Year 11, No 1 | Pearls & Rubies Magazine| Summer 2015

Year 110, No. 1 • The Magazine of FarmHouse Fraternity • Summer 2015

Laura’s Legacy

How Bob Graves’ (CO ’53) crusade to save his daughter’s life resulted in saving the lives of millions through the creation of the National Bone Marrow Donor Program.

CONTENTS

4 Fraternity News: A Semester of Opportunity 6 Fraternity News: Clemson Chartering & Wichita State Expansion 8 Fraternity News: 2014 Chapter Awards 10 Chapter News 12 Busting Myths that Limit Alumni Involvement 14 Fraternity News: Gallup Study Findings on Fraternity Membership 18 Cover Story: Bob Graves—A Remarkable Man for Laura’s Legacy 24 Foundation News: Your Generosity Broke Records Again!

26 Foundation News: Live. Learn. Lead. Campaign 28 Foundation News: Associate Members Leaves a Legacy 30 Foundation Donors: 46 Join Top Honor Roll Clubs 32 Alumni News 36 Obituaries

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OUR MISSION The object of our Fraternity is to promote good fellowship, to encourage studiousness and to inspire its members in seeking the best in their chosen lines of study, as well as in life. Progress shall mark our every step; the spirit of congeniality shall reign at all times; and every member shall be honest with himself as well as with his brothers. Men elected to our membership are considered to be of good moral character, to be high in scholarship, to have the capacity for meeting and making friends, and to give promise of service to their fellowmen and to the world. To be and become such may at times require a sacrifice of time, pleasures and comforts.

FH CALENDAR

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October 28-30 – National FFA Convention and Career Show, Louisville November 13-15 – FarmHouse International Executive Board and Foundation Trustees Meeting, Chicago November 15 – Nominations due for Outstanding President, Recruiter of the Year, Service Man of the Year and LeTourneau Outstanding Advisor Award December 4 – FarmHouse Friends Reception, Association of Fraternity/ Sorority Advisors Meeting, Fort Worth January 7-10, 2016 – FarmHouse Leadership Institute, Kansas City January 22-24 – FarmHouse GROWS, Kansas City February 29 – FarmHouse Day of Giving April 15 – 111th FarmHouse Founders’ Day May 25-27 – To Be and Become FarmHouse Emerging Talent Retreat, sponsored by Monsanto, Kansas City August 3-7 – 49th Biennial Conclave, Marriott Tech Center, Denver FarmHouse is a member of...

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Pearls & Rubies Year 110, Number 1 • SUMMER 2015

Published by FarmHouse Fraternity, Inc. and the FarmHouse Foundation; 7306 NW Tiffany Springs Parkway, Suite 210, Kansas City, MO 64153-9908; phone: (816) 891-9445; fax (816) 891-0838; email: FHHQ@FarmHouse.org; www.FarmHouse.org INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD Rick Barnes (TT ’82) – President; Shawn Eagleburger (IA ’02) – Vice President; Patrick Robinson (KY ’98) – Treasurer; Gabriel Eckert (KS ’95); Ryan Feist (SD ’00); John Ortner (CO ’04); John Torres (OH ’02); Roy Wilson (PU ’71) REGIONAL DIRECTORS Ryan McConnaughey (WY ’06), Region 1 West; Keegan Colbert (TAM ’10), Region 2 South-Central; Thomas Marten (SIU ’11), Region 3 North-Central; Adam Ford (VT ’10), Region 4 North-East; Taylor Symons (KS ’06), Region 5 South-East FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES James Tobin (IA ’76) – Chairman; Jeremy Settles (NM ’94) – Chairman-elect; Brent Bible (PU ’93); Darrell Godfrey (IA ’73); Andrew Jacobitz (NE ’85); Robert Knief (IL ’89); Lee Thurber (NE ’91); Jeffrey Topp (ND ’79); Ronald Vaske (SD ’87); James Wieland (ND ’72); Shayne Woodard (TT ’85) FARMHOUSE HEADQUARTERS STAFF Chad Harris (IA ’98) – Fraternity executive director and Pearls & Rubies editor; Allison Rickels – Foundation executive director; Robert Off (CO ’64) – Foundation executive director emeritus; Tim Hadachek (KS ’07) – Fraternity member education coordinator; Drew Goering (KS ’07) – Fraternity assistant director of membership growth; Justin Crowley (MN ’09) – Fraternity assistant director of chapter services; Robbie Maples (OK ’10) – Fraternity educational leadership consultant; Andrea Ward – Foundation director of annual fund and communications and Pearls & Rubies design editor; Lorie Widdice – Fraternity office manager; Michaela Norton – Foundation stewardship coordinator; Jo Berryman – Foundation administrative assistant; Brian McCann (MS ’95) – Webmaster Pearls & Rubies (USPS 424-540) is an educational and alumni publication published by FarmHouse Fraternity, Inc., and The FarmHouse Foundation. Nonmember subscriptions are available for $25 per year.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pearls & Rubies, FarmHouse Fraternity, Inc., 7306 NW Tiffany Springs Parkway, Suite 210, Kansas City, MO 64153-9908.

Canadian return address: Publications Mail Agreement #40043510, Station A; P.O. Box 54; Windsor, Ontario N9A 6J5. Email: FHHQ@FarmHouse.org FarmHouse appreciates the sponsorship and support it receives from these partners...

Chad Harris, Fraternity Executive Director:

A MESSAGE FROM...

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A Positive Fraternity Experience Begins with You FarmHouse Brothers— Good news abounds from FarmHouse! Our Fraternity is thriving on many fronts, as the pages of Pearls & Rubies report. Read and share the good work of our chapters, our volunteers, our leadership and our alumni brothers—it is an exciting time for FarmHouse!

For eight years now, our membership continues to rise (up 33 percent since 2007). This is the result of expansion to new campuses (see page six) and the internal growth of our established chapters. We will further elevate this membership growth and seek your involvement in this initiative in 2015-16.

Our members recorded a 3.05 GPA, with 36 percent of men studying agriculture and natural resources, followed by business (23 percent) and engineering (18 percent). Further, 55 percent of our membership comes from a rural background or small community.

FarmHouse men donated an average of 19.6 hours of service and our chapters raised and donated $184,000 to charitable causes, including to our two national philanthropic/service partners, the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society and Be the Match.

Supporting these high-achieving members are our hallmark leadership programs and new educational efforts for chapter officers and members and local volunteers. As noted on page four, the spring 2015 semester offered an array of educational experiences to our members at the local, regional, national and even international level.

Over the last 18 months 38 percent of our undergraduate members attended and participated directly in an educational program of the International Fraternity away from their campus.

The value of membership and a fraternity experience is proven as a long-term benefit of well-being.

A research study by Gallup found fraternity membership matters in an individual’s engagement in his workplace environment and in possessing a higher sense of well-being (see page 14).

Fraternity membership matters and indeed good news abounds.

But, the good news must be balanced

with a cautionary tone. A glance of news headlines and social media feeds shares a much different story of the fraternity experience. The last academic year was a troubling and difficult one for all fraternities—including FarmHouse.

From racially-charged chants to alcohol-related deaths, sexualized party themes to the ugliness of hazing within chapters, the bad news quickly covers the good.

When such national news coverage incidents occur, I often receive emails or texts from brothers and friends, saying, “I bet you are glad you are not the executive of XYZ fraternity, today!”

But in reality what happens in any fraternity impacts us all. The challenges of addressing student conduct is not reserved for the chapter down the street.

The issues affecting one affect the many. FarmHouse is not immune to these challenges. We must join all fraternities in taking proactive, preventative steps to be part of the solution. And part of this solution is you.

We know a positive fraternity experience exists. It occurs when we focus on our fraternal principles. When we observe our Ritual, the Builder of Men Affirmation. When we achieve excellence, rather than meet the minimum standard. When we recruit outstanding men to our membership.

When we remain engaged and supportive alumni. And when our individual behavior truly reflects what it means to be a FarmHouse man.

Individually we cannot fix the challenges facing the fraternity movement. But we can recommit to abide by who we say we are as FarmHouse men. To give our chapter leaders the skills necessary to do what is right, not popular. To model the way for leaders to achieve success. To learn and grow by accepting responsibility for our actions and not tolerating behavior that is counter to our values. FarmHouse men take action.

Such was the case for Bob Graves (CO ’53). He worked tirelessly to find a treatment to save his daughter’s life, which created the National Bone Marrow Donor Program (see page 20).

“We must join all fraternities in taking proactive, preventative steps to be part of the solution. And part of this solution is you.”

Following Laura’s death, at too young an age, Bob did not step aside. Instead he committed himself more fully to his crusade of finding a solution to the challenge facing cancer patients in need of a bone marrow transplant. His individual actions mattered and made a difference in the lives of millions.

Do not be a bystander in addressing these challenges. Do not brush aside member behavior that is counter to our standards as part of the norm. Do not think that FarmHouse is immune to breaking-news headlines.

Instead join us.

Share the good news of FarmHouse while combatting issues where they exist.

Engage with FarmHouse as an alumni member and experience the full value afforded from lifetime membership (see page 12). Become educated on the challenges facing higher education and the fraternity movement today, and help grow yourself, our brothers, our chapters, our fraternity and our society.

Start from within, model the way and others will follow, for a positive fraternity experience begins with you.

Fraternally, Chad E. Harris (IA ’98), CAE Executive Director Kansas City, Mo. P.S. A reflection of the positive FarmHouse experience occurs each biennium at Conclave. Save the date and plan to join brothers and friends from across North America, next summer, August 3-7, 2016, in Denver, Colo. Help us celebrate the lifelong value of being a FarmHouse man!

SUMMER 2015

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FRATERNITY NEWS

FLI attendees engage in a model Be the Match donor drive, adding 79 names to the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. A grant from the FarmHouse Foundation is available for chapters who want to host a drive on their own campus.

Read more about the history of the Fraternity’s partnership with Be the Match on page 18.

FarmHouse Leadership Institute Jan. 3-6, 2015 FarmHouse Leadership Institute (FLI) participants are reminded to “live the Ritual” during the closing session. The theme of the 2015 FLI was “It Begins with Me,” reminding chapter officers to be the change that they want to see in their chapters.

January

Regional Leadership Conferences Mobile RLC attendees visit the USS Alabama Museum on the deck of the decommissioned battle ship anchored in Mobile Bay. Attendees learned to fight “An Enemy Called Average” in recruitment, member education, personal development and career success during two weekends at three locations in February.

Mobile, Ala. | Feb. 13-15, 2015

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February

Top: Midwest Regional Director Thomas Marten (SIU ’11) energizes FarmHouse men at the Detroit RLC. Bottom: Attendees visit the Little Big Horn National Monument near Billings, Mont. Each RLC featured a cultural activity in the host city as part of the program.

Detroit, Mich. & Billings, Mont. | Feb. 20-22, 2015

FRATERNITY NEWS

A SEMESTER OF OPPORTUNITY FarmHouse members travel the continent in pursuit of personal and chapter development in the Spring 2015 semester.

To Be & Become (TBB) May 20-22, 2015 Twenty-nine recently-initiated FarmHouse men “break the ice” at the opening session on the grounds of the Heartland Center, outside of Kansas City, Mo.

Thomas Curtis (TT ’15) launches from the top of a telephone pole during the “leap of faith” activity.

Attendees spent an afternoon on the high ropes course during TBB.

May

Blake Scism (KS ’15) and Trevor Kirkland (AU ’15) share their StrengthsQuest top five themes.

The StrengthsQuest assessment is the basis of the TBB curriculum.

June

Top left: left to right, participants Taylor Thooft (SD ’13), Braden Wilson (CO ’13), Josh Christoffer (MN ’15), Randy Davis (IL ’15) and Ryan Bruntjen (IL ’15) find shade from the mid-day Honduras heat. The team spent four days turning a bare concrete foundation into a finished new home.

Top right: The team celebrates the completion of the project with members of the community.

Bottom: Overlooking Santa Cruz, Honduras, construction is underway on the home the FarmHouse team built for a family in need.

The Journey: FarmHouse May 30-June 6, 2015 International FarmHouse travelers zipline over the 90-foot Pulhapanzek Falls to relax on the last day of their experience. This was the second year for the Fraternity’s international service immersion program.

SUMMER 2015

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FRATERNITY NEWS

MEMBERSHIP GROWTH 1,660 MEMBERS

1 NEW COLONY

1 NEW CHAPTER

RECORD GROWTH CONTINUES Top: Members and guests celebrate the re-chartering of the Clemson chapter of FarmHouse on Feb. 7, 2015. Clemson originally hosted a FarmHouse chapter from 1995-2004. Numerous alumni from the original chapter joined the new initiates for a ceremony and banquet on the scenic Clemson campus in upstate South Carolina.

More than 150 FarmHouse members, family and guests were in attendance.

Bottom: The Fraternity’s newest group was established at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kan., on Nov. 15, 2014. After an extensive application and interview process, FarmHouse was selected over other fraternities to establish a new colony on campus.

This project was the first under the guidance of Drew Goering (KS ’07), assistant director of membership growth, a recently established staff position tasked with expanding the FarmHouse experience to new members and more campuses.

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FRATERNITY NEWS

Headquarters Staff Transitions for Fall 2015

Hadachek

Crowley

Effective August 1, there were some transitions and changes to the Fraternity’s Headquarters staff.

After five years as part of the Fraternity’s staff in various full-time roles, director of chapter services, Tim Hadachek (KS ’07), assumed the new part-time position of member education coordinator. This fall Tim will pursue a law degree at the University of Kansas School of Law. Hadachek will work mostly remotely while he attends law school full-time in Lawrence, Kan. Tim’s continued work with the Fraternity will include curriculum development for FarmHouse educational programs including The Journey: FarmHouse, To Be and Become…The FarmHouse Emerging Talent Retreat, Regional Leadership Conferences, Conclave and assistance with the FarmHouse Leadership Institute.

Additionally, he will manage and lead the Fraternity’s external philanthropic partnerships with the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Be the Match: The National Bone Marrow Donor Registry.

Tim will continue to manage the Fraternity’s social media presence and accounts as well and may continue to be reached at tim@farmhouse.org.

Justin Crowley (MN ’09) served the Fraternity the last two-plus years as an educational leadership consultant and will now transition into the role of assistant director of chapter services.

In this position, Justin will be the primary staff lead in chapter health monitoring, chapter operations

Maples

Goering

development, risk management education and develop programming for staff consultation and targeted visits.

He will also serve as the staff liaison for the regional director program as well as the first point of contact for the variety of services, programming and merchandise available through FarmHouse Headquarters. Justin may continue to be reached at justin@farmhouse.org.

And, Robbie Maples (OK ’10) hits the road again this fall and enters his second year as an educational leadership consultant. He will support chapters, their leadership and members, through in-person, on-site visits, educational programming and targeted consulting based on a chapter’s varying needs.

The membership may reach Maples at robbie@farmhouse.org.

Rounding out the staff line-up, Drew Goering (KS ’07) continues in the role of assistant director of membership growth, leading organizational membership growth and retention, recruitment education, membership marketing and branding and expansion to new campuses. He may be reached at drew@farmhouse.org.

A search for a second educational leadership consultant will begin in Fall 2015 for appointment and an anticipated start date of January 2016.

Interested candidates should monitor www.farmhouse.org for the employment application, position description and benefits or may make their interest known by emailing fhhq@farmhouse.org.

Resignations Prompt Changes to Board Composition During the spring meeting of the International Executive Board, held March 27-29 in Indianapolis, Ind., the Board made the difficult decision to accept the resignations of two directors, undergraduate chapter members Brennan Costello (NE ’12) and Daniel Suess (SIU ’15).

These resignations came after several months of discussion on the structure and composition of the International Executive Board.

Professional advice from insurance providers and insight from legal counsel that chapter members not hold voting seats on the boards of directors of national fraternal organizations led to the decision.

In accepting the resignations, the Board voted to, “acknowledge and commend the exemplary service provided by Brother Costello and Brother Suess during their tenure on the Board. The Fraternity also extended its thanks and appreciation to the 63 men from 36 chapters who, since 1968, for 47 years ably represented the chapter member perspective and voice and honorably served as student directors to the International Executive Board.” The motion passed unanimously.

The IEB will not fill these vacated seats and the composition of the Board will be addressed through delegate legislation as a bylaws amendment at next summer’s 49th Biennial Conclave in Denver.

Additionally, moving forward, the Fraternity will identify other avenues to ensure the chapter member voice is a part of national leadership conversations and that undergraduate input is sought for important governing matters facing FarmHouse.

SUMMER 2015

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Chapter Programming Award Winners FarmHouse announced the winners of the 2014 chapter awards program on its new Instagram page.

Chapters are divided in Green and Gold divisions based on chapter size and age, and then scored in 12 areas to compete for Chapter Programming Awards. Scores in these areas account for half of the points toward the top chapter award, the Ruby Cup. The remaining points are drawn from the Award of Excellence chapter assessment. Congratulations to Iowa State, winner of the 2014 Ruby Cup.

follow FH on Instagram at Instagram.com/FarmHouseFraternity

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CHAPTER NEWS

Arkansas The chapter held their annual Fish Fry and raised over $4,500 for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Auburn Brothers hosted over 400 people at the Founders’ Day banquet with a keynote address provided by former Auburn basketball coach, Sonny Smith.

Smith coached Charles Barkley during his career at Auburn.

At the chapter’s annual Be the Match event, 115 people registered for the national bone marrow and tissue donor registry.

The Auburn student body elected FarmHouse Brother Justin Mathews (’13) to serve as the 2015-2016 SGA Vice President.

Clemson Jesse McGee (’15), Curtis Berry (’15), and Mackenzie Gallien (’15) were selected as outstanding seniors in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.

Colorado State The chapter raised $2,900 in support of the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society (LLS) with their Totally Baldacious head-shave event.

Landan Schaffert (’12) was named the CSU Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life Scholar of the Year and the chapter received the Chapter of Excellence Award for external relations.

Illinois The chapter was recognized as an “Exceptional Chapter” by the Illinois Greek Initiative. Additionally, the chapter received first place in the area of risk management and second place for outstanding executive board at the 2015 University of Illinois Greek Oscars.

Illinois State The chapter raised $3,700 during their annual Hog Roast in support of Water to Thrive humanitarian organization.

Iowa State The chapter’s Varieties pairing won Iowa State University’s People’s Choice Award, finished in first place overall in the 2015 musical variety show competition, and won Greek Week 2015.

Alberta Pictured: The chapter raised $11,247 during their Totally Baldacious event to support the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

Idaho Pictured: The chapter partnered with the local Delta Gamma chapter to host an Easter egg hunt for the patients of the University of Idaho Children’s Center.

Minnesota Pictured: The chapter received the Interfraternity Council’s (IFC) Outstanding Greek Relations award and the IFC Chapter of Excellence award for the 2014-2015 school year. Additionally, Andrew Plumski (‘11) was named IFC treasurer of the year, and Roland Peterson (‘77) was awarded IFC advisor of the year, in recognition of his 35 years of service as a chapter advisor.

*Additional chapter news on page 10.

Missouri Pictured: Members of the Missouri chapter visit Henry Krusekopf’s grave site on April 15, 2015.

The following Saturday, over 200 FarmHouse undergraduates, alumni and friends gathered for their 110th Founders’ Day celebration at the Old Alumni Center near campus.

Continued on page 10...

SUMMER 2015

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CHAPTER NEWS Nebraska Pictured: The chapter participated in UNL’s Dance Marathon, a 12-hour event that raised $140,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Five FarmHouse members served as family representatives and Dance Marathon executive committee members.

*Additional chapter news on this page.

North Dakota State Pictured: Paul Subart (’13) won first place in the corn division for his research project, “The Displaced Farmer” during NDSU’s annual Innovation Challenge. The event features student research and proposed solutions to real-world challenges. First place included a cash prize of $5,000 for continued research and development.

*Additional chapter news on this page.

Ohio State Pictured: Chapter members delivered a check to their local Leukemia-Lymphoma Society (LLS) office. As a result of their second annual Dodging for a Cure event and Family Day Benefit Auction auction, the chapter donated $2,000 to LLS.

The chapter placed first in the Ohio State University Homecoming parade float competition.

Ryan Goddard (’15) was elected as 2015-2016 Ohio State FFA Officer.

Purdue Pictured: Chapter members volunteer at the Sycamore Valley Girl Scout Camp this spring, cleaning up the grounds as they prepare for summer camps. They also volunteered at Bauer Family Resources cleaning up and landscaping their facilities.

Construction for the new chapter house began the last week of classes in May. The new chapter facility is scheduled to be completed in January 2016 in time for members to move in for the spring 2016 semester.

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Kansas State The chapter hosted Philan-throProud, a pancake feed to support “K-State Proud” with Alpha Delta Pi. They raised $503 to support this student philanthropy program, designed to help underprivileged students at K-State.

Kentucky Cowboy Up for a Cure, the chapter’s rodeo philanthropy, raised $57,000 for the pediatric cancer research fund at the University of Kentucky Medical Center & Children’s Hospital.

Michigan State The chapter held a golf tournament philanthropy and raised $2,500 to support the Michigan Farm Safety for Kids program.

Minnesota In the spring 2015 semester, the chapter started a new philanthropy event, a canoe battleship competition.

Over a week of battles in the University’s rec center swimming pool, participants helped raise $4,000 for LLS. P.J. Aarsvold (’14) was elected as 2015-2016 Minnesota State FFA President.

Stephen Melson (’12) received the student leadership award from the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences Alumni Society.

Nebraska The chapter hosted a “Brunch and Bone Marrow” event to benefit Be the Match, with 78 new donor registrants from the brunch service project.

In February, the chapter held the FarmHouse Open, a putt-putt golf social event. Each room created its own unique hole for the competition.

Ryan Drvol (’13) and Johnny Ference (’13), were selected as two of the 21 recipients of UNL’s Outstanding Student Leadership Award.

North Dakota State The chapter raised over $3,500 during its annual fish fry philanthropy in support of LLS. Brad Bischof (’12) was recognized as fraternity president of the year by NDSU Greek Life.

Oklahoma State The chapter won several of the 2015

IFC Awards including the Dean Troxel Award for outstanding fraternity chapter; award for most outstanding campus involvement, community service and campus relations award; and the Thomas Keys Award for outstanding new member class.

South Dakota State David VanKlompenburg (’13) was selected to serve on the 2015 Agriculture Future of America’s national student advisory board.

Paul Dybedahl (’12) was named the 2015 Grand Pooba for the campus Hobo Day Committee, SDSU’s Homecoming event.

Matthew Dahle (’13) was elected vice president of the SDSU Student Government Association.

Shane Mueller (’15) was elected to serve as South Dakota State FFA Sentinel.

Tarleton State The chapter’s “Day of the Yeti” philanthropy event raised $800 in support of LLS. Tennessee The chapter held its annual pig roast philanthropy and raised $600 in support of LLS. Texas A&M The chapter won Alpha Delta Pi’s Songfest, which resulted in a donation of $2,000 to benefit LLS. Troy Two chapter members were elected to the 2015-16 Troy Student Government Association, Heath Barton (’13) as president and Jorge Solis (’13) as vice president of legislative affairs.

Washington State The chapter celebrated its 60th anniversary this spring with 200 alumni, brothers and friends in attendance for Founders’ Day. Western Kentucky The chapter won the float competition of the university’s annual homecoming celebration.

Wichita State The colony registered 77 donors during its spring bone marrow donor drive benefiting Be the Match.

CHAPTER NEWS South Dakota State Pictured: The chapter raised $11,000 with their Totally Baldacious event in support of a local cancer patient. As a result, the chapter was featured in a television segment with the Sioux Falls CBS affiliate.

*Additional chapter news on this page.

Southern Illinois Pictured: Ashani Hamilton (’14) (back row center) and Daniel Suess (’14) (back row far right) serve as Ambassadors for the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Hamilton also placed first in SIU’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities research forum.

Troy Pictured: The chapter hosted their 18th Annual Crawfish Boil. After cooking 1,500 pounds of crawfish, and serving hundreds of students, faculty, and other members of the Troy community, they raised $7,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The chapter won the Troy University Dean’s Cup Award, for the outstanding fraternity chapter, for the third year in a row. *Additional chapter news on this page.

Virginia Tech Pictured: The chapter raised over $4,000 for LLS during its annual mud run philanthropy.

Kyle Dupper (’12) was selected and served as a mentor for the NIC’s FuturesQuest program.

Thomas Sefcik (’13) was elected as Virginia Tech IFC president for the 2015-2016 year.

SUMMER 2015

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ALUMNI INVOLVEMENT

Busting Myths that Limit FarmHouse Alumni Involvement

by Greg Bamford (CO ’67), Master Builder

Through my years of involvement and conversations with brothers of FarmHouse, I’ve observed a frequent and reoccurring myth about the role of the alumni within our Fraternity. I personally bust these myths through individual conversation, but appreciate the larger platform to do so here, to our broader brotherhood membership, so that you too might realize, like I have, that there is great value and benefit in affiliating with FarmHouse for a lifetime.

FarmHouse is a lifetime commitment. Let your actions, relationships, connections and participation reflect this lifetime opportunity of benefiting from FarmHouse membership. I believe that you, like I am, will be glad you did and be richly blessed! With that said, how many of these statements have you heard—or worse yet—thought yourself?

Myth 1: FarmHouse is for undergraduate members. The success and continuation of local chapters—indeed, the International Fraternity itself— needs to rise or fall based upon how the undergraduates “step up to the plate” in managing their own affairs and creating their own opportunities.

Certainly the leadership training opportunities, striving for academic achievement, developing the bonds of brotherhood and many other attributes of FarmHouse are the central themes of the Fraternity and apply predominantly to the undergraduate membership.

However, if you study the reasons for success of those FarmHouse chapters that are perennially among the strongest, it becomes apparent strong involvement from a number of alumni at the locallevel makes the key difference in helping chapters achieve success.

Myth 2: FarmHouse was a good place to live when I was in school. I was even inspired by the tenets of the Fraternity and made good friends there, but it really doesn’t have much to do with my life now that I am gone from campus.

Remember: Once a member of FarmHouse, always a member of FarmHouse! There are over 23,000 living FarmHouse alumni literally around the world—in every geographic location, serving in nearly every walk of life.

The opportunities for networking and interacting with FarmHouse men of mutual personal interests and professional pursuits are boundless.

Especially for those seeking mentoring and career development direction, FH alumni represent a reservoir willing to

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lend a hand to the best and brightest as they seek “the best in their chosen lines of study as well as in life.”

You could be available to help this next generation or connect across generations, thanks to FarmHouse.

Myth 3: I was not that involved in my chapter. I wasn’t an officer and I only lived in the chapter house a couple of terms, so I didn’t have as much of a connection to the Fraternity as the brothers who were more immersed in all the activities.

So what! That was then, this is now.

Our Fraternity is blessed with alumni who during our 110-year history have risen to leadership roles in local alumni associations, the International Executive Board of Directors and the Foundation Board of Trustees who could make this claim. However as they advance through life they instead grew to appreciate more than ever the value of what FarmHouse stands for and want to make significant contributions to the future success of the Fraternity—due to their involvement today, not based upon their possible lack of involvement yesterday.

All alumni brothers of the Fraternity have the potential to provide the opportunity for generations who follow to have the FarmHouse experience.

Myth 4: Of those of us who lived together at the house during my time, there are only a few who still keep in touch now that the memory of college becomes more and more distant. I don’t even know how to contact some of the men who were there during my time.

Have you utilized the database of FH alumni available on the Fraternity’s

website? Pick up the telephone and dial (800) 722-1905 at the International Headquarters and find the current president of the Association of your chapter or the chapter nearest where you live.

Make sure you update your address and career information with FH HQ, to receive regular communications from the International Fraternity, your chapter or the chapter near you for alumni programs and events. Serve as an encourager among those you know who need to re-connect to FarmHouse!

Myth 5: My career has not been significant enough for me to be recognized as being able to contribute either money or leadership that can make a difference for FarmHouse.

There are huge opportunities to make a difference at all levels of FarmHouse regardless of age, physical location, your personal economic condition, career success, or any other of a dozen mythical barriers.

Can you identify capable young men in your community or extended family who should be recruited to consider FarmHouse as they head to college, not only at your alma mater, but at any FarmHouse campus?

Can you carve out time to become a member of your association board or to serve a limited time appointment for a special project or committee?

How about calling another alumnus and offering to have them ride with you to your association’s annual meeting or to Conclave in Denver in 2016?

The possibilities abound. And at the end of the day, you will not only be furthering the ideals of FarmHouse, you will be richly blessed!

Greg Bamford is President and CEO of Bamford Companies, a land and real estate development firm in Phoenix. He served as the National FFA President from 1967-68. He is a long-time volunteer with the Colorado State FH Association and served on the FH Foundation’s Board of Trustees from 2005-11. In 2010, he was named a Master Builder. He and his wife of 45 years, Trudy, live in Gilbert, Ariz.

Foundation Approves First Mortgage Loans In 2012, the FarmHouse Foundation established the Chapter Housing Loan Program (CHLP) to offer mortgage loans up to a maximum of $500,000, to Associations for the purchase of an existing home, new construction, repair/remodeling or refinancing for their respective chapter house.

The Foundation Trustees have approved three loans and are working on additional loans with other local FarmHouse associations. A small committee of alumni with expertise in banking, financing and real estate comprise the CHLP Committee, which provides loan advice to the Board.

Those volunteers include CHLP Committee Chair, Tom Kopacek (MN ’70), Vice President–Special Accounts Management of BMO Harris–Minnesota; Jack Haselbush (CO ’67), retired CEO of Vail Bank; Doug Sims (IL ’65), retired CEO of CoBank; and Terry Tobin (IA ’74), Chief Administrative Officer for Principal Enterprise Capital, LLC. The North Carolina State FH Association was the first to apply for a Foundation loan, and in the process their Association was able to secure a lower interest rate and thus renewed their loan with their local bank.

The South Dakota State FH Association was the first to receive approval for a $500,000 loan as a co-first participant with a local bank in Brookings, S.D. The SDSU Association is building a new 48-man chapter house, which will be completed in Spring 2016.

The North Dakota State FH Association received a loan for $350,000 as a refinance of their previous mortgage loan with a local bank in Fargo, N.D. The Association built a new 43-man chapter house in 2009.

The Purdue FH Association has been approved for a $500,000 loan, which will be a co-first participation with a local bank in West Lafayette, Ind. The Purdue Association is building a new 56-man chapter house, which will be complete in January 2016.

Foundation Chairman Jim Tobin (IA ’76) said, “We created this program to help local chapters and to invest the fixed portion of our Foundation portfolio in these important FarmHouse building projects. Quality housing is critical for our chapters to compete on today’s university campuses, and currently there are 16 FarmHouse Associations building, renovating or expanding new chapter houses.

The Foundation is well-positioned to offer loan funds to help ensure safe, secure and affordable housing. Access to our loan program to supplement educational grants gives FarmHouse associations greater flexibility to accomplish their local housing campaigns.”

Tobin added, “Having donors invest in the Foundation’s endowment funds in support of the Foundation’s loan program and their respective chapter offers full tax deductibility for donors, a competitive mortgage loan for the Association and income in perpetuity for vital educational programs needed in support of FarmHouse undergraduates.

We believe this is a win-win-win for everyone involved.”

For more information, please contact Foundation executive director, Allison Rickels, at Allison@FarmHouse.org or (800) 722-1905.

CHAPTER HOUSING

A GroundBreaking Spring Years of hard work are bearing fruit for FarmHouse chapters at Iowa State, Purdue and South Dakota State.

The Iowa State chapter, which broke ground on April 11, 2015, is renovating their existing facility. South Dakota State and Purdue are building new chapter houses from the ground up and held ground-breaking ceremonies on April 25 and May 1 respectively. Ceremonies pictured below.

Iowa State

Purdue

South Dakota State SUMMER 2015

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FRATERNITY NEWS

Gallup Study Identifies Key Life Outcomes from Fraternity and Sorority Affiliation

by Brandon Busteed, executive director, Gallup Education, Washington, D.C.

Understanding Fraternity and Sorority Life Outcomes As Gallup continues to do further analysis on the national GallupPurdue Index study of 30,000 college graduates, many important questions remain. From the national report, we learned that graduates who were “emotionally supported” and had “experiential and deep learning” during college were much more likely to be engaged in their work and thriving in their well-being later in life.

These crucial insights have already changed the conversation across the country about what matters in the student experience during college when it comes to long-term outcomes as a graduate.

With a dataset this large, our research has just begun. And we are interested in learning about other experiences associated with long-term success in people’s lives and careers.

This report focuses on those graduates who were members of fraternities or sororities.

From the national report, we know that extreme involvement in extracurricular activities and organizations is one of the six crucial elements associated with higher odds of

workplace engagement and well-being later in life.

Members of fraternities and sororities, not surprisingly, are significantly more likely to strongly agree they were extremely involved in extracurricular activities. It turns out, they are also more likely to report being emotionally supported and having experiential and deep learning. Additionally, college graduates who were members of fraternities or sororities are more likely to be engaged in work and thriving in all five elements of well-being compared with graduates who were not fraternity or sorority members.

Many factors could contribute to this finding, but the overall results suggest that the Greek experience could be beneficial for the vast majority of those involved in it.

Fraternities and sororities will continue to face challenges associated with the bad behaviors of some chapters and some members, and Greek organizations nationally should certainly continue to focus their efforts to prevent things such as hazing, sexual assaults and binge drinking.

It will be important, though, to think carefully about the elements of “fraternity” that are most likely to be linked to these improved long-term outcomes—and for these organizations to continue to provide those positive experiences for their members and broader campus communities.

INTRODUCTION For years, the value of a college degree has been determined not by the most important outcomes of a college education, but by the easiest outcomes to measure—namely, job and graduate school placement rates and alumni salaries (usually only from their first job out of college). While these metrics have some merit, they do not provide a holistic view of college graduates’ lives. These outcomes do not reflect the missions of higher education institutions, and they do not reflect the myriad reasons why students go to college.

Responding to the call for increased accountability among higher education institutions, Gallup and Purdue University focused their research efforts on outcomes that provide insight into the common and essential aspirations for college graduates, no matter what type of institution they attend.

Together, Gallup and Purdue created an index that examines the long-term success of graduates as they pursue a good job and a better life.

14 Pearls & Rubies

This index provides insight into the relationship between the college experience and whether college graduates have great jobs and great lives.

Additionally, Gallup partnered with the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) to research the relationship between membership in sororities and fraternities and those same college experiences.

FRATERNITY NEWS

FRATERNITY AND SORORITY MEMBERSHIP In partnership with the NIC and NPC, Gallup researchers identified similarities and differences between college graduates who were members of a fraternity or sorority and all other college graduates on key measurements of great jobs and great lives. Sixteen percent of all college graduates were members of a fraternity or sorority while attending their alma mater, providing researchers an opportunity to evaluate how sorority and fraternity members differ from all other college graduates on these metrics.

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT The majority (55 percent) of all fraternity and sorority members surveyed in the Gallup-Purdue Index study are employed full time by an employer. Overall, 43 percent of fraternity and sorority members who are employed full-time for an employer are engaged in the workplace, compared to 38 percent of all other college graduates. A smaller percentage of fraternity and sorority members are not engaged (46 percent vs. 50 percent), and nearly equal percentages of fraternity and sorority members and all other college graduates are actively disengaged (11 percent vs. 12 percent). Differences in engagement between fraternity and sorority members and all other college graduates are statistically significant when controlling for key demographic characteristics including gender, race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status as measured by first generation education status.

WELL-BEING Fraternity and sorority members are more likely than all other college graduates to be thriving in each of the five elements of well-being (purpose, social, financial, community and physical).

More fraternity and sorority members are thriving in purpose than in any other element of well-being. These fraternity and sorority members like what they do every day and get to learn or do something interesting on a daily basis, which is why the majority (59 percent) are thriving in this element of well-being.

More fraternity and sorority members are thriving in the element of social well-being than all other college graduates.

More than half (54 percent) of fraternity and sorority members have strong relationships with friends and family that lead them to be thriving in the area of social well-being, compared to less than half of all other college graduates (48 percent).

Similarly, fraternity and sorority members are more likely to be thriving in the element of financial well-being than all other college graduates (46 percent vs. 42 percent).

Fraternity and sorority members are also more likely to be thriving in community well-being than all other college graduates (52 percent vs. 46 percent). Exposure to volunteer opportunities via the Greek network may contribute to the differences identified in community well-being for fraternity and sorority members and all other college graduates.

Although fraternity and sorority members are more likely to be thriving in the element of physical well-being than all other continued on page 16...

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT INDEX

ELEMENTS OF WELL-BEING

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FRATERNITY NEWS continued from page 15... college graduates (37 percent vs. 34 percent), fewer fraternity and sorority members are thriving in physical well-being than in any other element.

Additionally, fewer fraternity and sorority members are thriving in none of the elements than are their non-fraternity and non-sorority peers (13 percent vs. 18 percent).

Differences in well-being between fraternity and sorority members and all other college graduates are statistically significant when controlling for key demographic characteristics including gender, race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status as measured by first generation education status.

KEY EXPERIENCES Emotional Support More fraternity and sorority members strongly agree that they had professors who cared about them as a person, one who made them excited about learning, and had a mentor who encouraged them to pursue their dreams, than all other college graduates (16 percent vs. 13 percent).

Although fraternity and sorority members and other college graduates nearly tie on the percentage that strongly agree their professors cared about them as a person, more fraternity and sorority members say they had at least one professor who made them excited about learning (66 percent vs. 63 percent) and had a mentor who encouraged their goals and dreams (25 percent vs. 21 percent).

When controlling for key demographics characteristics including gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status as measured by first generation education status, only differences between the percentages that report they had a mentor who encouraged their goals and dreams remain.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

extra-curricular activities and organizations (39 percent vs. 16 percent). Extreme involvement indicates that these fraternity and sorority members took advantage of extracurricular activities and organizations beyond their fraternity or sorority.

EXPERIENTIAL AND DEEP LEARNING

ADDITIONAL RESULTS Alumni Attachment Alumni who were members of a fraternity or sorority exhibit higher emotional attachment to their alma mater, meaning that they strongly agree that their college or university was the perfect school for them and they can’t imagine a world without it. Twenty-two percent of fraternity and sorority members are emotionally attached to their alma mater, compared with 17 percent of all other college graduates.

Student Loans More fraternity and sorority members took out no student loans to pay for their undergraduate education than all other college graduates (58 percent vs. 51 percent). The higher student loan burden associated with all other college graduates may contribute to differences in financial well-being between these two groups.

Entrepreneurship More fraternity and sorority members report that they have started a business than all other college graduates (28 percent vs. 23 percent). Again, differences in loan burden may be associated with differences in overall entrepreneurship rates between these two groups, as the Gallup-Purdue Index revealed college graduates with higher amounts of student loans were less likely to have started a business.

Experiential and Deep Learning More fraternity and sorority members strongly agree that they had a long-term project that took a semester or more to complete, that they had an internship or job where they applied what they were learning and that they were extremely involved in extracurricular activities and organizations, than other college graduates (11 percent vs. 5 percent).

Although fraternity and sorority members and other college graduates nearly tie on the percentage that strongly agree that they had a long-term project that took a semester or more to complete, and that they had an internship or job where they applied what they were learning, more fraternity and sorority members strongly agree that they were extremely involved in

16 Pearls & Rubies

Prepared for Life After College More fraternity and sorority members (37 percent) strongly agree that their institution prepared them for life after college than all other college graduates (27 percent).

Methodology Results are based on web surveys conducted Feb. 4-March 7, 2014, with a random sample of 29,560 respondents with a bachelor’s degree or higher, aged 18 and older, with Internet access, living in all 50 U.S. states and D.C., including 5,137 fraternity and sorority members. For complete results, visit: http://products.gallup.com/168857/gallup-purdue-index-inaugural-national-report.aspx.

FRATERNITY NEWS

Gallup Research Provides 10 Discoveries About U.S. College Grads

by Sean Seymour and Alyssa Brown, Gallup Gallup collaborated with Purdue University and the Lumina Foundation to conduct a nationally representative study of U.S. college graduates with internet access. Based on interviews with nearly 30,000 graduates in early 2014, the Gallup-Purdue Index measured the degree to which graduates have “great jobs,” through their engagement at work and if they are leading “great lives” by thriving in their overall well-being.

The landmark study’s initial findings were released in 2014 in the GallupPurdue Index Inaugural National Report and Gallup continues to publish additional discoveries from the research, including 10 of the most important findings about college graduates today: 1. College rankings not linked to graduates’ well-being and engagement at work: As many graduates from the Top 100 U.S. News & World Report schools are engaged in their work and are thriving in all elements of wellbeing as graduates from other institutions.

2. Key outcomes do not differ for private vs. public college graduates: Graduates of public versus not-for-profit private colleges do not differ in terms of employee engagement or wellbeing, but there are substantial differences between graduates of for-profit institutions and the rest.

Graduates of for-profit institutions experience lower levels of employee engagement and well-being.

3. Student debt linked to worse health and less wealth: An analysis of Americans who graduated college since 1990 shows that graduates who took on $50,000 or more in student loan debt, are less likely than their fellow graduates who did not borrow for college to be thriving in four of five elements of well-being: purpose, financial, community and physical.

4. Useful internships improve grads’ chances of full-time work: Work and internship opportunities in college that allow students to apply what they learn improve the chances that college graduates will land work after college.

Seventy-one percent of the most recent graduates who strongly agreed they had these types of jobs or internship opportunities as undergrads are working full time now for an employer, compared with 56 percent of those who strongly disagreed.

5. Black college grads are more likely to graduate with debt: Half of 2000-14 black college graduates in the U.S. report graduating with more than $25,000 in student loan debt. By comparison, 34 percent of recent white graduates report similar levels of debt, revealing a large borrowing gap between the races.

6. Graduating college later in life doesn’t hamper income: Despite delaying their college education, nontraditional college graduates— defined as those who earn their degree at age 25 or older—have personal incomes later in life that are similar to those of traditional graduates, or those who earn their degree before age 25.

7. Fraternity and sorority membership linked to higher well-being for college grads: The 16 percent of college graduates who were members of sorority or fraternities are more likely to be “thriving” in their well-being and engaged at work than college graduates who were not members of these organizations.

8. U.S. business majors are least likely to get support in college: With about half (51%) of business majors saying they had a college professor who made them excited about learning, business students are the least likely of all college majors to report having a motivating professor. Seven in 10 arts and humanities majors say they had such a professor, and strong majorities of social sciences/education graduates (66%) and sciences/engineering graduates (58%) say they had this important experience.

9. Emotionally attached alumni have higher well-being: Twenty-nine percent of graduates who are attached to their alma mater are thriving in well-being, versus four percent who are actively unattached to their colleges.

10. SEC alumni feel stronger school ties than other grads: Nearly three in 10 graduates of Southeastern Conference (SEC) universities still feel a strong emotional connection to their alma maters. In fact, alumni attachment among graduates of the 14 universities currently in the SEC is nearly twice as high as that of graduates of other fouryear colleges and universities nationwide (18%).

Gallup is currently conducting interviews for the second iteration of the Gallup-Purdue Index. These additional data will provide higher education leaders with even more powerful insights to drive meaningful improvements in performance.

Author’s Note Sean Seymour is an associate consultant at Gallup. Alyssa Brown is deputy editor of Gallup.com.

Articles printed with permission.

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Laura’s Legacy The establishment of the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry by a FarmHouse family and the story of two lives, too short, but fully lived, so that others may live more fully.

by Chad Harris (IA ’98)

“

I

f we had to do it all over again, we would.” Such is the conviction of Sherry Graves (pictured on the cover), wife of the late Robert (Bob) Graves, DVM (CO ’53), as she sits in her living room on a sunny early summer day, in Fort Collins, Colo.

“It wasn’t easy, but the benefits and break through in research from Laura’s treatment and Bob’s efforts are remarkable. They continue to give life to so many.”

Indeed the story of Laura Graves as a young leukemia patient in the 1970s is not an easy one to hear or for Sherry to always share, but it is mightily important. Thus the reason for her phone call to FarmHouse Headquarters in 2014 following an article in Pearls & Rubies announcing the Fraternity’s national philanthropic and service partnerships with the LeukemiaLymphoma Society (LLS) and Be the Match: The National Bone Marrow Donor Registry.

“I was hesitant to call at first,” Sherry reflects. “But I think so highly of FarmHouse, I felt the members and the young men needed to know the FarmHouse-connection to the founding of the bone marrow donor registry.”

Such founding occurred in the basement of the Graves’ home. This is the story of the origins of Be the Match and of a FarmHouse man determined to find a way to save his daughter’s life.

Early Beginnings of Hard Work This portrait of Bob Graves (CO ’53) and his daughter, Laura, hangs in the headquarters of Be the Match: The National Bone Marrow Donor Registry in St. Paul, Minn., as a lasting memorial and tribute to the Graves family.

18 Pearls & Rubies

“Bob Graves was perhaps the last frontier man of the Old West,” says Sherry. “He was a character with a dry sense of humor. Rugged, stubborn, blunt and never-ending in his driven work ethic,” she continues. Born in the

LAURA’S LEGACY

Depression-era, he was the fourth generation of a dairy and ranching family in northern Colorado. Bob worked hard on the family’s farm and the dairy store they owned and operated in Bellvue, just outside of Fort Collins.

As many FarmHouse men may attest, dairymen work tireless hours. The demands of a dairy dictate not venturing far from a milking operation for long and time away from home is infrequent and vacations are a rarity. While education was important, it was second to hard work, thus convincing his parents to let him attend college was a tall task for Bob Graves.

“Bob was always politicking for some cause,” says Sherry.

“His first successful effort was perhaps lobbying his parents to allow him to attend Colorado State.

They agreed so long as he promised to still help on the farm.” He did so, excelled as a student and joined the local chapter of FarmHouse Fraternity, initiating in 1953.

He was admitted early to the School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1956.

He became a brand inspector for the State Veterinarian of Wyoming, but soon his parents inquired about his interest in returning to join the family dairy business. Bob agreed on one condition, he was to be in charge. His parents, at first reluctant, agreed and at the age of 27, he assumed control of the family dairy operations.

As his parents began to travel, for the first time in their lives, he began to grow the dairy. Every small tract of land or farm that came up for sale, he would

buy. Soon a neighbor jokingly asked, “What are you trying to do—buy to the Wyoming state line?” Bob answered bluntly, “Yes.” Under his management the multigeneration dairy grew from a modest family operation, to become one of the largest dairy operations in the state and in the West, encompassing over 20,000 acres. Graves was persistent in overcoming challenges when faced with obstacles—even at a young age.

When financial lending became tight in the early 1960s from local banks, Graves convinced six other local businessmen, a farmer, a dentist and a mill owner to join him in starting a new bank. He became its first secretary.

Clearly just running a large dairy and farming operation wasn’t enough to keep him occupied. He was driven to do more.

Bob was always viewed as being a forerunner, a big picture thinker and a determined individual.

And he was viewed by many of his friends in Fort Collins as a confirmed bachelor and would likely never marry.

That is until he met Sherry Girmann.

Born in Nebraska and raised in Fort Collins, Sherry Girmann also attended Colorado State and graduated with a degree in education in 1957. She began teaching elementary school, but dreamed of traveling and working overseas.

She researched opportunities and learned about teaching the children of U.S. military personnel stationed overseas. As it happened, a recruiter was coming through the area to interview and hire teachers for a limited number of positions. Sherry secured an interview

“It wasn’t easy, but the benefits and break through in research from Laura’s treatment and Bob’s efforts are remarkable.

They continue to give life to so many.”—Sherry Graves

and to her surprise was hired. Sherry recalls, “I told them ‘I’ll go anywhere’ and they must have believed me, as they came back with two options—Morocco or Iceland.”

“I chose Morocco! It was perhaps the greatest year of my life,” she recalls with a smile. Arriving in Morocco at the age of 23, not knowing anyone, she quickly befriended a fellow teacher named Elaine, from Hays, Kan., who, upon arrival in the country, purchased a brand new Volkswagen bug.

“Every weekend, as soon as the bell rang, Elaine and I were off on another adventure. You can imagine the surprise to so many local Moroccans when two young American females came rambling into their small villages to explore, greet them and take in the local culture.”

Building a Family Together

After two years abroad, Sherry decided to return to Fort Collins, and begin her teaching career at home. The following summer in 1962, she met Bob Graves at the Summer Days Festival as he worked the creamery stand.

Sherry laughs recalling, “I had heard of Bob Graves and knew his reputation of having three dates with a girl, then not calling again.” The day after they met, he called and asked for a date.

Two more followed. And then true to his reputation, he didn’t call again.

However, the following spring in 1963, Graves surprised Sherry when he called saying he needed a date to a dance. Sherry declined as she was dating Bob’s own FH brother Bob Longenbaugh (CO ’54). Finding this out, Graves said he’d ask Longenbaugh if it was okay for her to be his date to the dance.

She chuckles, “Bob Longenbaugh wasn’t too happy about it, but he agreed, joking that Bob [Graves] must have forgotten he’d already been on three dates with me!”

This time, however, three dates turned into many, and they were married in continued on page 20...

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LAURA’S LEGACY

continued from page 19...

December 1963.

Over the course of the next decade as farming and business operations grew, so did their family. They were blessed with four children, Rob, Laura, Sara and Christine, and were active in their community in 4-H, band, sports, church, Boy and Girl Scouts—the typical, busy family.

Such happiness and normalcy began to change however in the mid-1970s.

Laura, who had always been healthy as an infant and full of energy, developed a severe case of the chicken pox, which was followed by bronchitis, other severe colds and illnesses.

In the spring of 1976, at the age of 10, one morning getting dressed for school, Laura couldn’t raise her arms above her head. Fatigue and a lack of energy followed.

By the end of the summer, Sherry noticed swollen lumps behind Laura’s ears and thought she might have a case of mono. Seeing their local doctor the next day, they were referred to Children’s Hospital in Denver for more tests.

Here the Graves family received the devastating diagnosis news: Laura had leukemia.

Devastating News

On August 15, 1976, just days after

20 Pearls & Rubies

her diagnosis, the effort to combat the leukemia began as Laura underwent the start of what would be two years of high doses of chemotherapy.

“Although it was hard on her young body, in just a few weeks, we began to see the chemo working,” recalls Sherry.

A month later she was in early stages of remission and was able to return to school in the fall. “The early success gave us much hope,” says Sherry.

“Laura was so strong that fall in returning to school, even with the radiation sickness, the side effects of drugs with a swollen face and hands, the loss of her hair. That was the hardest part for her—losing her hair.”

“Kids can be cruel sometimes and they didn’t understand what was happening to Laura,” Sherry adds.

“We saw an opportunity to help educate her classmates on this serious matter, so nurses went to the school and talked about cancer, which had not been done before.”

She continues, “Back then you didn’t know children who had cancer and didn’t talk about it. I’m glad we’ve come a long way since then. I don’t think children going through treatment today have to experience the teasing and taunts as much as Laura did. We’re more aware.”

Just three months before her two years

of chemotherapy treatments were to end in the fall of 1978, Laura received bad news—a bone marrow test revealed suspicious cells. The leukemia was back.

“The relapse was even more devastating than the initial diagnosis,” Sherry says. Adding to their concern was news from doctors that no patient had ever survived leukemia after a relapse.

“At that moment I learned that one cannot live without hope,” Sherry reflects. “I decided that just because the doctors said no one had survived a relapse, didn’t mean that no one ever will. Bob was equally convinced we needed to explore more and new options for treatment.”

Their local pediatrician, Dr. Richard Booth, along with doctors at Children’s Hospital, gave them three options: to do nothing; to try new experimental drugs; or to consider a bone marrow transplant.

The family decided to try the new drugs, but the impact of the high doses of chemotherapy on Laura’s young body had been severe and they couldn’t bear to see her experience that again.

New Treatment, New Hope

In the late 1970s only siblings of cancer patients were considered to be potential donors for a bone marrow transplant. Laura’s three siblings were

LAURA’S LEGACY human leukocyte antigen (HLA) tested.

The results came back with no match. It was January 1979 and the Graves family began to think time was running out.

There seemed to be no treatment options left.

One morning a few months later, Bob read a story in the newspaper about the pioneering bone marrow research of Dr. Donnall Thomas and Dr. John Hansen, at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC) in Seattle.

A bone marrow transplant had been conducted using a parent as a donor match for the first time. Determined to find a treatment for Laura, Bob contacted the researchers and offered to come to FHCRC for he and Sherry to be tested. They flew to Seattle to be tested and Laura’s siblings retested.

Unfortunately, again, no match, and the family felt time with Laura was running out.

That spring, while still in Seattle, Dr. Hansen approached Bob in the hospital hallway and informed him that Laura had a very common HLA type. Dr. Hansen shared that for the last seven years, he and Dr. Thomas contemplated matching a non-relative donor for a bone marrow transplant, but it had never been done.

Dr. Hansen asked Bob if they found a donor match for Laura, would they consider such a transplant. Bob said yes, but not to mention it to Sherry.

“I’m a worry wart,” Sherry says. “I think Bob thought I had enough on my mind and didn’t want to give me false hope.”

In July, the call came from Drs. Thomas and Hansen, “We have a match.”

For two weeks Bob and Sherry wrestled with the difficult decision whether or not to proceed with this first-of-its-kind treatment. What might happen to Laura? They consulted with medical experts locally, at leading research universities and on both coasts.

“I remember talking with one bonemarrow specialist at UCLA and telling him about our difficult decision. His response was ‘Oh my, what an interesting experiment!’ That didn’t go over well with me! He was talking about our 10-year old daughter!”

Sherry continues, “It sounds a bit over the top now, but we didn’t want to create a monster or have her experience some kind of terrible death with this new treatment. But those were real concerns of ours and no one had real answers.”

When they asked about success rate, the most optimistic estimates were 8-10 percent, but also unknown. Sherry recalls, “We decided that we had to give Laura a chance, even if it was a small one. We couldn’t say no, as that gave us no future. Saying yes gave us some hope and some small chance at her future. We said yes.”

On September 4, 1979, Laura Graves made medical history, when, under the care of Dr. Thomas and Dr. Hansen, she received the first-ever, non-related bone marrow transplant at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, three years after her initial leukemia diagnosis. Her donor was a 26-year old female lab technician who worked at Swedish Hospital across the street.

Immediately after the transplant, Laura was placed in a bubble—a laminar air-flow (laf) room—to protect her from

all outside elements and to give her every chance of survival. Sherry stayed in Seattle, while Bob returned home to Fort Collins to run the dairy and provide some sense of assurance for Laura’s siblings. Most patients are in a laf-room for 30 to 40 days, but doctors requested that Laura remain in the bubble for 100 days. Eventually they agreed to 90 days, with another 20 days of transition care in Seattle.

“How Laura hated that room,” Sherry laments, “but she wanted to do everything just right to improve her chances for living.” She continues, “The doctors were good at being as accommodating as possible and Bob too took so many steps to make Laura feel like herself and to keep her spirits up.

He flew the family out twice and her teacher to help her with her school work.

School was so important to Laura and she wanted to keep up. We even put books and get well cards from her class through radiation, so she could see them up close and continue in her school work as best as possible.”

Another special person came to visit Laura, her bone marrow donor, Francie.

“Shortly after the transplant, the medical staff asked if we wanted to meet her. We did, but had been waiting for her to ask us,” Sherry recalls.

“It was a very special meeting, which took place within a week after the transplant. So much was unknown as to what might occur following the treatment that we joked perhaps Laura would now have long curly hair, like Francie. Being so close, Francie made a continued on page 22...

Page 20: Graves on his ranch outside of Fort Collins, Colo., shortly after the formal establishment of the National Bone Marrow Donor Program in 1987. Left: Medical history was made at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Wash., on Sept. 4, 1979, when Laura Graves, daughter of Bob (CO ’53) and Sherry Graves, became the first cancer patient to receive a bone marrow transplant from a non-related donor.

Right: Dr. Donnall Thomas was the world’s leading medical researcher in bone marrow transplantation. He and Dr. John Hansen, led the team that conducted the bone marrow transplant for Laura.

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LAURA’S LEGACY continued from page 21... few visits that fall and we really enjoyed getting to know her.”

On December 16, 1979, Sherry’s birthday, Laura and Sherry finally came home to Fort Collins. They enjoyed Christmas as a family and in January 1980, Bob took the family to Disneyland and invited Francie to join them as well.

During this trip, Bob realized that just as Laura had great support, Francie, as a donor, needed support too, as the transplant procedure had a physical and emotional toll on her as well. In March Laura returned to school full-time and completed the sixth grade that year with straight As.

The Need to Help Others

Following the successful transplant, the phone calls began to the Graves’ home. Parents were desperate to learn how the treatment worked and how to find a donor.

“After a long day working at the dairy, Bob would come home, eat a quick dinner and then retire to the basement and spend all night returning phone calls,” Sherry shares.

“He threw his energy into helping others find a match.

At the time 60 percent of patients needing a transplant didn’t have a family member match. Bob saw a need and knew he needed to help.”

Bob, buoyed by the early success of Laura’s transplant, began contacting blood banks across the country that were tracking HLA types. Bob became frustrated at the limits of his own network and the limited amount of time he had to help others.

Time was of the essence in these cases and he could see the need for some type of national network to track donors in a central manner, so as to quickly respond to patient needs. When he did succeed in finding a donor match, by the time he contacted the anxious parents again, the patient was dead.

In September 1980, Laura entered junior high, but the leukemia returned in October. This time drug treatment was used and helped her enter her third remission. Soon after, her health began

22 Pearls & Rubies

to severely decline.

Always a man of action, Bob convened a meeting of leading scientists, doctors, blood bank staff, patients and donors for a meeting to discuss the need for a donor registry in Denver in March 1981. Laura attended, as did Francie and Dr. Hansen from Seattle.

The outcome of the meeting was the establishment of the Laura Graves National Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation—an organization committed to finding bone marrow donors for transplantation treatments and supporting marrow donors.

As Laura’s health continued to decline, Bob and Sherry sought more treatment options. They traveled with Laura to London in July 1981 to meet with doctors of the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Registry to learn about efforts to track and collect donor information in England. Additionally, the Graves family asked about a possible second bone marrow transplant for Laura. It was deemed too risky. Her body could not handle a second high dose of radiation.

On the flight home from London on

July 18, Laura bumped her nose causing it to bleed. Because of her low platelet count, they could not stop the bleeding.

Contemplating an emergency landing on the East Coast, they continued on to Denver, where an ambulance awaited to rush her to Children’s Hospital. She was stabilized with a platelet transfusion, which would continue every three days.

Laura returned home. Her pain was aided by oxygen and morphine, and the love of her family. On August 15, 1981, as she lay in her parent’s bed listening to her mother read a story Laura commented, “Nothing’s working, mom.

Let’s try some chicken soup.” Encouraged by her appetite, Sherry kissed her daughter and went downstairs to make some soup.

Laura died a short time later— peacefully, at home, five years to the day from when she started her first cancer treatment.

“The transplant she received gave her an extra year and a half of her life,” Sherry says. “We never regretted the decision to go for it.”

The Registry Crusade

Following Laura’s death, Sherry turned all her energy and attention to her other children. “Laura’s constant care and treatment and ultimate passing was difficult on them and they needed me and I needed them,” Sherry recalls.

“Meanwhile, Bob’s efforts to advocate for the national registry increased ten fold,” she adds.

With the help of Dr. Thomas, Dr. Hansen and Dr. Jeffrey McCullough, the director of the St. Paul (Minn.) Red Cross Blood Center, they collaborated on a draft proposal for a central registry.

Long involved with local politics in Larimer County, Bob put his political prowess and his ability to lobby to work in a new way—in his crusade to public officials for funding to establish a national registry.

His long-time friendship with Colorado Congressman Bob Schaeffer, led to other meetings with elected officials who were willing to listen.

Senator Paul Laxalt of Nevada, became an ardent supporter.

As did Alaska Congressman Don Young, whose wife was diagnosed with leukemia and would later die from the disease. An unlikely advocate and ultimate friend was Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts.

“Our politics did not agree with Ted Kennedy’s,” Sherry laughs, “but Bob was willing to talk to anyone who would listen. Senator Kennedy became a strong supporter and we enjoyed getting to know him over the course of many meetings in Washington.”

The military also supported the effort.

Fearful of the fallout effects of possible nuclear war in the continuing Cold War of the 1980s, radiation and cancer treatments were of vital national security importance. Former Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, joined Graves’ lobbying effort, as his son was diagnosed with lymphoma in 1983.

After eight years of hard work, the National Marrow Donor Program

LAURA’S LEGACY (NMDP), became a reality in 1987, when it received federal funding for a collaborative contract between the U.S. Office of Naval Research, the St. Paul American Red Cross Blood Center and the Council of Community Blood Centers.

Bob served as the first chairman, with Admiral Zumwalt, also serving on the inaugural board of directors. The collaborative effort immediately brought 2.8 million ready donor records together when NMDP launched in 1987.

Sherry comments, “Bob became really frustrated one time when he heard about a wealthy family who had been able to ‘buy their way’ to the front of the donor line for a family member in need of a transplant. In addition to the benefits the establishment of the Registry brought to centralizing donors, he was very proud of the fact that it would treat all patients equally and fairly.”

Once the Registry was established, the work was not done for Bob. He traveled to Europe, China and Russia to share the story of how these regions and countries too could establish a network. Russia was in great need of donors to combat cancer following the Chernobyl disaster.

As he traveled, he remarked, “People found it impossible to believe that anybody would go under general anesthesia and have some of their marrow removed to help a total stranger.

That seemed like such a remote possibility. No, Laura didn’t survive, but we proved that a marrow transplant with an unrelated person is feasible. And now, hundreds of people are surviving. The program has been tremendously successful. People are giving other people a chance at life, and there’s no gift more precious than that.”

The decades-long research on bone marrow transplantation of Dr. Donnall Thomas was recognized in 1990 when he received the Noble Prize for Medicine.

Sherry recalls, “It was a great surprise and humbling honor when Dr. Thomas called and asked Bob and me to be a part of his delegation and join him in-person when he received his Noble Prize in Stockholm, Sweden. It was an unforgettable experience and special to think that Laura was a part of his break-through research. Laura would be so proud.”

Ready for another challenge, following

Sherry Graves (fifth from left), pictured with her children, Rob, Sarah and Christine, their spouses, and her grandchildren, outside her home in Fort Collins, Colo. in 2009.

the establishment of NMDP and its secured funding for long-term future success, Bob turned his attention back to his agriculture roots and the disease in livestock and animals.

He was lobbying and working to secure funding for the creation of the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Foundation, to support research for the elimination of chronic wasting disease, “mad cow” disease in livestock and CreutzfeldtJakob disease in people, when he died on February 13, 1997, of cardiac arrest, while on the phone at the dining room table. He was 63.

Sherry recalls, “That last day was just as he wanted it to be. He helped birth calves and made a trip to Denver to lobby the legislature in the morning. He ate lunch with our daughter, Chrissie, at his favorite local café. And he died at home with a phone to his ear, politicking for his next big project.”

Laura’s Legacy Today

The National Marrow Donor Program has evolved to become Be the Match: The National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Be the Match supports marrow transplantation needs through transplants, patient support, research/ education and engaging the public to act.

Since its founding in 1987, Be the Match efforts resulted in 61,000 transplants, with 6,300 transplants in 2014 alone. Over 250 research studies

are supported annually related to cancer research. Assistance was provided to 1,800 patients in need of treatment, totaling $3.2 million in financial support last year.

And most importantly, in 2014 540,000 new potential donors were added to the Registry, of which 44 percent were racially and ethnically diverse. What started as a select, disconnected, few donors, in files in the Graves family basement, today is a Registry of over 11 million donors in the United States and 22.5 million potential donors worldwide.

“It is remarkable to think that Bob’s work from Laura’s illness has grown to this level,” Sherry says. “Her life was cut short. He too died too soon. But collectively they’ve given life to so many.

That is a wonderful legacy.”

It is indeed remarkable. When asked by someone what he did, Bob’s first response was often, “I’m a farmer.”

That deeply rooted connection to agriculture was also reflected in his remarks at the time of the establishment of the Registry, when Graves said, “Creating this has been like planting a crop. After all the work to get it going, it is now time for the harvest.”

The bounty of Bob Graves’ crop is achieved every time a new volunteer registers as a donor. Every time a life is saved by a marrow transplant, his vision is confirmed and the yield of his harvest increases. And the legacy of Laura Graves lives on.

SUMMER 2015

23

FOUNDATION NEWS

Thank You for Your Record-Breaking Support A message from Foundation Chairman, Jim Tobin (IA ’76) What a year! Our Fraternity membership grew to nearly 1,700 undergraduate members, and we received gifts from 2,132 donors totaling over $6.2 million, Jim Tobin (IA ‘76) providing a real vote of confidence in the leadership development underway at FarmHouse.

Here are some of the year’s highlights: • Live. Learn. Lead.—The Campaign for FarmHouse pledges and contributions reached $15.9 million, well on the way to reaching our $20 million goal.

• The third year of our Chairman’s Club, recognizing Annual Fund support at the $700 level and above, grew to 90 members.

• Our newest recognition level,

•

• •

•

•

The Order of the Crest, for cumulative lifetime giving of $250,000 or more, now has 12 members with room for more.

The Foundation made grants totaling over $696,000 to fund leadership training, the educational portion of chapter housing, scholarships, computer labs, program services and general Fraternity support.

Our endowment funds earned a return of 6.62%, even in a low interest rate environment.

We spent 4.7 cents on fundraising for each dollar raised, an impressive and award-winning accomplishment by our talented Foundation team.

Our asset base grew over 47 percent to $17.2 million with the help of a number of chapter building campaigns and the strong results of Live. Learn. Lead.—The Campaign for FarmHouse.

The Chapter Housing Loan Program made its first two loans

to the South Dakota State and North Dakota State FarmHouse Associations. We expect this program to help many more chapters and allow us to invest our fixed funds in a way that adds value at the chapter level. Thanks to our loan committee for terrific leadership in this area.

I want to thank my fellow Trustees for their dedication, creativity and generous sharing of time, talent and treasure to help guide our endeavors.

We are also blessed to have a terrific staff, led by Allison Rickels, who work as a team to make all of this possible.

Finally and most importantly, thanks to each of you for your support and investment in the future of FarmHouse and all our outstanding members.

Fraternally,

Jim Tobin (IA ’76), Chairman Foundation Board of Trustees Monsanto, retired Vice President

Visit the 2014-15 Annual Report Online “The immense generosity that you and your husband have displayed will relieve some of the financial stress of college and allow me to focus more on my schooling and making a positive impact on FarmHouse. Wherever life takes me, I can only hope to leave a legacy of charity and good-heartedness as you have done. I hope you truly understand the blessing I feel because of your generosity.”

— Colin Dolan (MO ’15)

“Your support will truly be a blessing to me in my continued education and time in FarmHouse.”

— Brady Timmons (OK ’14) “The knowledge I will gain from participating in this travel course cannot be found in any textbook. It is an honor for me to receive a scholarship to help financially support my trip!”

— Brenton Rossman (IA ’14)

“This conference really showed me the importance of my role as a leader in my chapter. It made me realize how large FarmHouse is and how important it is in my life. I plan to spend the rest of my college years helping to improve this great organization as a result.”

FarmHouse.org/Foundation Learn more about how your record-breaking support impacted Colin, Jake, Brady, Brenton and 1,660 of your undergraduate brothers last fiscal year. Visit the Annual Report website today!

— Jake Chapman (SIU ’15)

FarmHouse.org/Foundation 24 Pearls & Rubies

FARMHOUSE FOUNDATION FY 14-15 HIGHLIGHTS

933

2,132

FH Alumni who gave FY 14-15

3,575

donors including undergraduates, alumni, parents and friends

NIC Fraternity average

% of Fraternity membership donating to the Foundation

total gifts to the Foundation

undergraduates

donated a record-breaking

$11,090 to the Ruby Society

TOTAL ASSETS

RECORD-BREAKING

TOTAL GRANTS TO

END OF FY 2014-15

GIVEN IN FY 2014-15

THE FRATERNITY

$17,222,327

$6,230,225

$696,248

176 GRANTS

$183,225

was granted to the International Fraternity and to individual chapters for leadership programs.

$327,454

was administered for the educational portion of new or renovated chapter houses on eight campuses. Additionally, over $4.7 million will be saved for future grants for projects at 16 chapters.

$3,984

An investment of $0.047 in total fundraising expenses resulted in a $1.00 return.

6.62%

The Foundation’s endowment fund return on investment.

in scholarships awarded to 77 undergraduates.

$65,789

was distributed to the chapter’s foundation councils for their specific educational uses and needs through the Annual Fund’s re-contribution program.

$0.047

$57,727

for the Foundation staff to administer the educational grants in support of the International Fraternity, chapters and associations.

14

Gifts of Grain received for various funds last year.

The Foundation received the largest estate gift in its history from John Riley (KS ’79) to support the Kansas State and Tennessee chapters and the Annual Fund.

$10,743

in grants were made to five chapters and associations for in-house computers and technology.

$44,327

supported the operations of the International Office, membership database, online communications to all members and Pearls & Rubies.

9

new endowments were established by donors.

11

individuals joined the 100 Legacies in the Making Campaign last fiscal year.

SUMMER 2015

25

Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders Today For FarmHouse International Fraternity to continue to be Builders of Men for the next 100 years, the FarmHouse Foundation Board of Trustees have determined to take on the largest and most ambitious fund-raising project in the history of the Fraternity: a $20 million comprehensive campaign, Live. Learn.

Lead.—The Campaign for FarmHouse. The Campaign is about taking FarmHouse to the next level, realizing our potential and changing the lives of hundreds of FarmHouse men today and tomorrow. You make it possible.

Live.

The Campaign for FarmHouse will deliver…

• competitive and safe living/learning chapter housing; • dedicated study, library and instructional areas equipped with up-to-date technology; • computer networking and internet wiring in chapter houses; • vital fire safety equipment for educational areas; • support for annual operating expenses attributed to educational areas in FarmHouse chapter houses; and, • mortgage loans for FarmHouse chapter housing.

Gift Scale of Live. Learn. Lead.

Number of Donors

Total

$1,000,000

1

$1,000,000

$750,000

2

$750,000

Amount

$500,000

3

$500,000

$250,000

10

$2,500,000

$100,000

30

$3,000,000

$50,000

50

$2,500,000

The Campaign for FarmHouse will advance…

$25,000

75

$1,250,000

$10,000

150

$1,500,000

$5,000

250

$1,250,000

$2,500

700

$1,750,000

Up to $2,500

Many

$2,250,000

Learn.

• scholarships to foster academic excellence; • international awareness through study abroad opportunities and service immersion experiences; and, • chapter-based technology to further support academic achievement.

TOTAL

Lead.

The Campaign for FarmHouse will invest in…

• expanding resources for vital training for chapter officers at the annual FarmHouse Leadership Institute; • values-added leadership and personal development programs such as Regional Leadership Conferences, Emerging Talent Retreat, FH GROWS, Conclave and Power of 7 Seminar; • preparation for post-college through values-based initiatives; • coaching to over 500 FarmHouse volunteers across North America who serve as advisors and mentors; • support for alumni outreach with Pearls & Rubies, events, social media and other communication tools; • funding for emerging educational projects; and, • continued support of the International Office, staff and resources for programs not yet endowed.

Three Ways to Invest One need — to guarantee FarmHouse Fraternity continues to Build Men — three ways to give: • The Founders Annual Fund - $3 million goal • The Legacy Endowment Funds - $7 million goal • The Chapter Excellence Funds – $10 million goal

TOTAL IMPACT: $20 Million Goal 26 Pearls & Rubies

$20,000,000

How to Make Your Gift Cash and other gifts of current assets such as stock can be spread over five years. Appropriately documented planned gifts such as bequests, insurance policies, IRA’s, charitable remainder trusts and gift annuities can be a part of the Campaign. In fact, several donors have pledged a combination of current and estate gifts.

You may designate your gift to a variety of programs, including to directly benefit your own chapter.

The most effective gifts are unrestricted for use where the needs are the greatest. Gifts to either the Annual Fund or Endowment enable the Foundation to fund worthy programs reflective of the Fraternity’s priorities and goals and respond to unanticipated needs and future educational projects.

Regardless of the amount and fund designation, all gifts and pledges given to the FarmHouse Foundation are recognized as Campaign donations and help ensure a thriving future for FarmHouse.

If you have questions regarding the Campaign please contact Allison Rickels, CFRE, executive director, The FarmHouse Foundation, 7306 NW Tiffany Springs Pkwy, Suite 210, Kansas City, Mo. 64153; (800)722-1905; or Allison@FarmHouse.org.

LIVE. LEARN. LEAD. CAMPAIGN

FarmHouse Legacy Leads to Scholarship for Outstanding Leaders

by Brittney Houck, FarmHouse Foundation Communications & Development Intern FarmHouse is a family legacy for Doug (IL ’65) and Nancy Sims. Doug’s father, uncle and three cousins and Nancy’s brother and uncle are all members of FarmHouse, so involvement in FarmHouse was natural and is a passion for both of them.

“We have always tried to remain involved with FarmHouse alumni and undergraduates—and, no matter the event, we continue to be impressed with the product,” Doug said.

Doug is a product of FarmHouse himself. Growing up on a farm in western Illinois, Doug wanted to see more of the world. FarmHouse provided him with the opportunities to broaden his horizons.

“FarmHouse opened a lot of doors for me coming from a small rural community,” Doug recalls. “It gave me the opportunity to travel to India during college, and it was where I met some of my best friends, who I never would have met without FarmHouse.”

“Throughout my time, I was provided with many opportunities to be a leader as recruitment chair, secretary and member of the chapter’s executive committee. During this time, I learned what it takes for a group to work together.

Leaders must stand on their feet, clearly articulate their views and set an example to make an impact,” he added.

These leadership experiences provided the foundation for his successful career in the U.S. Farm Credit System. After 37 years in various roles, Doug retired as CEO of CoBank, a national cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America, in 2006.

During his time with CoBank, Doug executed 15 mergers and acquisitions and grew the bank from a $9 billion financial institution to a $34 billion internationally recognized cooperative bank. Doug credits his leadership experiences in FH to his ability to evaluate and mentor his employees throughout his career, finding many of them were also products of FarmHouse.

In fact, throughout his career, Doug

encountered FH brothers from chapters all across North America in various branches of the industry and saw firsthand the leadership and impact FarmHouse has on agriculture in the United States and globally.

He remains involved in FarmHouse.

They attend events such as Conclave and the Power of 7 Seminar. He also served as a Foundation Trustee for six years and previously was a part of the Foundation’s annual scholarship committee. He is currently a member of the Chapter Housing Loan Program Committee.

Doug’s continued involvement has been recognized by both the Fraternity and the Foundation. In 2006, he was honored with the Foundation’s Philanthropy Laureate Award and he was named a Master Builder in 2008.

When they were considering a commitment to Live. Learn. Lead.—The Campaign for FarmHouse, Doug and Nancy decided to invest in the impressive young men they continuously encountered at FH functions. They looked to one of Doug’s mentors, the late William May (OK ’38), for inspiration.

Doug and Bill knew each other through their work in the U.S. Farm Credit System, when Bill was President of the Federal Land Bank in Wichita, Kan. The Sims were impressed by the scholarship endowment Bill and his wife, Catherine, established in 1988 that provides five $1,000 scholarships each year to undergraduates from any chapter.

Taking into consideration the impact FarmHouse has made on Doug and how it shaped him into the leader he is today, they thought, “what a great thing to do for the next generation of FH men.”

In 2014, they created a scholarship endowment to recognize and reward outstanding leaders of FarmHouse who exemplify the Object and are considered to be “Builders of Men.” The “Doug and Nancy Sims Scholarship Endowment Fund” provides two annual undergraduate scholarships, the first of which will be awarded in the 2015-16 academic year.

Nancy & Doug (IL ’65) Sims

“The ideal candidate for this scholarship is a student not only in good academic standing, but also someone who is a well-rounded leader. If you look at the recipients of our 2015-16 scholarships, you will notice that these men are very active. They are not just strongly involved within their chapter, but also heavily involved on their campuses,” Doug said.

Having already sponsored scholarships for the Illinois Chapter, they decided to make their scholarship available to all chapters.

“We are firm believers in competition and believe that the best candidates should be awarded the scholarship, regardless of their chapter.”

As the newest member of the Order of the Crest, the Foundation’s highest giving society for accumulative gifts of $250,000 and more, and past FarmHouse Foundation Chairman, Doug believes that the most important work the Foundation does is to invest in Building the Leaders of Tomorrow.

He elaborated, “Today, society struggles for leadership. I am a firm believer that those from rural backgrounds can provide the necessary guidance that the world needs when they are developed by superior organizations like FarmHouse Fraternity.”

And, through this scholarship, he and Nancy are leaving a legacy that will ensure the next generation of young FarmHouse men will become the leaders our world needs.

SUMMER 2015

27

100 LEGACIES CAMPAIGN

Associate Member Leaves a Legacy

by Bob off (CO ’64), Foundation executive director emeritus I’ve always admired the wisdom of the Fraternity’s practice and policy of allowing the chapters to initiate worthy men John Riley (KS ’73) as associate members that didn’t become members as undergraduates for whatever reason.

Many, if not most, have become exemplary members, generously giving of their “time, pleasures and comforts” as chapter advisors, serving on association boards and on the International Executive Board.

One such man was John Riley (KS ’73). John passed away suddenly on Sept. 16, 2013, at the age of 66. He was professor of agricultural economics at the University of Tennessee (UT), working there since 1995, and serving four years as the dean of agriculture.

He became an advisor for the Tennessee Chapter shortly after coming to UT from Kansas State University, where he had been professor of ag economics and assistant director of resident instruction for the Ag College.

It was at Kansas State that John became involved with FarmHouse, and the chapter initiated him as an associate

member. He served a number of years as an advisor to the K-State Chapter and as mentor to many chapter members for over 20 years.

In 2011, John shared his estate plans with Allison Rickels, the FarmHouse Foundation’s executive director, and he became the second member to join the Foundation’s 100 Legacies In The Making Campaign.

In early June of last year, John’s estate was settled, and his bequest to the Foundation of close to a half million dollars became the largest estate gift the Foundation has received.

The major beneficiary was the Tennessee Chapter’s building fund, which has the potential to be a game changer for that chapter. The K-State Chapter’s building fund also received a generous amount, as did the Foundation’s Annual Fund.

We celebrate John’s devotion and service to the Fraternity, and we are grateful for his generosity. John’s example as an associate member is a reminder of the role FarmHouse has played in shaping and building each of us.

Further, it underscores the opportunity that alumni and friends of the Fraternity have, through the

100 Legacies In The Making Campaign, to assure that the Fraternity continues to Build Men in perpetuity.

Our goal is for 100 alumni to step up and make provision for a bequest or other planned gift of $10,000 or more, which the donor has not previously advised the Foundation Trustees about.

Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) is the Foundation’s threshold for named endowment funds that become a permanent part of the Foundation’s support for the Fraternity.

To date, 53 alumni have pledged over $3.6 million in estate gifts through the 100 Legacies Campaign, and we are working on more.

We haven’t reached our goal—yet! To do so, we ask you to consider John Riley’s example and how you might leave a legacy with FarmHouse. Many of us don’t have the opportunities that John had to directly advise and mentor our undergraduate brothers, but we can use our estate to support the Building of Men. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Allison Rickels, executive director, The FarmHouse Foundation, at Allison@ FarmHouse.org, (800) 722-1905, or me at Bob@FarmHouse.org, (505) 466-2523.

Our Legacies in the Making Donors (as of July 31, 2015) | † indicates deceased

Homer Barnett (MN ’40) † John Beckett (IA ’30) † Rick Berg (ND ’78) Frank Bezdicek (MN ’67) Brent Bible (PU ’93) Olin Branstetter (OK ’48) † Martin Clark (IA ’49) † Richard Clark (WY ’59) Tarry Edington (MI ’61) Ward Edwards (IL ’32) † Roy Frederick (NE ’63) Larry Hageman (OH ’78) James Herbert (TN ’61) Michael Holmberg (MN ’68)

28 Pearls & Rubies

Merle Hunt (IA ’42) † Terry Jaspers (SD ’74) Dale Kennen (MN ’60) Jay Koths (MI ’47) Chris Lembcke (CO ’67) Jerry Lindley (PU ’52) Steven Lonergan (IA ’85) Arthur Magnusson (MN ’37) † Patrick McAllister (SD ’79) John Moseman (NE ’40) † Orville Mowery (IL ’25) † G Richard Munson (KS ’73) Scott Nagel (MN ’85) Gene Nesbitt (CO ’60)

James Parochetti (IL ’59) Roland Peterson (MN ’77) Don Pettengill (MI ’58) Gene Pickler (NC ’54) Dallas & Brenda Powell Ken Pruitt (MO ’51) Gyles Randall (MN ’60) John Riley (KS ’79) † Russ Roberson (AU ’78) Louis Rosenau (ND ’68) Richard Ross (ID ’57) † James Rupp (CO ’82) Lawrence Schrader (KS ’60) Jeremy Settles (NM ’94)

Dean Sims (IL ’37) † Roger Sorenson (MN ’50) † Charles Stuber (NE ’49) Laurent Taylor (ID ‘62) W. Lee Tucker (KY ’51) † Vince Ulstad (ND ’78) Albert Vannice (MI ’63) Jerry Walker (NC ’96) † Pete Wenstrand (IA ’70) Thomas Wickersham (IA ’38) † Jim Wieland (ND ’72)

LIVE. LEARN. LEAD. CAMPAIGN

FarmHouse Parents Extend their Own Helping Hand in Memory of Son

by Brittney Houck, FarmHouse Foundation Communications & Development Intern For Dallas and Brenda Powell, FarmHouse is more than a place where their son, Paul, spent his undergraduate years. It is a group of men who supported their son and helped them through one of the hardest times of their lives.

Growing up in Colorado, Paul Powell (CO ’81) knew several men from his high school who joined FarmHouse at Colorado State University (CSU). It seemed like a good fit for him as well, so he joined FarmHouse in the fall of 1981.

Paul had always enjoyed livestock and raised Columbia/Hampshire cross sheep for show lambs during high school, which he sold to help pay for tuition.

During his time in FarmHouse, he remained interested in livestock and decided to apply to veterinarian school.

It was after his decision not to go to vet school after being accepted on the first try that his parents realized something might be amiss with Paul.

They became increasingly concerned and later realized he had symptoms of bipolar disorder.

He struggled with his mental illness, but was able to manage it with medication. After choosing not to go to vet school, he changed his major and graduated with undergraduate and master’s degrees in biology.

He then joined the Air Force as a captain and was very successful.

However, he once again began to struggle with his bipolar disorder and decided to leave the military.

He returned to CSU to continue his education and lived in a small cabin near campus that his parents owned. It was at this time Paul re-connected with

FarmHouse.

“He would ride his bike to the FarmHouse chapter for meals and conversation. The men were there for Paul when he needed people around him,” Dallas said.

However, his struggle with his mental illness continued and became more difficult. “In 2002, Paul made the tragic decision to stop his medications for his bipolar disorder and, shortly thereafter, took his own life,” Dallas recalled.

“After Paul’s death, the men of the Colorado State Chapter were a big help to our family. They initially assisted with the upkeep and remodel of Paul’s cabin.

And they have helped us keep it maintained ever since,” Dallas said.

He added, “This is something the chapter continues to do even though they are too young to have known Paul.”

This has made such an impact on the Powells that they wanted to show their appreciation of FarmHouse and repay the men for all the support they have given their family.

Since their son did not have a family of his own, Dallas and Brenda wanted to find a way to honor their son into the future. FarmHouse meant a great deal to Paul and it has come to mean a lot to them as well. To remember him, and make provisions for what would have been Paul’s portion of their estate, they established the “Paul Dallas Powell Memorial Endowment Fund” with the FarmHouse Foundation.

Reflecting on why they chose to donate, Dallas said, “We wanted to show our appreciation, and we are continuously impressed with the goals and objectives of the Fraternity, as well

as the Foundation’s mission to Build the Leaders of Tomorrow. We want to give the men of FarmHouse a hand up, not a hand out, by financially supporting them in meaningful ways.”

The purpose of the Paul Dallas Powell Memorial Endowment Fund is to provide funding for chapter housing, leadership training and/or academic scholarships for both the Colorado State and Texas Tech chapters where it is most needed. Colorado State was important in Paul’s life and Dallas has always had a strong bond with his alma mater, Texas Tech, so they felt it was appropriate to support both chapters.

“When I attended Texas Tech, the FarmHouse chapter had not been established yet. I worked at the University’s beef barn and was allowed to live there with eight other men for free. Looking back, this felt like my mini-FarmHouse during college,” Dallas said.

The Powells’ generous cash donations and estate commitment are part of the Foundation’s Live. Learn. Lead.—The Campaign for FarmHouse and the 100 Legacies in the Making Campaign.

The Powells’ aspiration for their endowment is to reward those who have made a commitment to their future, and they believe that the men of FarmHouse stand by this.

“We want to help those who have set goals for their future,” Dallas said.

The Powells feel assured that the men of FarmHouse will carry on Paul’s legacy, and that when someone reaches out a hand for help, the men of FarmHouse will be there, just like they have been for their family.

Lead.FarmHouse.org • Learn more about the Campaign • Track the Campaign’s progress • View the latest donor honor roll • Make your gift or pledge • And, much more.

SUMMER 2015

29

FOUNDATION DONORS

46 Alumni Join Top Honor Roll Clubs

Sonny Beck

Doug Sims

Roy Frederick

Ryan Downs

Clayton Yeutter

Roger Tremayne

Lloyd Bettis

Brent Bible

Kenneth Brashaber

Donald Buhl

Randy Crom

Corby Fichter, Jr.

Ralph Harrison

Maynard Hogberg

Terry Jaspers

Gary Roewe

The FarmHouse Foundation recently welcomed 46 new members into its highest giving societies.

Order of the Crest Accumulative gifts of $250,000 or more Sonny Beck (PU ’59) is president and general manager of Beck’s Superior Hybrids. He was named Master Builder in 2014. He and his wife, Glendia, live in Atlanta, Ind. Doug Sims (IL ’65) is retired CEO of CoBank. He is a past Foundation Trustee and Chairman of the Board. He received the Foundation’s Philanthropy Laureate Award in 2006 and was named a Master Builder in 2008. He and his wife, Nancy, live in Keystone, Colo.

Century Club Accumulative gifts of $100,000—$249,999 Roy Frederick (NE ’63) is a retired agricultural economics professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was named a Master Builder in 2002. He and his wife, Judi, live in Lincoln, Neb. Doane Club Accumulative gifts of $50,000—$99,999 Ryan Downs (NE ’88) is CEO of Proxibid, Inc. He is a past Chairman and former Trustee of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. He was named Philanthropy Laureate in 2014. Ryan and his wife, Valerie, live in Springfield, Neb. Corby Fichter III (IA ’78) is vice president of the Red Oak and Harlan,

30 Pearls & Rubies

Iowa offices of Farm Credit Services of America. His sons, Adam (IA ’12) and Austin (IA’ 12), are also members of FarmHouse. He and his wife, Jean, live in Shenandoah, Iowa.

Clayton Yeutter (NE ’49) is a senior advisor at Hogan & Hartson law firm in Washington, D.C. He served as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture from 1989-91.

He also served as U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Ambassador for Special Trade. He was named Master Builder in 1978. He and his wife, Cristena, live in Potomac, M.D. Keith Heuermann (NE ’43) is president of BKH Popcorn, Inc. He lives in Phillips, Neb. Roger Tremayne (NE ’67) is co-owner of Circle T Feedlot, a cattle feeding and farming operation. He and his wife, LeaAnn, live in Walthill, Neb. H.K. Wilson Club Accumulative gifts of $25,000—$49,999 Lloyd Bettis (IA ’67) is chairman and CEO of the National Bureau of Property Administration, a national property tax consulting firm headquartered in Chicago. He and his wife, Kathryn, reside in Glenview, Ill. Brent Bible (PU ’93) is an owner and partner of Stillwater Farms. He also maintains a Beck’s Superior Hybrids seed dealership. He was on the International Executive Board and served as president.

He is a Foundation Trustee. He and his wife, Stacy, live in Lafayette, Ind.

Kenneth Brashaber (PU ’52) is a retired vocational agriculture teacher.

He is a founding member of the Purdue chapter. He and his wife, Charlotte, live in Rushville, Ind. Donald Buhl (MN ’69) owns Buhl’s Ridge View Farm, specializing in corn, hogs and soybeans. He and his wife, Susan, live in Tyler, Minn.

Randy Crom (IA ’76) is a veterinary medical officer for the USDA-APHIS. He and his wife, Julie, live in Washington, D.C. Corby Fichter, Jr. (IA ’50) is a retired farmer. His son, Corby (IA ’78) and grandsons, Adam (IA ’12) and Austin (IA ’12) are members of FarmHouse.

He lives in Shenandoah, Iowa.

Ralph Harrison (OK ’69) is president of the law firm of Harrison & Mecklenburg, Inc. He and his wife, Denise, live at Kingfisher, Okla.

Maynard Hogberg (IA ’64) is a professor and chair emeritus of the department of animal science at Iowa State University as well as from Michigan State University. He and his wife, Anne, live in Ames, Iowa.

Terry Jaspers (SD ’74) is a financial officer at the Watertown, S.D., Farm Credit Services of America office. He and his wife, Sandi, live in Sisseton, S.D. Ralph Knobel (NE ’52) is chairman of the board at Knobel Farms, Inc. His sons, Mark (NE ’77) and Todd (NE ’82) are also members of FarmHouse. He and his wife, Martha, live in Fairbury, Neb.

FOUNDATION DONORS

Scott Armbrust

Wayne Northey

Dan Barrett

Kent Lucken

Ellsworth Christmas

Chris Nelson

Gary Roewe (IA ’65) is a retired senior manager of finance in mergers and acquisitions from DuPont Pioneer, where he worked for 25 years. His father, Joe (IA ’40) and brother, Dale (IA ’77), are also members of FarmHouse. He and his wife, Susan, live in Davenport, Iowa.

Warren Weibert (KS ’66) is owner and general manager at the Decatur County Feed Yard. He and his wife, Carol, live in Manhattan, Kan. Pete Wenstrand (IA ’70) owns and operates a corn and soybean farm near Essex, Iowa, where he and his wife, Dana, live.

1905 Club Accumulative gifts of $10,000—$24,999 Daniel Anderson (MN ’88) is the U.S. corn product management lead for Monsanto. He and his wife, Tricia, live in Defiance, Mo. Mark Anderson (IA ’70) is manager of Mark Anderson and Associates, Inc. and Genesis Industries, Inc. He and his wife, Beverly, live in Spring Valley, Wis. Scott Armbrust (IA ’70) is a veterinarian at Paradocs Embryo Transfer. He and his wife, Nancy, live in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Barrett (IA ’72) is payroll manager at Viasystems Technologies Corp, LLC. He lives in St. Louis, Mo. Ellsworth Christmas (PU ’55) is a retired professor of agronomy and extension soybean specialist at Purdue University. He was named Master

Stanley Diesch

Justin Topp

David Hefty

David Ward

Builder in 1998. He and his wife, Nancy, live in West Lafayette, Ind. Stanley Diesch (MN ’50) is a retired professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota and veterinarian. He and his wife, Darlene, live in Roseville, Minn.

Phillip Farris (PU ’53) is the retired president of First National Bank in Rossville, Ill. He and his wife, Donna, live in Loudon, Tenn.

David Hefty (PU ’96) is CEO and co-founder of Hefty Wealth Partners. He and his wife, Stacy, live in Auburn, Ind. Steve Henry (IA ’80) is CEO of LongView Farms, a commercial and seed-crop operation. His three sons, Scott (IA ’09), Kyle (IA ’12) and Eric (IA ’14), are members of FH. He and his wife, Laurie, live in Nevada, Iowa.

Daniel Hickman (IA ’85) is a fellow at Dow Chemical Company. He and his wife, Sarah, live in Midland, Mich.

Robert Hornbaker (OK ’78) is owner and manager of AgLVT, LLC, and professor emeritus at the University of Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, live in Champaign, Ill. Melvin Hunt (KS ’61) is a professor emeritus in the department of animal sciences and industry at Kansas State University. He and his wife, Rae Jean, live in Manhattan, Kan. Judson Jesske (NE ’88) is vice president of the beef industry at Farm Credit Services of America. He is president of the Nebraska FFA Foundation. He and his wife, Kaye,

Daniel Hickman

Robert Hornbaker

Melvin Hunt

live in Lincoln, Neb. Wilbert Kern (MN ’48) is a retired farmer at Grandview Farms. He resides in Rochester, Minn.

Ralph Ketchie (NC ’69) is a livestock marketing specialist for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.

He lives in Cary, N.C. Kent Lucken (IA ’83) is a managing director of Citigroup in Boston. He and his wife, Kristen, live in Newton, Mass.

Patrick McAllister (SD ’79) is president and CEO of Hood River Supply. He and his wife, Gail, live in Hood River, Ore. Chris Nelson (SD ’83) is the Public Utilities Commissioner for the State of South Dakota. He and his wife, Penny, live in Pierre, S.D. Wayne Northey (IA ’54) is a farmer and retired county supervisor. He and his wife, Margaret, live in Spirit Lake, Iowa.

Ted Rasmussen (NE ’83) is owner of Str8 Properties, LLC. He lives in Casper, Wyo. Russell Sindt (NE ’65) is an attorney and owns Sindt Law. He is a real estate and estate planning specialist. He and his wife, Gloria, live in Golden, Colo.

James Stevens (NE ’68) is a founder and owner of The Garment District, a clothing store. He and his wife, Linda, live in Littleton, Colo.

Roy Thompson (MN ’49) is a retired agronomist and administrator at the University of Minnesota. He and his wife, Blythe, live in Saint Paul, Minn.

Justin Topp (ND ’06) is manager of Topp Land & Cattle. He and his wife, Amanda, live in Grace City, N.D. David Ward (MN ’57) owns and operates Ward Farms. He was on the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council for 11 years. He and his wife, Roberta, live in Mapleton, Minn.

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ALUMNI NEWS

2015 Presidential Award for Excellence Recognizes Conklin’s Teaching Mike Conklin (ID ’92), was recognized in July by President Barack Obama as one of 108 mathematics and science teacher recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching for 2015.

“These teachers are shaping America’s success through their passion for math and science,” President Obama said, when announcing the 2015 honorees. He continued, “Their leadership and commitment empower our children to think critically and creatively about science, technology, engineering and math. The work these teachers are doing in our classrooms today will help ensure that America stays on the cutting edge tomorrow.”

The Presidential Award for Excellence is awarded annually to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators following an initial selection process completed at the state level. Each year the award alternates between educators teaching kindergarten through 6th grade and those teaching 7th through 12th grades.

Growing up in Indiana, Conklin was inspired by his own teachers and knew from a young age he wanted to be a teacher and help others learn by passing on this inspiration.

Conklin, 42, is a math teacher at University High School in Spokane Valley, Wash.

Recipients, two from each of the 50 states and four other U.S. territories, will be honored in-person at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in late summer. The awardees honored in 2015 teach 7th through 12th grade. Winners of this Presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion.

“I’ve always been excited by the idea of learning,” said Conklin, who has taught all levels of math in his 10 years at University High.

He was nominated for the award in 2013 and submitted additional materials including a personal essay and a video that shows him teaching pre-calculus. He said the most noteworthy moment in the video shows him pausing to help a student who didn’t understand a problem.

“I think that’s something that I do really well—make connections with students,” Conklin said, noting that some continue to visit him long after they finish his class.

Conklin said he focuses on teaching students how they use math in their everyday lives, even if they’re not pursuing math or engineering degrees. “I find places where hard topics are used,” he said.

32 Pearls & Rubies

Mike Conklin (ID ’92), a math teacher at University High School in Spokane Valley, Wash., is a recipient of the 2015 Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Photo credit: Dan Pelle, The Spokane-Review

“Even if no calculations are involved, there’s still mathematical thinking involved when cropping a picture in photography or figuring out which cell phone plan to buy, for example.”

And he has a unique way of rewarding students who show initiative and turn in their homework on time.

“When I played football, we used to get helmet stickers for doing something good,” he said. “So I started giving out calculator stickers.”

This fall Conklin will begin his 20th year of teaching—10 at University High and nine previously in Maryland, while he pursued his master’s degree at the University of Maryland, and one year at Brixner Junior High School in Klamath Falls, Ore. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho, where he is a 1992 initiate of the Idaho Chapter of FarmHouse. Conklin remains involved with the Idaho Chapter today, serving on the Idaho FarmHouse Association Board. He lives in Rockford, Wash., with his wife, Tanya, who also works in education, and his daughter, Emerson, who is in second grade.

Although he is a now well-tenured and a nationally recognized educator, Mike does not anticipate slowing down his passion for teaching anytime soon. Conklin reflected, “I definitely want to keep teaching—my excitement for doing so and educating the next generation is at an all-time high.”

ALUMNI NEWS

NIC Recognizes Former Kansas Governor Carlin for Achievement

In April, the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) recognized John Carlin (KS ’59), with the NIC’s prestigious Alumni Award of Distinction. Brother Carlin is the first FarmHouse man to receive this honor.

Originally a dairy farmer from rural Kansas, Carlin has enjoyed a long career in public service, including his election as Governor of the State of Kansas in 1979, and again in 1983, becoming the first two-term Governor in the state in over 100 years, and culminated in his appointment to Archivist of the United States under Presidents Clinton and Bush.

In 2005, Carlin returned to Kansas State University as a visiting professor of political science and leadership. He has served as the Kansas State FarmHouse chapter’s faculty advisor since 2012.

“What motivates me to continue to be involved with FarmHouse,” said Carlin, “is the opportunity to, in modest ways, help young men become even better leaders...

Experience is a great teacher and I’ve obviously had, given the years, lots of it, and to not look for ways to share that makes no sense.”

Carlin remains active on a number of local and national boards and resides in Manhattan, Kan. with his wife, Lynn.

To share his professional experience with a broader audience, he launched a website (johnwcarlin.com) in January of this year to explore ideas, stimulate creative thinking and advance civic engagement. Along with an active social media presence, the site shares his experience and perspective through a blog on current issues, compelling photo and biographical content, and a series of short video clips that can be used as a resource in classrooms, organizations and for personal learning on the topic of leadership.

The Alumni Award of Distinction recognizes the fraternity man who has given specifically of his time, talents, and service to the betterment of his fraternity. Carlin received his award

“Experience is a great teacher and I’ve obviously had, given the years, lots of it, and to not look for ways to share that makes no sense.” —John Carlin (KS ’59) during the Gold Medal Banquet on April 19, 2015, during the NIC’s annual meeting, held this year in Kansas City, Mo. A delegation of 15 FarmHouse members and friends were in attendance to help celebrate the occasion—including staff, volunteers, undergraduates and Brother Robert Lewis (KS ’58), who helped recruit Carlin to the Kansas State chapter during their time as undergraduates.

Carlin received his award along side the NIC’s other winners, including undergraduates and chapters. He stated, “What stood out to me as I listened and learned about the individuals and chapters that were recognized, was the high level of excellence and the variety of impressive service projects to help individuals and communities. It humbles me that I was honored on the same program. It was certainly special to receive such recognition and one that I will long remember.”

Congratulations Brother Carlin and thank you for your service—both to our country and our Fraternity!

Top left: FarmHouse men and friends celebrate Brother John Carlin (KS ’59), former Governor of Kansas, at the 2015 NIC Meeting in Kansas City. Top right: John Carlin (KS ’59) held a distinguished career in public service as an elected member of the Kansas State House, as two terms as Governor of Kansas (1980-88) and as Archivist of the United States (pictured) under Presidents Clinton and Bush from 1995 to 2005.

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ALUMNI NEWS

Marten Represents U.S. Ag Delegation to Cuba

1

2

3

4 [1] Marten speaks with Tomoko Horie, reporter for Japan’s Nippon Television about the opportunities that trade relations will bring for both American and Cuban farmers and consumers. [2] Marten gives baseballs to children in Viñales, Pinar Del Rio, Cuba. Baseball remains a large part of Cuban recreation and a strong cultural connection between Cuba and the U.S. [3] Josefina Vidal Ferreiro, General Director of the U.S. Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, greets Marten during his visit.

Vidal Ferreiro is the lead diplomat working with Roberta Jacobson, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, in reestablishing formal diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba.

[4] Marten visits with tobacco farmers in Cuba’s Pinar del Rio Province.

Tobacco production in this Province remains largely primitive as oxen and sled are utilized, while Soviet-era tractors are parked due to a lack of fuel.

34 Pearls & Rubies

“Change is happening and it is for the better.”

Thomas Marten (SIU ’11) traveled to Cuba in March as a part of the United States Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC) delegation to the island nation. This was the first major business delegation from the United States to Cuba since the announcement of normalizing diplomatic ties.

Marten represented the Illinois Farm Bureau’s interests in the delegation and had previously traveled to Cuba in 2012 during a study abroad experience while a student at Southern Illinois University.

While in Cuba, Marten met with Cuban officials including the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Foreign Relations and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment as well as the National Association of Small Producers. Additionally, the USACC delegation had the opportunity to visit various agricultural production regions including rice, sugar cane, tobacco, livestock, aquaculture and fresh produce.

Marten visited the tobacco production area in the Viñales Valley in Cuba’s Pinar del Rio Province. In addition to being a prime region for the production of quality tobacco, Viñales is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognizing its gorgeous karst formations, local architecture, arts and agriculture.

Ninety-five leaders of American agriculture representing agribusiness, commodity organizations and farmer organizations were part of the USACC delegation which also included Missouri First Lady Georganne Nixon and former U.S. Secretaries of Agriculture, John Block and Mike Espy.

In reflecting on the experience Marten said, “I was deeply honored to be able to represent the Illinois Farm Bureau on this historic visit.” He added, “Change is happening and it is for the better. Cooperatives are expanding and casas particulares, where citizens can host their own private businesses, are thriving.”

Marten is a chartering member of the Southern Illinois FarmHouse Chapter and continues to serve as the chapter’s alumni advisor, the Southern Illinois FarmHouse Association President and as a FarmHouse Regional Director for the North-Central area, covering the upper Midwest.

Marten farms with his family on their grain farm near Raymond, Ill., and he recently began work with the Illinois Farm Bureau Agricultural Association as the Manager of Stark County (Illinois) Farm Bureau.

ALUMNI NEWS

Gardner Elected as U.S. Senator in 114th Congress With his election last fall, Cory Gardner majored in political science. He also attended and graduated (CO ’95) became the first FarmHouse man from the University of Colorado Boulder Law School before beginning his career in public policy and service. to serve in the United States Senate, when Campaigning for the U.S. Senate in the fall of 2014, he made the 114th Congress convened in January.

A fifth-generation Coloradan, Gardner an impromptu visit to the CSU chapter house and met with was elected the U.S. Senator from his undergraduate FarmHouse brothers. As noted in a blog post by home state in a Denver Post reporter who was with November 2014 him during the stop, Cory, with a laugh, when he won the “found a much younger, much skinnier, “During my time in election against black-haired Cory Gardner” in a FarmHouse, I first learned incumbent Senator Mark Udall. He won chapter composite on the wall. the valuable lessons of by a 3 percent margin, with a 49 percent Gardner added, “During college and leadership, discussing to 46 percent advantage. my time in FarmHouse I first learned differing views and Gardner was born and raised in the valuable lessons of leadership, Yuma, a small town on the eastern discussing differing views and collaborative teamwork.” plains of Colorado, where his family has collaborative teamwork.” owned a farm implement dealership and He held a number of chapter offices, ranched for nearly a century. He lives in the same house his was involved with IFC and student government and was a ramgreat-grandparents lived in. After working at his family handler for the Colorado State live mascot, CAM the Ram. implement business and for the National Corn Growers Senator Gardner remains connected to FarmHouse and his Association as a policy advisor, Gardner took a position as native roots. Today he continues to live in Yuma with his wife, the legislative assistant for Senator Wayne Allard of Colorado Jaime and their three children, Alyson, Thatcher and Caitlyn. and quickly advanced to the role of legislative director.

Gardner entered public service himself in 2005 when he was first appointed and then elected to the Colorado House of Representatives, District 63. Colleagues elected him as House Minority Whip in 2007 and he became known for his expertise in natural resource and agriculture policy. In 2007, Gardner was identified as one of the “Top 40 Lawmakers Under 40” by Rising Tide magazine and he was quickly viewed as a public official to watch for higher elected office.

Such occurred in 2010 when Cory was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the 4th District of Colorado. The large geographic district included the eastern third of the state, from the Nebraska-Wyoming border to the Oklahoma border north-to-south and from the Kansas border to the Front Range of the Rockies east-to-west.

Gardner served in the 112th Congress (2011-13) with two fellow FarmHouse men in the U.S. House of Representatives, Steve Pearce (NM ’04) of New Mexico and Rick Berg (ND ’78), Master Builder, of North Dakota.

As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Gardner championed an energy strategy that promoted traditional resources as well as renewable energy. In addition, he became a leader on energy efficiency initiatives and founded a bipartisan energy efficiency Top: During his fall 2014 campaign for the U.S. Senate, Gardner makes caucus in the House. He was re-elected to the U.S. House of an impromptu stop at the Colorado State Chapter of FarmHouse in Fort Representatives in 2012.

Today, Gardner is a member of the Senate Energy & Natural Collins. Bottom left: Gardner meets with Erick Gauck (CO ’11), pictured left, this summer when he was in Washington, D.C., for an orientation Resource Committee, in addition to serving on the Foreign prior to an international student exchange program trip for the fall Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, and semester in Germany. Bottom right: In addition to the important role of Transportation Committee, and the Small Business and U.S. Senator, Gardner also has the important title of “dad” to three Entrepreneurship Committee. children, Alyson, Thatcher and Caitlyn. Here, Gardner’s son, Thatcher, Gardner joined FarmHouse at the Colorado State Chapter helps him make a special delivery of famous Colorado peaches to his dad’s Senate Office. in 1995, where he graduated summa cum laude in 1997 and SUMMER 2015

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IN MEMORY/OBITUARIES The following are notices received by the International Office between November 1, 2014 and July 1, 2015.

Arkansas Ralph T. Pay (’55). He worked for the Arkansas State Plant Board for 34 years.

He was also a lifelong farmer. He lived in North Little Rock, Ark. He died on May 27, 2014. He was 82.

Colorado State Warren G. Clair (’60). He served one year in Vietnam and became a captain in the U.S. Army. He worked for Do-ItYourself Irrigation before retiring in 2007. He lived in Las Vegas, Nev. He died Sept. 11, 2014. He was 72.

Idaho Kirk Rush (’75). He received his master’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Idaho. He taught vocational agriculture and was an FFA advisor for 29 years. He served in the U.S. Navy Repair Force. He was honored by the FFA Alumni Association in 2012 and the University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 2013.

He lived in Boise, Idaho. He died on April 21, 2015. He was 96.

Illinois Verne W. Erdman (’41). He was a life-long farmer in the Chenoa area. He was a salesman for many years and then had a long career as a salesman for Central Illinois Harvestore, working with farmers. He lived in Chenoa, Ill. He died Feb. 22, 2015. He was 92.

Dennie J. Knight (’66). He owned Knight Insurance Services, Inc. He served as FFA State Vice President. He lived in Indianola, Ill. He died Oct. 8, 2014. He was 68.

William D. Swaar (’72). He was a farmer, pastor and computer consultant.

He lived in Mason City, Ill. He died on June 12, 2014. He was 60.

Richard W. Justice (’94). He attended the University of Illinois for his PhD in education administration. He was the associate dean of students and executive director of the University’s Senate subcommittee on discipline. He lived in Urbana, Ill. He died Oct. 21, 2014, at 68.

Iowa State J. Parry Dodds (’37). He served in the

36 Pearls & Rubies

Master Builder Gauger dies

C.J. (Carlyle John) Gauger (IA ’37). The evening of Sunday, April 26, C.J. Gauger, Master Builder, passed away peacefully with family at his side in Ames, Iowa. He was 101 years old.

Affectionately referred to as the Dean of Iowa State FarmHouse, his service to FarmHouse went far beyond his home chapter. He was recruited to join FarmHouse by our Fraternity’s Founder, D. Howard Doane, at the Iowa State C.J. Chapter’s 10th Founders’ Day in 1937. C.J. himself recruited Gauger hundreds of men to join FarmHouse over the course of his 78-year active membership in the Fraternity.

After graduating from Iowa State, he served in World War II as an aviation engineer. After the War, he began his career teaching agricultural education and then worked as a county agent for Iowa State Extension. Later he became the State Director of Iowa 4-H & Youth Programs and over the course of his 20-year leadership, came to be known by many as a forward-thinking, innovative leader within the state and across the country.

His extensive service to FarmHouse at the local level was recognized with the Darl Snyder Alumni Award in 1973. He served on the Fraternity’s National Board from 1978 to 1982 and was the Fraternity’s first director of expansion serving from 1981 to 1984. During this time he helped establish chapters at the University of West Virginia, the California Polytechnic Institute at Pomona, Tennessee Tech University, the University of Nebraska-Curtis and Illinois State University, from which over 500 men joined our Fraternity. He received the Friend of Ceres Fraternity Award and his commitment to FarmHouse was recognized when he received the Fraternity’s highest honor and title, Master Builder of Men, in 1984.

Many FarmHouse men live long lives, but few remain as active and involved throughout their lives as C.J.—visiting the Iowa State Chapter each semester to meet the new members, as recently as last fall. He was an avid Cyclone fan, a former chair of the Iowa State Athletics Council and was involved at the local, state and national levels of the United Methodist Church. His service to 4-H was recognized as an inaugural inductee into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame and the National 4-H Hall of Fame.

Long at his side was his beloved wife, Dorothy, of 66 years. Their legacy of leadership and service was honored and is now memorialized in the C.J. & Dorothy Gauger Endowment Fund, with the FarmHouse Foundation, when friends, family and brothers raised $100,000 in just 100 days in celebration of his 100th birthday in 2014.

Navy Supply Corps, and retired with the rank of captain. He worked at South Dakota State University and Iowa State University before working at Fresno State University. He lived in Fresno, Calif. He died on Aug. 29, 2014, at 97.

Harold G. Barrett (’40). He farmed for over 70 years. He was honored to host a visit to his farm by President George W. Bush in 2001. He was a life-long member of the Iowa Farm Bureau and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. He lived in Dallas Center, Iowa. He died on Feb. 23, 2015, at 94.

Stanley E. Held (’50). He began his career at the University of Minnesota’s

College of Veterinary Medicine. He owned a private veterinary practice from 1962 to 1996. He was inducted into the National Academics of Practice in 1991 and served as president of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association in 1972.

He lived in Buffalo, Minn. He died Sept.

22, 2014. He was 83.

Kansas State Harold R. Fox (’37). He owned a farm in Ivanhoe, Calif., for 68 years. He died on Mar. 30, 2014, at age 96.

Leonard A. Deets (’39). He worked at the Federal Intermediate Credit Bank in Wichita, Kan. for 21 years. After he

IN MEMORY/OBITUARIES retired, he left the family farm and moved to Mt. Vernon, Wash. He died on Nov. 8, 2014. He was 95.

Delbert L. Larson (’53). After attending medical school at the University of Iowa, he became a family physician. He worked as a physician for more than 30 years. He served as a flight surgeon for the Air Force Reserves and volunteered with Heart-to-Heart International. He lived in Hiawatha, Kan. He died Sept. 24, 2014. He was 84.

Gary L. Mundhenke (’60). He worked for IBM, where he was twice named to the “Golden Circle” for being in the top 3 percent of their national sales force. He also worked as vice president of IT and member services at Far-Mar-Co and as the vice president of IT with Farmland Industries. Until his retirement, he was president of Business Resource Planning, Integrated Solutions Group, Professional Data Services and Agtrax. He lived in Hutchinson, Kan. He died on March 4, 2015. He was 73.

Ross A. Olson (’64). He was in the Kansas Army National Guard, serving as an E-6 personal specialist. He worked for Kansas State University’s Extension Service and the Farm Management Association. He then became an agricultural loan officer before serving full time in ministry. He lived in Council Grove, Kan. He died Sept. 9, 2014. He was 72.

Frances Louise “Mom” Russell.

She was a long-time housemother at the Kansas State Chapter. A graduate of Kansas State University, she spent many years as a farmer, homemaker and retail business owner in and around Garden City, Kan. In retirement she enjoyed her new role as “Mom Russell” first to Sigma Chi Fraternity and then to FarmHouse at Kansas State. She was active as a 4-H volunteer and served many years as a spokesperson for the Kansas Wheat Commission, conducting breadmaking demonstrations and promoting the state’s wheat commodity. She is fondly remembered by many as the mom who made the chapter house a home, away from home. She passed away on Aug. 9, 2015, in Hugoton, Kan., at 81.

Kentucky John E. Couey (’52). He served in the 179 Field Artillery Platoon, 3rd Division Army. He saw action in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He received a Bronze Star and Victory Medal for his military service. Following the Army, he was an area agricultural extension agent and avid horseman, raising Morgan horses. He lived in Auburn, Ind. He died on April 5, 2015. He was 94.

Chester J. Whitaker (’58). He served as a lieutenant colonel during the Vietnam War. He lived in San Antonio, Texas. He died March 26, 2014, at 75.

James B. Gooch (’85). He served in the U.S. Army. He was a Kroger procurement manager for over 44 years.

He was an avid golfer, U of K sports fan, and Kentucky colonel. He lived in Louisville, Ken. He died Feb. 18, 2015.

He was 77.

Michigan State Alton B. Carlson (’38). He served as a U.S. Navy lieutenant during WWII and participated in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He taught agriculture classes at many schools and was an FFA advisor who sent numerous teams to compete in state and national

competitions. After retiring from teaching, he raised sheep and crops for two decades. He lived in Alexandria, Minn. He died on Nov. 27, 2012, at 95.

Donald Eppelheimer (’39). He served in the U.S. Navy for five years. He was awarded a Silver Star. He began his career as Berrien County extension agent, and later joined the Bank of Niles.

From 1960 until his retirement, he worked in the banking industry. He lived in St. Joseph, Mich. He died on Oct. 25, 2014. He was 93.

James S. Lay (’48). He served in the U.S. Army and was awarded various medals of honor including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He worked for Eli Lily & Co. for 33 years. He founded the Fresno Agriculture Roundtable and Agriculture Legislative Intern Program.

He lived in Sun City West, Ariz. He died on May 8, 2013. He was 91.

Neal L. First (’51). He received his PhD in reproductive physiology and worked at the University of WisconsinMadison until his retirement in 2005.

He served as a professor emeritus at Mississippi State University after his retirement. He died on Nov. 20, 2014.

He was 84. continued on page 38...

Master Builder Schrader dies

Lynwood Schrader (KY ’51). He grew up in rural Graves County, Ky. After graduating from high school, he served as state FFA president. Schrader was a charter member of the Kentucky chapter and served as the first chapter president.

He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in agriculture.

Schrader began a 38 year career with Kentucky Utilities Company after graduation. He served in many roles, Lynwood beginning as a Farm Service Advisor and retiring as senior Schrader vice president. He earned an honorary master’s degree from the University of Kentucky and an honorary doctorate from Cumberland University.

After retiring, he became an assistant to the dean of the UK College of Business. He was also active in business and civic organizations, serving in leadership roles for professional and national organizations. He served as Chairman of the Board of the United Way of the Bluegrass, and was awarded the United Way Helping Hands award. He was also given the Distinguished Service Award from the University of Kentucky National Alumni Board.

He was an active member and supporter of FarmHouse. Schrader served as association president, chaired the chapter’s 50th anniversary celebration and co-chaired the capital housing campaign for the Kentucky chapter. He was named Master Builder in 2010. He and his wife, Pat, lived in Lexington, Ky. when he passed away on Dec. 30, 2014. He was 84.

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IN MEMORY/OBITUARIES continued from page 37...

Gene A. Veliquette (’66). He was a cherry farmer, serving on many national cherry industry boards. He helped create the Cherryland Youth Association, which helped to support area youth sporting activities. He lived in Williamsburg, Mich. He died on June 7, 2015. He was 67.

Minnesota John A. Goodding (’41). He was professor emeritus for the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota.

He lived in Roseville, Minn. He died on May 18, 2015. He was 93.

James L. Edman (’43). He started his career teaching agriculture at a high school. He then worked as Swift County extension director for 31 years. He served multiple organizations in his community such as the Kiwanis and the Minnesota County Agriculture Agents Association. He became professor emeritus for the University of Minnesota. He lived in Benson, Minn.

He died on Jan. 31, 2012. He was 87.

Norman G. Brakken (’45). He was a vocational agriculture teacher, FFA advisor and farmer. He received the FFA American Farmer Degree. He created one of the first outdoor classrooms in Minnesota. He was inducted into the Chippewa County Historical Society Hall of Fame. He lived in Wayzata, Minn. He died June 6, 2015. He was 93.

Curtis J. Overdahl (’46). He earned his master’s degree from the University of Minnesota and doctorate from Purdue after his service in the Army Air Corps.

He was a 34-year member of the faculty in the Department of Soil Science at the University of Minnesota. After retirement, he lived in Fort Wayne, Ind. He died on Dec. 4, 2014, at age 97.

H. David Thurston (’49). He earned a PhD in pathology from the University of Minnesota. He worked at the Rockefeller Foundation as director of the plant pathology program in Colombia, for the Potato Program in Bogota and the Plant Sciences of Colombian Agricultural Institute. He was a professor of plant pathology and international agriculture in the College of Agriculture at Cornell University. He lived in Ithaca, N.Y. He died on Sept. 26, 2014. He was 87.

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Claude J. Nelson (’52). He received a degree in veterinary medicine and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Minnesota. He worked in a government service career for 35 years.

He lived in Georgetown, Texas. He died March 6, 2015. He was 83.

David P. Olstad (’58). He worked on his family farm. He held leadership positions in Farm Bureau, Dairy Herd Improvement Association and various community groups. He lived in Hanska, Minn. He died on Oct. 20, 2014, at 78.

Everett E. Gerths (’59). He worked as a plant manager for ADM, Ashland, Spencer Kellogg and Reichold. As a member of the Rotary Club, he received the Paul Harris Award for his service and served as club president. He lived in Chipley, Fla. He died Nov. 7, 2014, at 77.

Mississippi State Robert D. Griffith (’65). He served in the U.S. Navy. He worked as an accountant at Mississippi Employment Security Commission, Jitney Jungle Stores of America and River Oaks Hospital. He served as a deacon and elder at his church. He lived in Madison, Miss. He died Oct. 20, 2014. He was 68.

Sam A. Swearengen (’69). He was an equipment rebuilder. He lived in Thomastown, Miss. He died Oct. 27, 2014. He was 66.

Missouri Edgar W. Sundermeyer (’37). He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was employed with the USDA Seed Branch and then with Farmland Industries. He was a Boy Scout troop leader and coach for little league baseball. He lived in Washington, D.C. He died on April 1, 2013. He was 96.

R. Harley Kennedy (’39). He served in active military duty and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and three Bronze Stars. He gave flight lessons, farmed and taught veteran agriculture students. He worked for the Farmer’s Home Administration in Minnesota, and retired from government service in 1983. He lived in Marshfield, Wis. He died on Apr. 27, 2014, at age 95.

James H. Gibbs (’55). He worked for Upjohn Company for thirty years. He was involved with judging teams for the American Royal, the Lions Club of

Lenexa and various other groups in his community. He lived in Springdale, Ark. He died on Oct. 16, 2014, at age 78.

William M. Crouch (’58). He was a founding partner of the Capital Group.

He served on boards at William Jewell College, the Missouri 4-H Foundation and Missouri Quarter Horse Association.

He lived in Saint Louis, Mo. He died on Dec. 10, 2014. He was 81.

Nebraska Harold N. Bacon (’39). He served in the U.S. Navy as an officer on the destroyer USS Glennon and then on the USS Dickson. He was a county extension agent and then a manufacturer and supplier of agricultural products. He received his master’s degree from the University of Colorado and went into banking. He and his brother founded the North Platte State Bank, where he served as president. He lived in Gulfport, Miss.

He died on Jan. 11, 2014. He was 93.

Merle E. Lipe (’47). He was a farmer and real estate agent. He lived in Lincoln, Neb. He died Oct. 24, 2014.

He was 91.

Norman R. Swanson (’48). He was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran. He served on the Waverly Rescue Squad for 17 years, responding to over 1,000 calls.

He was a dairy farmer and enjoyed giving tours of his farm to students. He lived in Waverly, Neb. He died on May 13, 2015. He was 85.

Paul Yeutter (’55). He served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 13 years, where he was captain. He then farmed on his family farm. He was named Outstanding Young Farmer of Nebraska in 1970. He served in various leadership roles in his community. He lived in Eustis, Neb. He died on Nov. 7, 2014, at age 78.

North Carolina State Robert W. Bresler (’63). He was president of a company called, ‘They Shoot Videos, Don’t They?’, a company that recorded plays for theatres. He also worked as a cruise counselor. He lived in Atlanta, Ga. He died on Sept. 17, 2014.

He was 70.

North Dakota State William J. Costello (’55). He served in the U.S. Army. He received his master’s degree in animal science and his PhD in meat science from Oklahoma

IN MEMORY/OBITUARIES State University. He was a professor at South Dakota State University, where he specialized in animal science and meat production. He co-authored the textbook, ‘The Meat We Eat.’ He was elected Outstanding Instructor three times during his tenure at SDSU. He was also awarded the Gamma Sigma Delta Award of Excellence in teaching, the F.O. Butler Award for service to students and academic advising and was named a SDSU Distinguished Professor. He lived in Brookings, S.D. He died May 6, 2014.

He was 82.

Curtis C. Lawrence (’62). He lived in Birmingham, Ala. He died April 28, 2014. He was 73. No other information available.

Robert H. Busch (’77). He was a wheat geneticist for the USDA. He lived in Saint Paul, Minn. He died June 29, 2012. He was 74.

Ohio State Robert J. McCoy (’53). He earned his master’s degree from Ohio State University in agricultural economics. He worked at Procter and Gamble for 37 years, eventually becoming associate director. He served as a trustee of the Ohio 4-H Foundation. He lived in Montgomery, Ohio. He died on June 14, 2015. He was 83.

Roger G. Johnston (’56). He lived in Lewis Center, Ohio. He died May 5, 2015. He was 81. No other information available.

Oklahoma State Jack C. Decker (’46). He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He farmed and had a passion for history and spent much of his time researching the history of Johnston County and Oklahoma. He lived in Nida, Okla. He died on Aug. 11, 2014. He was 88.

Fred C. Knight (’48). He served in the U.S. Army and received the WWII Victory Medal. After college, he shared the cattle ranching business with his father. He received his master of theology degree from Perkins School of Theology. After retiring from the ministry, he was a stockbroker with several Oklahoma City companies. He lived in Edmond, Okla. He died June 10, 2014. He was 86.

Donald A. Flasch (’55). He served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S Air Force. He

worked for the Corps of Engineers in Tulsa for 18 years and helped design the city’s current flood mitigation system.

He earned his juris doctor from the University of Tulsa and practiced law for 25 years. He also attained his PhD in environmental engineering from Oklahoma State University. He lived in Tulsa, Okla. He died on April 25, 2012.

He was 77.

Purdue John W. Larsen (’52). He served in the U.S. Army for 22 years and retired as lt. colonel. He taught ROTC at Purdue, and was director of Georgia Military College. He lived in Stuart, Fla. He died on Feb. 28, 2015. He was 84.

William P. Martin (’52). He worked for the USDA Soil Conservation Service as a head of the field office in Lafayette, Ind. He lived in Williamsport, Md. Clarence L. Voliva (’52). He lived in Woodburn, Ore. He died on June 15, 2015. He was 87. No other information available.

Jay Butler (’65). He worked for Eli Lilly for 35 years. He retired in 2005.

He worked with the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention & Prevention and the Indy Homeless Connect. He lived in Indianapolis, Ind. He died on Sept. 13, 2014. He was 68.

Martin Stob (’71). He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and later began his career teaching and doing research for the department of animal science at Purdue.

He retired in 1992. He lived in West Lafayette, Ind. He died Nov. 14, 2014.

He was 88.

South Dakota State James A. Danekas (’66). He served in the U.S. Army. He started his own entity, James Danekas and Associates later in life. His business grew from a sales management team with the incorporation of a publication division.

Three are still produced today, Western Cowman, Angus Icon and Wagyu World.

He travelled all over the country managing purebred cattle auctions and representing the publications at numerous events. He lived in Sacramento, Calif. He died Feb. 9, 2015.

He was 67.

Gary W. Leske (’72). He taught high school agricultural education, was an associate professor of agricultural

education at SDSU, and finished his teaching career at the University of Minnesota in agricultural education. He was inducted into the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame and was awarded state and national Farmer Degrees. He also received the Gordon L. Starr Award for outstanding service to students. He lived in Fridley, Minn. He died Feb. 18, 2015.

He was 75.

Duane Everrett (’74). He was a professor and head of the education department at South Dakota State University. He later became director of International Programs for SDSU. He went on to work for the University of Nebraska. He lived in Washington, D.C. He died on Oct. 26, 2014. He was 83.

Wyoming J. William Eckerdt (’50). He served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. He worked as the Big Horn County extension agent for the University of Wyoming for 29 years. He lived in Worland, Wyo. He died on Sept. 11, 2014, at age 88.

Donald W. Force (’53). He received his master’s degree and PhD in plant science. He worked as an assistant professor of plant science at the University of Wisconsin and head of the state seed certification program. He and his wife owned a tax business. He worked as a stockbroker for more than 20 years before his retirement. He lived in Laramie, Wyo. He died on Oct. 18, 2014, at age 80.

We rely on our alumni to send us alumni news and obituaries of brothers who have passed away. So that we may properly record the death of our brothers for our membership, please provide obituaries and/or information about profession, date deceased and age to FarmHouse Fraternity.

You may email notices to fhhq@farmhouse.org or call (800) 7221905. Badges of deceased members may be returned to the FarmHouse Foundation at the discretion of the family. Badges are passed on to the deceased member’s chapter of initiation.

SUMMER 2015

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