The Capacity to Succeed in Difficult Times

by Carol Johnson, Chief Development Officer

When I think about the last “normal” months, before the pandemic changed the way we all do business, I recall special visits with the AGR brotherhood: a tailgate function in Fargo, North Dakota, Leadership Seminars in St. Louis, Missouri and Baltimore, Maryland, an alumni reunion in Phoenix, Arizona, and an Ag Symposium in Manhattan, Kansas. At each function, AGR brothers gathered and celebrated brotherhood, agriculture, and “While agriculture leadership. And through each celebration, the strength of the Fraternity has shown to be a motivating force of AGR’s Fraternal Purpose of “Making Better Men”. continues to be the backbone Alpha Gamma Rho is strong because of YOU; each of your brothers are the better men of our society, the toughest by far. While agriculture continues to be the of our nation, backbone of our nation, members strive to broaden and better the agricultural members strive industry, even when society may not fully acknowledge its importance. All during the pandemic, this brotherhood has continued to show toughness in adapting and to broaden maintaining a strong leadership that serves. and better the From March until the end of 2020, I saw Alpha Gamma Rho’s resilience each day. agricultural From a development vantage point, our annual fund surpassed all historical amounts industry, even raised in 2019, and in 2020 we continued that progression, raising $459,788. This total surpassed the largest annual fund historically achieved by the AGR brotherhood! when society To recognize this was achieved in 2020 is a major feat, while other development shops around the nation saw losses. may not fully acknowledge its We also raised the third highest historical year of overall funds, despite the fact there were not as many housing campaigns on the books. Over $2 million was raised for importance.” chapters nationwide. Additionally, a feasibility study was done to determine the Educational Foundation’s ability to conduct a capital campaign, which you are sure to hear more about in the years to come. We are embarking upon action that will change the trajectory of the Fraternity —the work of YOUR Educational Foundation is not something that will make an impact for the next 60 days, 60 months, but rather the next 60 years! Your resilience and support will continue to be greatly appreciated!