SICKLE & SHEAF AF THE MAGAZINE OF ALPHA GAMMA RHO AGRICULTURE FRATERNITY âžť SPRING 2016
Elected!
The Farm Bureau elects AGR brothers as President and VP
Making a Better Brand The Men of Marolina Outdoors
Field Notes
Chapters Report their Most Significant Accomplishments
Meet ManBQue dude John Carruthers, Tennessee 2006
In Earnest
Why I Give:
For Our Future FOUNDATION DONOR:
Bill Carriere
CHAPTER AND SCHOOL:
Phi, California-Davis
GIVING LEVEL:
Lifetime Foundation Member
“I invest in AGR for the future leadership of our industry and for the future leadership of our country.”
WILLIAM “BILL” CARRIERE WAS INITIATED
began with Alpha Gamma Rho. He feels that
into Phi chapter at the University of California-
AGR friendships seem stronger than those from
Davis in 1983. He has been supporting the Phi
other social organizations because the members
Fund since 1994 and is a continuous supporter
share a passion for Agriculture. “Having that
of the Loyalty Fund for Alpha Gamma Rho.
common interest makes the friendship cross
Brother Carriere became involved in
over to include business, family values, ethics,
Agriculture at a very young age and says he
morals, and the way of life that I think bonds
was lucky to grow up on a farm. “I am the fourth
friends together forever,” Carriere said.
generation to work our farm,” Carrier said.
Brother Carriere feels the valuable
“Although I was not pressured into returning to
relationships founded within AGR continue
the farm, I am so glad I did and I’m proud to be
to be resourceful. “More than once I have had
working with my family, including some fifth
business dealings with someone who has really
generation members.”
gone above and beyond for the relationship
In his daily life, Carriere loves sharing the experience of growing something that others need and enjoy. He feels many people today
only later to find out that he is an AGR; I should have known.” “AGR fosters and represents one of the biggest
don’t know where their food comes from and
things needed in Agriculture today and that is
therefore don’t fully appreciate what it takes
Leadership.” Carriere believes there is a great
to grow, harvest, process and deliver food to
need for leadership in Agriculture in this nation.
today’s consumer. “I love to see the amazement
“I invest in AGR for the future leadership of
on peoples’ faces when I explain how we harvest
our industry and for the future leadership of
or how we process,” Carriere said.
our country.”
When asked what Alpha Gamma Rho means to him, he spoke of the life-long friendships that
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
2016 2015
21
14 19
Sickle & Sheaf
SPRING 2016 | VOLUME 105 | ISSUE 2
Published continuously since 1910 EDITOR
Dave Korbelik COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Caitlin Stauffer
16 31
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Departments AGR E L E VA N C E
2
News from the Home Office and the world of Greek-letter organizations
32
Joe Arterburn, Steve Fairchild, Corey Geiger, John Harvey, Loren Kruse, Justin Lessman, Chester Peterson Jr., Steve Rich, Len Richardson, John Ruebush, Vance Runnels, Patrick Scheetz, Jeremy Zweiacker BUSINESS MANAGER
Philip Josephson DESIGN & LAYOUT
TR ANSITIONS
10
8
Honoring those brothers who have departed THE PILL ARS
Features
SUBMISSIONS FOR SICKLE & SHEAF
alphagammarho.org/share-your-news caitlin@alphagammarho.org 9
Take note of these four numbers
Making of a Grill Master
10
Mr. President. Mr. Vice President
14
FIE LD NOTE S
19
Reports from our chapters
From Making Better Men to Making Better Brands
16
Distinguished Golf Course Superintendent Faces Life Challenges Head On
23 Todd Johnson, Kansas State, is the Senior Vice President, Federation Services of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
18
The AGR Alumni Cruise
Q & AG R
T H E L A S T PA S S
Tria Designs
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 Liberty, MO, and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Sickle & Sheaf, 10101 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153-1366.
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AGRelevance
Grand President’s 2016 Award Winners ADMINISTERED AND
nominated by a selection committee, the Grand President’s Award is presented to outstanding Fraternity alumni age 40 or younger who have achieved remarkable success in their professional careers and made great contributions to agriculture and Alpha Gamma Rho. The award demonstrates an honorable acknowledgment of the recipient’s exceptional brotherhood, leadership, professionalism and knowledge of his industry. Four outstanding men were selected to receive the 2016 Alpha Gamma Rho Grand President’s Award. Chad Dummermuth, Joe Kelsay, Thad Koenigsfeld and Adam Manwarren were honored with the award at the four 2016 Leadership Seminars in St. Louis, Atlanta, Denver, and Pittsburgh. For more information, or to nominate a brother for a future award, visit alphagammarho. org/grandpresident-award
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Chad Dummermuth
Joe Kelsay
IOWA STATE, 1995
PURDUE, 1996
Chad Dummermuth currently serves as the Global Cross-Regional Supply Chain Manager at DuPont Pioneer, where he has worked for 16 years. In addition to his front-row seat to global agriculture, he is an owner of Valley Ridge Farms, LLC. and is Vice President and Secretary of Dummermuth Farms, Inc., a 2,500acre family farm comprised of corn-soybeanalfalfa production and a 500 head cow-calf enterprise. Dummermuth is a graduate of Iowa State University where he earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Agricultural Business and Agricultural System Technology. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Agronomy from Iowa State and is a Certified Crop Advisor and a certified Six Sigma Black Belt. Brother Dummermuth has been an active member of Alpha Gamma Rho since his initiation in 1995. As an undergraduate he served as VNR of Scholarship. Since 2004, he has served on the Eta Alumni Corporation and Educational Foundation Board, including the role of President, Vice President and Secretary. He believes service to others is an important way to make an impact and sharing time, talents and resources is the best way to serve. “Accept responsibility and lead courageously,” Dummermuth said.
Joe Kelsay joined Delta Chapter at Purdue University in the fall of 1996. While living in the Delta House, he served as VNR Planning, VNR Recruitment and as Noble Ruler. A 6th-generation dairy and crop farmer, Kelsay farms with his father and brother in Johnson County where they milk around 500 Holsteins and raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa and wheat. The farm is a Hoosier Homestead farm, and celebrated its 175th year in 2012. Off the farm, Kelsay is employed full-time by Dow AgroSciences, on the Government and Public Affairs Team as Biotechnology Affairs and External Engagement Leader. Immediately prior to joining Dow AgroSciences, Kelsay served as the Director of the Indiana State Dept. of Agriculture where he worked on agricultural advocacy and education, soil and water conservation and economic development. He served as President of the Purdue Corporation board and served on the Purdue University Dean of Agriculture’s Advisory Council. Kelsay also served as president of the Indiana Dairy Producers and was a board member for the Indiana FFA Foundation. While accepting his award at the 2016 Leadership Seminar in Atlanta, Georgia, Kelsay advised the collegiate members to make attempts to impact others, even if it there is a chance of failure. “Please fail,” Kelsay said, “Not like in a criminal or malicious way, but like Lincoln and Edison. Put yourself out there, take some risks, be uncomfortable—then learn from those mistakes.”
AGRelevance
The Grand President’s Award is presented to outstanding Fraternity alumni age 40 or younger who have achieved remarkable success in their professional careers and made great contributions to agriculture and Alpha Gamma Rho.
Corporate Partners AGR is committed to offering opportunities for members and corporations in the dynamic global agriculture and food industries to connect. Thank you to our Corporate Partners for support of our mission!
DIAMOND
Thad Koenigsfeld
Adam Manwarren
MISSOURI , 1998
MINNESOTA, 1996
Thad Knoenigsfeld was born and raised on a turkey farm in Linn, Missouri and is currently the Ag Chem Territory Manager for Ziegler Ag Equipment. He received a bachelor’s degree in general agriculture with a minor in ag systems management from the University of Missouri. He was initiated into Theta chapter in January 1998 and served as the VNR Alumni Relations in 2000. During his last semester of college he studied abroad at Reading University in England, playing American football and studying food marketing and rural resource management. Following college, Thad went to work for the Home Office of Alpha Gamma Rho, first as a consultant and then served as the Director of Chapter Development—helping set up chapters across the country. He has been a Leadership Seminar Coordinator and recently spoke at the 2016 Leadership Seminar in St. Louis while accepting his award. Koenigsfeld shared his thoughts on the importance of a first impression, “The first impression is the only impression,” and that students should “show up and BE PRESENT.”
Adam Manwarren is a Key Account Manager for FMC Global Specialty Solutions. He works with consumer channel partners such as Scotts Miracle-Gro (Ortho brands) and Spectrum Brands to deliver new products and manage existing business for the lawn & garden segment in the United States, as well as the professional specialty markets in Canada. Manwarren joined FMC in 2010 and spent five years as FMC brand manager, handling all marketing activities for golf, lawn care, and ornamental products. Prior to his current role, he has over 10 years of experience in agricultural markets and professional pest management with Dow AgroSciences. Positions included overseeing market research for coastal crops, parent seed strategy, pest control sales, and corn herbicide product marketing. He is also certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt. Manwarren joined Lambda chapter in January of 1996 and served as VNR Alumni Relations and VNR Membership Development. A graduate of the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in agri-business, he earned his MBA in marketing and entrepreneurship from the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University.
PLATINUM
GOLD
EQUITY CULTIVATING GROWTH
SPONSOR
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
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AGRelevance
AGR & National FFA Alumni Association ALPHA GAMMA RHO IS THE NEWEST ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL FFA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. Alpha Gamma Rho is excited to announce partnership with the National FFA Alumni Association. AGR members will be part of an FFA alumni chapter and enjoy all the perks and connections that come with joining the FFA alumni association. Local AGR chapters will be affected by bringing another community service opportunity to the forefront, new scholarship opportunities and being connected with local agriculture programs for recruitment. FFA Alumni Association hopes to continue to grow its affiliate program bringing on more companies, organizations, and associations. “The partnership with AGR and FFA is a very logical fit; both organizations are working to grow leaders, facilitate personal success and further enhance agricultural professionals,” Craig Parker, Jr., Director of Recruitment said.
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FFA VISION: FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. AGR PROMISE: Alpha Gamma Rho is the fraternity sharing a common bond within a dynamic, global agriculture committed to fostering the highest values and providing each and every brother with superior lifelong development and professional success.
UNDERGRADUATES APPOINTED TO NATIONAL BOARD Four AGR brothers were recently named the 2016 Undergraduate Directors on the National Board. Will Bollum, Cody Dean, Mason Marriner, and Tom Waldo were selected for this position based on their responsibility, leadership and contribution to the Fraternity. They will serve a one-year term. Will Bollum is a sophomore at North Dakota State University and was initiated into Epsilon chapter in September 2014. He was VNR – Recruitment in 2014 and currently serves as VNR – Alumni Relations. Brother Bollum is an Animal Science and Agricultural Economics double major. At NDSU, Will is involved with the Agricultural Ambassadors and Saddle and Sirloin organizations. His long-term career plan is to dive deep into animal agriculture, with a primary emphasis on beef and swine, possibly into the fields of nutrition or reproduction. Cody Dean is a sophomore at Oklahoma State University and was initiated by Pi chapter in the fall of 2014. He is currently serving as the VNR of Management and Operations for his chapter. Brother Dean is an Agricultural Education major. At OSU, he is a tour guide for the University and is actively involved in The Big Event and Into the Streets days of service. His long-term career plan is to teach agriculture at the secondary level of education and to become a principal or superintendent in a school district he enjoys. Mason Marriner is a junior at North Carolina State University and was initiated by the Nu Chapter in the fall of 2014. He is currently serving his second term as Noble Ruler for the chapter. Marriner is also involved with the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, has served on the Interfraternity Council Judicial Board, and is now a member of the IFC Chapter Advisory Committee at NCSU. He is a Biological and Agricultural Engineering Major with a double concentration. Brother Marriner’s long-term career plan is to become a licensed professional engineer and practice agricultural machinery design. Thomas Waldo is a sophomore at the University of Nebraska and was initiated into Kappa Chapter in the fall of 2014. He has served as the Kappa Crescent Editor and as a member of the Judicial Board. He currently serves as VNR- Membership Recruitment. Brother Waldo is majoring in Agricultural Economics and plans to be active in production agriculture while serving his community through public policy development.
AGRelevance BY THE NUMBERS:
Top Fuel Hydro Drag Boats
Making Waves DAVID KIRKLAND ’80 AND PAUL KIRKLAND ’80, BOTH TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE, ARE A DRIVING FORCE IN THE DRAG BOAT RACING WORLD “I’VE ALWAYS BEEN A GEARHEAD,”
says David Kirkland, a 1980 initiate
at Beta Lambda, Texas A&M University-Commerce. Growing up in his family’s custom farming and cattle operation, David and his brother, Paul Kirkland ’80, had plenty of opportunities to turn wrenches. The interest in all things mechanical followed the brothers to college, where a roommate introduced David to auto racing. Soon, David acquired a racecar of his own and began competing when his class schedule allowed. Around that time, David and Paul became members of the university’s Alpha Gamma Rho colony (now Beta Lambda chapter), where David eventually served as Treasurer, Vice Noble Ruler and Noble Ruler. In addition to his officer duties, he also continued to pursue his passion for speed. Racing became a brotherhood-building experience, with other chapter members lending a hand. “The race shop was essentially the Ag Department’s tractor lab, where we’d work on the racecar after hours,” said David. David competed in various auto racing events in the area. On a whim, he attended a local boat race with some of his Beta Lambda brothers — and it turned out to be a day that would change his life. “We were used to car races, but when we went to our first boat race, that was all it took,” said David. “There was just something about it that was more exciting.” And from there, it was off to the races — literally. After graduation, David and Paul established David Kirkland Racing and began competing in various boat racing events throughout the region. That was in 1984. In the three de-
cades since, the team has logged 14 High Points Championship awards, while setting 15 Top Fuel Jet records and 6 Top Fuel Hydro records. David has also been honored as Engine Builder of the Year and was inducted into the Southern Drag Boat Hall of Fame in 2000. The past few seasons have been especially sweet for the team and their boat, The Spirit of Texas. In 2014, the team took the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series championship by winning five of eight races, while setting a speed record of 262.238 MPH at the World Championships. But that season paled in comparison to the team’s 2015 campaign. In defending their title, Kirkland Racing and The Spirit of Texas won eight of the season’s nine races, while shattering the previous world-record mark with a speed of 274.927 MPH. David sees parallels between his membership in Alpha Gamma Rho, and his success in racing — an emphasis on cooperation and a willingness to contribute to a greater goal. And while David and Paul are not involved in day-to-day farming (they run a successful packaging business in the Dallas area), agriculture is still a part of their lives. The race team’s main sponsor, Lucas Oil, operates a nonprofit called Protect the Harvest, which advocates on behalf of farmers, ranchers and the agriculture community. Like David and Paul, Lucas Oil founder Forrest Lucas also has farming in his background. “Growing up in a farming environment gives you a work ethic and an appreciation of the things that matter,” said David. “Keeping our nation’s farming tradition strong is important, and I’m proud to be part of something that
Similar to their land-based counterparts in drag racing, drag boats utilize fuels like nitro-methane and methanol to achieve their speeds.
8,000 HORSEPOWER
275 MPH TOP SPEED
500
CUBIC INCH ENGINES
20,000
MAXIMUM RPMS (TWIN PROPS)
3.5
seconds (and less) PER 1,000-FOOT RUN helps promote American agriculture.” The Spirit of Texas and Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series can be seen throughout the season (March-October) on the MAVTV television network. Check your local listings for a broadcast schedule. S PR I N G 201 6
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AGRelevance Make sure you continue receiving the Sickle & Sheaf! Sickle & Sheaf has been redesigned and reformatted a few times in its 105-year history, and you may have noticed that just recently, Sickle & Sheaf has undergone a few … changes. The magazine grew up big time in 2015, and the updates don’t stop with the renewed, revamped look and format change! The Sickle & Sheaf magazine will now be produced twice a year, and you’ll continue to receive the printed piece each spring and fall. However, in the ten months that you don’t receive a printed magazine, AGR will be delivering an all-new e-newsletter piece straight to your email inbox. This e-newsletter, the S&S, will contain all the relevant, timely AGR alumni and collegiate information you’re missing, like Honors & Awards and On the Move updates. To continue receiving important AGR news and information, make sure we have your correct mailing address and email address on file! Update your contact information by calling the Home Office at 816-891-9200 or fill out our online form at www.alphagammarho. org/update-info.
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Blazing the Trail to Omaha: 2016 National Convention JOIN US FOR THE 64TH ALPHA GAMMA RHO
National Convention! The convention will be held in Omaha, Nebraska on August 10-12. This is time for brothers from all over the country to come together for personal and professional development, and delegates from each collegiate and alumni chapter decide the future of the Fraternity. The event features speakers, breakout sessions, banquets and more to focus on and celebrate the promise and values of Alpha Gamma Rho. The theme for the 2016 National Convention is Raising Trailblazers. A trailblazer is described as a person who makes a new track through wild country. Trailblazers are innovators, much like the motivated men of our fraternity. We hope that all who attend are eager to meet as visionaries with new ideas for the bright future of Alpha Gamma Rho. Collegiate members will have a chance to create new paths in their professional careers with the first ever AGR Career Fair on Thursday August 11th. Chapter awards will be presented and Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized Friday evening at our annual awards banquet. All attendees will participate in a wide variety of programing, leadership development, and brotherhood throughout the convention. We invite the trailblazers, innovators, and visionaries of Alpha Gamma Rho to come together for the betterment of the Fraternity in the city of Omaha, Nebraska. Please join us to
When?
August 10-12, 2016
Where?
Hilton Omaha
1001 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68102 1-800-HILTONS
resweb.passkey.com/ go/AGR2016 Make sure to ask for the Alpha Gamma Rho special rate or use the group code "ALP" to make reservations.
What’s New?
Career Fair! Thursday, August 11
Bring your resume and build your professional network!
AGRelevance
EVENT SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10 • Silent Auction and Merchandise Sales • Committee Meetings • Welcome Session & State of the Fraternity • Vespers & Initiations
explore Omaha, take over a venue, and spend some summer days learning, innovating, and engaging in brotherhood.
turnal exhibit and desert. Train, tram, carousel, and Skyfari rides are also available.
• Opening Celebration, Dinner & Reception at Durham Museum
THE DURHAM MUSEUM
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11
Exploring Omaha
The Durham Museum is located in the historic Union Station in downtown Omaha and will be the venue for our Opening Celebration, Dinner & Reception. The Museum offers a fascinating look at the history of the region and also features a broad-range of traveling exhibits covering subjects ranging from history and culture to science and industry.
The theme for the 2016 National Convention, Raising Trailblazers, fits perfectly with Omaha’s lively community and adventurous feel. Omaha, described as “America’s gateway to the west”, has so much to offer to all visitors from foodies to history buffs. THE OLD MARKET The Old Market is Omaha’s most historic and entertaining neighborhood. The cobblestone streets are home to a diverse mix of shopping, galleries, restaurants, and pubs. The Old Market is perfect for all ages including a sculpture walk, live entertainment, and big slides for family fun. BOYS TOWN
This well-known landmark is a National treasure, featuring an expansive campus with a museum, historic chapel, gardens and a world-renowned youth care program. Founded in 1917 by Father Flanagan, Boys Town touches the lives of 2 million people across the U.S. each year. HENRY DOORLY ZOO AND AQUARIUM
The #1 zoo in the WORLD! Over 7 acres of indoor exhibits including the Desert Dome, Lied Jungle, Orangutan Forest, Wild Kingdom Pavilion, and Aquarium. Henry Doorly Zoo hosts the world’s largest indoor swamp, rainforest, noc
THE STRATEGIC AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
Our venue for the Thursday night evening event, the Strategic Air and Space Museum focuses on aircraft and nuclear missiles of the United States Air Force. The objective of the museum is to preserve and display historic aircraft, missile, and space vehicles and provide educational resources. It is regarded as having one of the top collections of strategic aircraft. BALLOON AND WINE FESTIVAL
This year will be the 10th Anniversary of The Nebraska Balloon and Wine festival which features a combination of delicious food, award winning wines, glowing air balloons and more. The 2-day festival is held on the Coventry Campus just south of 204th and Q st, about 20 miles from the Hilton Omaha. It will be held August 12-13. Friday 5pm-11pm. Saturday 3pm-11pm. Balloons launch around 7pm both nights. Tickets range from $15-20. Photos courtesy of the Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Monsanto Breakfast • Silent Auction & Merchandise Sales • Opening Business Session • Educational Seminars & Breakout Sessions • 1st AGR Career Fair • Special presentation by Damian Mason • Evening Event at Strategic Air & Space Museum
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 • DuPont Pioneer Breakfast • Silent Auction & Merchandise Sales • Business Session & Elections • Educational Seminars & Breakout Sessions • Lunch/Awards Presentation • Final Business Session • Reception • Banquet featuring Hall of Fame inductions, top chapter awards & live auction SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 • Optional Tour and departures S PR I N G 201 6
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Transitions
In Memory of Our Great Brothers The following deaths were reported to the Home Office since the last publication of Sickle & Sheaf. The listing includes initiation year. Arizona
Kansas State
Massachusetts
North Carolina State
JosephStradged, 1972
Henry Holzubic, 1929 William Smith, 1930 Fred Barnes, 1919 Wayne Clements, 1951
William Garmon, 1952
Samuel Jones, 1952
Louis Larsen, 1936 David Schirmer, 1942 John Barnes, 1948 John Breithaupt, 1952 Alfred Baker, 1956 Mack Yenzer, 1940 Carl Erickson, 1938 John Haley, 1934 Edward Stoneking, 1929
Cal Poly State
Kentucky
Arkansas Jack Perkins, 1968 James Caudle, 1965 Paul Noland, 1955
Auburn
Joseph Decker, 1985
California-Davis Bertil Peterson, 1939 William Raynor, 1977 Lloyd Sakakihara, 1967
Colorado State Wilbur Brown, 1953 Charles Dunagan, 1950 Frank Judish, 1939
Connecticut Robert Franklin, 1943
Cornell William Ortlieb, 1967 David Wickham, 1949
Florida Jack Dodd, 1955 Thomas Hill, 1984
Fresno State Bob McDonald, 1987 Randy Weber, 1975
Georgia John Anderson, 1947 Samuel Rowan, 1953
Illinois Robert Osterbur, 1947
Iowa State Chester Baker, 1941 George Davis, 1949 Charles Bach, 1940 Johny Dowden, 1954
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Charles Yancey, 1954 Walter Norris, 1948
Maryland Ralph Nestler, 1928 Charles Stup, 1936 Charles Astle, 1936 Donald Bond, 1937 Charles Scherer, 1937 Harold Smith, 1937 Lewis Ahalt, 1937 Carroll Forsyth, 1937 John Brosius, 1937 Glenn Bosley, 1937 George Hoshall, 1937 Charles St. Clair, 1940 Benjamin Husfelt, 1944 Clifton Giddings, 1945 William Johnson, 1955 Richard Secor, 1960 James Buckler, 1969 William Elkins, 1938 Hugh Jones, 1938 Lewis Wheeler, 1935 Thomas Gordon, 1935 Clarence Eck, 1936 John Bailey, 1936 George Brookhart, 1936 Carl Ay, 1965 George Roberts, 1956 Robert Melvin, 1954 Elmer Cooper, 1954 Thomas Matthews, 1954 James Shelley, 1949 Paul Summers, 1949 Leroy Wheatley, 1949 Whitney McCrea, 1947 Leroy Leon, 1943 Robert Wend, 1943 Harry Gibson, 1942 Douglas Dunn, 1967 Robert Murray, 1961
SPRING 2016
Minnesota John Rolloff, 1953 Donald Crust, 1951
North Dakota State Russell Wischow, 1948 Richard Palmer, 1958 Galen Nettum, 1968 W. Hansen, 1946
Ohio State Missouri Howard Brown, 1936 Elbert Barrett, 1939 Kenneth Cartwright, 1962 George Schumacher, 1964 Joe Garrett, 1985 Kyle Kent, 1999 Kerry Cook, 1962 Gail Collins, 1958 Arthur Edwards, 1942 Frederick Quick, 1942 Christopher Masters, 2007
Deshler Cameron, 1951 Oklahoma State Sherrell Griffith, 1964 Wayne Boothe, 1948 Jack Givens, 1943
Oregon State
James Steele, 1942 Richard Fowler, 1950 Paul Dorn, 1950
Afton Zundel, 1927 Gilbert Ramage, 1939 David Hennigh, 1940 Charles Briggs, 1952 James Long, 1954 David Roth, 1954 Frank Hammel, 1957 Richard Griffey, 1967 James Wight, 1933 M. Dewey Mallery, 1958 William Hosford, 1955 Merton Sahnow, 1949 H. Joe Myers, 1947 Dawne TenEyck, 1948 Paul Fraser, 1937 Carl Schaad, 1938
New Mexico State
Penn State
Montana State Daniel Dedman, 1982
Nebraska Gary Hild, 1952
New Hampshire
John Burrows, 1955
Alvin Saylor, 1949
Purdue
Hugh Fisher, 1951 Harold Harper, 1956 Carroll Speaker, 1962 Carl Yowell, 1950 W. Jacob Slonaker, 1938 Charles Carey, 1953 Wayne Johnson, 1946 Rutgers Paul Sendak, 1962
South Dakota State William Macksam, 1964 Algirdas Greichus, 1967 Gerald Kjerstad, 1964 Paul Lee, 1964
Tennessee-Knoxville Billy Frost, 1951 Robert Carson, 1969 William Terry, 1992 William Byrom, 1969
Vermont Henry Atherton, 1980
Washington State Herman Rock, 1941 Roger Lampitt, 1963 Douglas Brown, 1969
West Virginia William Boothe, 1958
Western Illinois Andrew Maul, 1997
Wisconsin-Madison Theodore Griswold, 1940 Willis Ottery, 1948 William Skelly, 1969 Eugene Starkey, 1954
The Pillars
Rec ruit
Edu cat e
71 Com m
it
giate Colle dees atten e at th 2014 nal Natio ion. vent Con
ze
ber Num R of AG er t Chap rds – Awa ter Chap rd Awa ns catio li app ue are d 30. April
All of our chapters chose to #IMPACT2016 by attending this years’ Leadership Seminars. The seminars were held in St. Louis, Atlanta, Denver, and Pittsburgh.
Fifty chapters were represented by colligate members at our last National Convention. Make sure your chapter is represented at our biennial National Convention — August 10-12, 2016.
iStockPhoto
Rec ogn i
15
Recruitment School is held at the Home Office of Alpha Gamma Rho in Kanas City, Missouri.
ber Num rs apte of ch ted esen repr 16 e 20 at th ip h ers Lead s. inar Sem
166
38,480
l Tota s mile y led b e v tra giate colle to bers mem ent uitm Recr 16 . ol 20 o h c S
There are new additions to the Chapter Awards including Outstanding Undergraduate of the Year and Best Feature Story.
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Financial writer by day, ManBQue dude by night (and weekends too). Meet grill master and rising food expert, John Carruthers, Tennessee 2006 BY P ATRICK SCHEETZ AND CAITLIN STAUFFER
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Carruthers (left) has authored two cookbooks, ManBQue: Meat. Beer. Rock and Roll and EAT STREET: The ManBQue Guide to Making Street Food at Home. He has donated a copy of each to the AGR Bid for Better Men auction for the 2016 National Convention, August 10-12 in Omaha, Nebraska.
OW DO YOU GET FROM THE
middle of Tennessee to the heart of Chicago, with a pit stop in Hawaii, and become a famous grilling and cooking expert? It is not easy! But, it can happen. Brother John Carruthers is our living proof. Carruthers has authored two cookbooks, ManBQue: Meat. Beer. Rock and Roll and
iStockPhoto
EAT STREET: The ManBQue Guide to Making Street Food at Home. The success of
ManBQue, which was originally published in January 2014, has resulted in a movement supporting all emerging talents in grilling, craft beer brewing, and music in the Chicago area. It all started when growing up in McHenry, Illinois. Carruthers was eager for independence after high school and wanted to move far away for college. Having visited the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK) on many occasions, and with many relatives living in the area, he decided that UTK was the place for him. With a solid plan to become an attorney, Carruthers originally started at Tennessee-Knoxville studying political science. To make some extra money, he began writing for the UT campus daily
newspaper, The Daily Beacon. The newspaper paid $9 per article and the more articles he wrote, the more money he made – he wrote as many as he could alongside his school work. Ironically, the food expert didn’t want to work in the school cafeteria to make his way through college. A sense of brotherhood is what brought Carruthers to the brotherhood of Alpha Gamma Rho, as he rushed AGR to support his college roommate. “AGRs were my kind of people,” Carruthers said. They both became brothers of Alpha Kappa chapter in the fall of 2002. Although his roommate did not stay in the chapter, Carruthers got involved and served as Vice Noble Ruler for Alumni Relations and VNR of Membership Development. He lived in the Alpha Kappa house for three of his four years as an undergraduate. Now, Carruthers refers to himself as one of the “less traditional” AGR brothers, eventually receiving his undergraduate degree in English literature in 2006. Following graduation, Carruthers spent a summer writing about pineapple production, cattle ranching and tourism for a local newspaper in Molokai, Hawaii called the Molokai Island Times. His next stop was writing for Dermatology World,
ManBQue, a men’s grilling and lifestyle organization born out of Chicago’s rock ‘n’ roll community, has grown into a global network of DIY (Do-it-Yourself) grillers, music lovers, craft-beer aficionados, and adventure seekers.
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Making of a Grill Master a medical magazine in the suburbs of Chicago, before finally landing his current job as an editorial writer for Morningstar, Inc. Morningstar is a leading provider of independent investment research in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. They offer an extensive line of products and services for individual investors, financial advisors, asset managers, and retirement plan providers and sponsors. Currently, Carruthers is in Chicago and starting a family. He is married to Emily, who is a consultant with IBM Corp., and they have a new baby daughter, Jane, who was born on Christmas Eve. They have moved from an apartment to a condo, and now a house they converted from an apartment building in the north side of the city of Chicago. Financial writer by day, Carruthers’s “night-life” role is Editor and Vice President for ManBQue, a men’s grilling and lifestyle organization born out of Chicago’s rock ‘n’ roll community, which has grown into a global network of DIY (Do it Yourself) grillers, music lovers, craft-beer aficionados, and adventure seekers. Members come from all walks of life to share in innovation, friendly competition, and all things meat, beer, and rock ‘n’ roll. On the last Thursday of the each month, they meet in backyards, back alleys, beaches, and anywhere else they can set up a grill to temporarily cast aside the responsibilities and conventions of their daily existence in favor of great food, good drinks, and to enjoy being a guy. While their monthly “meatings” are a lynchpin of the organization and a test kitchen is used for some of the wildest ideas, ManBQue hardly ends once the last embers from the grill fade out. The team hosts exciting food and music events, beer tastings, and brewery tours throughout the Chicago area. ManBQue is active in the community, raising money for local causes, and partnering with small businesses to create unique opportunities for their clientele. STANLEY CUP? MANLY CUP.
When the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in 2013, Carruthers and a couple other guys from ManBQue made a life-size replica of the Stanley Cup—out of meat. The ManBQue team presented it 12
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to the Blackhawks on a local morning tv show. The pictures of it ended up all over the Internet, and a copy of the photo is in the Hockey Hall of Fame. The meat cup weighed around 35 pounds—almost as much as the real Stanley Cup. It was made of bacon, ground beef, sausage and “in keeping with tradition, had beer cheese on the inside of the cup,” as John described it. The ManBQue staff surprised Blackhawks’ head coach, Joel Quenneville and owner, Rocky Wirtz on Windy City Live. HOT DOG UNIVERSITY
Carruthers (top) and creations from the guys at ManBQue including their “Manly Cup” — a full-size meat and cheese replica of the Stanley Cup.
When the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in 2013, Carruthers and a couple other guys from ManBQue made a life-size replica of the Stanley Cup—out of meat.
Yes, it is a real thing. Growing up, Carruthers’ father used to take him to Tommy’s Red Hots in suburban Crystal Lake for the “two hot dog special.” “I spent the rest of my life trying to enjoy food as much as I liked wolfing down those dogs with fries and a Mountain Dew,” Carruthers wrote in a blog post entitled “How I Got My Degree from Hot Dog University.” He soon set out to become “the master of the hot dog.” Carruthers has a bachelor’s and master’s degree, but to do justice as a true hot dog vendor, he needed a degree from Hot Dog University. “I needed to enroll in Hot Dog University…” Carruthers wrote in his blog. “It was partly to get instruction on profit margins and marketing strategies, partly to determine the nuances which separated successful vendors from unsuccessful ones, and partly because I was really digging the idea of telling people I graduated from Hot Dog University.” Hot Dog University is a course, provided by Vienna Beef Ltd, that you can take in several major U.S. cities at different times throughout the year. The course teaches everything from what makes a true Chicago Dog to successfully operating a cart in a park full of “hungry Chicagoans.” “I’d learned everything that I came to find out, ate a few free hot dogs, and gained a pretty unique line for my resumé.” ADVICE FOR LOST SOULS
John Carruthers has some guidance for undergraduates or even AGR alumni who are uncertain about their futures. “Have fun at whatever you do!” Carruthers said, “Search until you find what you like. If at first you don’t find what you want, keep
on hunting.” He feels collegiate members should test multiple options and determine what areas they excel in. Carruthers also wants members to enjoy their time on campus, because “Man, the time did go fast!” “Stay in touch with your brothers.” Carruthers continued, “Try to get together with them as frequently as you can.” He mentioned participating in the AGR National BBQ, usually held in April in Lebanon, Tennessee. “Participate in the barbeque contest, for you might find a new career interest or at least an enjoyable hobby.” Carruthers invites all brothers to come see him at ManBQue events in the Chicago area. They are all over town and full of all things MAN.
ManBQue What is it? It’s a man’s night out. The team of ManBQue volunteers is most passionate about encouraging people to try new foods, support craft beer, and share the best of what they eat and drink with everyone else. According to Brother Carruthers, ManBQue uses only fresh ingredients of the highest quality for their BBQ events. Their meals are served BlockParty Style, with all their meats grilled on site and served fresh off the grill. Their pride is Southernstyle service and full attention to detail.
Carruthers has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, but to do justice as a true hot dog vendor, he needed a degree from Hot Dog University.
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Mr. President.
AGR BROTHERS ELECTED PRESIDENT AND VICE
“DON’T LET ANY GRASS GROW AROUND YOUR FEET” Advice from the new AFBF President, Vincent “Zippy” Duvall to collegiate members of Alpha Gamma Rho. “Get involved in as many things as possible. Don’t let any grass grow around your feet. This is a special time in your life, when you have the chance to learn as much as you can, explore all the career opportunities that are available to you and create friendships that will last a lifetime.” “Tell others how exciting agriculture is. Don’t be afraid to let people know that agriculture is more than chickens, corn, and cows. It’s scientific research. It’s the environment. It’s health and nutrition. It’s international trade. It’s economics and global finance. Be proud of your involvement in agriculture, and be proud to tell others why it’s such a dynamic area of study and choice of career.” “The last thing I would say is join Farm Bureau, if you haven’t already. And, don’t just join-get involved! I would not be where I am today without Farm Bureau. It is the most effective advocate for all of the nation’s farmers and ranchers, and it has a lot to offer you.” 14
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AFBF PRESIDENT:
Vincent “Zippy” Duvall, Georgia 2008
Vincent “Zippy” Duvall, Georgia 2008, has been elected as President of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Duvall has served as the president of Georgia Farm Bureau for nine years and has been described as very passionate and motivated. Duvall is a poultry, cattle and hay producer and has held many leadership positions in the Farm Bureau and within the Greene County, Georgia community. Duvall became involved in Agriculture at a young age after his dad bought several dairy cows and quickly put him and his brother to work. “I really took to dairy farming and, ever since then, I’ve always known that I wanted to be a farmer.” Duvall said. Brother Duvall and his wife, Bonnie, took over the dairy farm, eventually transitioning the operation from dairy production to chickens. They feel that raising their four children on the farm was the best way to bring up a family. “Things were not always easy,” Duvall said, “but being able to work together as a family is one of the many things that make agriculture special.” After his election to the office of president for the Georgia Farm Bureau, Duvall was initiated as an alumnus initiate to Alpha Eta chapter at the University of Georgia. He was recognized for the leadership the Bureau provided
Zippy and his wife Bonnie sold their milking herd in 2005 and transitioned into a 250 brood cow-calf operation.
to farm families across Georgia and upholding the promise and values of Alpha Gamma Rho. Duvall says he has been inspired by the brotherhood in their approach to recruitment and retention of members. He has witnessed brothers helping brothers through difficult times in life, whether it was family, school, or finance related. “AGR is truly a brotherhood that helps young men grow and excel during a special time of life.” Duval said, “Agriculture and the families involved are beneficiaries of the good work and mentoring that is provided to the young men who have the privilege to be called an AGR brother.” Throughout his experience in Agriculture, Duvall has learned that getting involved and staying involved is the key to success. “When I was young and taking over more of the work on the family farm, my dad explained to me that we have got to get outside
out fencerows to have an impact on the things that affect all of agriculture, things like commodity prices and government relations.” Duvall said. His father was the one to take him to his first county Farm Bureau meeting, and he soon ended up chairing the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee for that county. “That set me on a course that has led to Georgia Farm Bureau president and now American Farm Bureau president.” “Zippy.” The nickname will remain. Post-election, many reporters have asked about the name “Zippy” and if Duvall plans to use his preferred name throughout his presidency. Zippy plans on keeping his nick name and reported that it was “all he has ever answered to.” He also says that his given name, Vincent, is now taken by his son and grandson. So, “Zippy” it is!
Mr. Vice President. PRESIDENT OF AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION. “THE WORLD IS RUN BY THOSE WHO SHOW UP…” Advice from the new AFBF Vice President to collegiate members of Alpha Gamma Rho. “Always make your best effort to take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to you as long as they fit your values and principles.” “Take every opportunity to learn from more experienced leaders with whom you come in contact. Remember that the world is run by those who show up, and if we don’t tell the accurate story of agriculture to consumers and policy makers at all levels, our detractors will tell their version.” “Agriculture has a very exciting future, and the need for our products will always be there. There are hundreds of ways a person can be involved in providing food for our world.” “Agriculture is a vital part of our national security, and guarding the ability to feed ourselves no matter what else happens around the world is of utmost importance. It is imperative that we keep training strong leaders in agriculture so our industry can continue to serve that noble purpose.”
AFBF VICE PRESIDENT: Scott VanderWal, South Dakota State 1983
Scott VanderWal, South Dakota State alumnus, is the new Vice President of AFBF and is the first ever from South Dakota Farm Bureau to serve at the executive level of the national organization. Brother VanderWal is a third-generation farmer from Volga, South Dakota. He and his wife, Michelle, grow soybeans, corn and do custom cattle feeding and harvesting. VanderWal and his wife both graduated from South Dakota State University and served on the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers from 1992-1994. He is a father of two sons and stays active in their church and community. VanderWal grew up on farm and was the oldest of six boys between two families on the farm. After graduating from South Dakota State, he had the chance to return and start managing the farm. “My parents wanted us to have the chance to be involved in farming if we wanted to, and that was always my goal growing up.” brother VanderWal said. He also shared that farming has given him the flexibility over the years to be extensively involved in Farm Bureau, which he feels would have been different if he had to be at work for someone else every day. After being very involved in 4-H and FFA in high school, Brother VanderWal noticed he was not as involved in activities as he should have been when
starting college at SDSU. He was initiated into Alpha Phi chapter at South Dakota State University in 1983. “Joining AGR provided the camaraderie and motivation to get involved in leadership activities around campus.” VanderWal said. He feels the competitive environment in AGR was very healthy for all of the members along with the expectations to excel at whatever they did. VanderWal was soon involved with Student Senate, Ag-Bio Prexy Council, Little International, Block and Bridle and other activities at the University. “At one point, all five Ag College seats on the Student Senate were held by members of AGR, including myself.” VanderWal said, “We were pretty proud of that!” For VanderWal, the most rewarding part of his involvement in Alpha Gamma Rho was making friends and acquaintances from all over the nation. “The teamwork and excellence that we expected from each other really contributed to our success.” VanderWal spent three years as Vice President of the South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) and has been a member of the board of directors since 1997. Since June of 2004, VanderWal has been President of SDFB. Using his years of experience with SDFB, one of VanderWal’s goals as vice president will be to strengthen the communication between state level Farm Bureaus and the national federation. “Agriculture has many challenges facing us in the years ahead, and I am ready to put my leadership experience to work with President Duvall, the AFBF board and staff to accomplish our goals,” VanderWal said, “I am so honored to be elected as Vice President of the American Farm Bureau Federation.”
VanderWal was elected by delegates on January 12, 2016 at the AFBF annual meeting in Orlando, Florida.
THE AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION Commonly referred to as the Farm Bureau, the AFBF is the largest general farm organization in the United States. The stated mission of AFBF is "working through our grassroots organizations to enhance and strengthen the lives of rural Americans and to build strong, prosperous agricultural communities". AFBF is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with 50 state affiliates and one in Puerto Rico.
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From Making Better Men to Making Better Brands BROTHERS JOSH REED AND JASON HART, BOTH CLEMSON ALUMNI, HAVE GONE FROM SELLING APPAREL TO HUNTING AND FISHING STORES AT THE “MOM AND POP” LEVEL TO BECOMING CO-FOUNDERS OF MAROLINA OUTDOOR, INC. JASON HART, VICE PRESIDENT OF
Marolina Outdoor Inc. was founded with the intention of bringing deep seeded expertise across all outdoor categories in the industry. The founders, including two Alpha Gamma Rho brothers, sought out to use their experiences to help meet the needs surrounding the outdoor world.
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Business Development, and Josh Reed, Vice President of Sales, are two of the four founders of Marolina Outdoor, Inc. — a company of premium outdoor apparel for fishing and hunting performance. After 15 years working with performance apparel, they had built relationships in the industry and a solid knowledge for what the customer wanted and what the retailers were looking for. Although both felt it was a huge challenge to leave their established careers, they aren’t looking back. Hart and Reed met at Clemson University and were both initiated into Beta Zeta chapter in the late 1990s. Reed’s brother, Doc, current Vice President of
the Supply Chain for Marolina Outdoor, also attended Clemson University and the three became great friends. In 2004, Hart took a job in Baltimore, Maryland, while Reed was working for Pennington Seed. Three years later, Hart helped Reed get an interview in Maryland. Shortly after, the AGR brothers were working together in sales at Under Armour. While helping grow Under Armour, they worked with a gentleman named Ben Verner, who was on the finance, strategy, and product side of the company. “Ben had a passion of the outdoors much like we did.” Hart said, “We had like-minded ideas for building better product. Ultimately we became
friends and later business partners.” Jason Hart, Josh Reed, Doc Reed and Ben Verner are now the known founders of Marolina Outdoor, Inc. “Although we are a relatively new brand, we have exploded quickly to the market,” said Hart. The team has been on the road non-stop for the last two years visiting retailers, attending tons of trade shows and promoting their brands. Marolina’s Huk Performance Fishing, NOMAD and Spanish Fly brands can be found in over 1,000 retail locations in all 50 states and will soon be found internationally.
What was your childhood ambition? JASON HART: I wanted to be a wild turkey biologist as a kid, after I realized I was too short to be an NFL linebacker. I have a degree in Wildlife Biology and now I sell t-shirts and underwear for a living!
JOSH REED: I wanted to be an ophthalmologist until I took a Biochem class in college, so I got my degree in Horticulture because I loved working in the dirt.
“AGR was an important building block in us growing from boys to men and ultimately created the foundations for relationships which help start our company 15 years after we graduated from Clemson University.” — Josh Reed
“GO DEEPER” “Marolina Outdoor, Inc. was created out of our passion of the outdoors.” AGR brothers Reed and Hart agreed. The Marolina team is excited to build brands for the outdoorsman, by the outdoorsman. To Hart and Reed, their product being associated with quality means it is successful. “We feel that when someone catches a fish or makes a great memory in the field wearing our gear, that we were a part of that experience.” During their time in Beta Zeta chapter at Clemson University, Reed served as Noble Ruler while Hart served as the Vice Noble Ruler of Activities. The friendships and professional relationships created from their involvement in Alpha Gamma Rho have been an important part of these business partners’ lives. “Our fraternity brothers have been major cheerleaders for our brands and ultimately for us, it set the relationship foundation for us to work together professionally at our former employer (Under Armour) and then when founding our company Marolina Outdoor, Inc.” Reed said.
The brands of Marolina Outdoor:
The goal for Huk Performance Fishing brand was to make performance apparel for all anglers. The team wanted to design products to help anglers perform in all conditions including heat, rain, or cold weather, letting the angler stay on the water longer.
NOMAD is performance apparel designed for big game hunting. Brother Hart and Reed both feel the hunting lifestyle needs to be shown in a positive light, which NOMAD strives to do.
A coastal lifestyle brand inspired by the late salt water fishing icon Jose Wejebe, Spanish Fly is influenced by the Florida fishing lifestyle.
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DISTINGUISHED GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT AND PURDUE ALUMNUS, DAVE FEARIS, FACES SERIOUS LIFE CHALLENGES HEAD ON. charity event for numerous years, a sales representative and a GCSAA staff member. Fearis knows it is important to “keep smiling” and try to have a positive attitude, even when you are faced with such serious obstacles. He looks forward to each day doing maintenance work at the Country Club, almost six days a week job when the weather permits. “With my diagnosis, it is all about keeping active and keeping yourself motivated,” says brother Fearis, “it’s great therapy.” Dave joined Delta Chapter at Purdue University in 1965 and says he uses the communications skills and networking savvy he learned via AGR on a regular basis. Living in the same urban area as the AGR Home Office, Fearis has long been involved in helping select Grand President Award recipients. He has also attended Leadership Seminars and remained a devoted and involved AGR alumnus ever since leaving Purdue. His advice to current collegiate members is to get involved with those around you and to take advantage of your time. “Look up from
your mobile devices and get engaged in honest to goodness face to face communications and networking – AGR is a wonderful development ground to learn those skills.” Fearis said. As the golf magazine interview reveals, it was March 2014 when his doctor confirmed what his wife, Lynn, had feared for more than a year. She had noticed some memory loss and felt something was wrong. Her mother had had the disease and as a retired medical technologist, she understood enough to notice multiple signs in her husband’s behavior.
Alzheimer’s is a very serious disease and has no cure. The average life expectancy is eight years, although people have been known to live as long as 20 years after symptoms appear. Memory loss is slight in the early stages, and then gets progressively worse. That said, research in recent years has been promising to unlock the causes and treatment. For example, the Alzheimer’s Association says the active lifestyle Fearis leads will slow the advancement of the disease. Early diagnosis is important and becoming educated about all areas of the disease can help caregivers with support. He further states in his interview with Golf Course Superintendent Magazine that his mother also had Alz-
heimer’s. “So, there is some explanation for my situation – heredity.” Fearis said. “That was a long time ago (early 1980s). We know so much more about it today. Early diagnosis is important. Not only for the person, but also for the family. This disease affects the family because they are caregivers. Getting the right medicine, keeping active, testing your brain – it is important to keep as sharp as possible.” “The work is therapeutic for Dave. It keeps him active and focused.” Fearis’s wife said. “He loves being on the golf course. He would much rather be there than sitting at home on the couch watching television.” After spending time with family and close friends, Dave is now ready to more publicly share his story, in part because he wants people to learn about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. He also knows word will spread about his condition, but the last thing he wants is a pity party. “I have led a great life,” Fearis says. “I am blessed with a great wife and son, and great friends. I have traveled all over the world and met many wonderful people. I could feel sorry for myself, but what would that do? I am going to enjoy life as much as I can.” iStockPhoto
As Superintendent magazine, a publication intended to keep golf course superintendents in-the-know, recently featured on its cover, Dave Fearis, Purdue alumnus, is “still smiling”. Longtime industry figure Dave Fearis continues to lead a fulfilling career and life, not letting Alzheimer’s disease get him down. Fearis is thankful he has led a full life, one that includes being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about two years ago. He is thankful that he is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho and that AGR has played an important role in his life. Dave Fearis started working on a golf course at the age of 14 and today, at almost 70, is still tending to a course in his “unofficial” retirement. He is a member of the maintenance staff at Grand Summit Golf & Country Club in suburban Kansas City, Missouri. In the more than 50 years between those jobs, he was a dean’s-list student at Purdue University, president of the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America (GCSAA), host of PGA Tour Hall of Fame golfer Tom Watson’s
Photo by Bruce Matthews
“I am going to enjoy life as much as I can.”
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Field Notes CHAPTERS REPORT ON THEIR
Single Most Important Accomplishment of 2015 KAPPA DELTA
University of Nebraska
Purdue University
Young Farmer of the Year GAMMA DELTA
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Congratulations to Brother Ryan Crane, Class of 2009, who was recently named the 2016 Young Farmer of the Year by the Maine Potato Board. Crane is currently a Production Manager at Crane Brothers’ Farm in Exeter, Maine. Crane is also the chairman for Maine Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee. We are very proud of Brother Crane and have no doubt that even more honors lie in store for him in the future. Ryan is another example of how Alpha Gamma Rho continues to make better men and a broader and better agriculture.
Outstanding Alumnus of the Year This fall, the Kappa chapter had the privilege to host the Honorable Judge Arlen Beam for a Monday night meetings. We honored Judge Beam as the 2015 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year. After graduation, Beam served as a Captain in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon returning to Nebraska, he sold seed before
EPSILON
attending law school. After gradua-
North Dakota State University
tion, he served in private practice in
SMART Goals Set
Lincoln. He was appointed to the US
In the fall, several alumni and undergraduates of Epsilon chapter participated in a successful Strategic Planning Session facilitated through the Home Office of Alpha Gamma Rho. Together we set SMART goals for the next several years. Call the Home Office at (816) 891-9200 ext. 17 to schedule the dates for your chapters planning session!
by Ronald Reagan. Reagan then
District Court for Nebraska in 1981 elevated him to the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, one step below the Supreme Court in 1987, where he currently serves. Top: Judge Beam with VNR Alumni Relations, Bryce Doeschot
The Biggest Barrel Race Yet Gamma Delta Chapter at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College was able to raise $6,500 for the Alzheimer’s Association through their semi-annual barrel race. This year was their highest participating group who totaled a humbling 227 riders from all over the Southeast. Gamma Delta also donated over 500 community service hours to our school through volunteering to maintain and repaint the arena, announcers booth and concession stand prior to it’s use. S PR I N G 201 6
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Field Notes LAMBDA
University of Minnesota
CHI
Cal Poly State University-SLO
Nursery for Nurturing The Growing Grounds Farm is a nonprofit wholesale nursery which, under the TransitionsMental Health Association, provides job and socialization opportunities for adults with severe and persistent mental illness, especially those which limit their ability to function in the professional world. Their goal is rehabilitating the patients in such a manner that they leave with work skills which can be used to provide for themselves and their families. Chi chapter had over thirty brothers attend the event in which we performed many tasks to help out with the nursey. One task was to help construct an irrigation system for a small section of the nursery. Our brothers put risers in the ground to support the irrigation system and installed and aimed the emitters at the plants. We also repaired the nursery's tractor which we then used to flatten and spread gravel over an area which would be used as additional space for potted plants being prepared for sale.
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Honoring Leadership, Honoring “Stu� Lambda Chapter has had the opportunity to excel over the past year. In the spring of 2013, the tireless work of our alumni paid off and the collegiate members were able to move into our new house. Our alumni have contributed countless hours of their time to make Lambda Chapter the best it can be. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge one alumnus in particular, Brother Stuart Immer (left), whom, we are sad to say, passed away this last summer. Stu served as Secretary on the Alumni Board for many years, in the midst of serving on multiple other committees. During his term as secretary, he composed a complete list of Lambda alumni. Stu drove from town to town searching for unaccounted for brothers. When he was finished, we became the first AGR chapter to have found all brothers. Brother Immer always looked to make the chapter better and took it upon himself to rewrite our scholarship program in its entirety while he worked to fundraise for the new house. Upon his passing, Brother Immer left in his estate contributions to the house, which assisted in paying off some construction debt as well as the new Stuart Immer Leadership Award to be awarded yearly to a member of the house. This award is in recognition of the leadership of Stu and will be awarded to the brother whom shows leadership not only in AGR but in the surrounding community as well. Through this we hope to instill some attributes of Brother Immer into our members as we mature through our time at AGR.
Field Notes ALPHA DELTA
Montana State University
A Productive Fall
ALPHA PI
University of Arizona
Exploring the Industry The Professional Development Tours give brothers of the Alpha Pi chapter the unique opportunity to visit and learn about different companies and segments of agriculture across the state of Arizona while also connecting with Alumni and professionals in the industry. Every fall, the majority of the chapter (90% of brothers have participated in each of the past two years) travels to a different part of the state for three days to tour around 10-12 different operations in the agriculture industry. A priority of the tours are to cover different parts of the industry so within the trip brothers in the past have toured dairy farms, feedlots, large crop production farms such as cotton and lettuce, a race track horse breeding farm, smaller agri-tourism farms, food processing and production facilities, a tour with the Border Patrol, and a behind the scenes look at the University of Phoenix Stadium turf management division and crew. We also take advantage of meal times on the tour by having dinners and lunches with speakers such as the President of the Arizona Farm Bureau, local farmers, and other stakeholders. The chapter also setups
at least one Alumni reception in the area we are in to add a component of networking to the weekend. The chapter has setup a three year rotation covering different parts of the state (Year 1: Southern AZ, Year 2: Central and Western AZ, Year 3: Northern and Eastern AZ). This gives members the opportunity to see numerous parts of the Arizona agriculture landscape throughout their time in college while also not wearing out sponsors and industry people providing the tours. The tours are also free to all members of the chapter. The chapter makes it a point to acquire funding through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences along with the support of Grants and Donations. Alpha Pi has found that the tours are one of the easiest programs our fraternity does to raise money for given the professional nature of the event. The Professional Development Tours are a great way to provide professional growth to members of Alpha Gamma Rho while also making connections with stakeholders in the agriculture industry and having a fun weekend of brotherhood, industry and having a fun weekend of brotherhood.
Alpha Delta chapter initiated a record 18 new brothers into our brotherhood and is making great progress while fundraising for a house remodel to accompany our growing chapter. Alpha Delta is making leaps and bound as we keep fundraising for a house remodel to accompany our growing chapter. Our brothers all got to experience what it is like to truly be part of something larger than yourself at our fall philanthropy event. We took part in frying up some Rocky Mountain Oysters and put on a concert where all proceeds go to organizations like Farm Rescue, Montana FFA, and Montana Special Olympics. Brother Tanner Engle had the opportunity to travel to Russia over the summer and learn about their progress in the cattle industry. “It truly was eye opening to experience culture so different from our own” Brother Engle said. Each year Montana FFA put on what is called John Deere Ag Expo, which is held on Montana State’s campus. Over the four days of this event the brothers of Alpha Delta were there to help give tours, take reasons for livestock judging, judge students in the sales competition, and anything else we could to help make the John Deere Ag Expo run well. Our brothers learned many skills such as communication and also got to give back to an organization that many have been involved in. Alpha Delta chapter at Montana State University is proud of our brothers, alumni, accomplishments, and are excited about the future.
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Field Notes
BETA TAU
Mississippi State BETA NU
Texas A&M University
Gettin’ Muddy to Help the Hungry Philanthropy events are truly positive ways that fraternities show their support for the community and find a way to give back to the world. Every semester the leadership of the Beta Nu chapter attempts to plan multiple opportunities to support charities that help make our world a better place. Additionally, the chapter likes to use philanthropy events to strengthen our relationships with sororities on campus. The major philanthropic event of the Fall 2015 semester for Beta Nu chapter at Texas A&M was our mud volleyball tournament. We partnered with Sigma Alpha sorority to host a large daylong mud volleyball tournament to benefit Heifer International. Heifer International is a charity that strives to bring an end to world hunger and poverty by providing families in impoverished countries with livestock. The livestock that are donated to the families can be used for food and to provide a sustainable income to the families. This is because the milk, meat, eggs, or other products can be sold or traded in a local market. 22 SICKLE & SHEAF
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The Fall 2015 Texas A&M Alpha Gamma Rho and Sigma Alpha Mud Volleyball Tournament was held on Sunday, October 11. We had approximately 20 teams that competed in the tournament. In addition to the tournament, we held a raffle to raise more money for Heifer International. The tournament was a successful philanthropy event with the Beta Nu chapter being able to donate over $2,400 to Heifer International to help with their charity programs. After great success with our philanthropy, the Beta Nu chapter is planning a Mud Volleyball Tournament for both the Spring 2016.
“Save or Shave” for St. Jude Beta Tau Chapter at Mississippi State raised over $1,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in their “Save or Shave the Mullet” weeklong philanthropy event. People could donate to vote for collegiate Dylan Neuhaus to either keep his mullet or shave it off. More money was raised to “save” Neuhaus’ hair instead of shave it.
ZETA
Cornell University
The Great Wall with Brothers Some members of Zeta chapter at Cornell University got to visit the Great Wall of China. Over Winter break, these Brothers had the privilege of traveling to China with the Cornell University Dairy Science Club. While in China, they toured and evaluated a few dairy farms with students from the Chinese Agricultural University. “It was an amazing experience,” Noble Ruler Grant Feldpausch said.
Q&AGR
Q&AGR TODD JOHNSON, KANSAS STATE ALUMNUS, IS THE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, FEDERATION SERVICES OF NATIONAL CATTLEMEN’S BEEF ASSOCIATION. Todd Johnson was first initiated in 1990 in Alpha Zeta Chapter at Kansas State University. He served as Noble Ruler of his chapter in 1992 and was as an Adviser for Alpha Zeta for over 10 years. Johnson was a huge supporter in the Alpha Zeta Housing fund and continues to give to the Loyalty Fund for Alpha Gamma Rho.
What originally inspired you to become involved in Agriculture? I was raised on a diversified farming and livestock business in Kansas. Since my childhood, I knew I wanted to be involved in agriculture in some capacity. A strong 4-H experience peaked my interest in the broader Ag world. Enrolling at Kansas State University and joining AGR further broadened my interest in agribusiness. What are some goals you have made for the 2016 year? Professionally: Through my position at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association I will continue to strengthen our partnership we state beef councils across the country. Personally: Reconnect with AGR brothers.
What advice have you received throughout the years that you would pass on to undergraduate brothers? Addressing the small details in life will result in significant outcomes. People are less concerned about how much you know and more concerned about how much you care. How has your membership in AGR impacted your life and career? As an undergraduate, AGR membership provided a group of brothers that encouraged and challenged me to try new experiences. Postgraduation, membership delivered a social and professional network necessary to enter the workforce and be successful. Twenty-plus years into my career I am experiencing the benefits
of AGR membership at an entirely new level. I benefit from business relationships developed with AGRs from other chapters, plus I see the undergraduate and new grads providing the qualified people needed to advance the agriculture industry. Staying in contact with AGRs of all generations is a great benefit professionally and personally.
“Addressing the small details in life will result in significant outcomes.” What has been one of your favorite AGR events and why? In the mid-1990’s, an AGR reception was held during the Cattle Industry Annual Convention. This was my first true opportunity
(outside of AGR National Conventions) to meet AGRs from different chapters who were all involved in the same industry. As a recent grad this opened my eyes to the broad impact AGRs have on the beef business. Look for details about an AGR reception during the 2017 Cattle Industry convention in Nashville, TN, February 1-4. What part of your continued involvement in Alpha Gamma Rho do you enjoy the most? Staying connected with undergraduate members to learn what’s trending on college campuses and better understand their career goals and aspirations.
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The Last Pass
AGR ALUMNI CRUISE
Sand & Shores of the Caribbean
THE AGR ALUMNI CRUISE HAS DOCKED BACK IN
Miami, but the memories of this great event will linger and the strengthened AGR Brotherhood bonds will continue with us until we meet again. On the afternoon of February 12, we boarded the Oceania Cruises’ Riviera, for a funfilled, 10-day event that featured some of the finest cuisine at sea in multiple dining venues. There were four gourmet open seating restaurants at no additional charge where the guests wore resort casual attire, no formal wear required. Daily the ship delivered their Currents publication which informed us of events of the following day from shore excursions, sporting tournaments, team trivia competition, Canyon Ranch Spa seminars, enrichment lectures about the next island stop, to the list of evening entertainment venues. There were a variety of shore excursions that offered scuba diving, around the island tours, glass bottom boats to view the aquatic life and ship wrecks, and more. At Grand Turk, we saw a replica of Friendship 7 space capsule that allowed John Glenn to orbit the earth three times before landing in the sea about 10 miles away from the island. Grand Turk is totally dependent on all food and water being brought in by ship once a week; nothing edible can be grown there.
After returning to Miami, eight of us spent a great day in Key West, the most southern geographical point of the continental United States, just 90 miles from Cuba.
A very interesting excursion was to a butterfly farm at St. Maarten, French West Indies, where we were made aware of the need to provide the proper plant life necessary to attract different species of butterflies. The purpose of this alumni event was to build on our AGR Brotherhood bond with brothers from other chapters as we connected socially and to rekindle the fondness we all have for our great Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. Although the ship had an unwanted gastrointestinal virus that came aboard, we all survived and did become brothers closer to each other and Alpha Gamma Rho. Arlen Wonderlich, Past Grand President
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SPRING 2016
Our Roots DURING EACH NATIONAL CONVENTION,
there are opening and closing business sessions as well as vespers, initiations, and celebratory ceremonies. These gatherings almost always include two historic AGR items — a gavel and the Holy Bible. The gavel is made of original material from the White House and was presented in 1952 by Robert Sikes, Member of Congress, and Paul K Bresee, Grand Treasurer of Alpha Gamma Rho from 1948-1968. The material was removed in 1950 during the time of the Truman Reconstruction, which dismantled and rebuilt the interior of the White House. The Holy Bible, used throughout the National Convention, was presented on August 26, 1960 by A.B. Hamilton, who was Grand President in 1958. The Holy Bible contains the Old and New Testaments and is full of older prayer inserts, folded within the pages. The cover is foil stamped with “Alpha Gamma Rho” and includes a gold Coat of Arms crest.
Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity
NonProfit Org. U.S. Postage
10101 N. Ambassador Drive Kansas City, MO 64153-1366
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Calling all innovators, creators, pioneers and
Trailblazers! Join us for the 2016 Alpha Gamma Rho National Convention
OMAHA, NEBRASKA
➸ AUGUST 10-12, 2016
Our biennial National Convention is a time for brothers from all over the country to come together to focus on and celebrate the promise and values of Alpha Gamma Rho. All attendees will participate in a wide variety of programing, leadership development, brotherhood, and fun. Start planning your trip to attend the 64th AGR National Convention!
Alpha Gamma Rho National Convention will be held at the Hilton in Omaha: 1001 Cass St, Omaha, NE 68102 REGISTER TODAY and start planing your getaway! Scan the QR CODE to register online. Photo Courtesy of the Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau