2022 staff directory

can we go the distance?

Kristie and I are now somewhat empty nesters. Our oldest daughter, Blair, has graduated college and is well on her way to a successful, professional career. Our youngest daughter, Haley, is a Junior at the University of Arkansas and is proudly involved with her sorority, as she makes progress toward graduation. We are very proud of them both. Time moves by so quickly, and it did not seem so long ago that we were popping in DVDs (remember Netflix started as a mail-order DVD service, not streaming) when they were young. Trust me, you did not go on a long trip without something to entertain them!

I am reminded of all those animated movies that they would watch. “Beauty and Beast”, “The Incredibles”, and my favorite – “Shrek!” … fill in the blank of your favorite children’s movie. One movie I remember, “Hercules”, tells of someone who could be great but doesn’t know how, but he finds a way, and as the story always goes, becomes the hero. A plot that we have seen many times before, but it always resonates with us. Our donors to the Educational Foundation have many life stories both happy and sad. However, in the eyes of our undergraduate brothers, those donors are in many cases the difference between going to college or not, becoming a leader or not, and continuing to “Make Better Men.” Your donation helps them find a way forward. You are their hero!

Alpha Gamma Rho’s movie does not end with being first to the finish line in a 100-meter dash. It is a marathon. A marathon that we must compete in and win. We make better men, one brother at a time. Our Capital Campaign focuses on Local Chapter Excellence, which is still in the pilot phase but will go nationwide next year. We owe it to our undergraduate brothers to give them a great college experience that includes scholarships, internships, preparations for a great career, and most importantly, growth in their Brotherhood. But to get our Brothers there, we have to do more. We have to “LEVELED UP” and reach for the next rung that will provide a hand up, so they can reach their goals.

The movie “Hercules” had a hero’s theme song, “Go the Distance” —

“I’ll be there someday, I can go the distance I will find my way if I can be strong I know every mile would be worth my while When I go the distance, I’ll be right where I belong”

We are where we belong at Alpha Gamma Rho, but we must go the distance. Please join us by “LEVELING UP” and give that little bit extra, so we can reach the finish line.

Fraternally,

Rex Martin Chief Executive Officer