2020 SICKLE & SHEAF ➻ Summer

THE MAGAZINE OF ALPHA GAMMA RHO AGRICULTURAL FRATERNITY ➻ SUMMER 2020

Professional Preparedness

TIPS FOR LANDING A JOB OR INTERNSHIP

ALSO INSIDE:

Brotherhood is Not Canceled COVID-19 has changed day to day business, but not our Brotherhood

Steps for Starting Graduate School What’s next after graduation? Maybe graduate school is something to consider

Field Notes Chapters report on their accomplishments

In Earnest

Why I Give:

“To foster the idea of sharing between chapters ” FOUNDATION DONOR:

Adam Manwarren

CHAPTER AND SCHOOL:

Lambda, University of Minnesota

ANNUAL GIVING LEVEL:

Green & Gold Society

“I want to encourage other brothers out there to start your giving—time, talents, and/or financial means— and take the initiative to pay it forward and build the foundation for future generations.”

AGR HAS GIVEN ME MORE THAN I

college. As a Regional Vice President

could ever imagine, and it’s been part

(RVP), I get to work with chapters that

of my family my whole life, since I am

are established, those that are reviving,

a legacy due to both my father, Bill

and a colony that is starting fresh.

Manwarren, and brother, Scott, being

I love to be able to foster idea sharing

members of Lambda Chapter. Over the

between chapters and intersperse

years, I have watched my father give

my own experiences. Finally, as a

back to the chapter through his time

Commercial Business Manager for FMC,

on the alumni board, attending various

I like to give back because I am able to

chapter events, leading the Minneapolis

work with future leaders in agriculture

National Convention Committee, and

and multiply my giving through the

spearheading fundraising efforts for the

matching gifts program FMC offers.

most recent chapter house renovation.

As my boss at work has taught me,

The opportunity for me to follow in

“It’s the start that stops most people.”

their footsteps and continue to pay it

And as such, I want to encourage other

forward with the combination of my

brothers out there to start your giving—

time, talents, and financial support is

time, talents, and/or financial means—

second nature. Being a brother who

and take the initiative to pay it forward

does not live close to my undergraduate

and build the foundation for future

chapter, it takes much more initiative to

generations.”

get involved and seek brotherhood after

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.

Table of Contents

9 SPRING SUMMER

2015 2020

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18 Sickle & Sheaf

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 108 | ISSUE 1

Published continuously since 1910 COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER & EDITOR

7

Shannon Kehoe ASSISTANT EDITOR

Matt Olson CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Departments AG RELE VANCE

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News from the Home Offi ce and the world of Greek-letter organizations THE PILL ARS

BUSINESS MANAGER

Rex Martin DESIGN & LAYOUT

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Take note of these four numbers FIELD NOTES

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Reports from our chapters TR ANSITIONS

8 Professional Prepardness So You Want to Get a Graduate Degree?

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Honoring those brothers who have departed Q& AG R

Features 8 14

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Climbing high requires continually stepping up. Frank Santigo has stepped up often, including helping revitalize his home chapter THE L AST PASS

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Grant Bargfrede, John Carruthers, Loren Kruse, Cody Lane, Chester Peterson, John Ruebush, Patrick Scheetz, Steve Wagoner, Jeremy Zweiacker

Tria Designs, Inc. SUBMISSIONS FOR SICKLE & SHEAF

alphagammarho.org/share-your-news shannon@alphagammarho.org

Sickle & Sheaf (ISSN 8750-6866) is published two times a year (Fall and Spring)

by Publications Offi ce, 10101 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO. Members receive life subscriptions with payment of initiation fee. Non-Profit Standard postage paid at Bolingbrook, IL, and additional mailing offi ce.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Sickle & Sheaf, 10101 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153-1366.

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The value of membership S U M M E R 2020

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AGRelevance

Texas AGR Retreat Four Years Later

by Cody Lane In early January, undergraduate and alumni brothers from ten diff erent chapters across the country gathered at the 4P Game Ranch in Hico, TX for the 4th Annual Texas AGR Retreat.

This retreat has been held every January since 2017. The retreat was a vision fi rst developed at the 2016 National Convention in Omaha, NE between Donald DeJong, Chi Chapter (Cal Poly-SLO) Alumnus and Educational Foundation Director and Cody Lane, Beta Sigma Chapter (Tarleton State)Alumnus and Regional Vice President. After discussing the idea with all the chapters at the Convention, the plan was put into place to meet for a two-day retreat early each year after the new offi cers are elected and before the spring semester starts. The group wanted the six Texas chapters to work more hand and hand throughout the year on re2

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cruitment, membership development and alumni engagement statewide.

Through the years they have tackled other areas of interest like: AGRconnect, Fraternal Excellence Awards, attending the Texas FFA Convention and other brotherhood ideas. In more recent years Donald DeJong has chal-

The group wanted the six Texas chapters to work more hand and hand throughout the year on recruitment, membership development and alumni engagement statewide.

lenged each chapter monetarily with goal setting sessions which included completing AGRconnect modules, applying for Educational Foundation scholarships and Fraternity Awards.

In the four years since it’s humble beginnings, the retreat has brought over a hundred brothers together in the Making of Better Men. Grant Bargfrede, Senior Director of Operations and Thomas Schwarz, Educational Leadership Consultant, with the AGR Home Offi ce to help educate the group on ways the Fraternity can help the chapters strive to become better.

This event was made possible by a Sayre Grant within the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho. Lane says “Bringing all the Texas chapters together to help promote brotherhood, fellowship and the Fraternity was the vision Brother Bill Sayre had when he gave the money to develop the grants, he would be proud of what has been done over the last four years.” Without the kind gesture from David DeJong, a Chi Chapter Alumnus allowing us to gather at his ranch this wouldn’t have been possible. We look forward to many more years to come.

Change-Maker

WESTFIELD STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPOINTS DR. ROY H. SAIGO AS INTERIM PRESIDENT The Westfield State University Board of Trustees Chair Kevin Queenin announced the Board has selected distinguished educator Roy H. Saigo, Ph.D., to serve as the University’s interim president for the 2020-21 academic year.

Brother Saigo will begin in his position in late July.

Roy Saigo was initiated into the Phi Chapter at University of California at Davis in 1959 where he served as Vice Noble Ruler. He earned a B.A. degree in Biological Sciences from University of California at Davis, then his Ph.D. in Botany and Plant Pathology from Oregon State University.

Most recently, he served as the president of Southern Oregon University (SOU), his third presidential position. During more than 50 years in higher education, he has also served in the roles of professor, dean, provost and vice president for academic and student affairs, and chancellor.

Prior to leading SOU, he spent seven years as president of Saint Cloud State University in Minnesota. During his time there he increased enrollment, earned accreditation for all programs, increased diversity, and gained national recognition for addressing the issue of racism in the use of nicknames, logos, and mascots for NCAA athletics. He also affirmed or initiated agreements with universities in Chile, China, Japan, Korea, and South Africa.

Saigo taught in the Biology Department at the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire for 17 years which included nine years as either Assistant to the Dean or Assistant Dean in the School of Arts and Sciences. He later served as Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at the University of Northern Iowa, Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Southeastern Louisiana University and Chancellor at Auburn University Montgomery.

Dr. Saigo is regarded as a change-maker throughout his career in higher education. In the official Westfield State University press release, he is quoted saying, “I am enthusiastic about this appointment and looking forward to working collaboratively with the leadership team, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and trustees to respond to the challenges facing the institution.”

IMAGES COURTESY OF WESTFIELD STATE UNIVEIRSITY

AGRelevance

Brotherhood is Not Canceled COVID-19 HAS CHANGED OUR WAY OF LIFE, BUT BROTHERHOOD REMAINS This year marked a new chapter in members’ personal and collective histories as the new Coronavirus spread through the United States and the world.

Universities closed and sent our 3,000 collegiate members home to complete their academic studies from a Zoom account. Greek life experiences were altered, and brothers began connecting through virtual experiences rather than in-person celebrations of Founders’ Day or through philanthropy projects.

As group gathering restrictions and social distancing guidelines were put in place to help decrease the spread of the virus, Alpha Gamma Rho events, including our 2020 National Convention were canceled, or changed to a virtual experience. Throughout it all, brothers were still working livestock or harvesting crops, and working through the difficulties that arose. Brothers were working on the frontlines as healthcare workers and essential employees and others transitioned to remote work.

Despite the change and despite the cancellations, the brotherhood of Alpha Gamma Rho has remained. The ties that bond brothers together across locations and generations cannot be removed during a pandemic, but instead should be strengthened.

As we hold out for our next in-person meeting, remember it’s through the fellowship of brotherhood that members are able to be resourceful and resilient.

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AGRelevance

2020 Grand President’s Award Winners FOUR OUTSTANDING BROTHERS WERE SELECTED TO RECEIVE THE 2020 ALPHA GAMMA RHO GRAND PRESIDENT’S AWARD. Administered and nominated by a selection committee, the Grand President’s Award is given to AGR alumni, age 40 or younger, who have achieved success in their professional careers and made signifi cant contributions to agriculture and Alpha Gamma Rho. The award demonstrates an honorable acknowledgement of the recipient’s exceptional brotherhood, leadership, professionalism and knowledge of his industry.

Eric Peterson, Josh Roe, Aaron Lower and Brady Sidwell were honored at the four 2020 Leadership Seminars in St. Louis, Reno, Atlanta and Baltimore. Each recipient refl ected on the opportunities Alpha Gamma Rho aff orded them and the lessons they learned as undergraduates and beyond.

For more information, or to nominate a brother for a future award, visit alphagammarho. org/grandpresident-award 4

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Dr. Aaron Lower

Eric Peterson

Dr. Aaron Lower completed his bachelor’s degree in animal sciences from the University of Illinois and D.V.M. from the University of Illinois- College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. Within the swine industry, he has been recognized as an emerging leader. He was awarded the Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year Award in 2014 and the Outstanding Young Alumni at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018.

During his time at the University of Illinois Brother Lower was initiated into the Alpha Chapter in 2001 and later served his chapter as the Vice Noble Ruler of Planning and as Noble Ruler in 2004. As an alumnus, he has served as an Adviser to the Alpha Chapter from 2011 to 2018 and on the Fund Advisory Committee.

Dr. Lower is the President of Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd (CVS) and is based in Champaign, Illinois. Ten of CVS’s 14 veterinarians provide consultations to independent swine producers and production systems throughout the United States, the Americas and Asia. The practice has an active research division, Carthage Innovative Swine Solutions (CISS) which has published findings from health and nutrition trials implemented throughout the industry today.

Eric Peterson is President of Summit Agricultural Group, a diverse farming, agricultural investment and farm management company based in Alden, Iowa. In his role as President, Eric is responsible for management of the group’s farm operations, agricultural investment funds and farm management services. He rose up in the company since starting as a Business Analyst in 2007, progressing to General Manager in 2008 and promoted to President in 2010.

In addition to his work at Summit, Eric still finds time to give back to his alma mater. He serves on the Advisory Board of the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. From 2011 to 2017, he served on the nine-member governor-appointed board of the Iowa Finance Authority, the state’s housing and finance agency.

Eric graduated from Iowa State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business with a minor in Entrepreneurial Studies. He was a 2003 initiate of the Eta Chapter and served in various officer positions during his time as a collegiate member.

Eric has remained involved with the chapter since graduating, having served on the Eta Alumni Corporation Board from 2008-2011, as well as the Eta 100 Year Anniversary Celebration Committee member and on the Eta 2017 Expansion Committee and Capital Campaign Committee.

Eric was raised on his family’s farm near Fargo, North Dakota and today lives in Roland, Iowa with his wife, Michaela, and their two children.

ILLINOIS

IOWA STATE

AGRelevance

The Grand President’s Award is presented to outstanding Fraternity alumni age 40 or younger who have achieved remarkable success in their professional careers and made great contributions to agriculture and Alpha Gamma Rho.

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

ELITE

Josh Roe

Brady Sidwell

Josh Roe is a native of north central Kansas where he was raised on a family crop and cattle operation he plays an active role in managing today.

Josh represents the seventh generation in his family to own and operate the farm.

He is also a co-founder of Roots and Legacies consulting.

He was an active FFA member in high school serving as a chapter and district officer. In 1999 Brother Roe was initiated into the Alpha Zeta Chapter at Kansas State University and later served as Vice Noble Ruler of Finance during his time as an undergraduate. He graduated in 2003 and holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State and Iowa State University, respectively.

Currently Josh serves as the Vice President for Market Development and Public Policy for Kansas Corn Growers Association. He previously worked for the Kansas Department of Agriculture as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.

His specialties include economic impact modeling, agricultural finance and taxation, farm management and bio-fuel economics.

Josh has served the Alpha Zeta Chapter as an Adviser since 2004 and thoroughly enjoys staying involved with the chapter.

In 2000, Brady Sidwell was initiated into the Pi Chapter at Oklahoma State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics with a focus on International Marketing.

As a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar to China, Brady obtained a Master of Economics degree from the University of Hong Kong.

Brother Sidwell is the Founder and President of Sidwell Strategies, Enterprise Grain Company, Enterprise Grain Malt, Sidwell Solutions, Sidwell Seed, 81 Feed and Seed, Sidwell Transport, Arbitrage Îąlpha Solutions and co-founder of Enid Brewing Company.

He is also a Limited Partner and member of the Advisory Board of Germin8 Ventures, a Food Tech Venture Capital firm based out of Chicago, and a founding partner of Ninja Ag, LLC, a precision agriculture technology business that creates variable-rate nutrient applications from corrected NDVI imagery.

Mr. Sidwell was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank, Oklahoma City Branch.

Prior to becoming an entrepreneurial business owner and commodity broker, Brady worked in a variety of capacities across the globe advancing agribusiness and global markets.

Brady resides in Goltry, Oklahoma with his wife Emily. He is active in his community as a Rotarian, Ambucs member, Advisory Board and Investment Committee Member of the Cherokee Strip Community Foundation, Class 31 of Leadership Oklahoma and the Board of Governors of the Oklahoma State University Foundation.

KANSAS STATE

OKLAHOMA STATE

GOLD

SILVER

Bader Rutter College Fresh SPONSOR

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

FIND US. FRIEND US. FOLLOW US. @alphagammarhohq @alphagammarho Alpha Gamma Rho: Social/ Professional Ag, Food, Fiber, & Life Sci. Fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity S U M M E R 2020

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AGRelevance

Four Selected to join the Collegiate Advisory Council This eight-man council works alongside many of AGR’s National Leaders to review and discuss issues and trends on a National Fraternity and Greek-wide level. Additionally, the Council will offer their opinions and suggestions on the direction of the Fraternity, attend National Board Meetings and serve as an Ambassador for AGR. The Council holds four regionally selected members and four at large members. The four returning to the Collegiate Advisory Council are Sam Laneve, Travis McMillan, Luis Mendoza and Matthew Schorner. The four newly selected are:

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Michael Albright

Austin Gilliard

Jake Hlas

OKLAHOMA STATE

NORTH CAROLINA STATE

IOWA STATE

MINNESOTA

Michael Albright grew up in Stillwater, Oklahoma and graduated from Stillwater High School in 2018. In August of 2018, Michael entered Oklahoma State University majoring in accounting and fi nance and joined Pi Chapter.

Since starting at Oklahoma State, Brother Albright has served the chapter as the Dad’s Day committee chair and worked on the Finance Committee. He currently serves as VNR Scholarship and is involved on campus with the President’s Leadership Council, Business Student Council, Student Senate, Mortar Board, Order of Omega, School of Business Ambassadors, Phi Kappa Phi and the Student Government Association. Michael enjoys volunteering with the Mock Trial team at the local high school and judging debate competitions in his spare time.

Austin is a senior at North Carolina State University.

He was initiated into the Nu Chapter in January of 2018.

He served the chapter in 2019 as the VNR of Alumni Relations and played a key role in planning Nu Chapter’s Centennial Celebration.

Austin is an agricultural business management major with minors in agricultural entrepreneurship and crop science.

On campus, Austin has been a member of the Dean’s Student Council for two years and served as chairman for the 2019-2020 school year. He also served as an ambassador for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Austin held an internship with Smithfield Grain in the summer of 2019 and in the summer of 2020, he is interning with John Deere. From his experience growing up on a family farm in the long-term Austin hopes to serve rural communities as an agricultural attorney.

Jake Hlas is a member of Eta Chapter at Iowa State University and is majoring in agriculture & society and animal science. Jake grew up on a purebred cattle operation in Central Iowa and still participates in the day to day operations. He was an Iowa FFA State Offi cer in 2018-2019 and is serving as his chapter’s Social Media Chair. Currently he is a member of the Iowa State University Livestock Judging Team.

His future plans include seeking a career in agricultural policy or sales, while continuing his family’s cattle operation.

Austin is a senior at the University of Minnesota where he is studying neuroscience.

He was raised on a small hobby farm in Caledonia, Minnesota. In high school, Brother Werner was involved in 4-H and FFA, showing hogs and judging livestock.

He worked at Hendel Dairy Farms with one of the owners, Matt Hendel, who is a brother from the Lambda Chapter. It was through Matt Hendel and Austin’s brother Luke that he was able to fi nd Alpha Gamma Rho. Since his initiation in 2017, Austin has served as VNR Scholarship and VNR Membership Development.

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Austin Werner

The Pillars

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Collegiate members are encouraged to become a Certified PhiredUp Recruiter!

This training is preparing members for tackling the hurdles in recruitment and how they can do their part to recruit new members who reflect and value our Purpose and Principles.

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AGR collegiate members attended the four 2020 Leadership Seminars held in St. Louis, Reno, Atlanta and Baltimore.

When Universities began closing their doors and collegians’ lives were changing, Home Office staff and National Leaders sat down and began connecting with our members and volunteer leaders who were heavily impacted by COVID-19.

Five Chapters had 100% of their membership donate to the Tie That Binds Challenge: Delta, Eta, Rho, Alpha Zeta, Alpha Psi.

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EVERYONE HAS DREAMS OF WHAT THEY want to be when they grow up. For some, that would mean becoming a firefighter or a pilot.

For others, it would a journalist or a politician.

As we grow older and closer to the time of getting “the job,” dreams change, evolve and grow. Whatever that dream is, now is the best time to start working on it.

For many students, college is a time to reflect on what that dream is. College is the time to determine what you do and don’t want to do. It’s a time to assess your strengths and weaknesses, and to do the “homework” on what work culture and style is right for you.

Finding the right fit is a matchmaking process, and it happens over time. Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t sure what you want to be doing or if you aren’t where you want to be in your career; now is the time to figure it out.

While the global pandemic has created some uncertainty in job markets, there are still ways you can develop yourself professionally.

As you venture on this journey of discernment, we have a few tips to help you prepare your resume and yourself for the interview so you are ready when the day comes.

Professional Preparedness TIPS FOR LANDING A JOB OR INTERNSHIP

By Matt Olson

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PROFESSIONAL PREPAREDNESS

white space in the margins. Keep the formatting consistent. Focus your efforts on readability rather than over-the-top creativity.  Make your name and contact information prominent. When a hiring manager is sifting through piles of resumes, make sure your name is easily readable and your contact information is close by. While physical addresses aren’t necessary anymore, be sure to include your phone number and your professional email address—but not necessarily a work email address! You can also include other places you might want a hiring manager to look for you such as LinkedIn.

Write A StandOut Resume

Your resume is your fi rst impression, and that fi rst impression can determine whether you get the opportunity to interview or not.

You shouldn’t be using the same resume for every application. Tailor your resume with the best experiences to market yourself.

 Keep your resume professional and relevant. This isn’t the time or place to get casual. And your experiences should be relevant and related to the position you’re applying for.

If you don’t have relevant experience, that’s okay. Include experiences with transferrable skills.  Customize your resume to the opportunity—it isn’t one-size-fi tsall. You shouldn’t be using the same resume for every application. Tailor your resume with the best experiences to market yourself.  Keep it to one page. While this rule is debatable, your information should generally be concise enough to fit onto one page. Resumes for academia are typically longer and include research and publications.  Keep the formatting simple. Use readable and professional-looking fonts in size between 10 and 12 point for the body of your resume. Leave

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 Use reverse-chronological order.

There are many ways to organize your resume but using reversechronological order is a good choice.

List your most recent experiences first.  Be descriptive but be concise. Hiring managers need to get an idea of what you can do. For each experience, tell them what you did, how you did it, and what result did you have. If possible, include numbers, facts and figures to help describe the outcome or scope of your work. This is a great opportunity to showcase how you used your soft skills.  Proofread. And proofread again.

Having one spelling mistake or grammar error can be the difference between getting an interview and getting rejected. Ask a trusted friend to proofread your resume, too.  Don’t lie or exaggerate. Be yourself and own what you can. Lying or saying you can do things you can’t do usually doesn’t end very well. You might find yourself in deeper than expected if you aren’t able to do what you said you could.

As you work on your resume, continue to revisit it as it should be a living document. Update it on regular basis so you don’t need to spend as much time on a major overhaul the next time an opportunity comes along.

Look Your Best

Now that your resume has landed you an interview, you’ll need to look the part, too. In-person fi rst impression will be based on your appearance, so you should take the time to look your best. Your personal hygiene and interview attire go a long way towards making a good fi rst impression.

Grooming and attire will be context specific. You might not dress the same way for an interview in a consulting fi rm or farm credit office as you would dress for an interview with a farm or field-based position. But, you will want to hold yourself in a professional manner. Business professional is usually a safe bet—you’d rather be overdressed than underdressed. You can easily take off a suit jacket or tie, but you can’t up your game last minute.

These tips are also applicable to video interviews! The need to provide a good appearance is still there, despite social distancing or only being seen from the waist up.

Grooming to Look Good

We know grooming is personal. And while we don’t want to sound like a parent nagging you to wash behind your ears, hygiene has a big impact on fi rst impression. Here are some tips for your personal hygiene:  HAIR: Your hair should be welltrimmed and washed. Make sure your hair is neatly combed and styled in a professional looking manner.

Consider getting a haircut a few days before your interview.  SHOWER: Wash your face and avoid a greasy appearance. You’ll also want to make sure you smell good but avoid using overpowering or colognes as many people can be allergic to them.  HANDS: Avoid sweaty palms by wiping them down before your interview.

Trim your nails before your interview, and make sure your nails are clean.

 BREATH: Keep up on your dental hygiene to avoid bad breath. Brush your teeth regularly and, in particular, before your interview. Also be sure to floss and use mouth wash to keep your mouth and breath clean.

Suiting Up

While a suit might not be needed for every interview, you still want to look dapper. Freshly laundered clothes that are well-fitting also contribute to providing the best fi rst impression possible. While it might be necessary to purchase some new clothing, it shouldn’t have to cost a fortune. Consider these tips as you get ready to put your best foot forward:

A suit should be easily buttoned and not bursting through the chest or stomach.

 SUIT: If you’re going to wear one, spend the time to find the right one.

You can buy a good (affordably priced) suit at a department store.

Suit jackets come in many different sizes and styles. Look for something that is fit but not too tight. If you need help taking your chest and arm measurements, find a store associate who can help. A suit should be easily buttoned and not bursting through the chest or stomach. A suit should hug your shoulders—not too big and not too small. When you let your arms hang down, sleeves should come S U M M E R 2020

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Try to coordinate the color and finish of your belt and shoes.

down just past the wrist. Once you’ve purchased your suit, make sure to remove the labels and threads. You’ll typically find them on the shoulders, vents on the back and the cuffs.

h Color: There are three main colors for suits, although you’ll find many colors out there.

Gray: Usable for most events, a gray suit is very versatile.

Gray pairs well with many neutral colors, and it gives you a sense of maturity.

Navy Blue: While gray is modern, a navy-blue suit is also stylish and is another good choice. Blue is a slightly more relaxed color compared to gray.

Black: A black suit is very dressy.

That’s not to say you can’t wear it, but a black suit is often saved for special occasions.

h Shirt: Your shirt should complement your jacket color.

Typical colors are light blue and white. While some people look for patterns, consider a solid color to avoid distractions in an interview. h Tie: Choose a tie that works with both the suit jacket and shirt.

Patterned ties and multicolored ties are good for an interview as long as they aren’t too flashy and too bright. h Pants: If you don’t have a suit jacket to go along with your pants, that’s okay. Your pants should fit you right—not too baggy and not too tight. Pants should be long enough to just cover your laces but not have too much extra material. h Belt and Shoes: Try to coordinate the color and finish of your belt and shoes. If your suit is gray, you can choose whether you want to go with black or brown shoes—but make sure that they match your belt.

A blue suit pairs well with brown shoes and a matching belt. If your suit is black, wear black shoes and a black belt. Make sure your shoes are polished and well maintained.

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h SOCKS: While you won’t typically go around showing off your socks, they can usually be seen when you sit down. Long, solid-colored dress socks should match the color of your pants.

Patterned socks are acceptable, but they should match the color scheme of the rest of our attire.

Looking your best not only improves your first impression, it also boosts your confidence for the interview. Don’t wait until the last minute to start building your interview wardrobe.

Nail The Interview

Congrats! You’ve landed the interview!

It’s the make-it-or-break-it moment, so you’ve got to be prepared. Don’t stress though—keeping calm through the interview will help you succeed. Consider some of these tips to help you prepare and rock the interview: BE YOURSELF. It’s what you do best, right? Don’t try to be someone else or you’ll come off as inauthentic.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t be professional. Being polite and courteous has as much to do with being professional as being smart and having the right credentials.

RESEARCH THE INDUSTRY AND THE COMPANY. You should know something about the industry and company that you’re interviewing with.

You don’t need to be an expert, but you should at least be able to hold a conversation.

READ THE JOB DESCRIPTION. Knowing the job or position you’re interviewing for is important. It’ll help you anticipate what the interviewer is looking for. Use this information to think about examples from your past and current experiences that would be relevant to the position.

BRING YOUR RESUME, NOTEBOOK AND PEN. Take at least five copies of your resume printed on clean paper in case you have multiple interviewers.

Bringing a notebook and pen allows you to take notes which shows initiative and attention to detail.

BE PREPARED TO ANSWER THE QUESTION: “TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF.” This is typically one of the first questions an interviewer will ask. What you share can shape and inform the whole interview. Think about what the interviewer needs to know about you and how you can contribute in the role you’re applying for. Consider sharing your background including past experiences that are relevant to the position. Be prepared to expand if the interviewer asks you to.

SHOW EXCITEMENT FOR THE INTERVIEW. If you don’t, you’ll come across as flat and uninterested in the position or company. But don’t be overly squirrelly and bouncy which might convey anxiety and stress.

BE POSITIVE. AND STAY POSITIVE. If you’ve left another job or were let go, don’t let that impact this opportunity.

Likewise, don’t speak poorly of a previous boss or employer. How you speak about your past tells a lot about who you are as a person.

PREPARE YOUR QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEWER. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions, so be prepared with yours. Types of questions to consider asking include clarifying the role and responsibilities of the position, company culture and values, and uncovering the challenges for the position. Make sure you feel like the position is a good fit for you.

SEND A FOLLOW-UP THANK YOU NOTE. Right after the interview, be sure to send a note thanking the interviewer for their time. Whether it is an email or a hand-written note, customize it with details from the interview and reinforce your excitement about the opportunity.

If the interview didn’t go as well as you had hoped or if you don’t think you’re a fit for the position, that’s okay! Don’t give up! After 2-3 weeks, it’s okay to follow up with the interviewer. Thank them for the opportunity, acknowledge their decision to go with a different candidate and ask them to keep you in mind for future opportunities. You can also ask for feedback in a way that lets them know that you’re open-minded and willing to learn.

You should also recognize that your first job likely won’t be your dream job or your last job. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average worker holds ten different jobs before the age of 40, and this number is projected to grow. However, try to avoid job-hopping too often as that can make you look less appealing to an interviewer.

Find Your Mentor

Even though we strive for independence as we grow older, having a mentor is a valuable resource to help you develop and grow professionally. A mentor is your personal advocate who encourages and cheers you on, providing support and advice for long-term growth. Mentors are different than coaches; mentors span across jobs and help you look at your life goals and how you can achieve them.

As you seek out a mentor, consider AGR alumni from your chapter or alumni who are in your industry. The extensive AGR network lends itself to finding good mentor-mentee relation-

ships. Use AGR networking opportunities and platforms such as LinkedIn to meet new alumni until you find someone you think could be a good mentor for you. Then set up a casual meeting, such as virtual coffee, to start exploring what mentorship might look like and if that person would be open to supporting you in that type of a role.

In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, it can be intimidating to reach out and ask someone to be a mentor. Having a mutual connection through AGR can help ease some pressure because we, as brothers of Alpha Gamma Rho, work together to Make Better Men. A mentor can have a profound impact on your life and career. Your mentor’s guidance and wisdom can help you work through difficult-to-answer questions by opening your mind to different perspectives.

If you’re an alumnus who would be interested in being a mentor, reach out to your chapter or a nearby chapter to let them know that you are interested.

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So You Want to Get a Graduate Degree?

Tips to consider when you’re exploring the option of graduate school

For many people, going to graduate school is a great move and has become an increasingly popular path for many students. According to the Council of Graduate Schools, fi rst-time graduate school enrollment increased by 1.8% in 2012. Although obtaining a master’s degree, doctoral degree or post-graduate certifi cate program isn’t necessary for many entrylevel positions, it could still be a crucial factor in reaching a desirable position.

Understanding how to choose, apply and prepare for a graduate program is imperative, but the most critical point is making sure you are enrolled in the degree program best suited for you and your future.

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Preparing for Graduate School Application Process When taking the first step towards considering a graduate program there are some questions you should ask yourself: What do I hope to achieve by attending graduate school?

Can I afford the time and money it will cost?

How will it affect my family obligations?

Is full-time or part-time best for me?

Will I continue to work or start a career while attending?

Is online a good option for me?

Start first with: should I go to graduate school? Consider what your ultimate career goals are and your motives for attending grad school. Many experts don’t encourage students to attend graduate school if they are using it to fill time while they figure out their future, because graduate school is a time and financial commitment that requires hard work towards achieving a thesis or dissertation with only a chance you’ll like where you end up. While some of the answers to these questions are important for you to answer internally, a consistent theme of the graduate school process is to turn to those in your life who may have gone through the process before, like a parent, an advisor, a professoror an alumnus you’re close to help ease the process and provide further guidance.

Finding the Right School and Program When considering where you want to obtain your graduate degree from, it’s similar to when preparing for your undergraduate degree, but with more factors to be considered.

Each student may have different factors that are the most important to them when considering schools and programs. Some of the top factors to consider are program characteristics, cost and financial aid availability and online versus on-campus.

After identifying the specific type of work you’re interested in furthering your education in, you should identify graduate programs that will provide you with the skills and education to boost your area of work. Consider what the philosophy of the program is, whether it’s emphasis is on theory or research, and how it applies to your career goals.

Graduate school can be expensive, but tuition and other costs can vary from program to program. You should remain realistic for what will fit best into your situation, but this isn’t considered to be a reason to back away from grad school to many, because a well-chosen program is an investment in your future. Many schools provide financial aid, merit scholarships and assistantships. Assistantships can ease the financial burden, essentially by providing a student with an education in exchange for their work in research or as a teaching assistant.

While many students have become increasingly comfortable with taking classes online, there are still some who do better in the classroom. Schools are more in-tune to a virtual world, just as students are, which allows for more flexibility for students in receiving their education. Consider what works best for you and your lifestyle. Perhaps if you’re going to work full-time, an online program is best for you. Or if the school you are interested in attending is

Taking the next step in your professional career, whether it be in a career choice or academic choice, can be a hard decision to make and should be considered carefully.

Stay well informed, keep a mentor close and ask questions to help you make an informed decision.

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physically out of reach, the online program offering may be more beneficial than moving.

How much time do I need to apply?

While an exact timeline for applying to a graduate program can vary, applications for fall admission are typically due in December or January for PHD programs or January and February for master’s programs.

No matter which direction you choose, you’ll likely need more than a few months to get your aff airs in order.

Some of the application pieces that will be expected include: • A standardized test score.

The most common tests are the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or for specific programs like Law School or Medical School you may need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Be sure to check with the program you’re applying to, to identify which test score they expect to receive from you.

• Recommendation letters from professors.

• Statement of Purpose.

When writing your statement of purpose focus on your specific plans and how the graduate program you’re applying to and their faculty will help you meet those goals.

While you may be able to get these pieces and the other specifics your program requires quickly, you’ll feel more comfortable if you begin the process sooner rather than later!

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You might have an interview for your Graduate School program.

Here’s how to prepare.

Research the Institution and the Program The more you know about the institution and the program you’re interviewing with and how its work coincides with your goals will help demonstrate your passion.

Become familiar with the faculty members and what they're experts in to help show your awareness of the work being done in the program, work you want to be a part of.

Collect Information About the Interview Structure Each school and program may be different, like with the application process, so review any of the information they provide. This information may include who you will be meeting with in your interview and whether these interviewers will have access to your application. If your file is not available to the interviewers be sure to be specific and address the imperative things you mentioned in your application.

Be Confident in Your Reasons for Pursuing an Advanced Degree Emphasizing the activities you’ve taken part in to confirm your desire to be a part of a specific field will help the interviewer be confident in your potential place in the program.

Take time to reflect on why you’re entering a specific field and how it appeals to you compared to others.

Find inspiration, whether it’s in a hobby, life experience or a role model.

Put Your Best Foot Forward Similar to a job interview’s preparations, be sure you’re physically prepared just as much as mentally. It’s important to keep eye contact and a pleasant expression. Dress professionally and keep strong posture. Refer to our Professional Preparedness article in this issue for more information on how to prepare.

Utilize Your Resources, Whether it’s Your Campus Resources or Personal Resources Take advantage of the resources available to you in your life. These may be your undergraduate campus’s career center or a specific mentor, but make sure you utilize those in your circle. Utilize your brotherhood and seek out help whenever you can.

You’ve been admitted!

Congratulations!

Now what?

Thank Those Who Helped You Though you spent the hours studying for your entrance exam and writing your statement of

Reach out to those who provided you with encouragement and supported you along the way.

A thank you card can go a long way.

purpose, others were there to help guide you and write recommendation letters. Reach out to those who provided you with encouragement and supported you along the way. A thank you card can go a long way.

Thoroughly Read Through Any Information You’ve Been Sent: You’ll receive information about enrollment, financial aid, housing, campus visit programs, academic advising, course scheduling, orientation and student life, plus so much more. Read it all! Identify deadlines given to you to submit paperwork for your courses, financial aid, etc. Missing a deadline makes a difference and can become a setback. And, don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Schedule a Campus Visit If you’re attending class on campus, getting a campus tour prior to the start of the semester can help you become acquainted with what your daily life may look like. It will also provide you with the opportunity to connect with current students and witness student life firsthand. Reach out to the program you’re starting

and connect with your future classmates. There may also be opportunities to connect virtually through different social platforms.

Prepare for Change Whether the biggest change is going to setting up time daily to login to your computer and work through your course load or moving across the country to start at the university of your dreams, be prepared for some change in your life. Take advantage of any help institutions can provide while you begin the relocation or reallocation of time process.

Identify a Financial Plan Read the fine print of every scholarship, fellowship, assistantship and stipend you are offered and be aware of the loan assistance you take advantage of. Graduate school is a time and money commitment, even with scholarships, assistantships, etc. available. The time frame of each of these offerings is important to pay attention to, but it will help keep financial surprises to a minimum.

What if I’m not currently an undergraduate?

Go for it! Many graduate programs appreciate candidates who have taken time to put their career into perspective and have gained experience. If you’re nervous about the transition back to the classroom, don’t overthink it. There’s a good chance you have become a better learner since you graduated with your undergraduate degree.

You’ve been able to identify your skillset and will be able to further refine what you’re looking to gain from a graduate education.

Take advantage of your experience and apply!

Taking the next step in your professional career whether it be in a career choice or academic choice can be a hard decision to make and should be considered carefully. Stay well informed, keep a mentor close and ask questions to help you make an informed decision.

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Field Notes

ALPHA THETA CHAPTER

Maryland

Commitment to Our Purpose INTERNAL GREATNESS AS

an organization requires a commitment to our Purpose. We, the brothers of Alpha Gamma Rho’s Alpha Theta Chapter from the University of Maryland, recognize this and strive to hold it in highest regard.

Our commitment to service and involvement in communal and philanthropic events are what make our brothers outstanding citizens, students, and representatives of Alpha Gamma Rho. This past year, our chapter has supported and contributed significantly to the chapter's philanthropy cause: suicide prevention. In doing so, we raised upwards of $5,500 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and for Ms. Wanda Gryszkiewicz, mother of Gary “Mitch” Gryskiewicz who took his life in the summer of 2014 while a member of the Alpha Theta Chapter. The Chapter holds the Alpha Gamma Rhodeo each spring, welcoming all University students and College Park residents to participate in mechanical bull riding and barbecue with brothers.

As a chapter, we hold Mitch-APalooza prior to a campus-wide AFSP Walk Out of Darkness to remember and celebrate Mitch's 18

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life. His family as well as many others attend, and brothers are educated on the implications of suicide and the importance of support and prevention. Mitch adds to our passion to raise awareness and support prevention of suicide. Further, we nurture and support Mitch’s mother, known to us as Momma Wanda, in her outreach efforts which include presentations on suicide and prevention, given at various schools throughout the state of Maryland.

Our chapter’s value for commitment to purpose is strong, and we are especially proud to have received an Honorable Mention for the Outstanding Community Service and Philanthropic Efforts Award from Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity in 2019.

The Alpha Theta Chapter further commits ourselves to solidarity in our immediate community through efforts to serve and contribute to local organizations.

Our brothers volunteer one to two times a month at St. Andrews Episcopal Church at their Loaves and Fishes Program, a meal service for those who are less fortunate living in and around College Park. There is certainly no scarcity of willing volunteers among our brothers, and because of this, we remain in excellent standing among our surrounding community. Alpha Theta Chapter recently participated in sending care packages to deployed United States Troops through the Terps for Service Members organization on campus and were able to collectively produce a significant number of items for donation.

Our chapter’s value for commitment to Purpose is strong, and we are especially proud to have received an Honorable Mention for the Outstanding Community Service and Philanthropic Efforts Award from Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity in 2019. We can attribute such recognitions and successes to the collective efforts and passion of our brothers, and this achievement of our chapter has been celebrated as a testament to the pride we, as brothers, invest in our Fraternity, our community, and ourselves in pursuit to Make Better Men.

Field Notes RHO CHAPTER Colorado State

Rho Chapter Takes Four Awards from Greek Awards Banquet ALPHA KAPPA CHAPTER Tennessee

2019 IFC Chapter of the Year This past fall, the brothers of Alpha Kappa Chapter partnered with the women of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, winning homecoming for the third straight year. The victory came as the result of consistent top finishes in events such as Smokey’s Howl cheer competition and the large float competition.

This Spring at the annual Greek awards, the Chapter had the privilege of winning two awards. Noble Ruler, Leo Spadafino, won the 2019 Interfraternity Council Emerging Leader of the Year award, and past Noble Ruler, Chase Williams, accepted the 2019 IFC Chapter of the Year Award. The award was earned due to a quarter of the brothers making the dean's list, raising money through the philanthropic events Water Wars and Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, and being involved throughout campus.

There are four brothers serving as UT Ambassadors, four more as Herbert College of Agriculture Ambassadors including the organization president, and three brothers on the All Campus Events Board among others.

In February, Colorado State University Fraternity and Sorority Life hosted their Annual Awards Banquet. R ho Chapter was honored with four awards for their outstanding achievements in the year of 2019. Chapter Adviser John DeBerard was awarded Advisor of the Year. John has been the Chapter Adviser for just over a year, and, during that time, he has made countless impacts on the brothers of R ho Chapter. John is always looking for ways to better the men of R ho Chapter.

Additionally, Brother Samuel Scheibler was awarded Scholar of the Year. Sam is an active member on campus in addition to continuing to keep his academics the highest of his priorities.

R ho Chapter was also awarded Excellence in Intake Recruitment and Retention. In the fall of 2019, R ho Chapter initiated 17 new members, the largest class by some margin in many years. And, just this spring, R ho Chapter initiated nine new members, bringing the chapter total to 40 brothers.

Finally, R ho Chapter was awarded Excellence in Chapter Management. The brothers of R ho Chapter have been actively making sure the chapter is ran in the most efficient and most beneficial ways that it can be. The brothers of R ho Chapter would like to congratulate and thank our Adviser, John DeBerard, for all he does and his commitment to our success. In addition, they would like to congratulate Brother Samuel Scheibler on his excellence and dedication to his academic success.

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Field Notes ALPHA ETA Georgia

Charitable Efforts Foster the Spirit of Philanthropy The brothers of Alpha Eta Chapter are well known on campus for their charitable spirit. Alpha Eta’s annual canned food drive, Night in the Cold, brought in over 700 pounds of canned goods which are donated to the Food Bank of North East Georgia. Brother Jared Pringle made the delivery and said his “truck was over flowing” due to the weight. Sigma Kappa Sorority donated 900 cans, winning the food drive, and the sisters joined Alpha Eta Chapter for a night of s’mores around a bonfire.

Two brothers hosted a booth at Extra Special People at UGA’s fall festival which benefits those with disabilities by raising awareness, donating to families, and creating unique opportunities. The brothers spent the day hanging out with the

kids where they picked pumpkins and gave out treats.

This spring, Alpha Eta’s UGA Miracle team raised $6,934 for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

They also cooked for UGA Miracle’s Dance Marathon, which is a twentyfour-hour event with local food, entertainment, and activities for the community. The largest meal at the event was Alpha Eta’s signature BBQ which Brother Brantley Swindell said, “[they] fed between 1,000 and 1,700 people”. After UGA Miracle accounted for the brothers’ contributions to Dance Marathon, the figure was updated to $8,034.

The brothers of Alpha Eta Chapters' charitable efforts these last two semesters foster the spirit of philanthropy in members both old and new.

ETA CHAPTER Iowa State

Celebrating those who support the Chapter In the Spring of 2019, the Eta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho held its fi rst Women’s Appreciation Dinner to celebrate International Women’s Day. Members were able to invite any woman who has made a positive impact on their lives.

These women included housemothers of various fraternities and sororities, faculty from the College of Agriculture and the Sorority and Fraternity Engagement offi ce, and of course, our wonderful Housemother, Mom Diane.

Eta Chapter has also planned their 2nd annual event for March 9th, 2020.

In the Fall of 2020, Eta Chapter also hosted its 1st Faculty Appreciation Dinner. Men were again asked to invite their various professors throughout the entire university, with over 40 faculty and staff attending, along with over 100 more people that included collegiate and alumni members.

ALPHA ZETA CHAPTER Kansas State

Homecoming Champions raise money for CF

The Alpha Zeta Chapter at Kansas State University has had an amazing start to the school year. Alpha Zeta Chapter and our partner Alpha Xi Delta sorority were named the Homecoming Champions, Brother Tel Wittmer fi nished his term as Male Student Ambassador has been elected to serve as the Student Body President of Kansas State. Also being elected to the College of Agriculture Student Senate were brothers Michael Dowd and Kris Wagner.

We held our annual philanthropy, SellaFella, where over $8,000 was raised to donate to the Cystic Fibrosis foundation in honor of brother David Sewell.

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This is not only a great way for Eta Chapter to show our appreciativeness to these wonderful and amazing people we are blessed to know and see every day, but also help show the positivity and benefi ts that can be reaped at a professional and social fraternity such as Alpha Gamma Rho.

Field Notes

ALPHA LAMBDA New Mexico State

AGR Rho Week The Alpha Lambda Chapter at New Mexico State University hosted their fi rst-ever Ag Rho Week to raise money for the Mule Deer Foundation of New Mexico.

The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is the only conservation organization, dedicated to ensuring the conservation of Mule Deer, Blacktailed deer, and their habitat. MDF supports education regarding responsible wildlife management, regulated hunting, and recruitment and retention of youth in shooting sports.

Brothers Kody Oliver and Jerry Tuttle pursued an idea the chapter brainstormed earlier in the year. The chapter wanted to host an Ag Olympics inspired event consisting of multiple events throughout the week. Beginning with their annual Corn Hole Classic, the week consisted of a Rodeo Clown competition, a trivia night on campus, and a fi nale to Rho Week.

After a successful week of events, the chapter ended the week with

their fi rst annual Rho Week. The day consisted of Tug-of-War, Sack Relay, Human Wheel-Barrow Race Relay, a spontaneous event, and a Create-a-Dance portion. The chapter drew in a spectating crowd of alumni, the Associate Dean of Students, our Chapter Adviser, and community members for this event. The winners of the overall week were Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and Alpha Xi Delta sorority and received decorated NMSU themed coolers, painted by our Sweetheart Carleigh Obenshain and Haylie Walters.

The chapter had such a fun-fi lled week and couldn’t thank the teams who participated enough for their support. Jason Quintana, Noble Ruler of Alpha Lambda Chapter stated, “This week of events was a huge success for our chapter and community. In the coming years, I hope to see this event continue to grow and see continued support from the Greek Life community and other organizations on campus. I am very

proud of the hard work our members put into Ag Rho Week and the dedication they have shown to our philanthropy. NMSU truly does support each other no matter the letters and we are lucky to be a part of that. After a successful week, we are happy to say we were able to raise approximately $1,400 for the Mule Deer Foundation of New Mexico.”

The Alpha Lambda Chapter is happy to support the Mule Deer Foundation of New Mexico by hosting philanthropy events, and are looking forward to bringing back an even bigger and better Ag Rho Week next year.

“After a successful week, we are happy to say we were able to raise approximately $1,400 for the Mule Deer Foundation of New Mexico.”

— JASON QUINTANA, NOBLE RULER OF ALPHA LAMDA

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Transitions

In Memory of Our Great Brothers The following deaths were reported to the AGR Home Office between October 1, 2019 and June 21, 2020.

The listing includes initiation year.

Arkansas Joe Smith, 2001 Auburn Tom A. Beaty, 1960 James Walter Griggs, 1949 Augustus Cecil Moore, 1952 California- Davis Stephen A. Mason, 1958 Cal Poly State University-SLO James C. Freese, 1980 Colorado State James W. Gray, 1977 Vance K. Weidle, 1955 Connecticut Milton C. Arnold, 1930 Cornell Laurence V. Dubois, 1957 Donald L. Jayne, 1959 Ron Carl Pearce, 1954 Florida George C. Butler, 1951 Matthew Shaun Eastwood, 2008 James M. Rich, 1970 Georgia Bobby Joseph Cason, 1963 Robert E. Pope, 1999 Illinois H. Wayne Carmichael, 1956 F. La Verne Gillespie, 1953 Iowa State Robert K Lux, 1946 Pete F. Primiani, 1969 Jerry L. Staley, 1951 Gene L. Wiese, 1948

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Kansas State Marlan L. Francis, 1958 Robert T. Larson 1950 David Wesley Lowe, 1960 James Wade Pearson, 1986 Shawn A Teagarden, 1994 Kentucky Herbert Brown, 1950 Maryland Richard Dettmering, 1954 Meredith L. Fouche, 1975 Brian C. Gressley, 1993 J. Landon Reeve, 1961 Clarence R. Reeder, 1957 Ronald J. Seibel, 1990 Andrew Q. Shepherd, 1967 Massachusetts William O Jahn, 1950 Michigan State Keith L Eisenmann, 1970 Maine Maynard C Frith, 1959 Richard Pierce, 1951 Robert Brian Tupper, 1969 Minnesota William Herbert Carlson, 1953 Ralph J. Clifford, 1946 Oscar G. Dalle, 1959 Duwayne Edward Evanson, 1959 James H. Fynboh, 1958 Robert Albert Martens, 1952 David Melvin Sprengeler, 1977 Missouri A. Ruben Edwards, 1949 Leslie S. Fox, 1952 James L. Grozinger, 1975 Dennis August Hartman, 1951 Jimmie Glen Johnson, 1959 Don V. Moxley, 1952 Robert Overton Young, 1950

Montana State Earl Peace, 1947 James A. Svoboda, 1954 Nebraska James L Paulson, 1966 Kenneth Eugene Pinkerton, 1952 Galen A Plihal, 1963 William “Dick� R. Stephens, 1948 Tad A. Wright, 1993 New Hampshire Kevin Joseph Curtsinger, 1984 North Dakota State Ben P. Anderson, 2017 Edison T. Colwell, 1957 Ohio State George W. Boving, 1943 David O. Miller, 1957 Burt W. Schwab, 1957 Lyle W. Smith, 1953 Oklahoma State Johnny Ray McElroy, 1967 Ivan D. Tompkins, 1950 Pennsylvania State Henry M Berger, 1954 Lin D. Fobes, 1974 Wyatt W. Gosnell, 1961 Bruce C. Hoskins, 1969 Ken C. Ketterer, 1961 James R. Metzler, 1955 Edward H. Maguire, 1966 Purdue Stanley D. Rogers, 1958 James M. Turley, 1958 Southern Illinois Jerry L. Savill, 1970

Tennessee-Knoxville Joe Cerone, 1974 James L. Collier, 1955 Ellis M. Hodgson, III, 1975 Donald R. March, 1951 Tennessee-Martin Danny M. Mayfield, 1967 Vermont Alan Walter Curler, 1971 N. Kimber Harvey, 1974 Peter Senatore, 1969 Washington State Robert A Crandell, 1944 William Burton Hellegas, 1958 Frederick Phillips, 1965 Charles W. Renshaw, 1950 Alexander Swantz, 1937 Western Illinois David L. Bazzell, 1968 John J. Janus, 1968 Phillip W. Kilver, 1990 Wisconsin- Madison Roger L. Broege, 1974 Larry Raymond Johnson, 1966 Bill L Vaitl, 1955 Daniel J. Weis 1964 Wisconsin- River Falls Stephen M Barnett, 1968

Q&AGR

Q&AGR CLIMBING HIGH REQUIRES CONTINUALLY STEPPING UP. FRANK SANTIAGO HAS STEPPED UP OFTEN, INCLUDING HELPING REVITALIZE HIS HOME CHAPTER Brother Frank Santiago was raised in a family of lettuce harvesters who migrated between fi elds near Yuma, Arizona and Salinas, California. Frank was the first in his extended family to be born in the U.S. Because he changed schools often, he did not graduate from high school. His mother had earned both her U.S. citizenship and a G.E.D. while working the fi elds. She pushed Frank to get a G.E.D. He stepped up, choosing a vocational school. He became a recreational vehicle technician for eight years. At age 25 in 1997, he stepped up again to fulfill his mother’s dream that he be the first in his family to attend a university. A childhood friend who had just completed his degree at the University of Arizona helped Frank with enrollment and getting financial aid.

Frank chose agriculture because he had grown up in it.

He joined the Fraternity as a junior. In 2002, Frank earned a BS in agricultural education. He taught agriculture and advised FFA one year, then stepped up to the challenge of returning to the University of Arizona to pursue an MS in agricultural education. Frank earned it in 2010 while working in career and academic services in the College of Agriculture. On campus, he also stepped up to be Chapter Adviser to both Alpha Pi Chapter and MANRRS. In 2017, Frank left his position as Director of Student Recruitment for the College of Agriculture to step up to a new challenge — agribusiness. He is now territory manager, Pacific Northwest Territory, of Corteva Agriscience.

Which key attributes make a “better man?”

It begins with integrity and high standards. It also includes professionalism and quality recognized by others.

Was joining AGR an easy decision?

It was not. I was a junior and also, at age 27, a much older student. But, I observed the brotherhood and also the connections of AGRs throughout the industry of

agriculture. In addition, I was attracted to the professional benefits extending a lifetime.

What led you to ag business as a career?

Through FFA and as a member and advisor of MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources And Related Sciences), I saw the career opportunities in ag business and commitment of companies to hire

minorities. I grew up with migrant families. I still have a migrant mindset. I don’t mind moving and accepting new opportunities in new places, which is part of a career with a large company.

I also remember as a youth the guy in the lettuce fields who drove a white pickup truck. He was the field manager. I always wanted to be that guy! In my work now I have contact with young people and can help them understand the diverse agricultural industry and consider it for a rewarding career.

How did you help Alpha Pi win the Sleeter Bull Award for most improved chapter in 2016?

Membership at Alpha Pi Chapter had fallen over the years from 90 undergraduates and was around 12 undergraduates when I was asked to be Chapter Adviser in 2014.

I worked with several alumni on a plan to revitalize the Chapter. We did not seek a quick solution.

Our priority was quality.

Quality attracts quantity in any organization. With hard work in recruitment, within three years we were able to rebuild to 45 undergraduates with quality men who reflected the ideals of AGR. One way we did that was to emphasize professional development.

We took brothers on tours to alumni to showcase their careers. In turn, it showed alumni the quality of AGRs on campus. This helped rebuild alumni relations and created the Alpha Pi Chapter Professional Tours Program, supported by the Sayre Grant Project.

“Quality attracts quantity in any organization.”

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The Last Pass

The Value of Membership

by Dustin Winston, Collegiate Advisory Council Chair 2018–2020 THE COLLEGIATE ADVISORY

Council recognizes the challenging times we are experiencing as a country, and the impact it is having on our daily lives. Many universities moved classes to an online platform and closed campuses entirely. This, along with efforts to flatten the curve of COVID-19, is giving a never-before seen shake-up to the usual routine of groups built around a platform of association.

While COVID-19 is a very serious concern, we must behave accordingly to ensure the safety of our communities. With the closures of many Greek communities across the country the question of membership dues has come up for many of our peer organizations. Dues are an important piece of the continued operation of any organization through and following a time such as this. The loss of a quarter of time away from our brothers is unfortunate. We must remember that the value of an organization like ours stands strong even in the face of this unthinkable struggle. Especially for our brothers in Alpha Gamma Rho, it is important to note we stand apart from the rest as the premier agricultural social-professional fraternity. We provide a value to all brothers from the day of initiation to their final day on this earth. AGR is much more than a place to live and a place to make friends; it is a place where we commune together, where we challenge ourselves, where we enrich our professional and 24

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“Dues are an important piece of the continued operation of any organization through and following a time such as this. ”

social experiences and all these things can fortunately happen whether we are on a university campus or not.

To all our members, please be safe and look after your family, brothers, and communities. We encourage all of you to use this time to tap into the AGR network. If you are a senior not going back to a family operation, take time to look for a job. For those not graduating take time to reach out to local alumni or others and create valuable connections to utilize as we move forward together.

Our Roots

ALTHOUGH IT MAY LOOK

like an ordinary cane, these were coveted prizes collegiate members sought to receive by attending the AGR Chicago Career Days.

From 1900 to 1975, the International Livestock Show was held in the Chicago

er with their brothers from

Stockyards. For many years,

other chapters, learn from

Alpha Gamma Rho’s Chicago Alumni Chapter sponsored the International Banquet at the Stockyards Inn (a significant

one another and travel to the “big city.”

The event culminated with the familiar International

building in our Fraternity’s

Banquet; a tradition carried

history).

over from the International

After the Stockyards closed

Livestock Show. It was here

in 1971 and the show was

the canes were awarded.

terminated in 1975, the Chi-

This trophy, of sorts, was

cago Alumni Chapter actively

given to the men of the

pursued ways to keep AGRs

chapter who travelled the

coming to Chicago; thus, cre-

furthest distance to attend

ating the Career Days event.

the Career Days event and

The goal for the event was to

was a badge of distinction.

showcase the many agricultur-

Many times, the chapter who

al companies headquartered

received the canes was the

in the area, educate members

Chi Chapter from Cal-Poly,

about the many agricultur-

San Luis Obispo.

al opportunities available, prepare the undergraduate

While Career Days is no longer being held, Alpha

attendees for life after college

Gamma Rho continues to

with the necessary skills to

strive to provide our mem-

be successful in the careers,

bers with the ability to

and to expose undergraduate

connect with agricultural

members to the vast AGR

companies throughout the

network. Members travelled

school year. Because of the

from across the country to

impact Career Days had on

attend Career Days and saw

many of our members, the

this as an opportunity to gath-

Fraternity incorporated a Career Fair into the Fraternity's National Convention.

Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity 10101 N. Ambassador Drive Kansas City, MO 64153-1366

2021 Leadership Seminars Make Sure Your Chapter is Represented! Don’t miss our 2021 Leadership Seminars.

Mark your calendars with these dates & locations!

Nashville, TN February 4-7, 2021

AGR Leadership Seminars, in conjunction with Sigma Alpha Sorority, provide both collegiate and alumni members with the ability to share experiences, inspire involvement, and create lasting impacts on their campuses and communities. Brothers have the opportunity to network with other young agricultural professionals from across the country and share in each other’s challenges and triumphs.

Kansas City, MO February 18-21, 2021 Denver, CO February 25-28, 2021 All locations are subject to change.

➼ Registration Coming Soon!