Slagell Pi, Oklahoma State 18 Paul Yauk Pi, Oklahoma State 5 Gerry Rominger Phi, CaliforniaDavis 47 Ole Meland Chi, Cal Poly 40 Steve Burgess Alpha Zeta, Kansas State 27 Loren Kruse Alpha Zeta, Kansas State 78 Doug Weyer Alpha Zeta, Kansas State 51 Donnie Smith Alpha Kappa,TennesseeKnoxville 4 Larry Lepper Alpha Tau, Western Illinois 36 Phillip Nichols Alpha Tau, Western Illinois 13

The Harvest

Loyalty Fund For AGR: Giving For Our Purpose The 2016-17 Loyalty Fund for AGR: Giving for Our Purpose enables the Foundation to support programs for the National Fraternity including scholarships, Leadership Seminars, Recruitment Schools, Adviser Forums, Matching Funds and more.

Four Pillars Society $5,000+

The 1904 Society

2016-17 Four Pillars Society membership is based on annual undesignated contribution of $5,000 or more, specifically in response to Loyalty Fund for AGR solicitation. This listing recognizes Brothers who are focused on a vision in support of educational programs that inspire young Brothers towards success.

The 1904 Society recognizes donors at three levels:

ALPHA, ILLINOIS

Gerald Gehlbach Gene Lemon ETA, IOWA STATE

Jim Borel

OMICRON, KENTUCKY

Glenn Stith

PI, OKLAHOMA STATE

A.J. Jacques

SIGMA, WASHINGTON STATE

Doyle Jacklin

CHI, CAL POLY

Donald De Jong Alan Vander Horst

Grand President’s Society 2016-17 Grand President’s Society membership is based on annual, undesignated contributions of $1,000-$1,903, specifically in response to Loyalty Fund for AGR solicitation. This listing recognizes brothers who are focused on a vision in support of educational programs that inspire young brothers towards success. ALPHA, ILLINOIS

Clifford Beatty William Dimond Edward Dollinger David Larson Dave Maurer Wilbur Nelson Jim Ross BETA, OHIO STATE

David Ames James Berg Terry Krukemyer Robert Lantz

GAMMA, PENN STATE

Rick Carpenter William Yerkes

DELTA, PURDUE

Wayne Beehler John Cottingham Dick Feltner Jake Ferris Doug Griffin Paul Lake Paul Martin Neil Planalp J. Michael Scheetz Keith Welty EPSILON, NORTH DAKOTA STATE

E. J. Brown

ZETA, CORNELL

Don Calhoun Greg Wickham Oliver Williams

ETA, IOWA STATE

Fred Bahrenburg Charlie Brown Sigmund Cornelius Greg Nickerson Jan Powell David Van Wert Arlen Wonderlich THETA, MISSOURI

Leroy Burkemper IOTA, WISCONSINMADISON

Samuel Miller Bernie Staller

KAPPA, NEBRASKA

James Cada Hal Cooper Ron Grapes Larry Holbein

NU, NORTH CAROLINA STATE

ALPHA KAPPA, TENNESSEE-KNOXVILLE

Mac Baggett Peter Markovich John Tarpley

ALPHA LAMBDA, NEW MEXICO STATE

Terry Bass

Julian Garcia

OMICRON, KENTUCKY

ALPHA PI, ARIZONA

Steve Hupman

PI, OKLAHOMA STATE

Robert Briggs Ronald Rayner

A.L. Hutson Ken Root Michael Wright

ALPHA RHO, VERMONT

TAU, MICHIGAN STATE

ALPHA SIGMA, FRESNO STATE

Dave Willetts

PHI, CALIFORNIA-DAVIS

Pete Boyce Ken McCorkle

CHI, CAL POLY

Jamie Bledsoe David De Jong Ramon Echeverria Brett Hedrick John Moons Jeffrey Sanders John Sweeney PSI, MAINE

Allen Morell ALPHA GAMMA, FLORIDA

Barry Bustillo Jimmy Cheek Bernie Lester Paul Willis

ALPHA DELTA, MONTANA STATE

Jim Driscoll Jim Gannon Stephen Wagner ALPHA ZETA, KANSAS STATE

Donald Griffiths Loren Kruse ALPHA ETA, GEORGIA

J. Austin Pugmire

ALPHA THETA, MARYLAND

James Carpenter Erwin Clark

Gary Nelson

ALPHA CHI, WESTERN KENTUCKY

Jack Britt

ALPHA PSI, UW-RIVER FALLS

Phil Josephson

ALPHA OMEGA, MURRAY STATE

Dwight Armstrong BETA ALPHA, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Richard Gamble BETA DELTA, ILLINOIS STATE

Bruce Attig

BETA ZETA, CLEMSON

Michael Freeman

BETA THETA, MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE

Martin Rice Jason Searles

BETA LAMBDA, TEXAS A&M COMMERCE

Ben Scholz

BETA SIGMA, TARLETON STATE

Michael Keith

BETA TAU, MISSISSIPPI STATE

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

Brett Bayston David Hollinrake Thad Kuhfuss David Schick BETA, OHIO STATE

KAPPA, NEBRASKA

Larry Engelkemier Gregory Mullins William Schilling

Gerry Salzman

ALPHA UPSILON, TENNESSEE-MARTIN

XI, AUBURN THOMAS RUSSELL

Robert Earnest

Kirby Barrick Dwight Steen Hugh Wilson

PI, OKLAHOMA STATE

DELTA, PURDUE

Brian Field

Tom Davis Gene Swackhamer EPSILON, NORTH DAKOTA STATE

Al Johnson

ETA, IOWA STATE

Michael Borel Theta, Missouri Jerome Graeser Larry Warren

IOTA, WISCONSIN-MADISON

Jerry Steiner

ALPHA TAU, WESTERN ILLINOIS

Dennis Slagell

ALPHA PHI, SOUTH DAKOTA STATE

Troy Johnson

RHO, COLORADO STATE PHI, CALIFORNIA-DAVIS

Gerry Rominger Jeremy Turner

ALPHA CHI, WESTERN KENTUCKY

Earnest Yates

ALPHA PSI, UW-RIVER FALLS

Bill Boehm

CHI, CAL POLY

Blake Alexandre Tim Souza

BETA ETA, VIRGINIA TECH

Ronnie Green

ALPHA THETA, MARYLAND

Chuck Lager

ALPHA SIGMA, FRESNO STATE

Michael Way

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

Grant Bargfrede

KAPPA, NEBRASKA

Alex Wach

ALPHA PSI, UW-RIVER FALLS

GAMMA DELTA, ABAC

Dane Christenson Jeffrey Dombrowski

Jamison Cruce

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

Josh Carlson Michael Poggemiller IOTA, WISCONSINMADISON

Ian Fox Jordan Gaal

KAPPA, NEBRASKA

David Schuler

PHI, CALIFORNIA-DAVIS

Trey Howze Jon-Karl Jennewein Andrew Kielak Kyle Parker Shepard Smith Hunter Swearingen Adam Tatnall CHI-CAL POLY

James Broaddus Brett Ferini Alpha Zeta, Kansas State Del Adcock ALPHA ETA, GEORGIA

ALPHA PSI, UW-RIVER FALLS

BETA NU, TEXAS A & M

Jacob Cleveland Ray Delp Anthony Doree James Ehlen Jacob Filo Jared Geiser Adam Kramer Matthew Kramer Bryce Krull Derrick Lehman Thomas Malzacher Clifton McClintock Brady Nigh Zachary Olson Alec Otto Ethan Rapp Tad Spurley Matthew Stanek Kyle Stuttgen Morgan Vetterkind Kevin Welke Eric Wuthrich

Preston De Jong Westbrook

BETA XI, TEXAS TECH

Drew Martin

BETA OMICRON, WYOMING

Ty Espy

BETA RHO, NORTHWEST MISSOURI

Benjamin Brodersen Garrett Butler Wade Meeks Derek Method Peterson Tyler Richardson Jared Stehlik BETA TAU, MISSISSIPPI STATE

Matt Clem

BETA UPSILON, ELAWARE

Jeff Hall

ARKANSAS TECH COLONY

Will Welch

Jacob Todd

Brad Garrison

Paul Weller

FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF 25

ISTOCKPHOTO

The Harvest

Richard C. Anderson

James Gometz

by Allen Orr

Phil Davis

Memorial Gifts Memorial Gifts may be made on behalf of any departed Alpha Gamma Rho Brother and directed to any fund. The following listing recognizes the Alpha Gamma Rho Brothers and Friends who gave in memory of a Brother between July 1, 2016 and July 1, 2017.

by by by by by by

Paul Corwith William Doerler David Call Barbara Wolfe Richard Darley Katherine Adams

Leon Harms

FALL 2017

by Gerald Salzman by Wayne Willems by Brian Yung

Ronald Hurt

by Keith L. Lineback

Norman Draeger

Jack McCartney

by William “Bill” Boehm

Wyatt Feltman

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

Brant Bigger Taylor Pulvermacher Evan Ellison Justin Zahradka Joe Grotsun William Harbeke Austin Karst Bill Finley Ron Beneda Nicholas Beneda Gregg Halverson Joan Altenbernd Jamie Nettum Brett Gallagher

by Craig Gibson by Stephen Ellis by Robert Long

Hale Moss

by Loren Kruse

William Ortlieb

by Andrew White

Wilbur Pauley

by Ronald D. Green

Thomas M. Sutherland

by David W. Van Wert

Donald Wickham

26 SICKLE & SHEAF

by William J. Liepis

by John Caltabiano

The Harvest

Heritage Club The Heritage Club honors Brothers and Friends of Alpha Gamma Rho who leave a legacy for the future of the Fraternity through specific gifts or bequests. Admittance is attained with planned gifts of $10,000 or more designated to The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho. Alpha, Illinois

Pi, Oklahoma State

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State

Steven Gerdes Gene Lemon Jim Ross Jim Zumwalt

James Ferrell

Beta, Ohio State

Tau, Michigan State

JD Hagedorn Edwin Kerley Loren Kruse Warren Nichols Tim Rosenhagen Doug Weyer Curtis Steenbock

Kirby Barrick

Gamma, Penn State

Sigma, Washington State Doyle Jacklin

Russ Mawby John Welser

Rick Carpenter

Phi, California-Davis

Delta, Purdue

John Kidd Jeremy Turner

Dick Feltner Mike Jackson Ted Priebe Gene Swackhamer

Epsilon, North Dakota State E. J. Brown Dale Carpentier Tom Gates Al Johnson Jerry Puppe Gary Butson

Eta, Iowa State

Chi, Cal Poly Ralph Grossi Ole Meland

Omega, New Hampshire Everett Ryan

Alpha Beta, Oregon State Vince McElligott

Alpha Delta, Montana State Jim Driscoll

Alpha Theta, Maryland

Alpha Tau, Western Illinois Jeff Warner

Alpha Psi, UW-River Falls Bill Boehm Phil Josephson

Beta Eta, Virginia Tech

Paul Weller

Jay Poole

Alpha Kappa, Tennessee-Knoxville

Brad Garrison

Thomas White

Alpha Lambda, New Mexico State Paul Gutierrez

Alpha Pi, Arizona Len Richardson

Beta Tau, Mississippi State If you have included the Foundation in your will or estate plan, please notify the Home Office, you will be recognized as a member of the Heritage Club, one whose legacy will Make Better Men.

Alpha Rho, Vermont Erwin Clark LC Jost Don McFeeters

Fred Bahrenburg Michael Borel Bret Carter Scott Flynn Steve Hanson David Van Wert Robert Vasko Arlen Wonderlich

Theta, Missouri Zane Akins Lynn Fahrmeier Lowell Mohler Lowell Newsom Daniel Prosser

Kappa, Nebraska Ron Grapes William Schilling Dick Stephens Charlie Trauger

Nu, North Carolina State Tyler Warren

Omicron, Kentucky David Case Glenn Stith

FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF 27

GENE LEMON, PAST GRAND PRESIDENT AND LONGTIME National Fraternity Legal Counsel, is unquestionably one of the most significant leaders in Alpha Gamma Rho’s proud 113 plus year history. After 50 years of volunteer service to his beloved Fraternity, Gene recently retired as National General Counsel. In recognition of his years of selfless Brotherhood, the National Board of Directors of Alpha Gamma Rho has honored Brother Lemon by appointing him as National Adviser of AGR. A festive, lemon-themed celebration entitled “Whatta Lemon” was held during the first night of the 2017 Leadership Conference on Friday, July 21 in Kansas City, Missouri. Each attendee was given a lemon-yellow handkerchief upon entry to brighten up the room and represent their support for Brother Lemon. The reception was complimented by “Gene’s Lemonade Stand” which was complete with lemonheads, yellow straws and ice cold lemonade. Dinner was served at 7:30, as Phil Josephson commented on the incredible impact Brother Lemon has made as AGR’s Legal Counsel, Grand President, General Counsel and more. For more than 40 years, Gene and Phil have worked closely together to affect AGR’s success in countless ways. “Gene’s thumb prints are everywhere from lending his business acumen to counsel on IRS matters to restructuring national and chapter officers. He has always understood reporting to shareholders and our responsibility of transparency to all AGRs,” Josephson said, “Thank you, Gene Lemon. Thank you for what you have done and you continue to do.” Humor quickly seemed to be the theme of the night with a 28 SICKLE & SHEAF

FALL 2017

The reception was complimented by “Gene’s Lemonade Stand” which was complete with lemonheads, yellow straws and ice cold lemonade.

Gene’s Brotherhood Brother Gene Lemon was initiated into Alpha Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity at the University of Illinois in the spring of 1959. While at the University, Brother Lemon developed a close relationship with Alpha Gamma Rho’s first Grand Secretary, Sleeter Bull, who personally mentored him through law school and beyond. Having first offered assistance to Sleeter Bull, and then being recruited by Maynard Coe to be AGR’s first

Today’s AGR has been greatly shaped by Lemon’s dedication, guidance, counsel and support.

“Whatta Lemon” banner and a lively reenactment of “Carnac the Magnificent.” The performance, put on by Brothers Ken Root and Tom Davis, helped share fun, memorable stories of Gene’s involvement with Alpha Gamma Rho over the years. After the comedy act, Glenn Stith, Chairman of The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho, thanked Gene for his endless support and announced an upcoming Gene Lemon Legacy Fund Project. The room filled with bright flowers, lemons, laugher and inspi-

ration made for an excellent evening. At the closing of the celebration, Brother Lemon took the opportunity to voice his never-ending leadership in motivating all AGR members to maintain an absolute commitment to being a shining model in the fraternity world. He pointed out that strong character traits, coupled with a sound risk management policy, will ensure AGR can successfully devote its time and energy toward Making Better Men and a broader and better agriculture.

ever Legal Counsel, Gene has been an invaluable resource to AGR’s Home Office staff leadership. When Phil Josephson was hired in 1972, he quickly found a mentor in Gene. That made Brother Lemon one of the very few national volunteers to work with the three chief executives Alpha Gamma Rho has ever employed. His early service to the National organization began as Legal Counsel in 1967. In 1974, Brother Lemon was elected Grand President of AGR after delegates at the 1974 National Convention wisely voted to “Pick Lemon” — a decision that would guide Alpha Gamma Rho’s strategic growth far into the future. As Grand President, Brother Lemon got to work CONTINUES ON PG. 30

FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF 29

50 YEARS OF GENE LEMON CONTINUED FROM PG. 29 and authored the rewrite of Alpha Gamma Rho’s National Constitution, which has served as a centerpiece of AGR’s success. In 2002, Brother Lemon was promoted from Legal Counsel to General Counsel of the Fraternity. In addition to his duties as Legal Counsel, Grand President and General Counsel over the last 50 years, Brother Lemon has also served the Fraternity by helping to finalize the bylaws to establish The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho in 1965. “Simply stated, Brother Lemon is one of our most philanthropic and influential members in Alpha Gamma Rho’s history,” Glenn Stith, Chairman of the Educational Foundation, said. “Indeed, we are fortunate to have had the pleasure of witnessing, and benefiting from, his incredible service and leadership.” Today’s AGR has been greatly shaped by Lemon’s dedication, guidance, counsel and support.

Beyond Alpha Gamma Rho There are many instances of Gene Lemon’s impact on improving the lives of people everywhere, past his brotherhood in Alpha Gamma Rho. “We are in awe of his devotion and commitment to the advancement of Alpha Gamma Rho; all while raising a family, excelling in his career, and serving many other philanthropic organizations,” current Grand President Julian Garcia said. In the Fraternity world, beyond AGR, Lemon’s service on the Uniform Law Commission was impactful. Specifically, Brother Lemon served on the drafting committee during the early development of the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA) which provides foundations, considerable

Many ‘grandfather clauses’ were prepared for the “Whatta Lemon” celebration to honor Gene for his 50 years of Brotherhood. Brothers commented on the impact Gene has had on their personal and professional lives. “Being from the same ‘vintage,’ I have a tremendous admiration for Gene’s stamina. Furthermore, he is smarter, more dedicated and more humorous. He has been the MASTER of change, vision and determination. All of this and his effectiveness with communications, coolness and confidence motivated me to do what I could for the fraternity as I am certain he has for many others. His hosting of generations of fraternity leaders in Arizona and Carolina, his dropped hints at ideas for change, and

to duplicate.” — ZANE AKINS, STRATEGIC PLANNING COORDINATOR, MISSOURI

“Almost every major national initiative, fundraising effort, strategic plan or business decision has had Gene’s thumbprint for more than 50 years. Since day one, he has had a desire to socialize and

“Brother Lemon has been an icon of

interact with undergraduates across the

AGR my entire adult life. I have devel-

country. This listening and bonding has

oped an even greater appreciation for

enabled him to interpret their desires,

his dedication and leadership these

earn their trust, and work alongside

last 10 years. We will not let him get

them to innovate and grow AGR. Gene,

very far away from the action and in-

we love you and are so enormously

volvement that we have all come

thankful and proud to call you Brother.”

— KEITH BJERKE, NATIONAL BOARD DIRECTOR, NORTH DAKOTA STATE FALL 2017

— TOM DAVIS, PAST GRAND PRESIDENT, PURDUE

his memory of our history brought a unique perspective that will be difficult

to enjoy and count on.”

30 SICKLE & SHEAF

“It is impossible to imagine what AGR would be like today without Gene’s steady hand, considerable knowledge, analytical guidance, his deep understanding and interpretation of our constitution, his ability to listen...very closely...and then provide informed, wise counsel. His ability to ask THE question that makes everyone stop and think has changed many a mind and many a heart. He inspires me to be more thoughtful when dealing with issues, ideas, opportunities and be better informed about the inner workings of the Fraternity. Gene always makes you see the “bigger picture” and the long-term effects of decisions. His legacy? Simply, it’s the Alpha Gamma Rho we know today.

— TED PRIEBE, COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT, PURDUE

“Gene has been a stalwart and a man

“Gene was one of the first National

of distinction within the brotherhood

Leaders that I met on the road my first

of AGR from the time he became a

year on staff at the AGR Home Office in

member in the 1959. Many of our

2001. I was 22 years old, my first job out

Foundation’s established goals,

of college, and headed on my first road

directions, and successes have

trip as a Chapter Consultant.

been due to his guidance and hard work. He is often referred to as ‘Mr. Alpha Gamma Rho’ because of

"The attacks on 9/11 had happened my first week on the job, and it was still fresh on everyone’s mind. Even more

his wise counsel and significant

so in late October as the New York

philanthropy.”

Yankees were channeling the spirit of

— DOYLE JACKLIN, FOUNDATION DIRECTOR, WASHINGTON STATE

“A cigarette, a martini, an ever-present tan, a big smile and wonderful laugh and, of course, a lifelong passion for Alpha Gamma Rho. That’s Gene Lemon to me. I cannot recall when I first met Gene, although I am sure I was in awe of this special man even then. He’s been AGR “fixture” for more than fifty years, so I’m guessing it was in the late 1970s. I’ve watched his quiet leadership during my years on the National Board (1996-2002) and worked closely with him during the successful Foundation Campaign he chaired. As always, he led by example, making the lead gift in that effort. Gene’s presence, though, is what I recall most as I think about the man. In my experience from a number of Fraternity perspectives, Gene was always there. He seldom missed a call or a meeting. How did he find time to golf? His participation has been steady as his attendance, always thoughtful and never demanding. Here’s to wishing the very best to a friend and a true AGR Brother.” — BILL BOEHM, FOUNDATION DIRECTOR, WISCONSIN-RIVER FALLS

their city with a march to the World Series. And what team were they taking on? Gene’s Arizona Diamondbacks. Gene had four amazing box seats, just a few rows behind the dugout. It just so

CONTINUED FROM PG. 30

happened that part of my visit to the

flexibility with respect to endowment fund pay-out. This act allows for more regular pay-outs during normal market fluctuations, while still preserving the perpetual intent of the fund donor.

Arizona area was the same day as Game 7 at Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix. Gene had planned to take his daughter and two others to the game. I went along with them downtown with hopes of coming across a ticket, but it soon became very clear that nobody was giving up their ticket to Game 7. Nobody that is, besides Gene Lemon. Without a second thought, Gene gave me his and that was it— no discussion, no debate. In a true Grandfatherly display, Gene Lemon gave me his ticket to Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. He watched the game across the street in a sports bar, and as a baseball junkie, I lived out a dream at 22 years old—courtesy of this wonderful man I had just met in person. "Selfless, giving, and wonderful — That is the Gene Lemon that I have known and loved as a Brother for over 16 years.” — THAD KOENIGSFELD, ALUMNI DIRECTOR FOR THETA CHAPTER, MISSOURI

Lemon has also held countless positions on boards for the betterment of his community. He is a member of the American Bar Association, having served on its Commission on Homelessness and Poverty and Corporate Law Departments Committee. Gene served as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Arbitration Association, and as Commissioner on the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. He was the President of the Phoenix Art Museum, an All Saints Episcopal Church Vestryman, member of the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Food & Drug Law Institute. A Chairman on the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Board of Directors and a member of the Association of General Counsels and the State Bar of Arizona and Maricopa County Bar Association. His list of involvement goes on, but it’s clear that service continues to be Brother Lemon’s top priority.

2017 NICF Outstanding Volunteer Gene Lemon is the recipient of the NIC Foundation’s 2017 Outstanding Foundation Volunteer Award. This honor recognizes exemplary lifetime service to a fraternity or sorority organization and its foundation. Gene’s time, effort, and financial commitment to the fraternity is unprecedented. He has become known as “Mr. Alpha Gamma Rho” over his more than 50 years of service, and AGR could not be more proud.

FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF

31

1. Develop a file* that includes the following: names of roommates, room numbers, telephone numbers for each AGR son names, email and snail mail addresses, telephone numbers of parents names and addresses of hometown newspapers for each AGR son current class schedules for each person in house work schedules and telephone numbers for their jobs activities, honors, and interests of each member records of individual health problems or allergies sample resumes, cover letters, follow-up and thank-you letters articles on any subject that may affect your men

How to Make a Difference KAY LYNN KALKOWSKI, ALSO KNOWN AS “MOM K” (LEFT), IS THE HOUSEMOTHER/DIRECTOR COORDINATOR FOR ALPHA GAMMA RHO. THE FOLLOWING LIST IS HER ADVICE ON “HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE” AS AN AGR HOUSEMOTHER/ DIRECTOR, BUT IT CONTAINS SOME GREAT IDEAS FOR THE REST OF US TOO.

32 SICKLE & SHEAF

FALL 2017

names, address, telephone numbers of reliable caterers, seamstresses, dry cleaners, medical clinics, pharmacies that stay open all night, repair men *I still keep the card file that I started when I became an AGR Housemother in 1996. I continue to use the file, adding address and job changes, wedding and birth announcements.

9. Put a bulletin board on your door and fill it with pictures of your AGR sons. Change it often. 10. Keep a candy basket in your room 11. Always have stamps and change on hand. 12. Keep your door open. 13. Know when a hug is needed. 14. Know when you need to step back. 15. Smile a lot! 16. Pray a lot!

2. Keep a birthday calendar and give birthday cards. Write a personal message in each. 3. Send a personal note of condolence to the family of each AGR who experiences a loss. 4. Every two or three weeks, write one set of parents and tell them something commendable that their son has done. 5. Ask the Chapter for a Housemother review. 6. Occasionally drop in on a party; don’t be afraid to “dress up” for a costume or theme party. 7. Buy a copy of Life’s Little Instruction Book and share bits of it at meetings. 8. Go to class with your AGR sons once in a while (with instructor’s permission).

17. Keep your camera handy 18. If you do not have a computer, invest in a dictionary, MLA, APA, and/or other style books as references. 19. Consider starting a personal or house library. 20. Visit with other campus housemothers and house directors (as well as other AGR Housemother/ Directors) regularly. Share ideas. 21. If one of your AGR sons has to go to the emergency room or hospital, you go too! Keep a list of hospital addresses close at hand.

22. Attend banquets, career fairs, intramural games, graduations. 23. Put a map in your room or on your door and “flag” the hometowns of your AGR sons. 24. Always leave a note on your door when out of the house telling where you are and how you can be reached. 25. Be visible on campus. 26. Linger at lunchtime. Mingle. 27. Compliment your men every chance you get. 28. As a rule, take a complaint to an officer and let him handle it. 29. Invest in some shirts with “AGR Mom” logos. 30. Learn the names of your AGR sons’ brothers and sisters. 31. Get to know the girlfriends. 32. Offer proofreading assistance. 33. Teach domestic skills. 34. Teach social skills. 35. Teach professional skills. 36. Browse department stores and men’s shops to stay tuned to men’s fashion changes. Keep your AGR sons informed. Talk to them about the difference between quality and quantity in selecting dress clothes.

37. Buy Vitamin C in bulk quantities and place by the juice dispenser, especially as flu season approaches. 38. Occasionally, stand by the door and welcome men home from classes. 39. If you don’t have one, initiate a mothers’ or parents’ club. 40. Get to know the Alumni and Foundation Board members. Attend their meetings. 41. Print Housemother business cards containing school and home addresses and telephone numbers. Give to all men and their parents. 42. Pop corn or bake cookies some evenings for no special reason. 43. Encourage your AGR sons to invite their professors (and spouses) to dinner. 44. Fix treats/lunch every night during finals. Include study partner guests in the house. 45. Promote AGR any way you can. Talk to your friends and acquaintances about the positive aspects of Fraternity life.

51. Become acquainted with the Greek Affairs and/or Interfraternity Council officials at your school. 52. Acknowledge your own mistakes or shortcomings and be able to laugh at yourself. 53. Keep a full supply cupboard with scissors, scotch tape, masking tape, pens, pencils, staplers, envelopes, string, tools, needles, thread, buttons, white-out, glue, etc.,etc., etc. Young men will expect you to have everything on hand! 54. Make a scrapbook with pictures and captions that reflect your life, family, interests, and values to help new members and their families get to know you. 55. Keep a “Meet My Family” bulletin board in your room and place pictures of your AGR sons along with those of your children and grandchildren.

46. Write articles for Chapter Crescents.

56. Meet with new members once a week at a set time for etiquette and professionalism training. Feel free to bring in experts to assist you. Keep the sessions short and make them informative and fun. Rely on the book Agri-Manners!

47. Send local newspapers pictures and news items about Fraternity members, their honors and activities.

57. Help with recruitment by writing personal letters to prospective members and their parents.

48. Pay attention to your personal grooming. Make your men proud to be seen with you.

58. Save clippings and programs that will be helpful to the Chapter Historian and officers filling out awards applications.

49. Constantly encourage your AGR sons to be the best they can be!

50. Stretch the minds of your AGR sons: discuss books you have read or cultural events you have attended.

60. Keep a calendar and note all Chapter activities on it for future reference. 61. Be discreet. Do not share confidences. 62. Make a sincere effort to attend AGR leadership conferences and national conventions with your men. Attend the Housemother/Director sessions and as many other sessions as possible. 63. Consider attending national fraternity housemother conferences (such as the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Value’s annual Fraternal House Directors Conference—Check out their website). 64. Let your AGR sons know that you care for them... each one of them. 65. Listen, listen, listen!

59. Record all honors that members receive.

FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF 33

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 Edmond R. Brewer, 1962 Howard Leroy Brooks, 1960 Robert F. Keathley, 1963 Ronald S. Maxwell, 1961 Joseph B. McBride, 1967 Jerry T. McDonald, 1963 Arkansas Tech Jeremy Earl Smith, 2016 Arizona Harold Pottebaum, 1964 Auburn Samuel Walton Hubbard, 1950 Hugh Praytor Killingsworth, 1941 Gregory Lewis Oakley, 1936 Danny H. Rew, 1968 Jason Stuart Smith, 1995 T. Harmon Straiton, 1961 Walter Strickland, 1957 Austin Peay State Gaines Hunt, 1983 Cal Poly State Mark Sherman, 1988 California-Davis Robert A. Dorsett, 1941 Lawrence Charles Kidwell, 1953 Lawrence J. Porter, 1960 Marvin C. Stowe, 1942 Don A. Toenjes, 1953 Colorado State Mathew William Bauerle, 2008 Edward P. Beals, 1937 Robert S. Hanna, Christopher William Jones, 2009 James E. Kniese, 1966 Peter B. Schaefer, 1957 Robert F. Tobin, 1942 WIlliam R. Wailes, 2006 Florida Elray A. Hanchey, 1967 Charles W. McCormick, 1977 Scott W. McCormick, 1977 Illinois William D. Baird, 1952 Donald R. Davidson, 1946

34 SICKLE & SHEAF

FALL 2017

Verlan W. Heberer, 1954 Craig G. Henert, 1975 Paul Dale Kimmelshue, 1946 James E. Murphy, 1933 Walter R. Richner, 1953

Iowa State Karl E. Brown, 1959 Bert F. Eason, 1942 Kansas State Garman L. Breitenbach, 1951 Dale O. Evans, 1949 Dean D. Haddock, 1947 Gregory Joe Hands, 1969 Thomas D. Klaassen, 1972 Kentucky J. Christopher Holman, 1992 Donald M. Laffoon, 1947 Rodney D. Ping, 1986 Michigan State John D. Grover, 1940 John W. Schafer, 1957 Middle Tennessee State Harley Wayne Foutch, 1978 Minnesota Randall W. Fischer, 1951 Montana State James T. Paugh, 1947 Harold Stromnes, 1942 Thomas Wetherell, 1949 North Dakota State Dale Odin Anderson, 1957 Jared P. Anez, 1989 Alan E. Blume, 1977 Theodore J. Brevik, 1941 Donald A. Downey, 1942 Donavon D. Evashenko, 1957 Wyatt Andrew Feltman, 2011 William M. Johnson, 1933 Allyn O. Marifjeren, 1954 Kenneth A. McKinnon, 1934 Arvid Ingval Melby, 1942 Royce W. Satre, 1940 Raymond Carl Stack, 1950 William Clifton Well, 1951 Northwest Missouri State Jeffrey Carl Bowman, 2010

Ohio State Franklin B. Burley, 1925 Joseph C. Cox, 1938 Henry A. Dreger, 1954 William D. Ehlers, 1963 Merlin R. Funderburg, 1966 Joseph Edwin Haines, 1943 Ted H. Hall, 1951 Paul E. Helsel, 1938 Richard D. Holdren, 1955 Larry L. Hoover, 1958 Jerry N. Hoppes, 1961 William Howard Johnson, 1942 Mark C. Morlock, 1981 Earl M. Morris, 1950 Harlan D. Rainier, 1937 Paul K. Ritchey, 1953 Andrew J. Roberts, 1948 Dwight E. Smith, 1941 John A. Studebaker, 1950 Robert Gerrit Ward, 1936 William R. White, 1961 Bryant Arthur Workman, 1938 Oklahoma State Nelson J. Adams, 1950 Cleveland O. Balentine, 1947 S. Jack Barr, 1964 Danny M. Williams, 1970 Oregon State William I. Tolke, 1950 Penn State A. L. Bortree, 1970 Bruce D. Large, 1953 William C. Patterson, 1941 Purdue Loren E. Bartling, 1939 Everett E. Bierman, 1946 Louis E. Bobb, 1960 Gerald I. Clodfelter, 1939 Dwayne L. Lipinski, 1956 C. James McCormick, 1942 Rex E. Odle, 1951 John K. Wright, 1949

Rutgers Walter M. Wendel, 1959 Southern Illinois Robert D. Arthur, 1981 Reggie A. Cook, 1973 Jeremy K. Easley, 1987 Scott McLaughlin, 1993 Steven J. Sayler, 1976 Maine L. Robert Couturier, 1952 Barrett L. Gates, Maryland George W. Cairnes, 1941 Minnesota Nickolas G. Lilleberg, 1994 James W. Murphy, 1949 Missouri Carl Harold. Beger, 1940 Lloyd E. Cavanah, 1941 Donald Jay Hegeman, 1950 Jack W. McCartney, 1969 Donald E. Rutter, 1950 Edwin C. Seim, 1951 Nebraska Ned S. Raun, 1943 Wilbur L. Wakefield, 1955 New Hampshire Francis W. Abbott, 1942 Emerson C. Heald, 1942 Tennessee-Knoxville Gene Caldwell, 1951 George M. Marks, 1965 Hale Moss, 1967 William Lester Sanders, 1961 Willis B. Smith, 1951

Tennessee-Martin Robert Walker Counce, 1963 Harold J. Smith, 1976 Vermont Paul L. Chandler, 1977 Raymond B. Hitchcock, 1961 Earl L. Stanley, 1961 Washington State Louis H. Cosner, 1968 Fred M. Huston, 1949 Duane A. Jacklin, 1964 Frank W. Stowe, 1952 James D. Tippett, 1951 Henry J. Vostral, 1956 West Virginia Harlan B. Hogue, 1931 Ray B. McConihay, 1949 Wisconsin-Madison Charles K. Eckels, 1952 John A. Follett, 1950 Francis W. Groves, 1948 Carl A. Gutenberger, 1955 Roland P. Richards, 1947 Kenneth W. Royer, 1947 Birdell H. Snudden, 1955 Wisconsin-River Falls Brian W. Kindschi, 1984

Q&AGR

Q&AGR MIKE WAY USED THE VALUES AND EXPERIENCES LEARNED IN AGR TO HELP GROW HIS COMPANY AS THE LARGEST PRODUCER OF SWEET BELL PEPPERS IN AMERICA. Brother Way is a proud member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. He was initiated into Alpha Sigma Chapter at California State University-Fresno in 1985 and served as Noble Ruler from 1986 to 1988. Way graduated from Fresno State with a degree in agri-business and started his career in the produce industry with Sun World International. He then teamed with longtime colleagues Chuck Hodges (deceased), Carl Sam Maggio, Mark Nickerson and Jeff Taylor to form Prime Time in 1992. Currently, Way is managing partner of Prime Time International, a farming and marketing company based in Coachella, California. Known as The Pepper People, Prime Time is the largest year-round grower and shipper of premium sweet bell peppers in the United States. Prime Time also grows an extensive line of seasonal fruits and vegetables including sweet corn, green beans, seedless watermelon and more. Why did you choose a career in agriculture? I was born and raised in Salinas, California, a very productive farming region on the central coast. My parents were not farmers, but one of their good friends, Carl Sam Maggio, introduced me to his carrot operation. I was hooked on agriculture! Carl and I are business partners today.

How has AGR helped fulfill its mission and promise to make you a better man? I learned to be loyal, honest and hard-working. As Noble Ruler I learned about working with all kinds of people. I dealt with difficult situations. I learned to trust others. All of this has helped me be an effective leader at Prime Time.

How are you and fellow AGR alumni brothers helping to further improve the full AGR experience at Alpha Sigma Chapter? Alpha Sigma has had its share of problems over the past 10 years. With the help of alumni, the chapter is now getting back on its feet. We are improving our relationship with the university. We are working to meet the standards and expectations of AGR. We are developing a plan for the future. More than ever, young men need the experience that comes from membership in strong fraternities. Many young men don’t come from a family structure that encourages success—a fraternity can fulfill that need.

What key attributes of good leaders in your industry and community do you most admire and put to practice? I have worked with many people in the fresh produce industry for nearly 30 years. I rank work ethic, honesty and personality are the qualities I value most in my employees and customers. Millions of cartons of produce are sold each day over the phone to people I will never see nor meet all over the world. I want our employees and customers to know that we work hard

“Work ethic, honesty and personality are the qualities I value most in my employees and customers.”

because that is what it takes to get the job done right. I will always be honest — sometimes brutally. And good personalities just make the business more fun for everyone.

What advice do you have for undergraduate members as they prepare for a career and life in agriculture? I am bullish on agriculture in the United States. We must help meet the food needs required by significant world population growth. We can only do this if Americans are educated on why we need to protect agricultural resources. We need land, water and a healthy environment to farm. But we also need Americans and especially elected leaders to understand the critical role of these resources for continued agricultural success. FA L L 2 0 1 7

SICKLE & SHEAF 35

The Last Pass

The Foundation and Its Mission THE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF ALPHA GAMMA RHO REALIZES THAT THE PILLAR OF THIS ORGANIZATION IS YOU !

$361,635

Record Amount Contributed through the Loyalty Fund in 2016-17

1,255

OVER 40 YEARS AGO, THE 1975

It is clear the Foundation’s mission

Sickle & Sheaf magazine highlighted

isn’t possible without YOU. Your

The Educational Foundation of

support enables Alpha Gamma Rho’s

Alpha Gamma Rho and its mission. “The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho is a vital part

impact across the nation. YOU play a big role in Making Better Men. The 2017 Growth Report, entitled

of our National Fraternity, with

Your Purposeful Mission, highlights

great promise for the future.”

the development that has been made

— 1975 Sickle & Sheaf It’s purposes were described as “to

tion’s response. The Foundation values YOUR insight and as we continue

assist deserving students in securing

to strive to improve, we know that

a better education…to promote and

we are not in this alone. YOUR F

encourage scientific, philanthropic

oundation is here for YOU. You can

and literary endeavors…in fulfillment

view the 2017 Growth Report at

of our Fraternity’s goal, “To make

https://issuu.com/alphagammarho.

Today, the purpose of the

We want to help YOU make YOUR impact on Alpha Gamma Rho. Less

Foundation remains the same.

than 4% of Alpha Gamma Rho alumni

In 2017, The Educational Foundation

gave in the 2016-17 fiscal year. All

of Alpha Gamma Rho’s Mission

gifts, no matter the size, are valuable

Statement states:

and contribute to the mission of The

Your Foundation’s mission

Gamma Rho. If you haven’t already,

purpose of Making Better Men

please consider joining other

from initiation and throughout their

loyal alumni in support of

personal and professional lives.

Alpha Gamma Rho.

Your contributions are Chapter & national scholarships Leadership development experiences Training for personal and chapter excellence Chapter house improvements Life-long career and personal connections

36 SICKLE & SHEAF

FALL 2017

Total Number of Foundation Donors

$288

The Average Foundation Gift Amount

1967 & 1975 Initiation Years with Most Foundation Donors

Educational Foundation of Alpha

is to drive Alpha Gamma Rho’s

tax-deductible and support:

1,842

from YOUR input and the Founda-

provide financial support…to aid and

better men.”

Number of Loyalty Fund Donors

For more information on how YOU can make YOUR impact on Alpha Gamma Rho, please contact Brad Garrison, brad@alphagammarho.org or 816-891-9200 x21 or Heather Stroud, heather@alphagammarho.org or 816-891-9200 x10.

Less than 4%

of alumni gave to the Foundation in 2016-17. Imagine what we could do with more annual support.

Our Roots

The Stockyard Inn Members from Alpha Gamma Rho and Delta Rho Sigma met at the International Livestock Exposition (possibly at the Stockyard Inn) in Chicago in 1906. Realizing their common interests and purpose, two years later, on April 4, 1908, the two groups met again to draw up and sign a constitution to create the new national fraternity named Alpha Gamma Rho. This picture is a gift to AGR for its 100th Anniversary from Donald Knepp, Southern Illinois, and John Cherveny, Iowa State, from the collection of professional livestock photographer, Wally Mann.

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

2018 Leadership Seminars Make sure your Chapter is represented! Alpha Gamma Rho’s Leadership Seminars, in conjunction with Sigma Alpha Sorority, provide a great opportunity for both undergraduates and alumni to further develop their personal leadership skills. Find the closest Leadership Seminar to you and save the date for a weekend of programming, networking, fun and fellowship with Brothers.

Memphis, TN February 2-3, 2018 Reno, NV February 9-10, 2018 Kansas City, MO February 16-17, 2018 Philadelphia, PA February 23-14, 2018

âžź Registration coming soon!