2024 SICKLE & SHEAF ➻ Fall

THE MAGAZINE OF ALPHA GAMMA RHO AGRICULTURAL FRATERNITY ➻ FALL 2024

Making Better Men

Through Local Chapter Excellence

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 1

11/11/24 1:53 PM

In Earnest

Why I Give:

“AGR develops skills and abilities as well as any other organization on a college campus.”

FOUNDATION DONOR:

Kirby Barrick

CHAPTER AND SCHOOL:

Beta (Ohio State)

LIFETIME GIVING LEVEL:

Order of the Harvest

“Four years and a lifetime” was what Brother Kirby Barrick of Beta Chapter at Ohio State University read in his recruitment brochure in 1967, a phrase he would later adopt as Noble Ruler.

Brother Barrick has been a lifetime donor to Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity in many ways. He has been a volunteer for the Fraternity since 1971, following his graduation from Ohio State and obtaining his bachelors. He served as Grand President from 1996-1998 and on the Educational Foundation Board of Directors from 2010-2018. Brother Barrick also served on a variety of other committees, campaign cabinets and taskforces on the local and national level between 1971 and 2024.

He said his continued involvement and religious donation practices come from his strong principle that if you believe in something, you should support it.

“Getting a degree, is very, very important, and I preach that a lot, but there are other skills and abilities to be developed and enhanced,” Brother

Barrick said. “An organization called Alpha Gamma Rho does that as well as any other organization on a college campus that I’ve worked with.”

Brother Barrick has taught agriculture education and served as an administrator at Ohio State University. He was also Chapter Adviser for seven years, taught and was Associate Dean at the University of Illinois and was Dean at the University of Florida from which he retired. In total, he worked in the agriculture education field for 46 years.

During his time on those campuses, as well as his time spent volunteering for the Fraternity, he could see the tangible impact Alpha Gamma Rho had on young men at those universities. This is why Brother Barrick continues supporting the Fraternity and greatly focuses on three things that he finds vital for the continuation of AGR. One is AGRconnect. He helped establish the fund and helped plan the creation of AGRconnect for members

to share ideas, maintain important chapter documents and a variety of other tools. The second is the Adviser Development Fund. Brother Barrick explained since Noble Rulers change every year, it is the job of the Adviser to provide consistency for the chapter.

“We have better chapters when we have better Chapter Advisers” he said.

Lastly, he created the Kirby Barrick Agriculture Education Scholarship, which offers $1000 to AGR members who are enrolled in an agricultural education program. This is to support young undergraduates and through them, hopefully creating a dedicated AGR alumnus and possibly a volunteer for the Fraternity.

Brother Barrick continues to support Alpha Gamma Rho because of the great experiences he had and continues to have. He sees the Fraternity making a difference in young men’s lives and sees improvement on every level of the Fraternity. This is why he supports what he believes believes in, which is Making Better Men.

YOUR PURPOSEFUL MISSION

The mission of The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho is to drive Alpha Gamma Rho’s Purpose of Making Better Men. YOUR contributions support scholarships, leadership development training and experiences, opportunities to make life-long connections and more. Every gift to the Foundation, YOUR Foundation, is an investment in the future and makes an impact in the lives of worthy brothers. We thank you for entrusting YOUR Foundation with YOUR gift.

Make a gift today at alphagammarho.org/donate.

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 2

11/11/24 1:53 PM

16

FALL

2024

28

3

Sickle & Sheaf FALL 2024 | VOLUME 112 | ISSUE 2

Published continuously since 1910 EDITOR

5

Madeline Mapes ASSISTANT EDITOR

Matt Olson

Departments

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

AG R E LE VAN CE

2

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

Grant Bargfrede, Carol Johnson Ed.D, Becky Haley, Amanda Horvat Ph.D, Rex Martin, Jeremy Zweiacker BUSINESS MANAGER

Rex Martin DESIGN & LAYOUT

TH E PI LL ARS

9

Take note of these four numbers

SUBMISSIONS FOR SICKLE & SHEAF

alphagammarho.org/share-your-news

TH E HARVE ST

20

TR AN SITIO N S

30

2023-2024 Accomplishments of individuals and chapters

Honoring those brothers who have departed

Features Making Better Men Through Local Chapter Excellence Milestones

Q & AG R

31

TH E L A ST PA SS

32

Jay Vroom: A Legacy in Agricultural Leadership

10 16

Tria Designs, Inc.

Sickle & Sheaf (ISSN 8750-6866) is published two times a year by Publications Office, 1333 NW Vivion Rd, Suite 110, Kansas City, MO. Members receive life subscriptions with payment of initiation fee.

Non-Profit Standard postage paid at Bolingbrook, IL, and additional mailing office.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Sickle & Sheaf 1333 NW Vivion Road, Suite 110 Kansas City, MO 64118

Cultivating Futures…

Local Chapter Excellence

FA L L 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 1

SICKLE & SHEAF

1

11/11/24 1:53 PM

AGRelevance

Cultivating Futures AND 20 MILLION REASONS TO CELEBRATE

BROTHERS GATHERED FROM ACROSS

the nation for Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity’s 68th Biennial National Convention August 1-3 in Sacramento, California. The event was a huge success with more than 400 attendees, a robust Career Fair, the celebration of the record-breaking Local Chapter Excellence Capital Campaign Auction, and more.

Members and their families began to arrive Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. The weekend consisted of various business meetings, educational breakout sessions, the Silent Auction, the Career Fair and social gatherings.

The Career Fair was held Friday, August 2. The event consisted of 18 booths sponsored by local and national agriculture industries. AGR brothers took this opportunity to network, and share ideas and experiences in their industry.

That same day, the Fraternity held a celebration for the success it has had with the Local Chapter Excellence Capital Campaign. The campaign raised more than $20 million,an historical record thanks to donors and volunteers across the nation.

Brother Glenn Stith (Omicron–Kentucky) Chairman of the Educational Foundation, CEO Rex Martin, and Chief Development Officer Carol Johnson Ed.D, spoke about the hard work and dedication they and AGR members everywhere went through to make this milestone the largest in AGR’s history.

“Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity and The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho have never been more united,” Brother Rex Martin said. “Between the Local Chapter Excellence Capital Campaign,

Fraternity brothers celebrated the success of the Local Chapter Excellence Capital Campaign at the 68th National Convention.

2

SICKLE & SHEAF FALL 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 2

11/11/24 1:53 PM

AGRelevance

Corporate Partners the Top Leaders Institutes and seeing the individuals who have pushed to make these dreams a reality, I can see the future of AGR and our chapters being shaped into something great.”

The Fraternity also gave out a variety of awards and accolades to members, as well as approved new board members.

Brother Greg Nickerson, ended his term as Grand President and Brother Jay Vroom was elected the next Grand President. Brother John Demerly and Brother Todd Winters, were both elected to the National Board. Brother Jim Garrison joined the Housing Resources Board of Trustees.

That evening, the Fraternity held the Hall of Fame Banquet where several members were inducted into the AGR Hall of Fame. Brother Rick Carpenter (Gamma–Penn State) and Brother Neil Fruechte (Lambda–Minnesota) were both inducted.

The Fraternity also announced the runner up and winner of the Sleeter Bull and Maynard H. Coe awards. Alpha Zeta Chapter at Kansas State was the runner up for the Maynard H. Coe Award and Alpha Upsilon Chapter TennesseeMartin was the winner. The runner up for the Sleeter Bull Award was Alpha Sigma, Fresno State and the winner was Alpha Iota Chapter at the University of Arkansas.

The Hall of Fame Fame Dinner concluded with an auction that benefits the Educational Foundation’s annual Loyalty Fund, which raised $155,000, another fundraising record for the organization. The auction items included short vacation packages, a custom Gucci bag with AGR embossed on the straps and other items that allow brothers to show off their Fraternal pride.

Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity congratulates everyone on their accomplishments and hard work to receive these recognitions and new positions. It is their dedication that will keep the Fraternity going for generations to come.

The National Fraternity also recognizes the many hours that the Convention Committee and the staff at the Home Office put in to make this event an amazing experience for all members in attendance. Alpha Gamma Rho looks forward to the next Convention in 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky.

AGR is committed to offering opportunities to connect for members and corporations in the dynamic global agriculture and food industries. Thank you to our Corporate Partners for your support of our Purpose!

ELITE

SILVER Bader Rutter

BRONZE PIC

Want to see your company added to our list? Visit alphagammarho.org/ corporate-partners for information on how to become a Corporate Partner.

FIND US. FRIEND US. FOLLOW US. @alphagammarhohq @alphagammarho @alphagammarhohq @alphagammarho

FA L L 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 3

SICKLE & SHEAF

3

11/11/24 1:53 PM

AGRelevance

Texas Wildfires: A United Front

N

NO ONE CAN FATHOM THE FEELING THAT WASHES OVER someone when they are forced out of their home. Then when they return, very little to nothing is left standing. Thousands of people in Texas have been affected by the wildfires that have ravaged the land and left many with nothing, including some brothers of Alpha Gamma Rho. Often, unfortunate events lead to a kind of unity that is impossible to recreate day-to-day. Three AGR chapters from Texas including West Texas A&M Colony, Beta Xi Chapter at Texas Tech and Beta Nu Chapter at Texas A&M, have all taken steps to aid those who have been devastated by the wildfires.

West Texas A&M Colony held a ‘Fill the Trailer’ event during a tailgate party Saturday, March 2, to receive donations. The colony took donation of nonperishables — clothing, hygiene products, and bottles of water. Brother Tres Pennington helped coordinate the donation drive and was amazed with the turnout they saw.

“We sat out at the tailgate from about 10:45 on Saturday morning to about three o'clock that afternoon and collected hundreds and hundreds of donations,” Brother Pennington said.

He explained the colony worked with almost every Greek organization on campus throughout the entire process. On Saturday, Omega Delta Phi’s West Texas A&M Chapter helped gather donations while other Greek organizations provided donations to fill the trailer that was provided by the University’s Department of Agriculture Sciences.

Sunday, West Texas A&M Colony along with several other fraternities and sororities spent the day organizing all the donations, including sorting the clothes by gender and sizes.

“It was very heartwarming to see all of the groups come together to be able to help with the event and put their effort toward assisting those in need,” Brother Pennington said.

He noted that the amount of donations received filled an entire

4

lecture hall when they were sorting. The trailer borrowed from the Department of Agriculture was a 24-foot trailer and was filled to the brim.

Once all the donations were organized in the trailer, West Texas A&M Colony, with the assistance of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Disaster Assessment & Recovery Unit, set out with a University minivan along the Texas Panhandle “It was much more and dropped donations than we were at four different locations including, Pampa, Fritch, expecting and how Borger and Miami, Texas, the quickly the event following Monday.

Brother Pennington said came together... some of the towns, such but it was very as Borger, were larger heartwarming to distribution locations, which means the donations see everyone pull gathered by the West Texas together to be A&M Colony went out to other areas that they may not have able to help been able to reach alone. those in need.”

Many AGR brothers —BROTHER PENNINGTON and their families in Texas have been affected by the wildfires; some have lost almost everything. Brother Pennington said the Colony stayed in contact with those relatives and used them as a grapevine to see who needed the Colony’s help on their farms or ranches.

He also said the following Tuesday, several brothers and himself attended a meeting in Pampa to organize volunteers and

SICKLE & SHEAF FALL 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 4

11/11/24 1:53 PM

AGRelevance aid for those in need.

The same weekend as West Texas A&M’s efforts to ‘Fill the Trailer’, Beta Xi Chapter at Texas Tech University also stepped up to help victims of the wildfires by providing hot meals to community members of Canadian, Texas and the local volunteer fire department. Brother Matthew White, Noble Ruler of the Beta Xi Chapter, said many of the chapter brothers have family and friends who have been affected by the wildfires, sparking the idea to aid those in need.

“We hauled our trailer smoker to Canadian as soon as we could and set up in front of the Canadian volunteer fire department,” Matthew said. “I think the total count of tacos cooked was a little bit under 2,000.”

Brother White said the chapter contacted some local businesses in hopes of gaining support for their plans to gather supplies to provide food for families and livestock.

Rowdy Feeds, owned by a father of two AGR brothers, provided hay and other food for livestock. Raider Red Meats donated roughly 300 pounds of sausage and ribeye trimmings for the chapter to cook.

He also noted that the chapter ended up gathering 8,000 pounds of hay donated from Rowdy Feeds. The chapter purchased roughly 3 tons of range cubes and 300 pounds of mineral in addition to the donated meat.

Brother Zach Matthews, an alumnus from the Beta Nu Chapter at Texas A&M University, connected with the Beta Xi Chapter and assisted them with donations, coordinating their efforts and helping them haul all of the gathered supplies. He also coordinated distribution efforts to get hay and feed from the Beta Xi Chapter to the smaller farmers and ranchers in the area who may have been overlooked by some of the larger relief efforts.

The chapter drove roughly three and a half hours one way

from Lubbock to Canadian.

Another alumnus, Brother Jake Byars of Beta Xi Chapter, met the chapter half-way and helped the brothers navigate to Canadian since there were road closures from the fires.

Brother White said the chapter left around 5:30 a.m. and spent the whole day in Canadian either cooking or distributing supplies. He said they had a little food left over that they left with the fire department along with a couple slats of drinks for the fire fighters that the chapter had purchased.

“We saw the tragedy that struck the Smokehouse Creek fires ... and so we brainstormed what would be the best way to support victims of those fires.”

—BROTHER JANEK

Since going to Canadian, the Beta Xi Chapter started a donations link to gather funds to help supplement some of the money they used to purchase the materials as well as the drinks they purchased for the first responders.

Beta Nu Chapter at Texas A&M also came up with a plan and partnered with the Sigma Alpha Sorority chapter on their campus to raise funds for the Smokehouse Creek Fires, which were donated to the STAR Fund (State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund).

Brother Reese Janek, the Noble Ruler of Beta Nu Chapter, said he and his girlfriend, Grace Price, who is the secretary for Sigma Alpha’s Texas A&M chapter, both knew people who had been affected by the Smokehouse Creek fires and wanted to do something that could help.

The STAR Fund is a disaster relief fund centered around aiding farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses in covering costs to repair fencing, restoring operations, and covering other agricultural disaster relief.

Beta Nu Chapter and Sigma Alpha raised $1,800 that was already donated to the STAR Fund. Brother Janek said there are still some donations that have trickled in after their initial donation.

Reese said the chapter was able to utilize their College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ email newsletter to spread the word about how to donate. He said they also posted the link

Beta Nu, Texas A&M; Beta Xi, Texas Tech and the West Texas A&M Colony all made great efforts, donating time and money to support local communities affected by the 2024 Texas wildfires.

on social media, shared it with family and shared it on campus as well.

Through the smoke, Alpha Gamma Rho’s Texas Chapters were a glimmer of hope, along with the many first responders and volunteers who assisted those in need during the Texas wildfires where nearly 1.1 million acres were consumed

by March 16, 2024.

FA L L 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 5

SICKLE & SHEAF

5

11/11/24 1:53 PM

Shop Alpha Gamma Rho REPRESENT YOUR FRATERNITY

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 6

SHOP ANY DAY ANY TIME ANYWHERE WWW.SHOPALPHAGAMMARHO.COM

11/11/24 1:53 PM

AGRelevance

Digitizing History HISTORICAL PRESERVATION PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCED ALPHA GAMMA RHO IS EXCITED TO announce the digital preservation partnership with HistoryIT to create a digital museum of AGR’s historical collections.

The National Fraternity has worked with HistoryIT to create a way for members to connect with their Fraternity like never before.

“This digital museum will offer members an opportunity to view the National Fraternity’s history from its creation to present day without having to travel to Kansas City to see it,” CEO Rex Martin said.

Kristen Gwinn-Becker, Founder and CEO of HistoryIT explained the thorough process the company used to archive AGR’s collection.

Becker said HistoryIT calculated that AGR had more than 120 years worth of history stored with the Home Office. With a fully trained team, it would take 24,000 hours to digitally preserve all of the items.

HistoryIT has broken up this immense project into nine potential phases over the course of 3-5 years, which started in 2022.

The digital museum includes an assortment of items from chapter photos, member profiles, previous editions of the Sickle & Sheaf magazine, to objects owned by prominent members of the Fraternity.

“Historical materials are key to understanding our shared past and sharing stories that create connections across generations,” Becker said.

She said the two key components to

creating this digital home for historical items are preservation and access.

HistoryIT’s team uses precise lighting, color levels and more to ensure they capture the authenticity of each item before adding it to the digital library.

HistoryIT has even made items searchable with key words through the database of items. Becker said the descriptive words and tags created for the items are specific to AGR and written so that they are easy to search. She said her organization has worked with AGR to create curated experiences including member profiles, timelines and more.

Becker said HistoryIT preserved approximately 400 historical items in its initial sample of AGR’s archive. She noted these items are only what’s stored with AGR’s Home Office and HistoryIT estimates that 85% of the Fraternity’s history resides with the individual chapters across the nation.

Becker said the importance of a project like this is safeguarding the items that are critical to understanding the legacy and impact of AGR so that future generations may access them.

Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity is working to set up funding in order to continue to work with HistoryIT to expand the digital museum. Those who would like to donate to the digital museum project can contact the AGR Home Office for more information.

“This is just the beginning of a larger venture... Being able to preserve AGR’s history at the national level will open up many opportunities for members to learn about AGR at the national level and even about their own chapter.”

—G RANT BARGFREDE, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

MEMBERS CAN ACCESS THE DIGITAL ARCHIVES USING THE QR CODE, OR BY VISITING ALPHAGAMMARHO. HISTORYIT.COM.

FA L L 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 7

SICKLE & SHEAF

7

11/11/24 1:53 PM

AGRelevance

Record-Breaking Agrability Donation TAU CHAPTER'S ANNUAL PREVIEW SHOW AND HOG ROAST RAISES A RECORD $34,000

TAU CHAPTER AT MICHIGAN State has supported Agrability for several years, raising funds through their annual Beef Preview Show and Hog Roast. Brother Matthew Osterander, the committee chair for the Beef Preview Show said this year, the chapter raised $34,000, a record of amount raised by their show.

“We couldn’t believe it,” Brother Osterander said.

“It means everything to us.

You’re taking care of men who could either be your grandpa, your dad, your uncle. You always want to see them keep on farming.”

—BROTHER OSTERANDER

8

“We all just kept running the numbers over and over.

I think I ran the numbers for a week before I even started telling the guys in the chapter how much we raised.”

Brother Osterander said they raise the funds through sponsorships at the show as well as showing fees for participants. Sponsors were offered different packages to represent their business at the event. He also said there was a small increase in the overall attendance and the chapter made it a point to cut down some of their costs, all of which contributed to their record-breaking donation.

He explained that the Beef Preview Show held in February each year raises most of the money and the Hog Roast in the fall does raise a small portion of money donated, but this year the $34,000 came strictly from the beef show, proving its great success.

Brother Osterander said their beef show is the largest philanthropic event on campus and is among one of the largest beef shows in the state. This year the beef show consisted of 70 sponsors, 420 exhibitors

The beef show is the largest philanthropic event on campus and is among one of the largest in the state.

This year consisted of 70 sponsors, 420 exhibitors and 527 animals. and 527 animals.

He said being able to put on an event like this is a lot of hard work and dedication.

The chapter’s main priority is to always make sure everyone participating

or in attendance is comfortable and having an enjoyable time, but supporting Agrability is also high up in their priorities.

The support that Agrability provides to disabled farmers hits home for Tau Chapter.

He even touched on when he and his current AGR brothers get older, having an organization like Agrability would be life changing at those ages, or if challenges posed from an injury or a disability come up as time goes on.

Brother Osterander said being able to work with an organization that supports farmers has been very special to the whole chapter.

He said next year, the chapter hopes to put on a bigger show and wants to set the bar higher for funds collected so they can set a new record next year. He said he will be stepping down as chairman since it will be his senior year, but he is excited to see what the younger AGR brothers in the chapter have in store for the next Beef Preview event.

SICKLE & SHEAF FALL 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 8

11/11/24 1:53 PM

The Pillars

Rec ruit

f ber o Num te ora Corp nd ers a n t r a P ho w s sor Spon ted in ipa partic st a this p l a n io t Na n’s entio v n o C ir a er F Care

Edu cat e

it

ze

f ber o Num s r te chap d gnize o c e r is h t gh throu aternal r F ’s year e llenc Exce s rd Awa

As of November 4, 2024, there are 868 initiations, whereas last year there was 754. New members can use AGRconnect to learn more about their fraternity, their chapter and more.

The Career Fair is an opportunity for brothers to network, and find internships and careers. Many members take advantage of this event at Convention every two years.

National Conventions are a great time to interact with brothers across the country.The next National Convention will be in 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky.

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 9

Rec ogn i

27

404

f ber o Num es who e d atten ed mitt com time their tend to at al ation N the n io t n e Conv mer in um this s nto. ame Sacr

107

18

Com m

f ber o Num d e s a incre s tion initia ed to par com ear. y last

See this year's Fraternal Excellence Award winners on pages 21 and 22 of this issue.

FA L L 2024

SICKLE & SHEAF

9

11/11/24 1:53 PM

Making Better Men

10

SICKLE & SHEAF FALL 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 10

11/11/24 1:53 PM

T

The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho set out on an ambitious mission to help fund a premiere leadership development experience with the ultimate goal of Making Better Men and equipping members to be the nation's future leaders of a broader and better agriculture. Through the Local Chapter Excellence Capital Campaign, AGR made a vision become a reality by providing world-class training for chapter leadership teams.

Through Local Chapter Excellence

Local Chapter Excellence is not just a program, but a philosophy that by providing training for staff, volunteers and chapter leadership with top-tier learning experiences that every chapter's leadership team could succeed in their endeavors. The driving force behind the Local Chapter Excellence Capital Campaign was the belief that strong chapter leaders are required to build strong chapters.

The campaign’s original goal was $15 million — the largest campaign in the history of the Fraternity. With the support of donors all across the nation, the National Fraternity raised $20 million, and the contributions continue to roll in.

The $20 million raised through this campaign marks a monumental milestone in AGR’s history. What once seemed unreachable, was not only met but exceeded, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Fraternity’s members, alumni and supporters.

FA L L 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 11

SICKLE & SHEAF

11

11/11/24 1:53 PM

BREAKING DOWN THE LOCAL CHAPTER EXCELLENCE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN The idea of the Local Chapter Excellence Capital Campaign came from the belief that chapters could achieve excellence with tailored programs to train staff, volunteers and chapter leaders. These programs and initiatives were created for the specific needs of each chapter that would allow them to create plans that would extend beyond the Noble Ruler's time in office. When local chapters are strong, stable and focused on preparing members to be the best they can be, our brothers are surrounded with the influences that encourage individual endeavor, resourcefulness and aggressive effort. They strive to achieve personal excellence and are inspired to achieve chapter excellence on their campuses.

One of the key programs created by the Capital Campaign is Top Leaders Institute. This weekendlong experience immerses chapter officers, Chapter Advisers, alumni, House Directors and Housemothers, in strategic planning to develop a plan for an individual chapter’s long-term success.

Brother Colin Boyd, Beta Omega Chapter (Missouri State) said he has attended two Top Leaders Institutes in Kansas City.

"Top Leaders Institute has been a catalyst for our chapter's growth," Brother Boyd said. "It's where we've bounced ideas, formed new relationships, and gained a deeper appreciation for the crucial role our Home Office plays in our development.”

Funding from the campaign supports training for the leadership of each chapter and works to minimize the impact of annual officer turnover by establishing benchmarks with strategic planning for continual progress through the Top Leaders Institute.

In addition to the Institute, the campaign is working to support other critical areas including scholarships, educational resources, and infrastructure improvements including training and support for AGR’s Educational Leadership Consultants, Regional Vice Presidents, Home Office staff and other volunteers. These investments will enhance the Fraternity’s ability to provide valuable support to local chapters.

EARLY WINS FROM TOP LEADERS INSTITUTE As of spring 2024, the Top Leaders Institute has already yielded an impressive impact. The program was rolled out nationwide across all chapters, and more than 1000 attendees participated in Top Leaders Institute. All chapters are slated to attend in 2025 across six locations: Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Reno, Nevada; Kansas City, Missouri and Albany, New York.

In a post-institute survey, participants confidently responded that they felt Top Leaders Institute challenged them to become a strong leader.

“Top Leaders Institute was hands down the most beneficial resource for me when I transitioned into my executive team role within my chapter,” Brother 12

Above: More than $20 million was raised for the Local Chapter Excellence Capital Campaign thanks to the many donors and volunteers who were inspired by the vision.

Funding from the campaign supports training for the leadership of each chapter and works to minimize the impact of annual officer turnover by establishing benchmarks through strategic planning for continued progress through the Top Leaders Institute.

SICKLE & SHEAF FALL 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 12

11/11/24 1:53 PM

Justin Eddy of Theta Chapter, University of Missouri, said. “Being able to interact and discuss important matters with brothers in the same position was useful when I was thinking about what my chapter wanted to accomplish in the coming years.”

KEEPING MOMENTUM WITH LOCAL CHAPTER EXCELLENCE To continue the momentum of the success already seen with Top Leaders Institute, the next phase of the development plan will focus on creating strategic plans with each chapter. These strategic plans are an essential foundation for helping chapters to see continual growth and improvement. The goal is to help take the experience of Top Leaders Institute and assist chapters in building strong leadership.

Progress is already underway as the facilitators for these strategic planning sessions have been trained and are making plans to assist all chapters in developing their chapterspecific strategic plans over the next 2-3 years.

THE MOTIVATION BEHIND THE CAMPAIGN

2025 TOP LEADERS INSTITUTE See when and where your chapter is scheduled to attend the 2025 Top Leaders Institute.

The decision to launch this capital campaign was rooted in AGR’s long-standing commitment to leadership and excellence. It all began with Fraternity leadership, the National Board of Directors and the Educational Foundation asking itself, “What are the greatest needs to sustain and improve our chapters in delivering on our mission of Making Better Men?” Recognizing the evolving needs of its members and the challenges facing fraternal communities, the Educational Foundation Board commissioned a survey of more than 1,200 alumni, collegiate members and Advisers. The feedback indicated that training and development of local chapter leadership was the most critical need.

To help figure out the next steps, a joint task force of Fraternity leadership including Board members of both the Fraternity and Educational Foundation identified the core qualities and traits that formed the Standards of Excellence that all chapters are asked to strive for and a

plan for how to help chapters achieve them. This plan included launching Top Leaders Institute to bring the best training available, and adding more Educational Leadership Consultants to the Home Office staff to support local chapters and volunteers.

The plan was to utilize the vision, effort and resources of the entire fraternity rather than a chapter trying to succeed on their own.

The Educational Foundation sought to ensure this plan could come to life — a plan to provide top-tier leadership training and support for its chapters. The campaign was not just about raising funds but about truly supporting local chapters in their pursuit of excellence.

At the 2024 AGR National Convention in Sacramento, California, Brother Glenn Stith, Chairman of the Educational Foundation, emphasized the role of the Fraternity is not about consuming resources of the local chapters but about repositioning the national organization as a stepping stone to local chapters, providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed.

“The challenge was communicating the vision and components of the strategic plan so that alumni and supporters would realize the true intention was to leverage a national effort to deliver world-class leadership programming at the local level,” Brother Stith said. “That’s something chapters can’t do by themselves and would positively impact every chapter regardless of size, location or age.”

THE PLANNING PROCESS: A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT The success of the Capital Campaign would not have been possible without the leadership of the campaign committee and the generosity of key donors who believed in AGR’s vision.

The planning of this campaign was a comprehensive and collaborative effort that spanned several years.

A task force, comprising members from both the Fraternity leadership and the Educational Foundation, was established to lead the planning process.

Together, this group cast a vision and through a collaborative effort with donors, shared that vision and delivered on its mission of

FA L L 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 13

SICKLE & SHEAF

13

11/11/24 1:53 PM

Making Better Men. One of the pivotal moments in the planning process was when Bernie Staller, Past Grand President introduced the idea of creating a program to advance the leadership of AGR on the local chapter level. Their vision, coupled with the insights of other leaders like Jim Borel, who synthesized the concepts of the Standards of Chapter Excellence and The Top Leaders Institute into a cohesive program, laid the foundation for the campaign’s success.

Reflecting on this plan and campaign, Stith summarized four key takeaways the group had which could also help local chapters as they think about local fundraising efforts: 1. Build A Strategy: If you have a good strategy that is validated through input and can deliver real value, many donors will help step up to make it a reality. But the key is a clearly communicated strategy with meaningful outcomes.

2. Serve A Purpose: In this case, the Fraternity and Educational Foundation exist to serve and support the advancement of local chapter success. This campaign furthers that purpose.

In any campaign, ensure that the purpose is obvious.

Learn more about the foundational elements of strong AGR chapters and how local chapters can strive to achieve excellence.

Champions Of AGR’s Vision The campaign committee worked efficiently and tirelessly to achieve excellence in its own way. While many hands and minds came together, we can all give thanks these brothers for helping to spearhead this campaign: f Gary Clark, Pi (Oklahoma State) f Donald De Jong, Chi (Cal Poly) f The late Gene Lemon, Alpha (Illinois) Honorary f Philip Josephson, Alpha Psi (Wisconsin– River Falls) Honorary f David Ames, Beta (Ohio State)

3. Seek Collective Support: In response to a well-thought-out, well-developed, and well-communicated plan, you’ll find there is an abundance of support. Alumni, donors, and volunteers will participate for a game-changing initiative.

f R. Kirby Barrick, Beta (Ohio State)

4. Teamwork & Vision Creates Change: An outstanding campaign committee that is excited by the vision, working as a team can accomplish immense changes to accelerate chapters.

f Michael J. Borel, Eta (Iowa State)

A HISTORY OF CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS: AGR’S COMMITMENT TO GROWTH AGR’s history of capital campaigns reflects its ongoing commitment to growth and excellence.

These campaigns have been vital in enabling the Fraternity to expand its programs, improve its facilities, and support its members’ academic and personal development. Each campaign has been built on the successes of its predecessors, with lessons learned, transformation of planning and execution of subsequent efforts.

According to Rex Martin, CEO, the importance of these campaigns cannot be overstated.

“Every campaign is a step forward,” Brother Martin said. “They allow us to dream big, to set ambitious goals, and to achieve things that were once thought impossible.”

This is not the Fraternity’s first capital campaign, but this is its largest campaign.

It is a campaign that has set the Fraternity up for continued success.

“This campaign is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a common goal,” said Brother Martin.

“The Fraternity has never been more united.

It is a reminder that with vision, dedication and collective effort, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved.”

14

AGR'S STANDARDS OF CHAPTER EXCELLENCE

f Tracey Binkley, Alpha Kappa (Tennessee–Knoxville) f James C. Borel, Eta (Iowa State)

f Jack H. Britt, Alpha Chi (Western Kentucky) f Terry Hague, Pi (Oklahoma State) f Todd Johnson, Alpha Zeta (Kansas State) f Adam Manwarren, Lambda (Minnesota) f David A. Maurer, Alpha (Illinois) f Jerry Steiner, Iota (Wisconsin–Madison) f Glenn Stith, Omicron (Kentucky) These individuals, along with numerous other alumni and supporters, donated not just their financial resources but also their time and expertise, making countless calls, organizing events and engaging with potential donors. Their commitment transformed the campaign into a labor of love, reflecting the deep connection they feel to AGR and its mission.

There are also many donors to this campaign. We recognize that generosity in all sizes is what made this campaign successful. The National Fraternity thanks every donor for their contributions to the Local Chapter Excellence Capital Campaign.

SICKLE & SHEAF FALL 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 14

11/11/24 1:53 PM

AGR Local Chapter Excellence Campaign Success Recognized TOP LEADERS INSTITUTE PROGRAM AWARDED LAUREL WREATH BY NIC ALPHA GAMMA RHO FRATERNITY

and the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho received multiple national awards at AGR’s 68th National Convention from the North American Interfraternity Conference for its success in launching the Top Leaders Institute (TLI) in January 2024. These awards represent the hard work and accomplishments of the Local Chapter Excellence Capital Campaign and all who supported it.

AGR received one award, the Laurel Wreath Award and the Educational Foundation received two awards, the Best Use on an Educational Grant and an Honorable Mention for Best Communication Efforts. AGR was one of six NIC Greek organizations to receive the Laurel Wreath Award, an award that celebrates unique programs and initiatives influencing the fraternity community and greater world.

“We are incredibly honored to receive these Awards of Distinction,” Carol Johnson, Chief Development Officer of the Educational Foundation said.

“This recognition is a testament to

“With a program like this, we have been able to provide engaging, worldclass education to our brothers to create a broader and better agriculture.”

— REX MARTIN, CEO

the supporters of the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho — It underscores a genuine dedication to the mission and continued commitment to relevancy while

advancing the Purpose of the Fraternity. Being acknowledged by our peers in the Greek world, who tirelessly work for the betterment of the entire fraternal community, makes this achievement even more meaningful.”

After four years of planning and pilot programs, the Top Leaders Institute was launched as an opportunity for members to advance their leadership skills and strengthen their local chapters, thus cultivating the next generation of leaders in agriculture and the world.

The vast majority of chapters attended one of the eight Top Leaders Institutes between January 12 and February 3. With 467 chapter officers and 62 alumni representatives, Chapter Advisers, Housemothers and House Directors in attendance, the TLI was an astounding success.

“Alpha Gamma Rho’s goals for our brothers are for them to become stronger leaders so they can grow stronger chapters,” CEO, Rex Martin, said. “With a program like this, we have been able to provide engaging, world-class education to our brothers to create a broader and better agriculture.”

Brother Glenn Stith, Omicron Chapter, Kentucky, described TLI as a nod to Brother Gene Lemon, Alpha Chapter, Illinois–Champaign, who took great lengths to fulfill his passions in developing exceptional leaders. This program is just one way AGR raises a glass to Brother Lemon to thank him for his progressive efforts.

This institute, as CEO Rex Martin has said, is the North Star of AGR as it paves a way to Make Better Men. AGR’s Purpose is fulfilled by surrounding its members with influences to encourage individual endeavor, resourcefulness and aggressive effort along the lines of making for the development of better mental, social, moral and physical qualities. The TLI is just one way AGR has worked to make these goals a true impact on its membership.

FA L L 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 15

SICKLE & SHEAF

15

11/11/24 1:53 PM

16

SICKLE & SHEAF FALL 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 16

11/11/24 1:53 PM

SEVERAL AGR CHAPTERS ACROSS THE NATION CELEBRATED AMAZING

milestones this year. While Beta Zeta at Clemson University celebrated 50 years and Alpha Iota at Arkansas celebrated 90 years, the Alpha Alpha Chapter at West Virginia; Omega Chapter at New Hampshire; Alpha Beta Chapter at Oregon State and Psi Chapter at Maine each celebrated 100 years as chapters These six chapters took the occasion to celebrate their past and rally for their futures of Making Better Men. Alpha Alpha Chapter celebrated their 100th anniversary in April with a four-day event including social hours, touring the new agriculture building on campus, faculty luncheons and more.

“There wasn’t a bad review from the event,” Brother Tom Manahan said.

Brother Chuck Dransfield and Brother Monahan both played large roles in preparing for the event. Brother Dransfield asked to be part of the planning committee when he realized that the 100 years was just a few years away. Brother Monahan has a background in recreation programs and was asked to help plan the event as the committee chair.

The chapter took a professional development approach to their event while also making it fun for everyone. Brother Monahan worked with the Dean of Agriculture and other faculty to get a tour of the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The tour focused on the many industries that have grown and been created as agriculture changes.

“The goal was to show the inter-disciplinary need that is modern agriculture,” Brother Monahan said.

The chapter also toured a dairy plant called Mountaintop Beverage as part of the educational aspect.

The chapter also hosted a bonfire Thursday night, then Friday night was the first reception. Among those in attendance were the President of the University and the Dean of the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Saturday, they held various business meetings as well as another reception. During their chapter meetings, three men were initiated including Speaker of the West Virginia House of Delegates, Roger Hanshaw. During the reception, the chapter held a silent auction and other activities that raised $2,000 for West Virginia 4-H.

FA L L 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 17

SICKLE & SHEAF

17

11/11/24 1:53 PM

“The goal was to show the inter-disciplinary need that is modern agriculture.”

— BROTHER MONAHAN

18

Brother Dransfield said they named JoAn Scott-Jackson, a Rho Mate during his time as a collegiate, the Centennial Sweetheart. JoAn helped with putting together the 100-year celebration and this was just one way the chapter thanked her for her continual support over the years.

“It’s a family thing,” Brother Dransfield said.

Brother Julian Barton of Beta Zeta Chapter, Clemson University had a similar outlook as Brother Dransfield about AGR and celebrating his chapter’s milestone of 50 years.

Beta Zeta Chapter held a one-evening event April 13 at the Madren Center on the Clemson University Campus. In attendance among the brothers was the Dean of Agriculture and the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Clemson.

The chapter held what resembled a reunion of several generations. Brothers got the opportunity to mingle with one another and catch up after many years apart. Brother Barton helped organize the event. He said with the 50th celebration, the chapter really wanted to focus on the people who came and the past that built the chapter into what it is today.

“You’re not just joining a fraternity, you’re here to build a fraternity,” Brother Julian Barton said as he reflected on when he first joined the Fraternity.

Brother Barton said a little more than 150 people were in attendance. He said they set up call lists and himself, as well as others helping assist with the event, spent time calling Beta Zeta Chapter brothers letting them know about the 50th celebration event. Many of which were part of the first several classes of the chapter.

He said the 50th anniversary was very important to the chapter because many of the attendees were among some of the first classes at Beta Zeta Chapter. Brother Barton said this was the opportunity for many of those brothers, who are now in their 60s, 70s or even 80s to celebrate their chapter’s accomplishment. He said it was important that the chapter focus on those foundational members that set the stage for what the chapter is today.

And celebrate, they did.

“We were laughing when we came in the door and we were laughing when we came out,” Brother Barton said.

He emphasized the support of the people who helped make the event a success. Brother Barton explained it was the quality of the people who helped to make the 50th celebration a time for members to enjoy. He said it was truly a group effort where everyone held up their responsibilities.

He said there was a sense of satisfaction seeing the chapter grow into what it is as he was among some of the earliest classes the chapter had. Brother Barton said going forward, he believes that people need to focus on the values of fraternities and what they can do to help future generations, just like AGR did for his generation.

Omega Chapter at the University of New Hampshire also celebrated 100 years this year on April 19-20. They celebrated at the Mount Washington Hotel, a grand hotel at the foot of Mount Washington.

SICKLE & SHEAF FALL 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 18

11/11/24 1:54 PM

Brother Shawn Jasper, the Chapter Adviser, said they chose to have the event there because his sister, who works for FFA, had helped organize the FFA conventions there every year and he knew the hotel would be a great place to get the brothers together.

Roughly 225 people were in attendance.

Friday night they had a social hour.

Saturday the chapter held business meetings, a reception, and lastly a banquet Saturday. Then Vice Grand President Jay Vroom was in attendance for the event.

The chapter also held a silent auction and raffled off baskets to raise money for their chapter’s Educational Foundation.

Between the auction, the raffle and selling some Omega Chapter merchandise, the event raised roughly $6,000.

Those planning the event also made it a point to make sure collegiate members could participate in the festivities by covering their meals and rooms for the event with other funds raised during the 100th anniversary.

Brother Jasper said he was very proud to have gotten to be part of his chapter’s 100th anniversary. He said he is also proud of the chapter and how it has turned out over the course of the century.

“Seeing people who were just thrilled to be there is just something that you can’t replicate,” Brother Jasper said.

Alpha Iota Chapter held their 90th celebration during a two-day event April 5 and April 6. Brother Chris Looney, who is the President of both the Alumni Association and Housing Committee, was one of the many members to help plan the event for Alpha Iota’s 90th anniversary.

The event kicked off Friday evening with their annual Hall of Fame banquet.

That evening, six alumni were inducted into the Alpha Iota Chapter Hall of Fame.

Brother C.A. Vines, Brother Paul Noland, Brother Russell Black, Brother Ford Baldwin, Brother David Wildy and Brother Larry Ropp were all recognized for their dedication to their chapter and Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.

They also celebrated their graduating seniors who received a special AGR key and their graduation cords for being part of the Fraternity.

Saturday, they held a business meeting to go over fundraising for their new chapter house. They then had a traditional lunch of catfish. They also gave out the Brother Gary Groce Memorial Scholarship to one student who is enrolled at the university with at least 12 credit hours

and a minimum GPA of 3.0, Noble Ruler, Brother Jackson Metsker.

Brother Looney said their 90th celebration is important to the chapter because it is a milestone displaying the difficulties they have gone through. He said some years ago, the chapter was low on members and there was concern about the survival of the chapter. Now, the chapter has over 100 brothers and making it to 90 years is a testament to the chapter.

“How we have all circled the wagons to preserve and let our chapter thrive is something I think we are all proud of,” Brother Looney said.

He also said the chapter ironically hit 90 members or more in their 90th year as a chapter, something the chapter is very proud of.

Psi Chapter at the University of Maine also celebrated 100 years as a chapter.

Brother Joe Roy, the Alumni Association President, said the event held April 20 consisted of lunch, business meetings, a social hour, games, awards and a banquet.

He said roughly 200 people were in attendance at the event. During the festivities they had guest speakers from the University, the Chapter Adviser, the Noble Ruler, the Alumni Board President and other alumni. “The event was excellent,” Brother Roy said.

He noted that Brother Galen Bridge was recognized for his significant financial contributions to the Psi Chapter, including his donations of $50,000 for house renovations, and they dedicated their chapter meeting room to him.

Brother Roy said the chapter is making great efforts to improve their chapter house. Since their 100th celebration, they have used donations to renovate their meeting room dedicated to Brother Bridge, as well as repave their driveway with the monetary support of Brother Matthew Nixon and Brother James Gallant.

“Moving forward, we hope to keep the active brothers engaged with the alumni brothers and foster connections that allow the ties of brotherhood to remain strong after graduation and across generations,” Brother Roy said.

Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity would like to congratulate all of its chapters on these milestones and the future ones they reach.

It is their dedication and perseverance that has kept the Fraternity alive and thriving.

Making Better Men would not be possible without every brother’s support and every chapter’s existence.

“How we have all circled the wagons to preserve and let our chapter thrive is something I think we are all proud of.”

— BROTHER LOONEY

“You’re not just joining a fraternity, you’re here to build a fraternity.”

—B ROTHER JULIAN BARTON

FA L L 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 19

SICKLE & SHEAF

19

11/11/24 1:54 PM

The Harvest

Celebrate the growth of the entire Fraternity and the excellence of its alumni, chapters, collegians, volunteers, staff, and all those who advance the Purpose of Alpha Gamma Rho. This Harvest includes Fraternal Excellence Awards, messages from scholarship recipients, campaign updates, and more.

Whether you are a brother, volunteer, or generous donor, thank you for helping Alpha Gamma Rho pursue excellence; and To Make Better Men. 20

SICKLE & SHEAF FALL 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 20

11/11/24 1:54 PM

The Harvest

GOLD STATUS Delta, Purdue Eta, Iowa State Kappa, Nebraska Alpha Gamma, Florida Alpha Delta, Montana State Alpha Zeta, Kansas State Alpha Theta, Maryland Alpha Sigma, Fresno State

Fraternal Excellence Awards Gold & Green Chapters Every chapter can earn recognition for achieving

Alpha Upsilon, Tennessee–Martin Beta Gamma, Wisconsin–Platteville

GREEN STATUS Alpha, Illinois Epsilon, North Dakota State Zeta, Cornell Theta, Missouri

excellence in the following categories:

Iota, Wisconsin–Madison

Academic Excellence

Omicron, Kentucky

Lifelong Membership Development Continued Alumni Engagement Chapter Crescents Recruitment Excellence Communications Living the Promise & Values

Pi, Oklahoma State Rho, Colorado State Tau, Michigan State Alpha Kappa, Tennessee–Knoxville Alpha Tau, Western Illinois

Chapters that achieve excellence in six categories achieve Gold Status. Chapters that achieve excellence in four categories achieve Green Status.

Alpha Psi, Wisconsin–River Falls Beta Rho, Northwest Missouri State Gamma Eta, SUNY- Cobleskill FA L L 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 21

SICKLE & SHEAF

21

11/11/24 1:54 PM

The Harvest ALUMNI & ADVISER AWARDS Committed Alumni Corporation Award The Committed Alumni Corporation Award recognizes Chapter Alumni Corporations that showed hard work and continued success for their chapter’s collegiate membership.

Chapter Crescents, Single Issue Award

Lifelong Membership Development Award

The Chapter Crescent, Single Issue Award celebrates the top three chapters that publish the best Crescent, which highlights the work and accomplishments of alumni and collegiate members.

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

HIGHEST HONOR

Lambda, Minnesota HIGH HONOR

HIGHEST HONOR

Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls

HIGH HONOR

HONORABLE MENTION

Eta, Iowa State

HIGHEST HONOR

Lambda, Minnesota HIGH HONOR

Iota, Wisconsin-Madison

Iota, UW-Madison

Theta, Missouri

HONORABLE MENTION

Chapter Crescents, Feature Story Award

Eta, Iowa State

Alpha Sigma, Fresno State

Outstanding Adviser Award The Outstanding Adviser Award recognizes the top three Chapter Advisers who are committed to engaging all brothers in professional development and lifelong success through the Promise & Values.

HIGHEST HONOR

Royce Durhman, Lambda (Minnesota) HIGH HONOR

Russ Bragg, Alpha Upsilon (Tennessee-Martin) HONORABLE MENTION

Nathan Manges, Delta (Purdue)

CHAPTER AWARDS Academic Excellence Award The Academic Excellence Award recipients are the top three chapters that have shown campus scholastic leadership and have successfully proven a strong academic program for their chapter.

HIGHEST HONOR

Eta, Iowa State

The Chapter Crescent, Feature Story Award recognizes the top three chapters that publish the best single Crescent feature story, covering but not limited to, making a difference on campus/in the community, alumni accomplishments, and chapter philanthropic efforts.

HIGHEST HONOR

The Living the Promise & Values Award goes to the top three chapters that enthusiastically embrace and uphold the Promise & Values, in turn continually presenting a positive image of Alpha Gamma Rho. HIGHEST HONOR

Alpha Sigma, Fresno State

HIGH HONOR

HIGH HONOR

Lambda, Minnesota HONORABLE MENTION

Alpha Gamma, Florida HONORABLE MENTION

Iota, UW–Madison

Eta, Iowa State

Communications Award

Outstanding Community Service & Philanthropic Efforts Award

The Communications Award looks to commend chapters that use multiple means of electronic communication to engage various age groups on what the chapter strives to achieve, and involvement with both campus and community.

The Outstanding Community Service & Philanthropic Efforts Award recognizes chapters that take part in their communities, serving through volunteerism and philanthropic efforts.

HIGHEST HONOR

HIGHEST HONOR

Lambda, Minnesota HIGH HONOR

Alpha Delta, Montana State Tau, Michigan State

HONORABLE MENTION

Alpha Gamma, Florida

HONORABLE MENTION

Continued Alumni Engagement Award The Continued Alumni Engagement Relations award celebrates the top three chapters that continually foster strong alumni involvement and leadership throughout the year.

HIGHEST HONOR

Delta, Purdue HIGH HONOR

Alpha Upsilon, Tennessee-Martin

Housemother/House Director Social & Cultural Development Award The Housemother/House Director Social & Cultural Development Award recognizes Housemothers/House Directors who have developed and implemented programs and initiatives to improve the social development or cultural awareness of brothers at their chapter.

HIGHEST HONOR

Jerrie Conley, Alpha Upsilon (Tennessee-Martin) HIGH HONOR

Teri Gustafson, Lambda (Minnesota) HONORABLE MENTION

Diane Pinneke, Eta (Iowa State)

Housemother/ House Director Management Award The Housemother/House Director Management Award honors the top three Housemothers/House Directors who consistently prove superior management of the chapter facilities and the chapter.

HIGHEST HONOR

Diane Pinneke, Eta (Iowa State) HIGH HONOR

Dianna Philippi, Alpha Zeta (Kansas State) HONORABLE MENTION

Lori Merritt, Alpha Sigma (Fresno State)

HIGH HONOR

Alpha Upsilon, Tennessee-Martin Alpha Delta, Montanta State

Omicron, Kentucky

Living the Promise & Values Award

Eta, Iowa State

HIGH HONOR

Lambda, Minnesota

HONORABLE MENTION

MARIE COE MEMORIAL HOUSEMOTHER/ HOUSE DIRECTOR AWARDS

HONORABLE MENTION

INDIVIDUAL AWARD

Recruitment Excellence Award

Outstanding Undergraduate of the Year Award

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

The Outstanding Undergraduate of the Year Award honors undergraduate members who excel in their college career both on campus and within the Fraternity.

HIGHEST HONOR

Alpha Zeta, Kansas State HIGH HONOR

Eta, Iowa State HONORABLE MENTION

Justin Eddy, Theta (Missouri) Landry Woodrum, Omicron (Kentucky) Chance Cannon, Alpha Lambda (New Mexico State)

Alpha Iota, Arkansas

22

ISTOCKPHOTO

HONORABLE MENTION

Alpha Lambda, New Mexico State

FALL 2024 2023 SICKLE & SICKLE &SHEAF SHEAF FALL

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 22

11/11/24 1:54 PM

The Harvest

2024 Scholarship Recipients The Educational Foundation offers 12 national scholarships annually to collegiate members of the Fraternity. The criteria for eligibility for each scholarship differs, but each is based on the individual’s pursuit of excellence in scholarship and leadership, and for his contributions to community and Fraternity. The scholarship application submission deadline is May 15, 2025.

Agr Excellence Scholarship Awarded to collegiate members who show enormous potential and achieve success in scholarship, leadership, citizenship, activities, and fraternal involvement. > Macon Barrow (Alpha Upsilon, UT-Martin) > Colin Boyd (Beta Omega, Missouri State) > Cody Cornell (Alpha Tau, Western Illinois) > Luke Peart (Beta, Ohio State)

Bill Sallee Scholarship Awarded to brothers who truly have financial need and exhibit leadership and citizenship traits like Brother Bill Sallee, Pi (Oklahoma State), including individual endeavor, resourcefulness, aggressive effort, and a balanced lifestyle. > Koda Oller Pi (Oklahoma State)

Dale Runnion Scholarship Created by Brother Dale Runnion, Rho (Colorado State), to assist collegiate members with financial need who show outstanding professional promise and will pursue a career in agri-marketing, journalism, or public relations. > Allen Everett (Alpha Omega, Murray State)

Gene Swackhamer Ag Economics/Ag Business Scholarship Awarded to those who achieve an elevated level of excellence and pursuing a major in agriculture economics, resource management, or related fields. > Justin Eddy (Theta, Mizzou)

Harold Olson Scholarship Awarded as recognition to an undergraduate member who achieved elevated levels of excellence in scholarship, leadership, citizenship, brotherhood, activities, and service. > James Gibbs (Alpha Eta, Georgia)

J. Wayne Rehn Animal Science Scholarship Established to encourage excellence in academics among brothers majoring in pre-veterinary medicine or animal science who are sophomores or juniors living in a chapter’s residence. > Khale Lucero (Alpha Lambda, New Mexico)

KIRBY BARRICK AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP Reserved for brothers pursuing a major in agricultural education who intend to teach after graduation and strive to help advance the industry.

Lindley Finch Memorial Scholarship

Robert L. Oehrtman Scholarship

Presented to an undergraduate member with true financial need, exhibits leadership and citizenship traits of individual endeavor, resourcefulness, aggressive effort, and a balanced lifestyle, like Brother Lindley Finch, Eta (Iowa State), who was instrumental in establishing the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho.

Created in tribute to a man who devoted his life to teaching, building skills, and making memories through life lessons; awardees are full time students who held leadership positions while maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA.

> Nathanel Stroup (Alpha Kappa, UT-Knoxville)

Ole Meland Dairy Scholarship Made possible by Brother Ole Meland, Chi (Cal Poly), Grand President 1994–96, available to undergraduates majoring in dairy science, dairy husbandry, or animal science with a dairy option. > Benjamin Styer (Lambda, Minnesota)

Ornamental Horticulture Scholarship

> Justin Moberley (Beta Sigma, Tarleton State)

Undergraduate Achievement Award Presented to collegiate members evaluated by committee on six categories: scholarship, leadership, citizenship, brotherhood, activities, and involvement. > Chad Achenbach (Beta Gamma, UW-Platteville) > Matthew Syrotiak (Alpha Nu, UConn)

Apply for all 12 scholarships with one online form:

Reserved for brothers enrolled in a horticulturerelated major, including entomology, floriculture, landscape architecture, pest management, and plant pathology. > Braden Harrod (Alpha Iota, Arkansas)

> Cameron Ivy (Alpha Sigma, Fresno) > Jeremiah Ihm (Alpha Psi, UW-River Falls)

FA L L 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 23

SICKLE & SHEAF

23

11/11/24 1:54 PM

The Harvest

Lifetime Giving Levels The following Lifetime Giving Levels recognize donors with a cumulative lifetime giving of $50,000 or more to the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho in 2023. Thank you for your generous and continued support of Alpha Gamma Rho.

Founder’s Circle $1,000,000 or more Alpha-Illinois

Philip L. Francis Steven H. Gerdes

Zeta-Cornell

Kevin G. Bartolotta

Omicron-Kentucky Glenn A. Stith

Pi-Oklahoma State

Arthur J. Jacques N. Mitchell

Chi-Cal Poly

Donald A. De Jong

Order of the Brotherhood $500,000$999,999 Beta-Ohio State

Kirby Barrick

Gamma-Penn State Ronald J. Dinus

Delta-Purdue

Michael A. Jackson

Epsilon-North Dakota State

Allan R. Johnson David Sunderland

Alpha-Illinois

Iota-WisconsinMadison

Bill E. Hantke Jerry A. Steiner

Kappa-Nebraska

Ronald L. Grapes

David Maurer Lee L. Morgan David A. Schick Jay J. Vroom

Tyler B. Warren

Beta-Ohio State

Omicron-Kentucky

James F. Berg Richard L. Bere Thomas H. Timmer

Gamma-Penn State

William H. Yerkes

Delta-Purdue

Sanford A. Belden Richard E. Belcher Joseph D. Coffey Thomas A. Davis Byram E. Dickes Douglas E. Eckrote John N. Ferris Joseph W. Hasler Steven G. Newcom Ted A. Priebe Gene L. Swackhamer

Epsilon-North Dakota State

Gregory J. Halverson Roger A. Kenner Corey L. Martin

Zeta-Cornell

Nu-North Carolina State

Burgess J. Brown Scott A. Brown Julian Gray

Pi-Oklahoma State

Raymond E. Beck Gary C. Clark Bradley A. Gungoll Joe B. Hinz Arthur L. Hutson Douglas L. Jackson Lee R. Larkin Paul I. Schulte Scott W. Sewell James W. Sigmon K. Sizelove Dennis L. Slagell Paul E. Yauk

Rho-Colorado State

Brian L. Field

Sigma-Washington State Kenneth Hinshaw Duane A. Jacklin

Sigma-Washington State

Douglas J. Adams Gregory I. Wickham

Alpha Gamma-Florida

James C. Borel Michael J. Borel Sigmund L. Cornelius William B. Sayre Robert C. Vasko David W. Van Wert

Chi-Cal Poly

Theta-Missouri

Alpha BetaOregon State

Doyle W. Jacklin

W. Bernard B. Lester

Alpha Psi-WisconsinRiver Falls William T. Boehm

Friend of AGR

Cathie Lemon

24

Order of the Harvest $100,000$499,999

Eta-Iowa State

Zane V. Akins Stephen D. Barr Stephen A. Ellis Ralph D. Gates Daniel L. Prosser Bradley K. Starbuck Robert S. Wheeler

Phi-California-Davis

Gerald A. Rominger Jeremy R. Turner

George A. Borba Ricardo Echeverria Ejnar A. Knudsen Ole M. Meland Stanley O. Van Vleck

Richard D. Ladd

Alpha Gamma-Florida

N. P. Brooks John M. Douthat Dean P. Saunders Edward L. Smoak

Alpha DeltaMontana State

Clifford A. Dougherty

Alpha ZetaKansas State

Samuel L. Hands Loren J. Kruse John A. Niemann Michael E. Smith Randall D. Stoecker Douglas C. Weyer

Alpha Iota-Arkansas

James E. Mitchell

Alpha KappaTennessee-Knoxville Donald J. Smith

Alpa SigmaFresno State

Michael J. Way

Epsilon-North Dakota State

Randall C. Aarestad John R. Anderson Jack Brown Allen D. Giese William A. Harbeke Randy D. Reber Peter O. Shockman David M. Vipond Michael L. Vipond Ray L. York

Zeta-Cornell

William C. Baskin William J. Lipinski Ronald J. Pope Neil C. Rejman Charles F. Saul Andrew P. White

Eta-Iowa State

Alpha Phi-South Dakota State

Frederic R. Bahrenburg Timothy J. Heiller Gregory P. Nickerson

Alpha Chi-Western Kentucky

Theta-Missouri

Bradley W. Freking

Jack H. Britt

Alpha Psi-WisconsinRiver Falls Philip Josephson

Friends of AGR

Doyle & Debbie Carlton Thomas R. Gates Norberta Modliszewski

Order of the Shield $50,000$99,999 Alpha-Illinois

Phillip C. Brown David M. Minnick Paul W. Steele Larry R. Warren John S. Woodward

Iota-WisconsinMadison

John A. Cull Karl A. Drye Clifford C. Gnatzig Robert J. Kalter Russell J. Schuler

Kappa-Nebraska

William C. Schilling

Lambda-Minnesota

Edward J. Dollinger Gerald D. Gehlbach Larry G. Gerdes David A. Hollinrake W. Thad Kuhfuss James E. Ross

Adam E. Manwarren Leland N. Sundet

Beta-Ohio State

Omicron-Kentucky

David R. Ames Todd E. Pugh

Gamma-Penn State

Richard S. Carpenter Brian T. Sarris Jon J. Schroer John Z. Shearer

Delta-Purdue

John E. Burkhardt John C. Cottingham John A. Demerly Richard L. Feltner Gerald L. Nickel David R. Parker

Nu-North Carolina State

Allen M. Matthews

George A. Duncan Jack D. McHargue

Pi-Oklahoma State

Benjamin J. Bradshaw Gordon D. Elsener David R. Epperly Kyle E. Goerke Daniel J. Grellner Randy J. Grellner Terry M. Hague Ladd D. Hudgins Clay H. Hutson Sean P. Kouplen Javen D. Moore Rodney D. Orrell Kent Prickett Gregory S. Shepherd Richard A. Wuerflein

SICKLE & SHEAF FALL 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 24

11/11/24 1:54 PM

The Harvest

Phi-California-Davis

Orville E. Thompson

Chi-Cal Poly

David De Jong

Alpha BetaOregon State

Skye H. Krebs Gary S. Nuss V. Kent Searles Craig W. Ward

Alpha Gamma-Florida

Sidney M. Banack Wilton R. Banack Barry A. Bustillo Evander B. Conoley Miller Couse Timothy J. Garman Randall W. Hanna John D. Hooker Jefferson B. Miller Paul C. Myers John C. Norris Ernest A. Sellers William G. Steube Elder M. Sumner Dale W. Zimmerman

Alpha DeltaMontana State

Taylor Brown James L. Driscoll Lyle E. Hodgskiss James L. Holzer Ronald A. Ramsfield Kenneth M. Walsh

Alpha EpsilonLouisiana State

David M. Galton

Alpha ZetaKansas State

Ben E. Brent Robert J. Broeckelman Steve L. Burgess Michael K. Doane R. Foote Bradley D. Foote Nelson D. Galle Keith A. Heikes Todd D. Johnson Kenneth G. Kalb Aaron M. McKee Robert B. Moore Bill E. New Warren D. Nichols Casey W. Niemann Dale A. Rodman Wallace W. Wolf

Alpha Theta-Maryland Paul S. Weller

Alpha Iota-Arkansas

James V. Atkinson Rex A. Martin J. Kirk Thompson

Alpha Rho-Vermont

Carl D. Larson Thomas S. Lilja

Alpha TauWestern Illinois

Sheldon D. Brown Steven M. Chuhta Mark W. Creighton Timothy J. Dayka John A. Noble David G. Porter Edgar Savidge William S. Wickham

Erwin C. Clark Donald J. McFeeters

Larry G. Lepper Phillip E. Nichols Gerald E. Salzman Leonard W. Whipps

Alpha Phi-South Dakota State

Troy W. Johnson

Alpha Psi-WisconsinRiver Falls

David B. Kilpatrick James G. Van Wychen Jon E. Wangen

Beta DeltaIllinois State

Donald J. Bumphrey

Beta Eta-Virginia Tech

Jay S. Poole

Friends of AGR

Anonymous Elizabeth Anderson Lillian J. Fobes Elise R. Donohue F. Jean Rehn

Order of the Sheaf $25,000$49,999 Alpha-Illinois

Stanley E. Foley Cory A. Peter

Beta-Ohio State

Joseph R. Crites Daryl L. Deering Robert M. McClelland Dwight C. Radcliff Dwight R. Steen

Gamma-Penn State

Daniel A. Swope James C. Valent

Delta-Purdue

Bruce W. Brown Joseph E. Horstman Leo S. Mann Mark G. McKinney Donald E. Orr Leo P. Scheetz Keith A. Welty

Epsilon-North Dakota State

Michael A. Anderson Keith D. Bjerke William M. Finley John W. Giese Frederick J. Haas Merrill A. Johnson Russell B. Johnson Myron D. Johnsrud

Zeta-Cornell

Eta-Iowa State

Phi-California-Davis

Donald E. Brock Albert G. Boyce

Chi-Cal Poly

Brett W. Hedrick John A. Moons Tim M. Souza Paul T. Weubbe

Alpha AlphaWest Virginia

Clark E. McKee

John P. Pendergrass Greg K. Satterfield

Alpha KappaTennessee-Knoxville

Tracey A. Binkley Robert T. Earnest Jimmy L. Fellers John R. Tarpley Thomas R. White

Alpha Nu-Connecticut George L. Staby

Kenneth D. Isley Wayne E. Tyler Arlen L. Wonderlich

Alpha BetaOregon State

Alpha Pi-Arizona

Martin J. Belshe Jan P. Wepster

Theta-Missouri

Alpha Gamma-Florida

James R. Carpenter Laurence C. Jost Brian D. Markwell

Lynn A. Fahrmeier Edwin F. Gladbach Curtis W. Long James B. McRoberts Lowell F. Mohler Lowell D. Newsom Lawrence M. Turpin

Iota-WisconsinMadison

Richard H. Daluge Scott Kurzer Robert H. Miller Samuel J. Miller Bernard L. Staller Randall E. Torgerson Jerome F. Wallander

Kappa-Nebraska

Larry F. Engelkemier Richard C. Wahlstrom

Nu-North Caolina State

Raymond O. Collier Robert W. May

Omicron-Kentucky

Bernard L. Peterson

Pi-Oklahoma State

Clayton H. Archey John M. Bailey J. Wayne Beardsley Brian R. Beasley Glenn A. Bissett James C. Clinard David J. Duda Peter W. Marovich William B. McLean John T. Polhill Adam H. Putnam Henry H. Raattama Derick R. Thomas Conrad H. Varnum Tim R. Yaeger

Alpha DeltaMontana State

Donald L. Becker Travis J. Brown Edward S. Malesich Phillip J. Moodie Bret I. Lesh LeRoy D. Luft William Perry Karl D. Ratzburg Eugene B. Thayer Harold A. Tutvedt

Alpha EpsilonLouisiana State

C. James Bode William M. Elliott Kim I. Ford Dale J. Grellner Richard J. Grellner Greg W. Gungoll Michael L. Hardin Roy Heinrich Robbye L. Jones Dale E. Kunneman Frank R. Miller Kenneth E. Root Spencer T. Sewell Jack E. Stuteville William D. Thomas

Chad E. Chase James R. Garrison Edwin R. Kerley Virgil A. Lair Roger E. McClellan Tim E. Rosenhagen Steven H. Slusher Curtis L. Steenbock Keith D. Westervelt Jerrod A. Westfahl

Sigma-Washington State

James R. Moxley

Nickolas D. Hein

Tau-Michigan State Frederick S. Addy William E. Graves

Glenn W. Bryant

Alpha ZetaKansas State

Alpha Theta-Maryland Alpha Iota-Arkansas

Kevin L. Barrows James E. Marrs

Martin A. Massengale Len J. Richardson

Alpha Rho-Vermont

Alpha SigmaFresno State

Ian A. Burnett Gary W. Nelson

Alpha TauWestern Illinois

Jeffrey L. Warner Robert H. Woodrow

Alpha UpsilonTennessee-Martin Robert T. Earnest

Alpha Phi-South Dakota State

Clark L. Moeckly Randall L. Nelson Gary E. Schultz Dennis J. Serie Dorn Severtson Tommy L. Thompson Calvin Willemssen

Alpha ChiWestern Kentucky Ernest W. Yates

Alpha Psi-WisconsinRiver Falls

Dennis R. Tauchen Joseph A. Waldo

Beta AlphaSouthern Illinois

Gregory W. Webb

Beta Zeta-Clemson

Michael W. Freeman

Beta Nu-Texas A&M

William E. Lagrange

Beta TauMississippi State

Bradley A. Garrison

Friends of AGR

Andrew J. Ansted Barbara J. Ansted Ann S. Christian Walter C. Fishburn Carol A. Johnson, Ed.D. FA L L 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 25

SICKLE & SHEAF

25

11/11/24 1:54 PM

The Harvest

A Phone Call Away from Making Better Men Bother Kevin Bartolotta, Zeta Chapter, Cornell University, affectionately known as “Barto” among Alpha Gamma Rho brothers and supporters, is taking big steps down the path to Making Better Men. Brother Bartolotta transferred to Cornell University in 1987 and joined AGR that same year. After graduating in 1989, he said he lost touch with many of his AGR brothers.

He decided to contact Brother Winters simply to catch up, not knowing that one reconnection would cascade to him getting back in contact with numerous members he hadn’t seen in a long time and becoming an even bigger supporter of AGR. “I hadn’t talked to him in probably 15 years, maybe longer,” Brother Bartolotta said.

Brother Winters gave Brother Bartolotta the phone number of several other brothers, which became a chain reaction. He has since started a couple different group chats with brothers to help them stay better connected. He also uses those group chats to encourage brothers to donate to AGR in any way they can.

“It’s not how much they give, it’s how many,” Brother Bartolotta said.

He said during the last Giving Tuesday, Zeta Chapter had the largest number of donors of any other chapter in the nation.

For his efforts within the chapter and within AGR, Brother Bartolotta was inducted into the Zeta Chapter Hall of Fame along with Brother Greg Wickham and Brother Doug Degroff during the chapter’s 110th celebration.

More than 300 people attended the event, which was comprised of speeches, laughter and support for Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.

The chapter gave out 25 scholarships totaling $37,500 and they held an auction that raised $54,272.

Brother Bartolotta helped raised an extra $1,000 for the collegiate members to spend on what they deem necessary for the chapter by letting them toss him in a tub of water, making a big splash while making an even bigger impact for the Fraternity.

He stressed the importance of supporting the Fraternity, especially as the times change and the Greek community is scrutinized by some people. He believes through encouragement and setting a precedent for the young men coming into AGR, the Fraternity will thrive.

“I bleed green and gold,” Brother Bartolotta said. “I hold AGR pretty high up in my life.”

26

Don T. Kirby Tim M. Lopez Gregory T. Oehrtman C Emily Rodibaugh June D. Schrupp Frances Slagle Michael Sukalski Natalie & JR Thomas Hugh E. Wilson

B. A. Buchanan Dwain R. Cottingham Mark F. Durr Doug Griffin Russell W. Hardin Kirt D. Ramsay Max T. Rodibaugh Rick A. Senesac David L. Voris Douglas W. Wilhelm

Order of the Sickle $15,000$24,999

Epsilon-North Dakota State

Alpha-Illinois

Brett G. Bayston Joseph S. Bicknell Mark C. Gossett Wilbur E. Nelson Ross A. Peter Vincent L. Reincke David H. Ruebush Morris L. Smith Jack M. Widholm James L. Zumwalt

Beta-Ohio State

Peter M. Bowen Derek E. Cunningham Tommy L. Denison Jac T. Dill Michael J. Estadt Timothy J. Geiger Francis X. Hirsch John B. Stair

Gamma-Penn State

Carl A. Anderson Dwight G. Edwards Louis G. Galliker Thomas R. Olliver

Delta-Purdue

Michael J. Baines Wayne E. Beehler Hal K. Bowman

Joseph L. Bata Darby G. Bauer Neal R. Bjornson Bruce L. Fagerholt Gary B. Gibbons Bernard L. Goodman Gregory G. Goodman Jared C. Hagert James G. Hauge Clinton D. Kurtz Anthony D. Larson Randall A. Mauch Lyle E. Moe Andy J. Moquist James A. Mostad Gerald C. Puppe Joseph S. Ruliffson Howard G. Schmid Donald F. Schwartz Mark A. Sletten Jason C. Wildung Jarvis J. York

Zeta-Cornell

John S. Adams Jeffrey A. Ainslie Ronald L. Beck Timothy S. Bostley David L. Call Steven T. Call Frederic H. Corell Richard D. Darley Philip H. Davis Derl I. Derr Walter J. Henry J. Holloway John B. Mueller Brian T. Rapp Stephen A. Riessen Donald A. Seipt David W. Tregaskis

Eta-Iowa State

Charles P. Brown Bret R. Carter Robert L. Dittmer Albert C. Duroe Steven M. Hanson James R. Howe Bruce L. Rastetter Marvin J. Walter

SICKLE & SHEAF FALL 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 26

11/11/24 1:54 PM

The Harvest

Theta-Missouri

Phi-California-Davis

James A. Edwards James N. Famuliner Robert E. Hertzog Sidney B. Johnson Rado J. Popp Douglas B. Thomas

William D. Carriere Max K. Herzog John E. Kidd Thomas M. Watson Dean W. Wheeler

Iota-WisconsinMadison

Paul J. Wenger

Chi-Cal Poly

Omega-New Hampshire

Brian K. Pelton Matthew G. Urbanek

Alpha Eta-Georgia

James T. Irvin

Alpha Theta-Maryland Charles E. Iager Richard M. Jackson

Alpha Iota-Arkansas

Dale F. Bruhn James K. Caldwell Paul R. Hagen Robert A. Hagenow Paul A. Hartman Allan A. Schultz Scott A. Vosters John W. Wilks

Everett J. Ryan

Frank Carter John C. Looney

Alpha AlphaWest Virginia

Alpha KappaTennessee-Knoxville

William W. Black

Peter G. Markovich

Alpha BetaOregon State

Alpha Lambda-New Mexico State

Kappa-Nebraska

Bruce A. McKee

Lowell B. Catlett

Alpha Gamma-Florida

Alpha Nu-Connecticut

Robert L. Raun William R. Stephens Charles E. Trauger

Lambda-Minnesota

Neil N. Fruechte Elden G. Lamprecht Robert C. Schwert

Nu-North Carolina State R. Kendall Hill

Omicron-Kentucky

Paul S. Hupman R. Thomas Waldrop John T. Woeste

Pi-Oklahoma State

Paul A. Burrell Dennis L. Christie Stephen G. Coit John D. Crawford Dwight A. Dickey Charles L. Elliott Bryan D. Fischer Charles R. Freeman Michael J. Frickenschmidt Charles L. Jacques Bradley J. Johnson Jeffrey L. Kubik Bryan E. Mannering Grant L. McKinney Teddy R. Miller Jeff Morris Roy Mulbery Benjamin M. Mungle Matthew S. Panach Lynn L. Reinschmiedt Brady J. Sidwell Ryan J. Trojan Jerry N. White

Sigma-Washington State

Steven W. Swannack

Tau-Michigan State Daniel P. Peabody

William K. Davis Jamie R. Hayes Raymond J. Hodge Paul A. Koukos Roy D. Lundy Larry L. Mack David M. Mann Paul F. Mott Joel C. Phillips Michael Pressley Bryan L. Putnal Kay M. Richardson Michael W. Shiver John F. Smoak Jack L. Townsend Charles R. Thomas John W. Williamson

Alpha DeltaMontona State

Scott W. Cromwell Thomas E. Dedman Bruce B. Ellis Thomas D. Evans Donald L. Herzog John B. Holden Aaron R. Iverson William Krutzfeldt Mark A. Martin Steven M. Moodie Cole R. Ratzburg Donald K. Sanders Richard W. Siderius Todd S. Tibbetts Robert J. Tronstad Stephen F. Wagner

Alpha EpsilonLouisiana State

Cody B. Lane

Beta Phi-Idaho

Philip D. Kaufman

Friends of AGR

Dorothy Aasheim Lester W. Amundson Gayle Clifford John H. DeRuiter William B. Hellegas Christine Martindale Ricky McNelley Gary R. Sackmann Myron P. Senechal Larry D. Stuckey Jim & Anita Trojan Barbara A. Wolfe Northeast Delta Dental

Delta-Purdue

Zeta-Cornell

Robert E. Briggs Kelly G. Keithly

Order of the Lamp $10,000$14,999

Alpha Rho-Vermont

Alpha-Illinois

Alpha SigmaFresno State Paul A. Toste

Alpha Tau-Western Illinois Louis L. Blank Sidney C. Kemmis Darcy D. Kessler Wayne G. Willems

Alpha Phi-South Dakota State

Keith H. Goehring

Alpha Chi-Western Kentucky

Orville W. Dotson James Stewart

Alpha Psi-WisconsinRiver Falls

Steven J. Bensend Dayton W. Hougaard Thomas R. Morris Robert W. MacSwain Carl G. Schaumberg Harland G. Schneider Wayne H. Weiland Edward G. Whitman

Alpha OmegaMurray State

Arthur W. Green

Alpha ZetaKansas State

Beta Eta-Virginia Tech

Ronald D. Green

Beta Zeta-Clemson

Chalmers R. Carr

Beta Theta-Middle Tennessee State

Jason A. Searles

Epsilon-North Dakota State

Richard B. Dempster Ramsey L. Frank David N. Geise Penrose Hallowell Keith E. Masser William P. Moore Glenn M. Moyer Arthur G. Ramicone Robert L. Roulston John L. Tait Boyd E. Wolff

Alpha Pi-Arizona

Natale L. Smith Hall Thompson

John A. Nigh Morris E. Odle J. Michael Scheetz Jim L. Schoon James G. Stewart Dan L. Strahl Walter P. Waitt Wade P. Wiley Brian J. Wise Donald E. Wright Marko S. Zaninovich

Charles B. Aarestad Charles W. Bateman Brant B. Bigger Dale N. Blume John A. Bollingberg John P. Boyle Donald C. Carlson Richard C. Clark Richard D. Clemenson Jason D. Eckert Robert L. Geston Allan M. Glynn Warren G. Hall Eric E. Halverson John T. Halverson Clair V. Hauge George W. Hildre Howard L. Huebner Robert E. Jerger Dennis E. Johnson James G. Kokett Mark G. Knorr Robert D. Knorr Jeffrey S. Knott David A. Lee Thomas E. Lipetzky Terry E. Lorenzen Travis D. Maddock Scott D. Malmberg Wade L. Moser Curtis H. Nelson Jeffrey G. Olson Sherwood E. Peterson Terrence M. Skjerseth James A. Sletten Donald W. Strickler Kenneth W. Thompson Matthew J. Titus Thomas H. Trost Trent Velure Mark A. Vipond Timothy S. Vipond Daniel P. Weiler Matthew D. Williams Steven M. Wosick

William F. Leahey

Myron J. Rabalais

Robert D. Ames Donald D. Griffiths Jon F. Isch Larry C. Jones Thomas L. Miller

Beta SigmaTarleton State

Clifford E. Beatty William E. Dimond Ronald A. Ness

Beta-Ohio State

N. Kent Ames Sidney W. Beddow Michael A. Bumgarner Charles F. Cunnigan Phillip C. Farmer Donald L. Lamb Gregory R. Flax David W. Grim Dale A. Krukemyer William E. Langel Nathan M. Louiso Joe R. Mesenburg George E. Ruff Jack B. Spitler William S. Stinson

Gamma-Penn State

Richard A. Angle Anthony J. Booher Daryl W. Branneman Stephen A. Craig Burton E. Etchison Eric J. Farrand Ross L. Lawrence Thomas H. McKinney

David D. Alexander Russell M. Beck Matthew S. Budine Donald Calhoun Nathan F. Call John P. Caltabiano Aaron G. Donnan William B. Drake FA L L 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 27

SICKLE & SHEAF

27

11/11/24 1:54 PM

The Harvest

John S. Fessenden Steven P. Griffen Joel M. Kemp Russell G. Miller Stephen J. Palladino Stanley W. Perkins Robert W. Plass Kevin C. Powell Daniel S. Potter Mark A. Schafer Eugene W. Schurman James F. Shannon Charles A. Shoup Lawrence N. Smith Oliver S. Williams Robert J. Williams Corey C. Wolff Stuart E. Young William W. Young William A. Zittel

Eta-Iowa State

Gary R. Butson Daniel O. Foor Scott D. Flynn Dan E. Johnson Ed R. Lidvall

Theta-Missouri

Crandall R. Barnard Melvin E. Barnes Joseph E. Boatright Alan J. Close David E. Cupps Donald L. Cupps Christopher H. Finck Edward E. Frost Gale C. Hankins William H. Hayen Matthew D. Horstmeier Michael D. McCartney Daniel S. Reed Randall M. Spragg William L. Summers Robert M. Thompson Glen A. Waters Bill L. Williams

Iota-Wisconsin-Madison

Roger E. Borgwardt Patrick J. Cashman Steven A. Cull Dale F. Emshoff Steven L. Fronk Corey A. Geiger Oren P. F. P. Hammes Lloyd W. Holterman Alan H. Koepke James A. Koepke Timothy P. Lange James A. Mickelson Christopher H. Nelson Stephen M. Nelson Arne D. Peterson Scott T. Pertzborn Gregory J. Sambs Steven J. Sanner Irvin H. Sather

28

Ronald T. Schuler Daniel D. Siemers Jason M. Sterr David C. Verhulst

Kappa-Nebraska

James A. Cada Hal D. Cooper Larry L. Holbein Gregory R. Mullins Lambda-Minnesota Clarence H. Horsager Marc J. Paulson

Nu-North Carolina State

Carl F. Flemer Robert B. Goins James T. Hill Bolton W. Jones Guy L. Jones

Omicron-Kentucky

William C. Miller Scott Moffitt Leslie J. Stith

Pi-Oklahoma State

Jesse R. Bain Gregory D. Birdwell Sheldon G. Bellmon Stephen E. Benson Mike R. Bolay Glenn P. Blodgett John Bullis Michael W. Burnett Dennis L. Buss Douglas R. Major Robert G. Cleary Kevin M. Coffey Steven T. Coffey John Cothren Wendell J. Custer Ronald K. Davis Rickey M. Dean Rex H. Eagan Roy V. Edwards Phillip K. Elliott Monty J. Elsener James Farley Joe M. Freeman William E. Gungoll Richard J. Hasselwander Brent S. Howard Charles S. Ivy Robert Jeffrey D. Wayne Johnson Curtis G. Kelsey Kris L. Kinzie Oliver A. Kinzie Kenneth K. Knowles Justin G. Krieger Abner B. Lemert Max W. Lindsay Joe L. Lyde Donald R. Miller Eddie Max M. Miller Joseph L. Mills Robert L. Moore Pat K. Patterson

Bill Pond Kenneth W. Quigley Gerald R. Reimer Jack A. Richey Timothy D. Riley Clint E. Roush Gary Schieber Dale R. Shenold David B. Shepherd Larry R. Shockey Fred A. Shultz Ernest E. Simpson Brian S. Smith Justin T. Stejskal Travis T. Thedford Robert D. Thompson Douglas E. Tippens Wayne A. Walters Randall J. Wedel Rodney L. Wegener Gary Williams Jimmy A. Williams Michael L. Wright

J. Peter Chaires Jimmy G. Cheek Charles W. Clemons James C. Clinard Jeffrey L. Cusson Robert M. Davis John L. Hoblick Robert B. Hunt Tim W. McDuffie Charles D. Miller Douglas C. Purvis Keith R. Shiver Wayne H. Simmons Clyde S. Stephens Richard D. Stratton Jeffrey M. Sumner Philip C. Visali Matthew J. Walter Baynard J. Ward Roger W. Ward William L. Wolfram

Rho-Colorado State

Donald C. Anderson Sky E. Anderson Daniel Bergstrom Reeves A. Brown Frank A. Carter Curtis R. Dassonville Adrian L. Doucette William M. Fluegel Richard L. Fulton J. Bruce Glennie R. Mark Granberg Bennie W. Green Boyd A. Hardy Karl J. Hertel Scott R. Inbody J. Kim Keltner Robert L. Laidlaw Warren M. Lee Shane W. Lester James M. McCray James L. Moodie Michael G. Montgomery Jason M. Myers Lane C. Nordlund James E. Peterson Joe M. Quinn Robert M. Quinn Bryan R. Ratzburg Lon R. Reukauf James R. Ryffel Roger A. Sammons Randall P. Smith Todd E. Smith Duane A. Van Dyke

John W. Palm

Sigma-Washington State

Robert F. Felton William C. Heinemann

Tau-Michigan State

John R. Welser David A. Willetts

Phi-California-Davis

Wayne A. Bartholomew Scott D. Cowan Gary M. Cusumano Mark T. Figone William S. Gregory Andrew J. Kennedy Kenneth C. McCorkle Rodney Y. Nishikawa Brett E. Tank George D. Tibbitts

Chi-Cal Poly

Ronald D. Carli Ramon Echeverria Jeffrey K. Sanders

Psi-Maine

Lee A. Meserve

Omega-New Hampshire Gary P. Friars

Alpha AlphaWest Virginia

John T. Rotruck

Alpha BetaOregon State

Charles T. McElligott Vincent T. McElligott

Alpha Gamma-Florida

Eugene C. Badger James E. Browning Michael A. Sumner

Alpha Delta-Montana State

Alpha EpsilonLousiana State

Milton J. Reese

Alpha Zeta-Kansas State Samuel D. Brownback Kenneth D. Buchele Charles R. Cole Darren K. Gigot Michael R. Guetterman

Justin Hagedorn Grant P. Harris Ronald W. Hirst W. R. Johnson Tracy L. Mader James R. Perkins M. J. Riemann John B. Roenbaugh Jay N. Selanders Mike K. Schmitt Michael K. Torrey Brent M. Wiedeman

Alpha Eta-Georgia

Jacob E. Ford

Alpha Theta-Maryland

James A. DeShazer Harry C. Gottwals

Alpha Iota-Arkansas

Rodney D. Baker Jerry B. Burkett James E. Burton Scott A. Fallen Charles J. Farr Thomas J. Hart W. K. Keller Charles R. Looney James V. Smith

Alpha KappaTennessee-Knoxville Donald E. Williams

Alpha LambdaNew Mexico State

Julian Garcia Paul Gutierrez

Alpha Mu-Rutgers

Michael R. Mekenian

Alpha Nu-Connecticut David H. Bennett

Alpha Xi-Arizona State Craig N. Anderson

Alpha Pi-Arizona

F. Ronald Rayner

Alpha Rho-Vermont William J. Shattuck

Alpha TauWestern Illinois

Steven B. Greenfield Mark T. Howard Steven J. Ramp Monty R. Teuscher

Alpha Phi-South Dakota State

John D. Borchers Bruce V. Bot Kevin C. Curry Leonard S. Dankey Todd Heine Patrick J. Hennen Benjamin R. Ludeman Monte R. Mason Gary G. Overgaard

SICKLE & SHEAF FALL 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 28

11/11/24 1:54 PM

The Harvest

James W. Randall Stephen J. Rezac Max R. Williams

Alpha Chi-Western Kentucky

David T. Buckingham

Susan Johnson David P. Krenzer Charles H. Riley Beverly J. Rose D. Eileen Smith Stephanie Swannack

Alpha Psi-WisconsinRiver Falls

Gayle R. Bacon Gary M. Beastrom Andy F. Bensend Lee E. Born Kenneth E. Congdon Matthew A. Fanta Dennis L. Gehler Robert H. Hintz William E. Kelly Andrew M. Novakovic Clyde R. Nelson John P. Ourada Jerel W. Steckling

Alpha OmegaMurray State

Thomas T. Cude

Beta GammaWisconsin-Platteville Scott A. Laufenberg Michael A. North

Beta Delta-Illinois State

Heritage Club The Heritage Club honors brothers and friends of Alpha Gamma Rho who leave a legacy for the future To Make Better Men through specific gifts or bequests of $10,000 or more to the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho. Alpha-Illinois

James E. Ross Jay J. Vroom James L. Zumwalt

Beta-The Ohio State

Kirby Barrick

Gamma-Penn State

Richard S. Carpenter

Delta-Purdue

Bruce L. Attig

Ted A. Priebe Gene L. Swackhamer

Beta EpsilonArkansas State

Epsilon-North Dakota State

James E. Hagar

Beta Zeta-Clemson

Thad G. Boatwright Ellie W. Green Edwin M. Rish

Beta Kappa-Chico State Lee E. Cole

Beta Lambda-Texas A&M-Commerce Ben L. Scholz

Beta Sigma-Tarleton State Michael J. Bosco Michael B. Keith

Beta Phi-Idaho

Cody D. Park Glenn C. Poxleitner Norman A. Sonnen

Friends of AGR

Bruce Barber Elaine W. Crooke William C. Davidson Royale Devore Scott K. Hale Joseph B. Hurd K. Michael Ingram Bill Jay Frank C. Johns Polly W. Johns

Nu-North Carollna State

Alpha LambdaNew Mexico State

Omicron-Kentucky

Alpha Rho-Vermont

Pi-Oklahoma State

Alpha Tau-Western Illinois

Tyler B. Warren David W. Case Glenn A. Stith Leslie J. Stith

Sigma-Washington State Doyle W. Jacklin

Zeta-Cornell

Chi-Cal Poly

Michael J. Borel Bret R. Carter Scott D. Flynn Steven M. Hanson Kenneth D. Isley William B. Sayre Wayne E. Tyler David W. Van Wert Robert C. Vasko Arlen L. Wonderlich

Theta-Missouri

Zane V. Akins Lynn A. Fahrmeier Lowell F. Mohler Daniel L. Prosser Bradley K. Starbuck

Kappa-Nebraska

Alpha Psi-WisconsinRiver Falls

Beta Delta-Illinois State

Donald J. Bumphrey

Ralph E. Grossi Ole M. Meland

Beta Eta-Virginia Polytech

Alpha BetaOregon State

Jay S. Poole

Alpha DeltaMontana State

Bradley A. Garrison

Vincent T. McElligott

Beta TauMississippi State Friends of AGR

James L. Driscoll

Carol A. Johnson Elizabeth Anderson

Alpha Zeta-Kansas State

Justin Hagedorn Edwin R. Kerley Loren J. Kruse Warren D. Nichols John A. Niemann Tim E. Rosenhagen Curtis L. Steenbock Douglas C. Weyer

If the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho is in your will or estate plan, scan the QR Code and notify the Home Office.

Alpha ThetaMaryland

Paul S. Weller

William C. Schilling Charles E. Trauger

Alpha Iota-Arkansas

Lambda-Minnesota

Alpha KappaTennessee-Knoxville

Adam E. Manwarren

Jeffrey L. Warner

William T. Boehm Philip Josephson Harland G. Schneider

Phi-Univ. of California-Davis

John E. Kidd Jeremy R. Turner

Eta-Iowa State

Erwin C. Clark Laurence C. Jost Donald J. McFeeters

Scott W. Sewell

Dale R. Carpentier Jack Brown Allan R. Johnson Douglas J. Adams Kevin G. Bartolotta Gregory I. Wickham

Paul Gutierrez

Rex A. Martin

John R. Tarpley Thomas R. White

FA L L 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 29

SICKLE & SHEAF

29

11/11/24 1:54 PM

Transitions

In Memory of Our Great Brothers

The Alpha Gamma Rho Home Office received reports of the following deaths between February 21,2024 and Aug. 26,2024. The listing includes initiation year.

Arizona

Glen Miller, 1996 Len Richardson, 1959

Arkansas

William Cain, 1962 Larry Davis, 1966 Roy Grimsley, 1950 Lynn Sanderson, 1972

Arkansas State

Eugene Aist, 1985 Michael Rash, 1981

Auburn

Roy Boyd, 1956

Austin Peay State

Stephen Settle, 1983

California-Davis

Whitelaw Allen, 1942 Marvin Wilson, 1958

California-Fresno

Donald Gomes, 1966

Colorado State

Randy Anderson, 1975

Connecticut

Thomas Burnham, 1958 James Shaw, 1970

Cornell

Edwin Boardman, 1955 Frederic Corell, 1953 Charles Taft, 1948

Florida

Francis Akins, 1969 Sidney Banack, 1952 Alexander Doke, 1955 Henry Douglas, 1949 William Philmon, 1950 Gilbert Tucker, 1939

Florida Southern

Spencer Holden, 2011

Georgia*

Peyton Alexander, 1965 Robert Allen, 1971 Andrew Banister,1950 James Barker, 1959 William Barr, 1941 Maynor Belcher, 1946 Gerald Belflower, 1976 Jerry Bird, 1960 Richard Bishop, 1956 James Boatright, 1965 Richard Bondy, 1968 Royce Breedlove, 1947 Jasper Bryan, 1949 Paul Bryan, 1958 Jasper Butler, 1939 Albert Camp, 1972 Thomas Cannon, 1965 James Carter, 1947 William Casey, 1970 30

John Chapman, 1957 John Cheezem, 1973 Michael Clark, 1973 Wade Clark, 1964 William Clifton, 1963 Charles Cook, 1969 Otis Copeland, 1946 Billie Davis, 1948 Bobbie Davis, 1948 Hamp Denney, 1950 Newman Denney, 1938 William Dixon, 1941 Herbert Dodd, 1954 Boris Doobinin, 1956 Edwin Edenfield, 1958 David Elster, 1974 David Emory, 1963 Billy English, 1952 Robert Flewellen, 1967 David Friedly, 1976 Walter Futral, 1957 R.E. Gay, 1958 Bennie Goolsby, 1955 Timothy Grimes, 1972 Darrell Gibbs, 1958 J. Gissendanner, 1949 Robert Griffis, 1960 William Gurr, 1960 Milton Hall, 1972 Edgar Hanson, 1960 Lorenzo Hamil, 1935 William Hardy, 1951 Emmett Harper, 1954 David Harrity, 1963 William Haskins, 1969 Rickard Hawkins, 1956 Thomas Haynes, 1976 Joseph Henderson, 1966 Edward Hobby, 1948 William Hogan, 1970 George Hollinshead, 1952 J. Robert Howell, 1961 Bobby Hughes, 1955 George Jackson, 1975 Joe Jackson, 1956 Richard Kauffman, 1941 Harold Kelley, 1950 France Kent, 1952 J. Kilgore, 1949 Jame Lanier, 1960 William Leonard, 1947 Arthur Long, 1970 Mark Maddox, 1970 Young Maddox, 1956 William Mathis, 1942 John McDaniel, 1959 Daniel McDonald, 1938 Andrew McKibben, 1949 Thomas Mercer, 1963 Freddie Miller, 1958 Gordon Miller, 1941 Clarence Moore, 1961

James Moore, 1963 Jackson Morgan, 1950 Calvin Murray, 1938 Charles Nash, 1970 Cyril Oakes, 1942 George Ligon O'Kelley, 1947 William Parker, 1957 John Parks, 1966 Robert Paxton, 1980 Robert Pepper, 1966 David Peterson, 1950 James Parrish, 1950 A. Reynolds, 1963 Henry Richards, 1950 Jerry Richmond, 1963 Alonzo Rigsby, 1958 Gregory Romire, 1974 Alvin Russell, 1948 Adolph Sanders, 1956 Raymond Seckinger, 1959 Herald Seigler, 1952 Morris Seymour, 1955 Thomas Shave, 1961 Jimmy Sheffield, 1961 Henry Shuman, 1968 Shelly Shuman, 1955 Thomas Sigman, 1952 George Sparrow, 1964 John Spence, 1941 Roger Thigpen,1972 Herbert Usilton, 1951 Jim Waldrop, 1975 Edward Wall, 1964 Norman Watson, 1971 Michael Welborn, 1967 William Wells, 1947 Francis White, 1951 Ed Willis, 1964 William Wolverton, 1964 John Woodson, 1955

Illinois

Donald Rice, 1954 David Ruebush, 1964 Justin Taft, 1946 James Willrett, 1979

Iowa State

Burton Behrens, 1947 Timothy Burke, 1970 Boyd Dohrmann, 1963 Herman Kastner, 1948 Luther Tweeten, 1953

Kansas State

Robert Harmon, 1969 Richard Janssen, 1960 George Wingert, 1951

Kentucky

Fletcher Clark, 1937 Timothy Henderson, 1986 Paul Rogers, 1953 Warren Wheat, 1958

Louisiana State

Adam Machowski, 2021 Sydney Grillot, 1967

Maine

Greg Alley-Violette, 1992 Clinton Cushman, 1955 E. Gallagher, 1948 Robert Maclauchlan, 1946 Frederick Turner, 1937 Louis Willcox, 1957

Michigan State

Edwin Greene, 1950 Eric Metzler, 1965 John Tomasek, 1993 Harold Weaver, 1943

Minnesota

Stanley Opitz, 1960 James Miller, 1965 Alvin Torvi, 1951

Missouri

Aubrey Conrad, 1949 Robert De Rousse, 1949 Stephen Edwards, 1978 Robert Hertzog, 1949 Robert Jackson, 1952 Robert Skidmore, 1946

Pennsylvania State

Wilbur Avril, 1961 Thomas Boyd, 1955 John Callenbach, 1958 Charles Lechner, 1950 Robert Lindquist, 1969 James Weiler, 1956 William Yerkes, 1949 John Yocum, 1964

Purdue

Randy Cates, 1971 Edward Johnson, 1965 Leo Mann, 1956

Southern Illinois Larry Groce, 2014

Tennessee-Knoxville Joe Falls, 1954 Roy Hanna, 1969 Joe Harrison, 1955 Beauford Wilson, 1973

Washington State

Bradford Berry, 1961 John Bishop, 1939

West Virginia

James Jenks, 1959 Wilfred Johnson, 1961 Richard Siderius, 1958

Daniel Adkins, 2014 Craig Crimm, 1999 Jerry Gass, 1953 William Guiher, 1960 Wayne Powell, 1978 Richard Pratt, 1949

Nebraska

Western Illinois

Montana State

Jerry Carter, 1962 Gerald Dart, 1955 Dick Deets, 1955 Gerald Ehler, 1951 Floyd Keasling, 1959 Philip Starck, 1955

New Hampshire

Charles Gulick, 1953 Richard Lawrence, 1961 Edward Quinn, 1988 Roger Sanborn, 1967 North Carolina State Willard Moore, 1967 Kim Richardson, 1965 John Taylor, 2013

North Dakota State

William Austin, 1962 Vernon Daeley, 1959 Lyle Dahlin, 1948 Gary Gibbons, 1952 C. Johnson, 1948 Leslie Nettum, 1966 Donald Walstad, 1965

Northwest Missouri State

Justin Moenkhoff, 2000

Ohio State

James Berg, 1963 Robert Bernard, 1965 Carl Boehm, 1955 Phillip Bohl, 1968 Donald Bucher, 1970 Melvin Knapp, 1959 Thomas Timmer, 1958

Oklahoma State

Ervin Pritchett, 1960

Tim Engnell, 1986

Western Kentucky William Ashby, 1968 Hurston Holt, 1966 William Norris, 1966 David Tooley, 1984

Wisconsin-Madison

Everett Chambers, 1954 Wallace Ekvall, 1942 Wesley Falk, 1958 Duane Gilliland, 1959 John Hayes, 1946 David Kellesvig, 1963 Charles Klemme, 1953 Leonard Massie, 1958 Bruce Murray, 1991 Felix Pankratz, 1943 Paul Peterson, 1949 Robert Sette, 1968 Frank Siedschlag, 1955 Richard Vilstrup, 1963

Wisconsin-River Falls Dennis Bangart, 2000 Daniel Harvey, 1977 James Holte, 1973 Terry Kolpack, 1968 Robert Lunde, 1968 Gary Rohde, 1982 Kenneth Schoch, 1968

* U niversity of Georgia updated their records with the Home Office, causing an influx in members listed in the Transitions.

SICKLE & SHEAF FALL 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 30

11/11/24 1:54 PM

Q&AGR

Q&AGR

Jay Vroom: A Legacy in Agricultural Leadership

Brother Jay Vroom of Alpha Chapter, IllinoisChampaign was elected Grand President during AGR’s 68th Biennial National Convention. He plans to utilize Local Chapter Excellence (LCE) to strengthen the National Fraternity from the inside out, to build a broader and better agriculture.

What has led you to want to serve your Fraternity?

Vroom’s dedication to AGR and its mission is encapsulated in his beliefs in the power AGR has to influence a young man’s life for the better.

“There are over 60,000 AGR members,” he said. “We need to find our brothers and foster engagement, whether through sweat equity or financial support.

We need to keep them inspired by our purpose and the incredible foundation we provide for agriculture.”

He said AGR’s brand and its incredible heritage are a small piece of the Fraternity’s survival and development, but it comes down to the effort of every AGR member, from brothers who work for the National Fraternity, to the brothers at the chapter house working on their degree.

His commitment to AGR is unwavering.

How did AGR influence your early life?

A pivotal moment in Vroom’s life came before he even entered high school.

During the summer before eighth grade, a visit from Daniel Bock, an agriculture education instructor and FFA advisor, who was also a member of Alpha Chapter, set Vroom on a path that would define his future.

Bock’s encouragement led Vroom to enroll in agriculture education and join the FFA. Vroom eventually attended the University of Illinois, where he was initiated into Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.

“AGR brothers were my brothers, the 18-man initiate class I joined was a special bond for me, individually and Collectively,” he said.

What are your goals as Grand President?

Jay Vroom’s desire to give back is fueled by a commitment to maintain the significant momentum launched by the brothers who’ve preceded him.

He emphasizes, “AGR is an engine to develop and inspire our future American Ag Leaders.”

As Grand President, Vroom took the baton from Greg Nickerson with a focus on keeping the momentum rolling forward. He said the success of AGR will be measured by LCE and raising funds for continued support for Local Chapter Excellence.

“I look forward to redoubling my efforts to support Glenn Stith and our brothers on the Foundation Board,” Brother Vroom said. “I want to help our local chapter foundations more.”

He also said he hopes to continue to build up the

“There are over 60,000 AGR members. We need to find our brothers and foster engagement ... to keep them inspired by our purpose and the incredible foundation we provide for agriculture.”

foundations of the National Fraternity by bringing his focus back to farmers.

Brother Vroom noted farmers as the bedrock of AGR, especially those who make it their full-time career.

What challenges are you addressing?

Reflecting on the challenges ahead, Vroom

acknowledged the decrease in agriculture students on college campus where AGR has a chapter.

“LCE is our single best asset to overcome those challenges,” he said. Brother Vroom emphasized the importance of engaging and supporting chapters across the nation through LCE and more engagement with local alum chapter leaders, and more support to vital Chapter Advisers.

He said listening to alumni at the national and local level is key to the fraternity’s future.

He noted the importance of finding ways to re-engage alumni members.

To see the full article on the new Grand President, please use this QR code to read more on the AGR website.

FA L L 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 31

SICKLE & SHEAF

31

11/11/24 1:54 PM

The Last Pass

Cultivating Futures…

Local Chapter Excellence

by Rex Martin WERE YOU IN SACRAMENTO?

Over 400 registered were.

Did you attend one of the nine educational breakout sessions? Many did.

Maybe partake in the many tasty and drinkable California commodities at the Taste of California reception. I was pretty partial to a few of the reds.

Perhaps won an auction item at our record-breaking Bid of Better Men where $155,000 was raised..

Before that auction, we inducted two new Hall of Fame members. Will you be joining Brother Rick Carpenter and Brother Neil Fruechte someday?

Or did you attend a delegate session to help conduct business for the Fraternity including electing two new board members? John Demerly and Todd Winters.

Maybe you heard our new Grand President Jay Vroom was installed and gave an inspiring address?

Our theme for this year’s convention was “Cultivating Futures.” It was an opportunity to look back to where we started with Local Chapter Excellence (LCE) and cultivating the Top Leaders Institutes (TLI). But it was also a big celebration of the here and now. The Capital Campaign took its curtain call at the Convention. Together, the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho raised $20 million dollars! Thank you to all our many donors who continue to support our collegiate brothers!

We had many Alumni leaders come in early for the Convention to do a special one-day training on strategic planning.

Every chapter over the next 2-3 years will go through strategic planning which is a part of the AGR LCE playbook.

After 2-3 years, those chapters will do it again. If you think about it, this makes perfect sense. With that period of time, 32

there has been significant turnover in the chapter which means new leaders should develop or refine their strategic plan.

Now the Convention is over, and a new semester begins. This fall’s recruitment of good men is critical to each chapter. Recruitment should be a collaborative effort between the chapter and our alumni. Classes and campus activities give us the opportunity to excel and be leaders at our respective colleges.

Time moves forward and the smell of hot dogs and burgers before Homecoming gives way to final exams and before you know it the semester is over. Don’t let it pass too soon. Take every opportunity to be at your very best. If you are an alumnus, take every opportunity to engage our collegiate brothers whether at your home chapter or a chapter near where you live.

I am reminded of an old REO Speedwagon song: “So if you’re tired of the same old story Oh, turn some pages, I’ll be here when you are ready To roll with the changes!”

We have won three major awards for our Capital Campaign and our Top Leaders Institute as recognized by the North American Interfraternity Conference and the Foundation of Fraternal Excellence. After the great California Convention, a very successful Capital Campaign, and the Nationwide Roll out of Top Leaders Institutes.

I think that song says it all!

We commit to our collegiate brothers that LCE is just the beginning. We are on a roll! Enjoy your Fall! See you in Louisville in 2026!

Time moves forward and the smell of hot dogs and burgers before Homecoming gives way to final exams and before you know it the semester is over. Don’t let it pass too soon.

SICKLE & SHEAF FALL 2024

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 32

11/11/24 1:54 PM

Our Roots

Promoting Inter-Chapter Relationships BROTHER WILLIAM ‘BILL’ SAYRE WAS INITIATED into

the Eta Chapter at Iowa State University in 1943 and was deeply involved within the Fraternity on multiple levels including serving as Grand President and a Director on The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho. Throughout his involvement, Brother Sayre was passionate about interacting with members of all ages and understood the important impact AGR’s brotherhood has on its members only increases when relationships can be developed across multiple chapters. The Sayre Fund was established for this precise purpose: to promote The impact AGR’s inter-chapter relations through brotherhood has on its educational, social and leadership opportunities. Since its creation, members only increases Sayre Grants have funded a when relationships can number of cross-chapter be developed across collaborations. From multiple chapters. the creation of the AGR BBQ Competition, a Northeast Area Shootout, professional development tours across the state of Arizona, the Fraternity’s increased presence at National FFA Convention, Texas AGR chapter retreats, and many other worthwhile endeavors.

The spirit of Brother Sayre’s desire to grow strong senses of fraternalism and pride in AGR can be seen throughout the projects being funded. Chapters can still take advantage of Sayre Grants throughout the year.

Apply for a Sayre Grant to host an inter-chapter event here:

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 3

11/11/24 1:54 PM

Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity 1333 NW Vivion Road, Suite 110, Kansas City, Missouri 64118.

Top Leaders Institute 2025 DATES AND LOCATIONS:

Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity held it’s first nation-wide Top Leaders Institute from January 12 to February 3, 2024.

The award-winning program required all newly elected chapter officers to attend one Institute. Brothers focused on individual leadership skills, how to navigate difficult conversations and specific officer responsibilities.

skills, knowledge and confindence in personal leadership behavior, officer responsibilities and strong communication methods during challenging conversations.

The results spoke for themselves as attendees and supporters felt the impacts of these trainings on brothers

Chapter Advisers and Housemothers/House Directors in attendance

 8 locations  4 67 Chapter Officers in attendance  62 Alumni representatives,

Albany, NY January 24-25, 2025

Reno, NV January 10-11, 2025

Kansas City, MO January 17-18, 2025

Chicago, IL January 24-25, 2025

Dallas, TX January 17-18, 2025 Atlanta, GA January 10-11, 2025

Registration Opens in November!

S&S_Fall24_P5.indd 4

11/11/24 1:54 PM