36 minute read
THE PILLARS
Recruit
1 , 536
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Number of alumni serving in leadership positions with Alpha Gamma Rho.
There are several ways for AGR brothers to stay involved with the Fraternity after graduating college. One common choice among alumni is holding a leadership position, whether it be at the national, regional or chapter level. Although this isn’t the only way to stay engaged with AGR, it is a great opportunity for alumni to collaborate and assist undergraduate chapters to Make Better Men.
Commit
5
Number of established and active alumni chapters: Tennessee Washington D.C. Kansas City Chicago Dallas/Fort Worth
AGR has five Alumni Chapters across the U.S. It is encouraged to reach out to the alumni chapters for support. The benefits of alumni chapters are endless and AGR supports anyone looking to join or start an alumni chapter in their area.
Educate
205
Number of brothers who have taken the Alumni Engagement Modules 1 and 2 on AGRconnect, and received a score of 80 or higher.
AGRconnect is provided to our brothers so they have all of the necessary tools needed to achieve success in their careers and life. With AGRconnect, brothers may utilize guides, handouts, quizzes and a variety of other tools to expand their experience with AGR, including their connections with alumni. We ask our brothers to participate in these modules so they can fully grasp all of the options they have when it comes to engaging with alumni and expanding their network.
Recognize
9 . 51%
Percentage of alumni "lost" in the AGR database as of July 2021.
AGR keeps an extensive database with addresses of its members, along with other information. Nearly 10% of our alumni don't have a "good" address in the database.
engagement
BROTHERHOOD IS AT THE HEART of any fraternity, and that includes alumni engagment. As a fraternal brotherhood, Alpha Gamma Rho encourages its members to connect with one another, whether they are an alumnus or collegiate. Making these kinds of connections can be difficult, but never impossible. Many AGR collegiate and alumni chapters hold events year-round where all brothers can gather as one brotherhood. Let's explore what it means to ...
Rethink the alumni experience engagement
LEt's get together!
ALUMNI CHAPTER EVENTS REMAINS ONE OF THE EASIEST AND FASTEST WAYS TO CONNECT WITH LOCAL AGR BROTHERS
BBQ COMPETITION
TENNESSEE ALUMNI CHAPTER Fifty brothers had gathered around a campfire. They may not have been brothers by blood, but their commitment to Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity ran deep as men from Kansas State University, Cornell University and North Dakota State University sat together sharing stories and experiences at college. A few older brothers, some long graduated from college, pipe in from their lawn chairs, reminiscing about their college years some of the brothers are currently living. This is what alumni engagement looks like. This is what Alpha Gamma Rho is.
Brother Chad Bradshaw of Alpha Upsilon Chapter at University of Tennessee-Martin, now the Alumni Chapter President of the Tennessee Alumni Chapter, described this scene, which took place at one of the annual Barbecue Competitions hosted by the Tennessee Alumni Chapter. The BBQ Competition, which
1,188 alumni live within a 75-mile radius from downtown Nashville. Roughly 60% of all AGR chapters are represented in that number, making the BBQ Competition a great opportunity for brothers all over the nation to intermingle and share their life’s experiences.
was postponed in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, is a closed event to strictly alumni and collegiate AGR members where they can participate in the BBQ Competition, cornhole, tug-of-war or just socialize with brothers from all across the nation.
Brother Tracey Binkley of Alpha Kappa Chapter at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville had the idea to hold an event for local brothers from different chapters to get together and socialize. In 2014, Brother Binkley, along with Brothers Chad Bradshaw, and Robert Elliott, who is the co-chairman for the barbecue, and a few others came up with the idea of a BBQ competition in hopes of gathering local collegiates from different chapters to socialize and meet one another. Brother Binkley, Brother Bradshaw, Brother Elliott and their group started laying out a plan for the competition and held the first AGR BBQ Competition that year. After its initial success, alumni were invited to attend and participate in the competitions, allowing collegiate and alumni to mingle with one another.
Not only is this competition for local chapters and alumni living in the Nashville area, AGR members from across the nation are invited to come.
“Within … 75 miles from Nashville, I think there were 1,400 to 1,500 alumni and it was from over 75% of the chapters in the United States,” Brother Bradshaw said about a survey he and Brother Binkley helped conduct. Currently, 1,188 alumni live within a 75-mile radius from downtown Nashville, many of whom did not attend Tennessee-based universities. All of the alumni living in the surrounding area of Nashville come from roughly 60% of all chapters across the nation, making the AGR BBQ Competition a great opportunity for brothers all over the nation to intermingle and share their life’s experiences
AGR members and chapters can receive data about members living in their area through the Home Office. By providing parameters such as a zip codes to be used as a central location, distance in miles from a central location, and whether collegiate, alumni or both audiences are requested.
Brother Binkley explained that events such as the AGR BBQ Competition are an amazing opportunity to strengthen AGR’s culture through different points of view. With so many brothers from different regions, with different backgrounds and ages, attending events like this provide an opportunity to share insight from one person to the next.
“I think it’s a great way to pay back,” Brother Binkley said. “It is a great way to re-invest in the brothers yet to come. And I also think it’s a great cause in a world where people are looking for authentic relationships and a vision of something noble that’s bigger than themselves.”
Brother Binkley noted three alumni who influenced him in his college and professional careers. Growing up, Brother Binkley was part of FFA and 4H, which is where he met Brother Mike Lockert from Alpha Kappa Chapter. Brother Lockert encouraged Brother Binkley to join Alpha Gamma Rho and to visit the chapter at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Brother Binkley, after graduating high school, decided to join Alpha Kappa Chapter.
Later, when he was the Noble Ruler, Brother Binkley met Brother Phil Josephson, AGR's former CEO and alumnus of Wisconsin-River Falls (Alpha Psi Chapter), who invited Brother Binkley to work in the Home Office, where he was mentored by another alumnus, Brother Hale Moss, also from Alpha Kappa Chapter.
Due to the intervention of multiple alumni, Brother Binkley’s career with AGR continues as a Regional Vice President for the Mid-East Region, instilling in him the effort it takes to stick to his lifelong commitment when he raised his hand to join Alpha Gamma Rho.
Although the AGR BBQ Competition is just one of many events, there are multiple ways for alumni and collegiates to get together. Sometimes that is a large-scale event, other times it is a small gathering of brothers from the same chapter.
Who are the alumni of AGR?
Even though they share the common bond of brotherhood in Alpha Gamma Rho, do not expect all events will appeal to all audiences. Alumni journey through multiple life-stages and each brings different interests, commitments, disposable time, and income.
Think carefully about your event's target audience. Not every event should try and be an event that will "appeal to all." Few events will, and that's okay! Not everyone is looking for the same AGR alumni experience. What are they looking for? Ask them!
UNDERGRADUATES: 5% RECENT GRADS
& SINGLES: 5%
DOUBLE-INCOME-
NO-KIDS (DINKS): 15%
YOUNG AND EXPERIENCED
FATHERS: 40%
EMPTY NESTERS: 15% RETIREES: 20%
HIGHLY ENGAGED
MEMBERS: 3%
Defined as members who are chapter officers, volunteers and donors. These are your most loyal brothers, but not necessarily your target audience, especially if you are looking to grow participation and engagement.
Popular Alumni Events
RODEO/CATTLE SHOW
Many AGR collegiate chapters hold these events for philanthropy, which many alumni attend. Reaching out to a chapter to assist in hosting a rodeo/ cattle show is a great way to get brothers with common interests together.
DAY TRIPS TO NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
A fun way to bring brothers and their families together. Visit the local historical sites, museums, parks, etc. all of which provide opportunities for conversation and engagement.
FISHING TOURNAMENT
A sport for the patient, fishing provides an opportunity for brothers to spend quality time together, while sharing a little friendly competition. A great event that can interest brothers in many different life-stages.
WATCH PARTIES
Sports has a natural bonding affect. Professional or college games provide for a lively atmosphere to root for your favorite team. Attend a game, host a cookout or reserve space at a local restaurant.
HOLIDAY PARTY
Holidays often unite people across the country and that includes AGRs. Brothers can get together and celebrate national holidays with one another and their families. If a collegiate chapter is nearby, invite them too!
CHICAGO ALUMNI CHAPTER The Chicago Alumni Chapter has a long history of holding events to bring brothers together. It all started with the International Livestock Exposition banquet. This “must attend” livestock event was the premier cattle show from 1900-1975. To continue bringing brothers together, the Chicago Alumni Chapter held
“Chicago Career Days” for many years, a networking and career building event with AGR industry leaders and our collegiate members. Brothers from coast to coast experienced the career opportunities available to them, while having some fun in the Windy City. The event eventually tapered off, but a variation was created as part of the National Convention, and is called the Career Fair.
Today, the Chicago Alumni Chapter hosts an annual golf outing to bring brothers together. Several long-time brothers gather for their annual get-together. It’s all about snagging their preferred beverages and setting out on their mission of fun times to rekindle relationships and meeting brothers.
The Chicago Alumni Chapter has held their annual golf outing for seven years. Brother Fred Reichelt from Gamma Chapter at Penn State University, Brother Carl Luebchow from Alpha Tau Chapter at Western Illinois University and Brother Bill Cherney from Beta Chapter at Ohio State University coordinate the efforts for the Chicago Alumni Chapter golf outing. Brother Luebchow said the alumni chapter hopes to hold two gatherings a year, consisting of the annual golf outing and one other event that is still being decided in an effort to meet new brothers and rekindle relationships. “It’s all about getting brothers together — young and old,” Brother Luebchow said.
The plan is to utlize the second outing as an event that appeals to younger AGRs. Perhaps a baseball game or to host a football tailgate.
Brother Reichelt and Brother Luebchow said holding events such as the golf outing are an opportunity for alumni brothers to renew old memories and for undergraduates and young alumni to develop their personal and professional network through brotherhood.
Brother Reichelt said the Golf outing attendance is primarily made up of brothers from the Alpha Tau Chapter at Western Illinois University, which is exciting, but they would like to see more brothers from other chapters since this event is open to any brothers located in the Chicago area. There are currently 965 AGR collegiate, alumni and alumni initiates living within a 75 mile radius of downtown Chicago.
“Even if you don’t golf, come to the reception and dinner and get to know people,” Brother Reichelt said.
Many Alpha Gamma Rho events held by chapters and alumni have something for everyone. As Brother Reichelt said and Brother Luebchow supported, anyone can
come to their golf outing including guests and collegiate brothers. If they don’t golf, there is a dinner and reception afterwards that AGRs are more than welcome to attend so they can still meet with brothers, network and have a good time.
Brother Reichelt said during past events, the Chicago Alumni Chapter has given out up to $1,000 to be donated to chapter alumni boards and other efforts as a way to continually support the alumni circle that supports Alpha Gamma Rho.
If you are looking to get involved with the Chicago Alumni Chapter, feel free to reach out to Fred Reichelt at fredjreichelt@gmail.com or Carl Luebchow at cluebchow@gmail.com.
LUNCH AND LEARN
WASHINGTON DC ALUMNI CHAPTER
The bustle of Capitol Hill rings in the background as brothers make their way to their destination. One-by-one they file into the restaurant and find a seat next to an old friend they haven’t seen for months. Chatter swirls amongst the group until the meeting begins. Each brother takes a turn filling his plate, and updating one another on where they are in their career and in their lives. Discussions of agriculture policy make their way into the conversation as new thoughts bounce among the group. This sharing of information and cultivation of fellowship is at the heart of the Washington D.C. Alumni Chapter’s Lunch & Learns.
Brother Paul Weller of Alpha Theta Chapter at the University of Maryland helps coordinate the Lunch and Learns every year. He said for the last two years, the group has not met due to COVID-19.
Brother Weller said in 1969 he moved back to Washington D.C. to take a new job, which led him to getting involved with the D.C. Alumni Chapter.
“There were about four or five of us who got together and started to plan on having a regular get-together,” Brother Weller said.
In the beginning, the Washington D.C. Alumni Chapter would hold an annual banquet. Eventually, the banquets became luncheons typically held twice a year on Capitol Hill with alumni who live in the area. Brother Weller noted Alpha Theta Chapter members attend the most since they are closest, but all chapters are invited to join.
Currently 1,488 AGR members live within 75 miles of Capitol Hill, most of whom are alumni and alumni initiates.
He also said that Brother Lee Van Wychen from Iota Chapter at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the President of the Washington D.C. Alumni Chapter maintains an extensive list of members in a database for the alumni chapter in order to keep in contact with them and make sure they stay connected.
Paul said they decided to hold these luncheons on Capitol Hill because it was a central location and there are usually some AGRs who are working on Capitol Hill, whether they are among the staff or in Congress. Not to mention, the location is convenient to reach by subway. Over the years, these luncheons have averaged 30-40 brothers in attendance.
Brother Weller said the brothers who attend often discuss agriculture policy, network and catch up with one another. Brothers have the ability to intermingle and chat with each other as a way to learn about the vast number of brothers who live and work inside "The Beltway." In addition, each person is formally given the chance to share any personal or career updates with the rest of the group.
Paul said one of the most valuable services he has seen from Alpha Gamma Rho was from the brothers in the field of agriculture connecting with one another to network and keep up with where each other is in life. He said events such as this one and being part of a network of alumni is an opportunity for someone to advance themselves in their career.
Another opportunity that has come out of this alumni engagement is the updates to the Alpha Theta Chapter House. The 90-year-old house needed renovations, and Alpha Theta’s connection to the Washington D. C. Alumni Chapter helped keep up with reports on the house in support of the large undertaking that was renovating.
Through the intermingling of the undergraduates and alumni at the D.C. luncheons, AGRs were inspired and gained new ideas to consider with their own chapters, which is what alumni engagement is all about.
Over the years, the group has welcomed undergraduate members who are interning in Washington, D.C. This event is a unique opportunity to add value to an already enriching internship experience.
They decided to hold these luncheons on Capitol Hill because it was a central location ... there are usually some AGRs who are working on Capitol Hill ... Not to mention the location is convenient to reach by subway.
If anyone is considering interning or making a career change, which bring them to D.C., they should consider getting in contact with the alunni chapter at pweller@ agriwashinton.org
Alumni Engagement is no easy feat. It can look like a variety of things and can be hard to pinpoint what would be best. Sometimes it is an evening banquet ... Other times it is meeting one another for some Texas Rangers baseball, hotdogs and drinks.
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME
DALLAS / FORT WORTH
Alumni Engagement is no easy feat. It can look like a variety of things and can be hard to pinpoint what would be best. Sometimes it is an evening banquet with brothers gathered around tables chatting and celebrating the small victories in their careers and lives. Other times it is meeting one another for some Texas Rangers baseball, hot dogs and drinks.
Brother Cody Lane of Beta Sigma Chapter at Tarleton State, and Southwest Regional Vice President, has been involved with the Dallas/Fort Worth Alumni Chapter since he graduated from Tarleton State. He said in the last few years, the alumni chapter has yet to hold any major events due to the large area that is Dallas/Fort Worth, making it a long trip to meet with other AGRs at gatherings.
In the past, the Dallas/Fort Worth Alumni Chapter has held banquets, gone to local baseball games and held other small events where alumni and collegiates could mingle. Despite the alumni chapter’s struggle to get together, Brother Lane is a firm believer in alumni engagement. “What’s really interesting is some of these guys may have gone to school at Oklahoma State, Iowa State, or Kansas State, or somewhere in California, and when they get together, they have a lot in common,” Brother Lane said. “It’s just neat for networking purposes.” Networking can be for brothers of any age, which contributes to why organizations like Alpha Gamma Rho are unique. A common cause often aids in bringing brothers together and the beauty of the National Fraternity is that the Fraternity is the common cause.
Brother Lane said Alpha Gamma Rho has evolved over the years, but the values and what AGR brothers strive to do in their lives and careers hasn’t changed. We are still here to Make Better Men.
“Although there may be an age difference, there may be a generational difference, at the end of the day, they have a lot of common ground among the group,” Brother Lane said. AGR is a place where like-minded individuals can gather and share ideas, goals, and points of view. He said although AGR brothers have a lot in common, he does see a need for more promotion of alumni engagement. Promoting events, especially for alumni require consistent messaging and proper timing. It also needs to be specific to a target audience. It is valuable to test a few event ideas with a specific alumni segment (see pg. 15) to determine interest and possible attendance. If the evidence supports the event idea, begin planning marketing and communications to effectively spread the word about the event and its specifics. Keep in mind that different audiences have different preferred communication mediums. (For more information or help in planning event marketing and communications, contact Madeline@alphagammarho.org.)
Brother Lane sees this with his own alumni chapter and would like to see that change. He noted that if given the opportunity, he would love to connect with other alumni chapters or alumni in general who are hosting events and brainstorm future opportunities. There is the beauty of AGR, again, holding a brainstorming session with other alumni is alumni engagement! Working with other Alpha Gamma Rho brothers to gather more members in a single setting allows them to work together and bond with one another to grow a stronger Fraternity.
Guilt-Trips are
NOT a Marketing Strategy If reminding members of their “life-long obligation” worked, we would have much larger participation. Instead, we must provide alumni what they want or find missing in thier lives. Any brother looking to get involved with the Dallas/ Fort Worth Alumni Chapter or just looking to get involved with AGR, can contact Cody Lane at agrcody@gmail.com or 817-291-3615.
UNDERGRADAUTE ADVISING AND COUNSEL
AN UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTER NEAR YOU
Brother Garrett Hawkins, a founding brother of Beta Omega Chapter at Missouri State University, and the RVPSouth Central Region. received a call in the fall of 2021 from a collegiate who was starting his freshman year at Beta Omega Chapter. The undergraduate was updating an alumni contact list when he called Garrett. The undergraduate introduced himself as Warren Meservey, which was a familiar name to Garrett. Garrett stopped the young man and asked if his father was David Meservey.
As it turned out, the undergraduate is a legacy member after his father, Brother David Meservey from Theta Chapter at the University of Missouri, and was the state president at the local Farm Bureau where Garrett serves as the President, in Trenton, Missouri. Garrett chuckled at the idea of how small the world really is as he spoke with Warren. Garrett had known Warren since he was born, and now Warren is in college and a member of the same Fraternity.
Brother Hawkins said it is times like these he is able to really appreciate the bond he has with his AGR brothers. He explained the importance of alumni engagement for both undergraduates and alumni as not only a way to network, but also cement the foundations of every chapter installed and to be installed in the future.
Using his own chapter, Beta Omega, Garrett said at the Top Leaders Institute, held by the National Fraternity, he had the opportunity to sit down with the collegiate brothers of Beta Omega Chapter and help them set goals essential to laying the foundation for continuous efforts at Missouri State.
“We are continuing to impress upon the undergrads, ‘why do we even reach out to the National Fraternity to have a conversation to start a chapter? What was going through our mind at the time?’ What was going through our minds at the time was the need for more opportunities for young men, for brotherhood and professional development, and what we saw from collegiates at other universities was Alpha Gamma Rho was that avenue to foster what we were looking for,” Garrett said.
He continued to explain that as alumni, it is important alumni stay engaged with collegiate members to help them understand why it is such a special opportunity to be part of Alpha Gamma Rho. Garrett said this can be done through alumni sharing their stories as to why they joined AGR and why they continue to support the Fraternity after they have graduated college, started a career and started a family.
Alumni can engage with collegiates in a variety of ways. Attending college games and joining the chapter while they tailgate is a great way to get to know the brothers. For those looking to lend a hand, volunteer to help with a chapter event or participate in their philanthropy.
Brother Hawkins said what is taught through the Fraternity will weave its way into the rest of a person’s life. It influences their career, what kind of man they grow up to be, what kind of husband and father they may be. He reinforced it is up to the alumni of Alpha Gamma Rho to act as role models for the undergraduates in every aspect of life and to be there as their support in all of those parts of life. The hope is, according to Garrett, undergraduate brothers leave college stronger and more well-rounded than they would have been had they not joined AGR.
“Alpha Gamma Rho is truly one of the best decisions a young man can make,” Garrett said.
It is recommended that alumni utilize the Home Office to help them contact chapters. AGR keeps an extensive database with every member and chapter, including alumni chapters. The Home Office is able to supply info about chapters and contact information upon request.
Want to Establish an Alumni Chapter in Your Area?
Step 1:
Contact the AGR Home Office
Step 2:
The National Board of Directors has the ability to investigate on an informal basis the of establishing a Alumni Chapter. Chapters at new locations at which a reasonable number of interested Alumni Members reside in proximity to each other, and the National Board of Directors shall assist in action leading to such establishment when the circumstances so warrant; An Alumni Chapter shall be charted by the National Board of Directors only upon the petition of not less than ten alumni members residing in a reasonable proximity stating facts and circumstances which support the reasonable belief that the group, so charted, will continue in existence as an Alumni Chapter supporting the principles of the Fraternity.
Step 3:
Maintain alumni chapter and keep records of membership, growth, etc.
re-engaging with AGR
HOW TO RENEW YOUR BONDS OF BROTHERHOOD
COLLEGE AND LIFE AFTER COLLEGE,
for many is a whirlwind of starting a career, possibly getting married and having a family. No matter what direction life takes people, it often gets busy and, unintentionally, things often can slip through the cracks. Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity is a lifetime commitment, and even when brothers are working on starting their lives after college, AGR is always there for them when the time is right.
Some brothers stay actively involved in the Fraternity right after graduating, others take some time before making their way back to the National Fraternity. Whether someone is away from Alpha Gamma Rho for two years or 20 years, “it is never too late and it is never too early,” as Brother Joe Hora, Alumni President of Eta Chapter at Iowa State University says about getting involved with AGR.
Brother Bill Boehm, who has served on both the National Fraternity Board and The Educational Foundation, among many other committees, sees the need for an increase in alumni engagement.
“Membership at AGR is a lifetime commitment and we struggle with that among a high percentage of our membership,” Brother Boehm said.
He believes this issue stems from an attitude of “I was an AGR at…” rather than the members carrying the attitude “I am part of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity and always will be.”
Brother Boehm also noted many collegiates are called “actives,” a term which implies the collegiates are the only active members in the Fraternity. Brother Boehm said he is bothered by this term, describing it like the sound of nails on a chalk board when he hears it.
“We’re all supposed to be actively engaged and the idea that the undergraduates are the only ones who are active is problematic,” he said.
Without alumni being involved in the National Fraternity, even on a chapter level, there is a lack of proof Alpha Gamma Rho has an effect on its member’s lives beyond their years at college. When chapters try to recruit people, potential new members want to see how this lifelong commitment will affect their lives beyond the chapter house. With alumni interacting with the undergraduates and meeting potential new members, they can show how Alpha Gamma Rho has given them the necessary tools and skills needed to have not only a successful career, but lead a life full of value, in addition to enhancing experiences that they gained as a collegiate.
Brother Boehm said one way alumni can get re-involved with AGR is by reaching out to their chapter or a local chapter and volunteer where it is needed. By volunteering, alumni can not only get re-involved, this provides them an opportunity to connect with other alumni and with the collegiate members for the Fraternity. Brother Boehm explained the reason alumni involvement is important is so they can show collegiates that joining an organization such as Alpha Gamma Rho is a lifelong commitment, rather than just the few years they spend at college.
From the newly initiated brother to the alumnus who has been out of school for 15 years, each brother should strive to be actively engaged for the betterment of our Fraternity. Brothers can participate in something as simple as reading the monthly S&S E-Brief — an e-newslet-
er sent via email. They can attend a local chapter event — just to see what it's about — or even go as far as hosting their own gatherthing (see pg. 16 for some ideas).
Brother Hora, who is deeply involved with AGR, agrees that joining the National Fraternity is a lifelong commitment, even if someone steps back from, they are always welcome to return. An AGR alumnus will never know if their skills will help make a difference in a younger brother's life if there is no communication between the two.
Brother Hora said another key to getting re-involved with Alpha Gamma Rho is to communicate with undergraduate chapters. Alumni are encouraged to reach out to the Home Office or the university to make direct contact with the Chapter's Adviser to determine how best to assist our undergraduate brothers. He attributes the relationship the alumni board at Eta Chapter (Iowa State) has with the undergraduates to the constant communication between the two groups. “We’re a very open, communicative, alumni board with the exec team and leaders in the chapter, and having that communication in alignment allows us to be transparent,” he said.
Brother Hora explained their open communication has allowed the colle-
giates and alumni board to interact with one another in ways which help both groups grow in skills and leadership. He said the chapter holds alumni board meetings with the Eta Chapter’s executive team, where the undergraduates and alumni collaborate on how to make the chapter better, increase visibility on Iowa State’s campus and consider how they can help one another.
Brother Rich Engel of Phi Chapter at University of California-Davis, Regional Vice President-Pacific Region, said he believes if alumni really want to get re-involved with AGR, the best way to do so is to attend a meeting for a chapter and see where the needs are, or visit with the Chapter Adviser. He explained after a brother graduates and isn’t involved with the Fraternity on any level for a period of time, they can fall out of sync with what is happening at a chapter and in the Fraternity as a whole. Brother Engel said the best way to fix this is to get a feel for the chapter and Fraternity.
By sitting in on a chapter meeting and observing the brothers and the innerworkings of the meeting, Brother Engel said any needs of the brothers or the chapter will organically appear and make themselves obvious. He said it is up to alumni to see how their skills can assist with those needs, or if they know someone who can assist.
Brother Engel also believes having a strong network is what keeps the cycle of commitment going. He noted it is natural for some people to step away from the Fraternity when they graduate college because they are starting a career and a lot of times a family too. Despite this time away from AGR, when brothers are deeply connected, they almost always find their way back to the Fraternity.
“It’s full circle for me because when I joined AGR, the first thing that was evident was the network helped me with my career,” Brother Engel said, which inevitably, led him back to AGR despite not being connected to his chapter for over half a decade.
Brother Boehm, Brother Engel and Brother Hora all noted there is a need for more alumni engagement. Brother Hora said its great there are many alumni who are giving to The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho, but believes that there is a need for alumni to start asking how they can get engaged with AGR on a non-financial basis.
“It could be attending an evening meal, attending a homecoming ceremony, attending Founder’s Day, reaching out to our job placement chair at the undergraduate chapters … there’s a lot of ways you can get involved as an alumnus,” Brother Hora said.
To further reinforce the desire for alumni engagement and the impact it can have on an undergraduate's life, Eta Chapter, in conjunction with the Central Iowa AGR Alumni Group, hold two events a year for the collegiate men
Alumni Engagement Opportunities
ALUMNI CHAPTERS
An alumni chapter can be established for each collegiate chapter that has been chartered by the Fraternity.
RECRUITMENT SCHOOL
Recruitment School is scheduled twice a year in Kansas City, MO. Anyone who is involved in recruiting for the chapter and who wants to make a difference is encouraged to attend.
LEADERSHIP SEMINAR FACILITATOR
AGR annually hosts hold four regional Leadership Seminars. Facilitators are highly energetic, have experience in group facilitation and have a drive to help attendees realize their full potential as a leader.
RECRUITMENT MENTOR
Through ongoing advice and counsel, this alumnus creates an organized and sustained emphasis on effective recruitment including training, communications and securing alumni involvement and support.
CHAPTER ADVISER
A facilitator, mentor, provider of continuity, visionary, leader and advocate for AGR and its members. Provides guidance to the collegiate chapter, maintaining contact with university officials, Alumni Board, Home Office and Housemother/House Director.
ALUMNI BOARD
By the actions of our alumni, it is apparent the Fraternity had and continues to have on their personal and processional success. Being part of an alumni board is a great opportunity to support a chapter and aid brothers in their career paths.
STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION
Facilitated by former Grand President, Zane Akins, these sessions help chapters identify needs and create goals that contribute to the successful future of their Chapter and the Fraternity. Alumni are encouraged to attend with their undergraduate Chapter and assist in establishing goals.
FRATERNITY NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Consisting of the six elected members, the business and policy of the Fraternity are managed by the National Board of Directors.
The purposes of the Educational Foundation are to porvide financial support for educational and leadership purposes; to assist needy and deserving students in securing a better education; and to promote and encourage scientific, philosophical, and literary endeavors.
Visit alphagammarho.org/alumni to view opportunities to get involved.
LOCAL REGIONALNATIONAL
of Eta Chapter. During the fall semester, those newly initiated are invited to a local alumnus' home for an evening meal and a chance to engage with the alumni in the area.
In recent years, both formal and informal mentoring groups have emerged between alumni and individual undergraduate members. Likewise at the end of the school year, the same alumni group host a congratulatory dinner for the graduating seniors. These soon to be alumni have the opportunity to interact and share where their career paths are taking them after graduation. It is also a call to action on how to remain connected with AGR. In some years, a speaker has informally shared their testimony on the impact AGR can have on a brother's life. The graduating seniors are also presented with multiple ways to remain involved either financially, through volunteer efforts with Eta Chapter, or ways to engage with other brothers or chapters should their careers take them outside of the state of Iowa.
Another way to get involved is attending National Convention. National Convention is held every two years and is a prime opportunity for alumni to network with undergraduates because brothers from all over the U.S. attend. The 67th Alpha Gamma Rho National Convention will be held July 27-29, 2022, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This event is a fantastic opportunity for alumni who are looking to get re-involved with AGR to connect with the National Fraternity Registration is open at www.alphagammarho. org/2022-national-convention.
The AGR Home Office encourages alumni to stay connected! Utilize social media to stay up to date on national events, as well as some chapter and alumni chapter events. On Facebook and Instagram follow us at alphagammarhohq. On Twitter follow us at AlphaGammaRho. Be on the lookout for emails through Constant Contact. If you don't receive AGR Home Office emails, please contact Communication Manager, Madeline Mapes, at madeline@alphagammarho.org. Visit alphagammarho.org/alumni to view opportunities to get involved.
KAPPA CHAPTER University of Nebraska
Volunteering for the Kimmel Applejack Festival
BROTHERS FROM KAPPA CHAPTER AT THE
University of Nebraska volunteered at the Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard Educational Foundation for the Applejack Festival September 18–19, 2021. Brother Mitchell Manning, the Noble Ruler at Kappa Chapter, said over half of the chapter traveled an hour and volunteered for two days in a row for the event. He said the chapter usually gets there early and will work all day Saturday and Sunday before going home. The brothers are given different jobs throughout the event, ranging from ticket sales to making food to providing tractor rides through the orchard. Brother Manning said the event is a big deal for the chapter to work since it is very popular and allows the chapter to support their local community. In return for the brothers hard work, the Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard Education Foundation donate $10,000 to the chapter for them to make improvements to the chapter house. Brother Manning said with these improvements, the chapter is able to increase recruitment, and maintain a positive image of the chapter house.
ALPHA PHI
South Dakota State University Tractor Pull!
The Alpha Phi Chapter from South Dakota State University held their AGR Tractor Pull on September 6, 2021, for the first time after a two-year hiatus because of COVID-19. Brother Cody Gifford, the chapter’s VNR-Membership Development, said the event consisted of 28 classes people could participate in. He said the chapter obtained equipment through donations and local sponsors. The chapter also held concessions, which were assisted by their Housemother, Donna Robinson. There were 73 hooks for the event, which is the number of times people participated in the tractor pull. Brother Gifford also noted there were roughly 100 spectators from the community. The event provides an opportunity for the chapter to get their name out in the community and have a fun time over Labor Day weekend. The chapter hopes to have 100 hooks next year and an even bigger event. ALPHA PI University of Arizona Field Trip to Ag Businesses
Alpha Pi Chapter at the University of Arizona hosted another Professional Development Tour on November 29, 2021, taking roughly 30 members to southern Arizona to visit various agricultural and non-agricultural-related jobs. Brother Weston Trenner, the Noble Ruler at Alpha Pi Chapter, said at this tour, the brothers visited a dairy farm, a vineyard and a granary. The chapter tries to pick places to tour that would be of interest to brothers based on their majors, some of which are not agriculture majors. Brother Trenner said these tours often lead to jobs and internships for Alpha Pi Chapter brothers and is one of the most professional and beneficial events they participate in. The event is open to everyone, which included some brothers from the Alpha Lambda Chapter at New Mexico State University who attended a previous Professional Development Tour. The chapter often utilizes their chapter’s alumni to setup tours since many of them are in different branches of the agriculture industry across Arizona, giving the collegiates an opportunity to network with their older brothers as a way to also offset some of the costs for the tours, the chapter has taken advantage of Sayre Grants through the National Fraternity.
ALPHA ZETA
When one AGR brother fell ill, his brothers stepped up and helped him in his fight against Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Brother Aaron Hendrickson of Alpha Zeta Chapter at Kansas State University visited the emergency room in June 2021 for an uncontrollable nosebleed. After some testing and being transferred to Bryan Health in Lincoln, Nebraska, he was diagnosed with Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
Due to his diagnosis, Brother Hendrickson underwent chemotherapy and later immunotherapy because of complications with the chemotherapy treatment. This past fall, Alpha Zeta Chapter undergraduates and alumni banned together and raised $5,200 that was presented to Brother Hendrickson to help pay for his medical bills. Brother Hendrickson will continue his immunotherapy treatment for three years, although there is currently no detection of leukemia.
At Murray State University, Brother Jim Rudolph’s (Alpha Omega) name was honored by the naming of the Rudolph Equine Education Center. Brother Rudolph started the equine program at Murray State in 1973. For 35 years, he worked at the Hutson School of Agriculture at Murray state as a faculty member in Equine Science. For four of those 35 years, he was the first Director of the School of Agriculture. A naming ceremony was held, where Brother Rudolph was presented with a framed, numbered and signed print of the original Alpha Omega Chapter house by Alumnus Terry McKinney and current collegiate brothers of the chapter. New signage was revealed after the naming ceremony, now listing the Rudolph Equine Education Center.
