Spring 2023 | Pearls & Rubies

Pearls&Rubies

Dear FarmHouse brothers and friends,

As we look toward summer, we have an opportunity to reflect on the seeds we’ve planted with an optimistic outlook for the tremendous possibilities ahead. During this season, many of us will take time to enjoy family, visit friends, travel, re-engage our hobbies and focus on our community — things that fertilize and feed relationships important in our lives.

This issue of Pearls & Rubies addresses the crucial FarmHouse value of service. As FarmHouse men, we remain committed to the sacrifice of time, pleasures and comforts for the benefit of others. As we highlight a few of our brothers and their great work, we recognize this reflects thousands of our brothers who do the exact same thing, in their own way. I want to thank each of you who supports your communities, your houses of faith, the less-privileged, your FarmHouse chapters and your countries. Your generous contributions of time, talents and gifts represent FarmHouse extremely well and reflect our core values as a fraternity.

For FarmHouse to continue to be successful, we are dependent on alumni volunteers. Recently, we launched a communications committee to assist with Pearls & Rubies and other communications efforts. We sincerely thank those volunteers for their time and dedication to FarmHouse.

There are a number of other committees we are seeking volunteers for, that are critical to our future, including a bylaws committee, nominating committee and alumni engagement committee. If any of these areas are of interest to you, please fill out a volunteer interest form at farmhouse.org/volunteer/ and we will be in touch with you!

I am excited to welcome our new Fraternity CEO, Dave Hansen (Iowa State 90), who will continue to build our FarmHouse legacy and all the great work of previous staff. You can learn more about Dave in an interview with former Fraternity CEO Chad Harris (Iowa State 98), and watch their full interview online. The International Executive Board (IEB) is looking forward to working with Dave and supporting him in the CEO role. Soon, Dave will also be on the road meeting with students and alumni. We look forward to having all of our members meet and get to know him better.

I want to honor and sincerely thank Christian Wiggins, who is moving on from FarmHouse after six years of service. Christian led the Fraternity through some challenging times with a high degree of integrity, expertise and compassion. Recently, at the Power of 7 Seminar in Nashville, Tennessee, the IEB was able to publicly thank Christian for his hard work and dedication to FarmHouse. The Fraternity has been and remains blessed to have had great leadership and strong strategic thinking.

I hope you have a fantastic summer that feeds your soul and well-being, while providing you the opportunities to leverage your skills and passions in support of your communities. Take time to reflect on the seeds you have sown, and identify where you can make the most impact to fertilize those seeds, advancing the good in FarmHouse, our community and our world.

Fraternally,

Eric Bymaster (Purdue 90) International Executive Board President

International Executive Board members publicly thank outgoing Fraternity CEO, Christian Wiggins, at the 2023 Power of 7 Seminar.

CALENDAR

June 29, 2023

Purdue Alumni Reunion

Thorntown, Indiana

Dec. 16, 2023

Illinois State 40th Anniversary Bloomington/Normal, Illinois

Jan. 4-7, 2024

FarmHouse Leadership Institute

St. Louis, Missouri

August 1-4, 2024

52nd Biennial Conclave

Omaha, Nebraska

To submit your event for website and magazine promotion or view details about upcoming events, visit bit.ly/FHupcomingEvents or scan the QR code below.

Service is one of nine FarmHouse principles we believe are the foundation for personal and overall growth. This issue focuses on the FarmHouse principle of service and profiles FarmHouse members serving their communities in numerous ways. In the summer 2015 issue of Pearls & Rubies, FarmHouse featured Bob Graves (Colorado State 53) and his wife, Sherry, and their contributions to what now is the Be the Match Registry. Read more about their story on page 18 in the summer 2015 issuse by scanning this QR code.

Fall 2023

ATHLETICS

Pearls&Rubies

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Dave Hansen (Iowa State 90)

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Kahlin McKeown

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Macee Ponder

CONTRIBUTORS

Katie Baker

Eric Bymaster (Purdue 90)

Cody Cramer (Oklahoma State 08)

Chad Harris (Iowa State 98)

Miranda Howe

Jeanine Lane

Allison Rickels

Christian Wiggins

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Kevin Warneke (Nebraska 82), Chair

Clint Blaes (Kansas State 05)

David Eaheart (Missouri 86)

Greg Ibach (Nebraska 81)

Doug Thomas (Kentucky 78)

The fall 2023 issue will highlight the successes of FarmHouse men in athletics. If you have stories or contacts about FH members in athletics or related fields, please submit those to bit.ly/SubmitFHnews

POSTMASTER

U.S. address changes to Pearls & Rubies, FarmHouse Fraternity, Inc., 1021 Jefferson Street Kansas City, MO 64153-9905

Canadian return address: Publications Mail Agreement #40043510, Station A; P.O. Box 54; Windsor, Ontario N9A 6J5.

Pearls & Rubies (USPS 424-540) is an educational and alumni publication published by FarmHouse Fraternity, Inc., and The FarmHouse Foundation. Non-member subscriptions are available for $25 per year. 1021 Jefferson Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 Phone: (816) 891-9445

FHHQ@FARMHOUSE.ORG

FARMHOUSE.ORG

FarmHouse is a proud member of:

MEET THE NEW FH FRATERNITY CEO

FarmHouse is excited to welcome Dave Hansen (Iowa State 90) as the Fraternity’s next CEO. He is the sixth person to hold the position in the organization’s 118-year history, succeeding Christian Wiggins, who served in the role since June 2017. Dave talked with Chad Harris (Iowa State 98), former Fraternity CEO, to share his vision for the work ahead, reflection on his professional career and key priorities for building the future of FarmHouse.

A CALLING TO SERVE

Matt Lloyd’s (Illinois 93) career has spanned nearly three decades — almost all of it in public service. Read about his high-profile mentors, advice and why he continues to serve.

STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT TO KANSAS STATE TREASURER

Steven Johnson (Kansas State 84) started as SGA president and recently was elected to Kansas State House Treasurer. Read more about how his FarmHouse brothers helped him get where he is today.

SERVING THROUGH FAITH

A strong sense of faith has grounded Kirk Farney (Illinois 79) throughout his life. Read more about his career and journey to become a VP of Wheaton College and service on the Thrivent Board of Directors.

A 48-YEAR VOLUNTEER CAREER

One of our longest tenured volunteers, Ellsworth Christmas (Purdue 55), has quietly and steadily contributed to the Purdue chapter and Association for almost five decades. Despite recently ‘retiring’ from these roles, he still finds time to volunteer in his community. Read more about his service in this story.

SERVICE TO HIS FELLOW MAN AND WORLD

Cameron Ryffel (Idaho 03) serves on the Idaho FH Association board, but his commitment to service started years ago and runs much deeper, including being in the Idaho National Guard since 2006 — a journey that has been fulfilling on many levels.

John David Johns (Auburn 20) was elected president of Auburn University Student Government Association.

Caleb Stout (Kansas State 20) was elected as president of the Student Governing Association for Kansas State University.

FARMHOUSE MEN SERVE ON THEIR CAMPUSES

A NEW FARMHOUSE CEO

On the eve of the Fraternity’s 118th Founders’ Day, Dave Hansen (Iowa State 90) logged on to Zoom from his home office in Crystal Lake, Illinois, a northwest suburb of Chicago. Excitement and an earnest eagerness are evident in his demeanor as he is about to become the next CEO of FarmHouse International Fraternity.

“I can’t wait to get started,” Dave said. “I certainly hadn’t thought about leading FarmHouse as a career opportunity, but I thought, ‘wow, what an incredible opportunity to give back to an organization that has given so much to me.’”

The Fraternity’s search committee, comprised of John Foltz (Ohio State 79), chair; Riley Bergmann (Illinois 19); Brent Bible (Purdue 93); Corby Fichter (Iowa State 78); Bryce Freeman (Iowa State 93); and Steve Robisky (Illinois State 83), evaluated a strong slate of well-qualified candidates.

Kincannon & Reed, a global executive search firm focused on food and agribusiness sectors, worked closely with the Fraternity CEO search committee throughout the recruitment process. Jon Leafstedt, managing partner, and Jared Spader (Missouri 97), managing director, led the firm’s consulting team for FarmHouse.

The search committee and Kincannon & Reed recommended Dave as the next CEO to the International Executive Board, citing Dave’s extensive professional career in consulting, human resources, operations and financial management, as key skills he would bring to the role. He also brings a personal passion for the Fraternity.

“As an undergraduate, I bought into the mission, vision and values, and they have remained a guide for me in my professional and personal life,” Dave reflected. “I am excited to help ensure the FarmHouse experience is afforded to more young men.”

STRONG BONDS OF BROTHERHOOD

A native of Algona, Iowa, Dave was the first in his family to attend college. When he enrolled at Iowa State University, he had not given much thought to the fraternity experience but he knew one man from his hometown, Mike Arndorfer (Iowa State 89), who graduated a year before. Mike contacted Dave, encouraging him to stop by the chapter house if he was interested in learning more.

“I really admired and respected Mike,” Dave recalled. “As soon as I walked into FarmHouse, I felt at home. I was so impressed by the men I met. I was in awe of what they were doing to positively contribute to Iowa State University and to the chapter. I could see and feel the genuine sense of brotherhood they had with and for one another. I knew I wanted to be part of it.”

That night, he was offered a bid. He accepted and the next day three of his new brothers helped him move into the chapter house.

“The value of brotherhood really left a powerful

impression on me,” Dave said. “This common focus helped me grow and become a better version of myself and, collectively, we became stronger as a chapter.”

FarmHouse’s commitment of service and community involvement also left an indelible mark on Dave, which continues today. “Everywhere I looked a FarmHouse man was leading or participating on campus,” he stated.

Seeing the impact such volunteer leaders had on the campus community gave him great pride. He often wondered how he could follow their example by channeling his own skills and sharing his leadership abilities to make the environment around him better.

“I had the opportunity to return to my high school to talk about what college was like. My key advice was to get involved on campus — it opens so many doors and I realized it was a core value that had become deeply instilled in me, thanks to FarmHouse.”

REWARDS & CHALLENGES

Following college, Dave began his career in consulting. His roles evolved into operations and more client-facing work where relationship building was paramount to not only understanding the needs of stakeholders, but building teams that could deliver outcomes. As the firm shifted from private ownership to being publicly traded, he was asked to shift his focus to financial management work.

“I’m not an accountant by training, however my financial understanding combined with an attention to partner with business services to drive better outcomes, brought new opportunities to me,” Dave shared.

These new opportunities included tenure at Sears Holdings and Hewlett Packard (HP), where he served as chief financial officer (CFO) of HP’s Americas division, and managed the hemisphere’s $6 billion budget. Regardless of scope or scale of work, Dave always aimed to remain keenly focused on being aware of the needs of his clients, employees and stakeholders in order to deliver brand promises and product results.

This success in C-suite positions also included many challenges, particularly during his time at Sears. He served as CFO of Sears Home Services and later Sears Retail Services Unit, which included all U.S. Sears and K-Mart retail stores.

“When I joined Sears in 2012, I was optimistic there was still an opportunity to save the company,” Dave recalled. “I was so proud to be part of a brand with such a respected history that resonated with so many customers. It was

Dave Hansen (Iowa State 90)

deeply rewarding to learn about the retail sector, which was new to me. But, it also was one of my greatest challenges — our employee and customer base shrank, competition was on the rise and we were not able to provide a great value and brand promise to our customers. Once that happened, it impacted culture and impacted the employee experience. When those factors aligned, we were forced to close.”

EMPOWERING TALENT

Underpinning Dave’s professional career has been his empowerment and trust in others, and is part of his leadership philosophy today.

“I fully subscribe to the empowerment of individuals and teams to achieve greater outcomes,” Dave shared. “In my last role as VP of transformation at CDK Global, our success was dependent on empowerment leading to buy-in and ownership. My greatest reward is when I can help others acheive great success.”

Dave recognizes college men need to be prepared to manage their own careers, to feel empowered to take opportunities and be in control of their advancement.

“I want our members to understand the power of building relationships and networks. There isn’t a college class taught on this, that’s where FarmHouse comes in,” he observed. “It is an important skill and one we can help teach, rather than learning on the fly.”

“Young professionals need to learn how to best manage their own careers through continued education, raising their hands for leadership opportunities and be willing to take on new challenges. Much of this happens through networks and existing relationships. Promotions through tenure are a thing of the past,” Dave said.

THE FUTURE OF FARMHOUSE

In addition to preparing students for future careers and empowering them with important skills, Dave is excited about the future of FarmHouse and is eager to explore many of the ideas he has heard from others.

Two areas of importance to him are continued membership growth and how to best leverage the resources the Fraternity has to bring the most value to its members.

“We want to bring the FarmHouse experience to as many young men as possible and we need an aggressive growth mindset for that — in our existing chapters and on new campuses,” Dave shared.

“Growth must happen by being the best version of our mission, vision and values which have served us so well for 118 years. We must also think about how we are living given the world around us today. This is important to carry forward a constructive Fraternity experience for our members and into the future.”

“I’m committed to visiting all of our chapters and have the goal of doing so in the first year, so I can listen and learn about their experience. I’m also excited to meet alumni who are an important part of the Fraternity’s success,” he said.

In closing, Dave shared, “I care about this organization so much. I know we can do great things together in the days and weeks and years ahead, and I look forward to working together to grow our great Fraternity.”

Written by Chad Harris (Iowa State 98).

To watch the full zoom interview with Dave Hansen, visit bit.ly/newFHCEO or scan the QR code.

Dave Hansen with Minnesota brothers at 2023 Power of 7 Seminar.

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

WITH GARY HANSEN (SOUTH DAKOTA STATE 72)

Gary Hansen started serving when he was in elementary school — and never stopped. “I am not one to sit idly by when I can be productive. It is important for me to stay active and find ways to give back to others and my community. I am fortunate to have the time and resources to be able to share, and I am happy to do that,” Gary said.

Gary is a retired risk management professional and a commercial arbitrator. He is a graduate of South Dakota State University (SDSU) with a bachelor of science degree in economics and political science; the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; and Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Saint Paul. Gary is a Mitchell Hamline alumni board member and is active in the Minnesota State Bar Association.

Gary is serving his fifth term on the Eagan, Minnesota, City Council. He is acting mayor in the mayor’s absence, serves as vice president of the Eagan Economic Development Authority and represents Eagan on numerous regional boards, including the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, Suburban Transit Association and the Twin Cities Metropolitan Council’s Transportation.

Gary is a past president of the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (Metro Cities) and serves on Metro Cities and League of Minnesota Cities legislative policy committees. While at South Dakota State, Gary was active in student government and served as chapter president and associate editor of Pearls & Rubies. He was a Doane Award recipient in 1974. He is a past director and officer on the Minnesota FarmHouse Association board.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING OR SERVICE?

I would advise others to devote their efforts to causes they are passionate about supporting. It is important to focus on favorite causes and do your best to help them succeed. Don’t be discouraged if desired results cannot be achieved; sometimes they require longer terms, or different efforts.

From a public service perspective, it is important not to become discouraged or offended when others criticize your efforts. Those in positions of representing others cannot always please everyone. Use your best judgment and do what you think is best in each situation, and be prepared to explain your rationale. I find that when people understand the facts behind why something was done, they are more likely to accept it, or at least know the basis for the decision.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED VOLUNTEERING?

I have always been interested in influencing others. It started in elementary school when I was elected as president of the Young Citizens League. My interest continued through student government in high school and college.

I was active in the National FFA Organization as chapter president and state president in South Dakota.

I served on and chaired citizen advisory commissions for both the city and county before being elected to the city council. I volunteer in my community through Rotary and at food pantries. I am also part of a group that plans and organizes SDSU alumni events in the Twin Cities region and I serve on my law school alumni board.

WHY IS SUPPORTING YOUR COMMUNITY IMPORTANT TO YOU?

As a council member of one of Minnesota’s largest cities for more than 14 years, I have had the opportunity to help guide the city’s growth and development and implement programs and services that contribute to making our community a great place to live, work and play. I believe in communicating with residents to learn what’s important and helping them meet their needs.

WHY SHOULD OTHERS CONSIDER BEING A PUBLIC SERVANT?

Public service is not for everyone, but for those who have an interest, it can be a rewarding experience. If you want to make a difference, influence change, and interact with people, public service affords those opportunities.

Public service provides an opportunity to become a steward of public policy and contribute to improvements that are vital to quality of life. It can provide a sense of fulfillment, allow one to act on altruistic desires, and give one a sense of accomplishment that comes from knowing you made a measurable difference in the lives of others.

WHAT DOES SERVICE AS A VALUE OF FARMHOUSE MEAN TO YOU?

FarmHouse members acknowledge in The Object, “the promise of service to their fellow men and to the world.” This promise made a memorable impression on me as a new member and it continues to guide me. By offering service to others, I try to remain true to our vision of a membership empowered and inspired to leave a lasting, positive impact on our communities, which may require “a sacrifice of time, pleasures, and comforts.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FARMHOUSE MEMORY?

I treasure the memory of being presented the Doane Award because it reflected my chapter brothers’ appreciation for successfully working together to achieve our goals and objectives.

I fondly remember encouraging our chapter advisor, Bob Off, to apply for the FarmHouse executive director position and the pride and elation we experienced when he succeeded.

WHAT LEADS YOU TO CONTINUE TO VOLUNTEER WITH FARMHOUSE?

I am grateful for the opportunities FarmHouse has provided to me, both organizationally and socially. The Fraternity expects and rewards academic achievement and offered valuable leadership experience for me as chapter president. The chapter house was a “home away from home” where I lived with my family of brothers. It remains a home to me whenever I visit the campus, and it’s a gathering place to remember and celebrate longtime relationships.

As I have been able, it has been my desire to give back to FarmHouse. Volunteering my time and efforts, currently as a Foundation Trustee, as well as donating financially, helps achieve our mission to strengthen values and provide leadership and personal growth opportunities while building exceptional men.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A FARMHOUSE FOUNDATION TRUSTEE?

I am honored to be part of a dedicated group of successful individuals who bring varied backgrounds and expertise to support the mission of the Fraternity and Foundation. I have learned from other Trustees as we have shared our professional experiences to support the work of the Foundation. I especially appreciate the spirit of camaraderie and sharing of life experiences when we gather together.

WHEN HAS YOUR SERVICE MEANT TO YOU?

I have been elected and reelected to the Eagan City Council five times. Every election I am honored people have remained confident I will make the right decisions on their behalf and desire me to continue. I am honored when interested residents express appreciation for the job the city and council are doing.

A CALLING TO

Matt Lloyd (Illinois 93), like most who attend a large state school, was looking for a community to help make the university feel smaller. He was initiated into the FarmHouse chapter at the University of Illinois in 1993. In FarmHouse, Matt found more than brotherhood. He met his wife, Amy, through his FarmHouse little brother, Ryan Tate (Illinois 96). Matt and Amy have been married for 23 years this May and have two teenagers.

Matt looks back fondly on his time in the chapter. One of the biggest lessons he learned was how to get along with different types of people. “Even though agriculture was an influence for many in the chapter, it was amazing how diverse the men were,” said Matt. “I learned how to work with folks from different backgrounds with different perspectives on life, which has helped me immensely throughout my career.”

Matt’s career has spanned nearly three decades — almost all of it in public service. He started his government service in the U.S. House, where he served as communications director for then-Representative Mike Pence. He then served as Pence’s deputy chief of staff when he was Governor of Indiana. Following the 2016 Presidential election, Matt served in senior roles in the presidential administration — first at the Department of Health and Human Services, then as a senior advisor for public affairs at the State Department under Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Matt also served as principal deputy director of public affairs at the Department of Justice under Attorney General Bill Barr.

Matt worked in the U.S Senate for Sen. Rob Portman from Ohio where he served as deputy chief of staff and communications director after the 2020 election. When Portman retired in 2022, Matt took the same job with Sen. Steve Daines of Montana, a member of the Senate Republican leadership.

When asked about these high-profile leaders, Matt said, “I am very thankful that I had phenomenal bosses throughout my career. All of them demanded excellence — challenged me and made me better. I am grateful to all of them for giving me the opportunity to serve the country.”

Living in close quarters, sharing workspaces and learning to coexist and communicate effectively are skills

he learned in FarmHouse. Because many government workplaces are small, Matt has tapped into this skill and uses it every day. Ironically, throughout his career, he has often shared an office with at least one other person.

Perhaps most importantly, he believes a willingness to serve is a core value should be emphasized more in today’s society. From his faith, he learned the importance of serving, not only from his parents and his close friends, but also from his time in FarmHouse.

“During college, you can be influenced by so many things. FarmHouse’s focus on service made a strong impression on my life,” Matt reflected.

Matt’s interest in public affairs grew out of his passions and was not his initial career goal. He always loved to write and even had a sports column in his high school newspaper. He also wrote articles for 4-H. He was eventually recruited to the agricultural communication program at Illinois by Dr. Jim Evans (Iowa State 52).

“Dr. Evans took great interest in the students and provided mentorship and encouragement. I am forever grateful to him for all of his help,” Matt said. Through this

“During college, you can be influenced by so many things. FarmHouse’s focus on service made a strong impression on my life.”

- Matt Lloyd (Illinois 93)

Matt Lloyd in Quantico, Virginia, at the FBI Intelligence and Investigative Training Center in October 2019.

program, Matt learned he was really interested in public relations because he enjoyed the process of persuading and convincing an audience to come around to a particular view. This eventually translated into a career in public service.

However, working in Washington D.C. was not a goal for Matt. He assumed once married, he and Amy would stay in the Midwest and he would work in agricultural public affairs. “But God had other plans,” Matt said. His only job offer upon graduation was from the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC), based in Washington, D.C. — so he packed up his car and moved to the East Coast.

Matt was politically aware for most of his young adult life, but never directly involved in politics. Lessons learned from FarmHouse influenced him to pursue excellence as he started his career at NCFC. He soon caught the political bug, but later realized he was really called to public service. Matt found he excelled in public service and understood life was not so much about him, but about serving a higher calling.

“Most political staffers don’t stay long,” he explained. “It is really hard work with long hours and unless you have a calling and a passion for it. It is easy to burn out quickly. When you look at it as serving others, it adds a whole new meaning to the work – it’s not politics anymore but public

service, and that is really fulfilling.”

Matt hopes more people, especially those who are younger and just starting in their careers, will feel that same calling.

“My biggest piece of advice is to find a place where you can serve others, especially for a cause or an ideal higher than yourself,” he said. “The country needs this mindset now more than ever. Making a difference by serving on any level, big or small, will make our country better.”

When asked what advice he would give to others, Matt offered the following:

• Find where you are called to serve. Everyone has a place – find yours and commit to serving there.

• Find a mentor. “I want to be the best in my field and to achieve that I want to learn from the best. I reached out to folks who are at the top of their game and asked them to teach me,” he said.

Matt reflected on his advice and concluded, “As Sen. Daines says, ‘Keep moving forward each day. Some days will be a leap, others will be a baby step, but as long as you keep moving forward, you are making progress.’”

Matt Lloyd with his daughter, Charlotte, outside the West Wing of the White House April 2017.

Matt Lloyd and his family with Vice President Pence in the Indiana Governor’s office at his portrait unveiling in the Indiana Statehouse Aug. 2017.

Matt Lloyd working with Sen. Steve Daines (MT) right off the Senate floor in the Capitol in what is known as the Ohio clock corridor.

STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT TO KANSAS STATE TREASURER

Aspirit for service, a mind for numbers and concern about the state’s finances coming out of the 2008 recession led Steven Johnson (Kansas State 84) to seek a seat in the Kansas House of Representatives in 2010. After more than a decade of service in the state legislature, those same qualities led Johnson to seek the office of state treasurer in the 2022 elections.

Running for a statewide office in Kansas is a grueling task. There are 105 counties in which to campaign. Thousands of dollars must be raised to pay for campaign staff, yard signs, t-shirts, and — of course — television ads and Johnson did it twice within a span of a few months. In August 2022, he was successful in the Republican primary, securing a victory by the slimmest of margins: 474 votes or 0.1% of more than 438,424 votes. In the general election, his margin was much more comfortable, defeating the incumbent state treasurer by nearly 13%.

Johnson was sworn into office as the 42nd Kansas State Treasurer January 9, 2023. He now serves as the state’s banker, managing the state’s cash flows and serving as a “watchdog” over state funds on behalf of taxpayers.

“State finances were my focus in the legislature,” Steven said. “That, combined with my previous experience building financial portfolios in the private sector, led me to look deeper into the responsibilities and opportunities that exist in the state treasurer’s office and oversee efforts to manage the state’s money.”

Steven’s qualities of leadership and service were recognized at an early age when his peers elected him as student body president when he was a sophomore at Kansas State University.

Kent Bradley (Kansas State 85) recalled first meeting Steven during their 4-H youth involvement, and then being recruited by Johnson to join FarmHouse. “Our paths had crossed in high school with 4-H activities,” Kent said.

“He was obviously effective as a recruiter for FarmHouse — because I joined. Among many admirable qualities, Steven has incredible integrity. He is organized and mission driven. He is courteous and deeply cares about issues. He has drive and is articulate and inclusive.”

Steven again recruited Kent, this time to replace him as student body president, leading to back-to-back FarmHouse men at the helm of Kansas State’s student government.

After graduating with honors from Kansas State, Steven received his MBA from the University of Chicago. He then spent more than 20 years working for a financial management firm, relocating several times across the country, and returning regularly to Kansas to help on his family’s central Kansas cattle and grain farm.

To say politicians are not well known for their keen financial management abilities is likely an understatement. For Steven, it stired his desire to serve the state, aspiring to leave things better than he found them.

Congratulations are given to Steven Johnson (Kansas State 84) (right) by Kevin Graber (Kansas State 83) and Jamie Wilson (Kansas State 84) moments after Johnson received official notice at FarmHouse Fraternity he had been elected student body president. (Photo by Steve Rasmussen and Kansas State archives)

During his 12 years as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives, Steven dug deep into the state’s finances, eventually chairing the house tax committee and the house committee overseeing insurance and pensions.

His signature achievement came in his final year in the legislature as he led an effort to shore up the state’s pension system, which had long been underfunded. Those efforts culminated with the passage of a bill in 2022 that transferred more than $1 billion in excess revenues to the pension fund. As state treasurer, Steven continues his efforts to ensure the system is well-funded for public employee retirees by serving on the board who oversees the pension fund.

“In my career as a financial advisor, I worked directly with individuals to make sure they were properly planning for their future expenses, including retirement,” Steven said. “In public service, we have a responsibility to make sure we are properly funding our future liabilities. For state governments one of the largest future liabilities is the state’s pension system.”

In the House, Johnson earned respect from members on both sides of the aisle, leading a civility program that brought members of both parties together to find common ground and exchange dialogue. He organized a “lunch lottery,” which allowed members to be selected at random to go to lunch together and get to know each other outside the formalities of the statehouse.

Serving in public office, Steven credits his experience in FarmHouse and at Kansas State University with instilling in him the qualities of leadership he relies upon daily.

“As ‘Builders of Men,’ our commitment to service and leadership provided opportunities to build on those experiences through my career and in public office,” he

said. “I am grateful to my FarmHouse brothers for helping me get my start in student politics, and for the continued support I’ve had from the many generations of FarmHouse men who have helped me along the way.”

In his campaign for state treasurer, Steven was able to secure volunteer support from several FarmHouse undergraduate members in the same way he relied on his FarmHouse brothers during his run for student body president.

Caleb Stout (Kansas State 20) recently followed in Johnson’s footsteps by being elected Kansas State student body president. He was among the FarmHouse men who volunteered for Johnson’s campaign. “I knew it would be a great opportunity to invest in the political process, but even more so it was just a chance to help a fellow FarmHouse man,” Caleb said.

Several FarmHouse men were able to join Johnson for an election night watch party in November. “It was a lot of fun,” Caleb said. “We got to watch as the results rolled in and celebrated with him as he gave his acceptance speech. He thanked us personally, and it was just a fun time.”

Steven encourages all FarmHouse men to find ways to live out their commitment to serve. “Service is largely the same at all levels. Serving in our churches, 4-H clubs and communities are places where we solve real issues and provide some of the greatest opportunities. Meeting FH brothers across the state who are the trusted leaders in their communities remains a highlight of my campaign.”

Written by Clint Blaes (Kansas State 05), director of communications and marketing for the Kansas state treasurer’s office and a FarmHouse communications committee member.

Steven Johnson was sworn in as Kansas State Treasurer in January 2023.

Pictured left to right: Caleb Stout (Kansas State 20), Preston Dunn (Kansas State 22), Steven Johnson (Kansas State 84), Eli DeBaun (Kansas State 21) and Logan Cone (Kansas State 21).

“Meeting FH brothers across the state who are the trusted leaders in their communities remains a highlight of my campaign.”

- Steven Johnson (Kansas State 93)

FAITH SERVING THROUGH

On a farm 90 miles southwest of Chicago, Kirk Farney (Illinois 79), was taught to have extraordinary work ethic, to be responsible, read voraciously and always strive for excellence. At the time, he may not have known his parents were preparing him for a successful academic career, leadership in FarmHouse, and a profession in banking at the highest levels.

Kirk was one of 52 in his senior class from ForrestStrawn-Wing High School in Forrest, Illinois. As president of his FFA chapter, and later sectional president for Illinois FFA during his freshman year at the University of Illinois, he learned as much as he could about leadership.

“Developing leadership skills, especially public speaking, was integral to my upbringing,” Kirk said. “When I was a high school freshman, none of the upperclassmen wanted to participate in the FFA parliamentary procedure contest. I was asked to join the team and loved it.”

Kirk’s first exposure to leadership began on a cattle and grain farm when he was in elementary and middle school. He recalls a day in the fourth grade when his dad was due at a livestock auction and noticed the electric fence was not working. He was concerned the cattle might discover it and get out.

“Dad left instructions with my mother for me to walk the fence around that 80-acre pasture when I got home from school. Eventually, I found where it was shorted-out and I fixed it,” Kirk said. “When dad got home that evening and – perhaps surprisingly – learned I had successfully repaired the fence, he praised me and told me how proud he was. That really stuck with me and made me want to continue to succeed.”

The Farney farm operated a feedlot where they fed cattle in the winter and spring, but it was vacant in the summer. Kirk, as a seventh grader, decided he would like to purchase some feeder pigs to put in the feedlot for the summer. When he asked his dad if he could borrow the money from him to buy pigs, his dad told him he should go to the local bank and take out a loan.

“My dad drove me to the bank and joined me for the meeting with the banker,” Kirk said. “The banker asked me how much money I needed to buy the pigs and supplies. When I told him $350, he told me I hadn’t planned for enough cushion and I should borrow $500, so I did. I am certain my dad co-signed the loan after I left the banker’s office. A day or two later, I bought nine feeder pigs, two of them later died, and I net earned $300 at the end of that summer.”

Although he raised feeder pigs in subsequent summers and took out loans for each purchase, Farney eventually

decided he wanted to be on the other side of the banker’s desk.

In the fall of 1979, Kirk pledged FarmHouse while majoring in finance and agricultural economics. Why FarmHouse? “There was a local agricultural lender who was a graduate of the University of Illinois; and a FarmHouse alumnus, and my dad thought very highly of him,” Farney said. “The two of them encouraged me to visit Illinois FarmHouse in high school and I moved into the house as a college freshman.”

Being a member of FarmHouse benefited Farney in several ways.

“I had just graduated from a small high school and found myself on a campus with 36,000 other students,” Farney said. “Because so many FarmHouse members were involved in campus organizations, my brothers helped acclimate me to university life. They helped me to get involved, to find my place on campus and that changed and shaped my life.”

After serving as FarmHouse chapter president, Farney graduated in 1982 and went into banking in Chicago. Now married and with two young children, Farney earned a MBA in marketing from Northwestern University. In 1998, he earned a master’s degree in theological studies from Wheaton College. Eventually, Kirk went into international

Kirk Farney on campus at Wheaton College.

banking, running a global team of 125 and managing a structured finance portfolio of more than $100 billion.

After 26 years in banking, and during the recession in 2008, Farney was asked to shrink his workforce and creditexposure by a significant amount.

“This seemed like the time to transition to a new path,” Farney said. “Committed Christian faith was a big part of our family as I was growing up; my mother read a lot of Bible stories to me, and interest in theology and the church only grew as I got older.”

Growing up a fan of the Fighting Illini, Farney was no fan of the Fighting Irish or the University of Notre Dame. However, in 2008, he decided to leave the banking industry and enroll as a Ph.D. student at Notre Dame, studying under renowned church historian, Mark Noll.

“I’m glad I didn’t know what I was getting into because the program at Notre Dame was very challenging and the volume of reading, research and writing was daunting— but the experience was truly gratifying,” Farney said. “My dissertation research began as an outgrowth of my interests in church history, theology and economic history as I surveyed preaching content during the Great Depression. My focus eventually narrowed on the lives and impact of two highly successful, and largely forgotten, network radio preachers of the 1930s and 1940s.”

Last year, Kirk’s dissertation was published as a book under the title, “Ministers of a New Medium: Broadcasting Theology in the Radio Ministries” of Fulton J. Sheen and Walter A. Maier, and can be purchased on Amazon.

While completing his doctorate, Farney felt a call to Christian higher education and in 2014 was hired as vice president for advancement, vocation and alumni engagement and become a faculty member at his alma mater, Wheaton College.

“I had been on the donor side of advancement, but had never previously held an advancement position, so it was all new to me,” Farney said. “My work at Wheaton College requires creative strategic leadership, effective

communication skills, trust building, and an unwavering, yet inviting, commitment to excellence.”

Kirk also has served on the Thrivent Board of Directors for 12 years. He said, “My service on the Thrivent board is very important to me, as the company is a key component within my own financial planning and stewardship. It is a faith-based Fortune 500 company that provides high quality financial service products and advise to Christians. We endeavor to assist our customers/members to fulfill their financial goals and live generous lives, while realizing that financial resources are a gift from God.”

Kirk has served on the board since 2011. He previously chaired the strategy committee, and currently serves as vice chair of the board of directors. His 12-year term limit will expire at the end of 2023.

Married for 36 years with two grown and married children and a new granddaughter, Farney looks forward to what the future holds.

“My parents taught me to be inquisitive, to be a life-long learner, and to get out of my comfort zone.” Farney said. “I’m truly grateful for that.”

Written by Doug Thomas (Kentucky 78), communications committee member.

Kirk and his father, Roger Farney, at Illinois FarmHouse 1981 Dad’s Day celebration.

Kirk and his mother, Janet Farney, at Illinois FarmHouse 1982 Mom’s Day celebration.

Kirk and his mother, Janet Farney, at Illinois FarmHouse 1980 Mom’s Day celebration.

BACK TO OUR ROOTS: A NEW HOME FOR MISSOURI FARMHOUSE

Cold temperatures, rain and wind could not dampen the excitement of dedicating the new Missouri chapter house on the 118th anniversary of the founding of FarmHouse Fraternity on the campus that fostered its humble beginnings.

More than 150 FarmHouse brothers, guests, and friends gathered at FarmHouse’s new address of 802 Richmond Ave. in Columbia to celebrate the occasion with house tours, dinner and an awards ceremony followed by a live band. To close the festivities, a house dedication prayer was thoughtfully delivered by Brian Fenimore (Missouri 85), International Executive Board member.

University of Missouri Curator, Robin Wenneker, gave emotional and heartfelt remarks during the ceremony. “We recognize, in the men of FarmHouse, a high level of commitment to excellence and growth. Your new home speaks to not only your commitment to the University of Missouri, but also an investment in your brotherhood for generations to come,” she said.

Since the chapter’s restart in 2020, three men, J.R. Adkins (Missouri 20), Jackson Kite (Missouri 20) and Gabe Carr (Missouri 22), have served as chapter presidents. All were present for the celebration, and officially cut the ribbon to the house.

Jackson said, “The new house is great. Every single detail has been taken into account to build this incredible house. Now it is finally complete, all of the brothers get to enjoy it everyday of the week. This is truly an amazing gift.”

The housing project efforts were led locally by the Missouri FH Association board through their building fund with the FarmHouse Foundation.

“It’s not often that a chapter comes back to campus and within three years is fully moved into a brand new facility,” noted Kahlin McKeown, FarmHouse chief operating officer.

The 61-bed facility is truly a testament to the amazing work of so many dedicated alumni, including: Jeff Hilbrenner (Missouri 97), housing fundraising campaign chair; Adam Burger (Missouri 13), Association treasurer; Kyle Middleton (Missouri 99), Association president; and those on the building and feasibility committees. Special thanks to Matt Kist (Missouri 06), who served as chair of the building committee, Duncan Barks (Missouri 76) and Adam Burger who co-chaired the feasibility committee.

“The new house has been a great gift for our Fraternity. Having a place where in-house and out-of-house members can get together is super important for growing our brotherhood. We are so thankful to everyone who have contributed to the construction of the new chapter house.”

- Jack Christian (Missouri 20)

“The brand new facility has been a great asset throughout recruitment. Having brotherhood events in a bigger space has been amazing, and I have definitely grown closer to all of the other members. Our patio is one of my favorite areas of the house, especially when it is warm outside when everyone is hanging out, having a good time.”

- Nolan Wilson (Missouri 22)

“The new house has had a huge effect on growing closer together as a chapter. The amenities have enabled us to grow closer to one another like never before.”

- Jared Otlewis (Missouri 20)

“Living in the new house has been a wonderful experience. Instead of traveling across campus to a dorm, I can walk across the hall and see everyone. Plus, all the new amenities are nice and comforting.”

- Ramsey Hassine (Missouri 21)

Pictured left to right: J.R. Adkins (Missouri 20), Missouri FH Association President Kyle Middleton (Missouri 99), Jackson Kite (Missouri 20), and Gabe Carr (Missouri 22).

The new Missouri FarmHouse chapter house.

SHOP

Scan or visit the website below to shop the LARGEST selection of FarmHouse merchandise!

CAREER A 48-YEAR VOLUNTEER

Ellsworth Christmas (Purdue 55) is one of FarmHouse’s longest-tenured volunteers. He has dedicated 48 years on the Purdue FH Association board, only recently stepping back from his role. Ellsworth was awarded the Claude B. Hutchison Award for Outstanding Service at the 2022 Conclave in Oklahoma City.

Long-time Purdue chapter advisor, Brent Bible (Purdue 93), said, “Ellsworth (or Chris as he’s affectionately known in the local FarmHouse community) is without question the most dedicated and committed FarmHouse man I know. He’s been a positive, consistent and reliable influence in my life over the last 30 years. I first met Chris when I was serving as the chapter’s house manager as an undergraduate. At the time, he was not only the treasurer for the Association, but filled the role of a property manager as well. If you needed something done at the chapter house, one call to Ellsworth made it happen.”

Ellsworth’s FarmHouse experience started at Purdue University in 1954 after arriving on campus from a small farm in southwest Indiana. Someone suggested the chapter

should talk with him, and he received a phone call while he was home with the mumps. Despite Ellsworth being sick, two older FarmHouse members came to see him and invited him to a picnic, where he was asked to become a new member. Ellsworth did not have a place to live on campus; joining FarmHouse turned out to be a great housing option for him and allowed him to be amongst friends and brothers.

FarmHouse has always held a special place in Ellsworth’s heart. He has cherished his friendships in FarmHouse his entire life and still keeps in touch with many of his brothers. “I got a lot more out of FarmHouse than I gave back then. I hope this is still the case with today’s undergraduates,” Ellsworth said.

Ellsworth knew he could make time to volunteer. “Since FarmHouse gave me so much, I wanted to donate my time where I could,” he said. After being out of the country for four years for his career, he moved back to West Lafayette, Indiana, and was asked to join the Purdue FH Association board. He, of course, said yes.

The Purdue chapter looks a bit different in 2023 than

“University studies provided career education — FarmHouse provided life education.”

- Ellsworth Christmas (Purdue 55)

A table constructed by Ellsworth Christmas for the Purdue chapter house.

Ellsworth Christmas helps restore artifacts as a volunteer for the Pioneer Village at the Indiana State Fair.

it did in 1955. As of 2016, the chapter is in a new facility, furnished by the fundraising efforts by the Association and the generosity of donors through their building fund with the FH Foundation. Brent Bible recalls, “About 10 years ago, when it was time to build a new chapter house, Ellsworth volunteered to serve on the building committee and handle all of the financial aspects of the project, from managing contributions to the campaign, to paying vendors for work done. He and his wife, Nancy, were significant donors to the project, and provided advice and counsel on materials and design selections, architectural ideas and materials (he built the fireplace mantel), and ran errands to make last minute problems magically disappear.”

Ellsworth recently retired from his career as an extension specialist and from volunteering with FarmHouse. Since retirement, unlike most folks, instead of downsizing, he upsized by adding a family room and a wood-working shop to his home. He recently finished his 37th and 38th set of handmade children’s tables and four chairs. He plans to make two to four more sets this spring and summer — not to sell, but as gifts. Over the years, he has enjoyed repairing chairs and constructing other items in his woodshop for friends, family, and the Purdue chapter.

Brent said, “Even in ‘retirement’ from the Association, Chris continues to contribute by faithfully attending alumni functions. Most recently, he and Nancy provided formal cabinetry for the chapter dining room, some of which he constructed in his woodworking shop. He has always been an enthusiastic advocate for FarmHouse, and his positive example is one I strive to constantly emulate. His commitment has motivated me countless times to be a better FarmHouse brother.”

When Ellsworth was asked to reflect on the importance of service, he said, “Service today is more important than ever. I see way too many people, young and old, who have the attitude of ‘what’s in it for me?’ People are not looking at the bigger picture of how important it is to help others.”

In FarmHouse, Ellsworth learned the importance of sharing, befriending others, communicating and helping. “University studies provided career education, FarmHouse provided life education.”

A table constructed by Ellsworth Christmas for the Purdue chapter house.

Ellsworth Christmas working in his wood shop at his home.

Ellsworth Christmas makes pizza at his home in his special brick oven.

SERVICE

TO HIS FELLOW MAN AND THE WORLD

As a young person, Cameron Ryffel (Idaho 03) was eager to expand his world view and further his academic achievements. However, he knew pursuing a degree in higher education was going to be expensive and the best option was to join the U.S. Army Reserves as a high school junior.

When most high school students are spending their summers working or vacationing, Cameron spent the summer before his senior year at basic training. Upon graduating high school, he attended the University of Idaho. This began his 24-year career (and counting) of service to our country in the United States Army and the Idaho National Guard.

“Initially, I joined as a means to pay my own way for a four-year degree, but continued to serve beyond my four-year commitment because I really enjoyed the adventure and opportunities for personal growth the Army offers,” said Cameron. “I credit a lot of my success in adulthood to my upbringing, the Army and FarmHouse.”

In June 2006, he transferred to the Idaho Army National Guard. He is a major in the Army, and was recently assigned as the air assault battalion executive officer. He is also the Idaho Army National Guard projects officer.

During a typical week, Cameron plans and conducts multiple meetings and publishes statelevel guidance pertaining to operations for all Idaho Army National Guard units. During the summer, he attends large training exercises where soldiers collectively improve their capabilities.

In addition to operational details, Cameron participates in weekly training flights and has flown on Army Apache helicopters. He also travels to meetings and participates in other exercises, domestically and abroad. In the past year, he traveled to Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Washington, Washington, D.C., Poland and Turkey. These trips were to develop training events for soldiers. Beyond his duties, he believes service means much more than a title or role.

After being in the Reserves for more than a year, he discovered men with similar ideas and brotherhood when attending the University of Idaho. However, those men were not in the military dormitories. Those men belonged

to FarmHouse. Once he learned about FarmHouse’s version of service, the decision to join was easy. Cameron embraced that alongside the military’s own definition of service.

“The work ethic, discipline and camaraderie were values I was already familiar with and what lead me to join FarmHouse during my freshman year,” Cameron said. “We had men from all academic areas, from a great variety of backgrounds and experiences. No two people were exactly alike, just like life in the professional world outside of college. This really propelled my brothers and me to a higher level of readiness for life.”

“Distilled down to the most basic element, it was the brotherhood of bonding over shared experiences and carrying the load of growth and development. I’ve made lifelong friends and have stories I’ll remember long after the classroom academic teachings have faded from memory.”

Similar to the military, there is a sense of uniqueness to the men who join FarmHouse — working towards a common goal and purpose.

“They aren’t vastly different, both focusing on giving of one’s time for the betterment of their fellow man and their community,” Cameron said.

The most long-term piece of both experiences are the FarmHouse and military connections he has made along the way. Cameron’s willingness to serve has allowed him to meet and make lifelong friendships domestically and abroad. Each summer, these friendships culminate with annual FarmHouse reunions at his home in Boise, Idaho. Brothers gather to share life updates, reminisce about stories from their college days and rekindle the camaraderie they had during their undergraduate years. Mostly, it is a great opportunity to catch up with long-time friends.

His service extends beyond the Idaho Army National Guard and his undergraduate years in FarmHouse. He currently serves on the Idaho FarmHouse Association board in an effort to continue to ensure Idaho and FarmHouse have a strong future.

“I’ve always looked at my career as a long string of opportunities to step forward and volunteer for any task that needs completed,” Cameron said. “Giving more of oneself to an organization or the community than you expect in return.”

Written by

Cody Cramer (Oklahoma State 08).

“We had men from all academic areas, from a great variety of backgrounds and experiences. No two people were exactly alike, just like life in the professional world outside of college. That really propelled my brothers and me to a higher level of readiness for life.”

- Cameron Ryffel (Idaho 03)

Cameron Ryffel (Idaho 03) smiles in front of an Apache Helicopter.

FarmHouse Fraternity has been the premiere fraternity experience on college campuses for 118 years. Our Fraternity’s success depends on dedication and support from our members, both undergraduate and alumni. We sincerely hope you will find a way to continue to support FarmHouse by volunteering in a short or longterm capacity, contributing to the FarmHouse Excellence Fund with the Foundation, or calling a fellow brother to encourage them to update their contact information with FarmHouse. Here are a few ways you can help:

CONNECT WITH CHAPTER BROTHERS

Participate in local chapter events or connect with FarmHouse brothers you may not have spoken with in a while. Connect with the Association Board and find an alumni event to attend.

HELPING IS AS EASY AS... 1

VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME

INVEST IN PROGRAMS

There are many different ways you can volunteer your time to help push FarmHouse forward. Many of our chapters are in need of advisors to help guide their experience and provide important perspective. We are always searching for program facilitators, committee members and association members. 2 3

Each year, we continue to build men through educational programs like the FarmHouse Leadership Institute and To Be and Become Emerging Talent Retreat. You can help give more young men the opportunity to attend these experiences with your contributions to the FarmHouse Excellence Fund.

52ND BIENNIAL CONCLAVE SAVE THE DATE!

FARMHOUSE ON THE HILL

Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC) Capitol Hill visits returned to in-person activity this spring and were hosted April 18 and 19, 2023 in Washington, D.C.

The purpose of the Hill visits is to advocate for federal legislation important to the success of fraternity and sorority organizations across the country. These visits provide students an opportunity to directly engage with and impact the national legislative process. The program is in coordination with other fraternities and sororities, the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), and associated industry groups. Collective legislative priorities are freedom of association, anti-hazing legislation, and the tax code relating to contributions for chapter housing.

Two undergraduates, Caleb Stout (Kansas State 20) and Griffin Wild (Texas Tech 19), were selected to represent FarmHouse. The Fraternity and Foundation work collectively to fund this initiative for two student representatives to attend the program. This year, Chris Frasier (Colorado State 80) generously gave to the FarmHouse Foundation to help support the students’ attendance.

When asked about the experience, Caleb said, “When joining FarmHouse, I was looking for a place that would challenge me to be a better man, and that’s exactly what I gained through my fraternity experience. I want to be sure other young men around the country can have the same, positive fraternity experience I have had. Advocating for the value of fraternity and sorority life to those who have the power to protect and improve our time in college was a great personal experience and, hopefully, proves beneficial to FarmHouse and fraternity and sorority life as a whole.”

Griffin felt similarly about the experience and his role in ensuring fraternity life is beneficial for others. “My time as a member of FarmHouse Fraternity has helped me to grow exponentially as a person and has offered opportunities such as attending FGRC that will remain with me for the rest of my life.

I want other young men to experience the growth, brotherhood, and leadership that I’ve enjoyed in FarmHouse. By continually advocating for the true values of Greek life and its importance to college students, we can continue the rich traditions and great work FarmHouse chapters achieve across the country!”

Rep. Tracey Mann (R, Kansas 1st District) with Caleb Stout (Kansas State 20) and Carson Wiltfong (Nebraska 18).

From left to right; Christian Wiggins, outgoing Fraternity CEO, Griffin Wild (Texas Tech 19), Cody Cramer (Oklahoma State 08), Gabriel Eckert (Kansas State 95), Past IEB President, Caleb Stout (Kansas State 20) and Carson Wiltfong (Nebraska 18) during their Hill visits.

Take

When their 10-year-old daughter Laura was diagnosed with leukemia, Robert (Bob) Graves, D.V.M. (Colorado State 53), and his wife, Sherry, were ready to do anything they could to save her. Desperate to save her life, they turned to alternative treatment options. They agreed to try the first ever bone marrow transplant for a leukemia patient from an unrelated donor. Laura received her transplant in 1979. And it worked!

FarmHouse chapters and members have been spreading awareness for the Be The Match Registry® and raising funds to help searching patients for several years, and before being adopted as an official philanthropy for FarmHouse at the 2008 Conclave. Because of their efforts, they have raised thousands of dollars and helped more than 4,000 members join the Registry, resulting in 36 life-saving donations.

an inside look at our undergraduate members in this section of Only in FarmHouse.

Ethan Kane (Texas Tech 21) smiles during his donation procedure.

ONE-OF-A-KIND DONATION

There is someone Ethan Kane (Texas Tech 21) would like to meet.

In June 2022, Ethan donated stem cells through the Be The Match, the national marrow donor program, and all he knows is the recipient is a 61-year-old man with leukemia. In a few short weeks, Ethan will receive an update about the man’s health, which could result in the stem cell donor and stem cell recipient meeting face-to-face.

“That’s all I want,” said the mechanical engineering major from Allen, Texas. “I would love to meet him.”

FarmHouse Fraternity and Be The Match (BTM) have history due to the efforts of Robert Graves, D.V.M. (Colorado State 53) and his wife, Sherry, who led the formation of a national Registry of volunteers willing to donate their bone marrow. Inspiration came from their daughter’s successful bone marrow transplant — the first ever for a leukemia patient from a non-family member— and BTM was formed as a result of those efforts. FarmHouse formally partnered with BTM in 2008 and continues to support the organization through philanthropy and service.

Matthew Kroeger, BTM senior partnerships manager, said, “Our partnership with FarmHouse has generated more than 4,000 Registry additions, leading to 36 donations. The potential for 36 lives saved.”

“FarmHouse young men consistently show up to volunteer, spread awareness and help provide a second chance at life for our patients and their families,” Matthew said. “They are thoughtful, hard-working and embrace the element of service on their campuses and in their communities. Their leadership will continue to make an impact.”

Kroeger has a number of notable FarmHouse stories to share. “During a two-day event, the Southern Illinois chapter shared the story of Ari, a patient in need of a match. Both of Ari’s parents work for Southern Illinois University, so it was great to see this connection to hopefully find Ari a match,” Matt said.

This academic year, the Southern Illinois and Tennessee chapters have each enrolled approximately 300 new members to the Registry, helping to bring FarmHouse chapters’ combined total to 900 — and the number continues to grow!

Ethan has his personal story to tell, beginning with why he decided to join the Registry. “Our chapter president thought it would be a good idea so I agreed,” he said.

Two months later, Ethan received an email and telephone call with the news he was a match. Depending on the match type — either stem cells or bone marrow — he would have his blood tested twice a month and receive filgrastim injections (a medication that increases the number of blood-forming cells in one’s bloodstream) twice a day during the seven days before his donation.

He was warned the shots would be painful and they were.

“They felt like lava in my body — the worst shots I’ve had,” Ethan recounted.

He could have stepped away, but he didn’t. Ethan cited the same reason he had for agreeing to donate in the first place, “I hope someone would do the same for me.”

In June 2022, Ethan and his father traveled to Houston where he spent the day at Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Technicians hooked up one IV in his left elbow and one in his right wrist. “It takes the blood from the left elbow, runs it through the machine and separates the stem cells, and returns your blood to the right wrist,” Ethan said. Seven hours later, he was finished. “I was absolutely exhausted. You’re drained. I was very tired.”

He returned home to his proud parents to rest and recuperate. Ethan had hoped his stem cells would work some magic in a man who needed them more. In June, Ethan will learn the outcome.

For now, Ethan encourages his FarmHouse brothers to join him in becoming a bone marrow and stem cell donor. Scan the QR code to for more information.

Since its founding in 1987, BTM has facilitated more than 120,000 transplants — a resounding 6,714 in 2022, alone. In addition, BTM supports approximately 250 ongoing research studies and clinical trials, and provided 6.1 million in financial assistance to 2,320 patients in need of treatment in 2022. Most importantly, half of new Registry members, aged 18-35, added new human leukocyte antigen types to the Be The Match Registry® in 2022. The Registry now includes more than nine million potential donors in the United States and more than 41 million donors worldwide.

Written by Kevin Warneke (Nebraska 82), communications committee chair.

Ethan Kane (Texas Tech 21) during his donation procedure.

BE OND THE BOIL

Robert Moseley (Troy 95) could not be more pleased with the success of his FarmHouse chapter’s annual crawfish boil. “Pleased beyond words,” said Moseley, a charter member of the Troy chapter and an attorney, practicing in Mobile, Alabama. “I would even say proud, but not from a prideful point. Proud of the guys for keeping it going — and growing it.”

Robert attended the 2022 crawfish boil, which drew 500 people and raised $21,664 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). “I don’t think I would ever have envisioned it would get this big.”

Twenty years ago, the newly chartered Troy FarmHouse chapter was looking to establish itself with a signature event. Other Troy fraternities were known for theirs, and FarmHouse looked to create one of their own. Robert offered a suggestion of a crawfish boil as he had attended one at another university, hosted by a friend’s fraternity. His FarmHouse brothers liked the idea.

Their chapter advisor, Barry Uze (Troy 95), an economics professor at Troy University, really liked Robert’s suggestion. “He was from the bayou and knew all about crawfish boils,” Robert recalled. “He had the pots we needed, he knew what seasoning to use and he knew where to get our crawfish. He even knew how to cook them. Without him, we would have had to look everything up in a library book. He deserves the credit for making this event happen.”

Chapter members sought to turn over proceeds of the event to a local charity. Robert recalls members discussing options during a round-table conversation until a member shared his family member had a connection to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). The decision was made.

The mission of LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care. It is now one of FarmHouse’s National philanthropies adopted at the 2008 Conclave.

Garrett McKeon (Troy 21), chapter president, knows the history of the crawfish boil. For the inaugural event, the chapter bought 150 pounds of crawfish and 50 pounds of shrimp, which they hoped to serve 120 people. The price tag was $358.47. The boil, held at the chapter house, raised approximately $500 for LLS in the first year.

Eventually, the crawfish boil outgrew the Troy chapter house and in 2021 it moved to the field across from Sorority Hill. “It’s a perfect location,” Garrett said. “It offers plenty of space and is convenient for sorority members to attend.”

In 2022, the chapter ordered 1,000 pounds of crawfish –“And we still ran out early!” Garrett joked. The boil includes live entertainment, often a country band, and a Crawfish Queen competition. Troy sororities compete to have one of their members earn the distinction, which is determined by participation and the money they raise for LLS.

The university designates each fraternity and sorority with its own philanthropy week to avoid overlap, where FarmHouse, typically, is assigned a week in April, which culminate with the Thursday night crawfish boil.

For those who have yet to experience a crawfish boil, Garrett provided some background:

Also known as crayfish, crawdads, mudbugs and even yabbies, crawfish are freshwater crustaceans. Some species are found in brooks and streams, where fresh water is running, while others thrive in swamps, ditches and paddy fields.

Preparing crawfish, which typically come in 50-pound bags, to be boiled begins with purging – running water over them to rinse off the mud. “You do it until the water runs clear.” Crawfish that rise to the top during the process are discarded because they’re spoiled.

The crawfish are loaded into pans with lemon, water and seasoning and boiled for 10 to 15 minutes until they turn from a darkish brown to a more lobster red. “Their tails will curl in and make a u-shape. Then you know they are done,” he said. Crawfish are typically served with corn, potatoes and sausage.

Preparation includes finding vendors for all the needed ingredients, but especially the crawfish, begins months in advance. Setup begins the night before. Parents volunteer to do the cooking, which is done at the chapter house, allowing chapter members to work the event. Each FarmHouse member class has assigned duties: freshmen and new members collect and empty the shell buckets while sophomores work the crowd and provide seconds. Juniors work the serving line. As for seniors, Garrett said, “we tell them to enjoy the crawfish boil.”

“People come early and they come hungry,” Garrett said.

“Our organization is so thankful for the continued support of the Troy FarmHouse chapter,” said Barrett Ford, campaign development manager for LLS-Tennessee/ Alabama. “They are a leading fundraising team for us year after year and truly an inspiration to other fundraisers.”

Barrett concluded, “Because of fundraising groups like Troy FarmHouse, we are able to support our mission.”

Written by Kevin Warneke (Nebraska 82), communications committee chair.

A hungry crowd gathers in line to pick up their meal. Photos provided by PR chair, Dalton Cates (Troy 21).

FarmHouse members prepare the crawfish boil.

From left to right: Ridge Pierce (Troy 22), Bradley Smith (Troy 22), John French (Troy 22), Jared Wesolek (Troy 22), Jarrett Hinote (Troy 22), and McCain Bergeron (Troy 22) at the crawfish boil.

From left to right: Hunter McConnell (Troy 21), Riley Bryson (Troy 22), Mitchell Conner (Troy 22), Jacob Jarvis (Troy 22), and Chris Stathopoulos (Troy 19) preparing for the event.

FarmHouse members prepare the crawfish boil.

Take a look at what FarmHouse chapters have been up to this semester! Stay connected with us through social media.

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FARMHOUSE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

2022 CHAPTER AWARD RESULTS

SPIRIT OF FARMHOUSE

South Dakota State

EXCELLENCE IN RECRUITMENTLARGEST RECRUITMENT CLASS

Auburn

EXCELLENCE IN RECRUITMENTMOST IMPROVED

Michigan State

CHAPTER PRESIDENT OF THE YEAR

Ryan Herren (Iowa State 19)

FARMHOUSE EMERGING LEADER

Isaac Dietzenbach (Nebraska 19)

RUBY CUP TROY

THREE STAR EXCELSIOR ACHIEVEMENT

Alberta, Auburn, Iowa State, Kansas State, Minnesota, Purdue, South Dakota State & Troy

COMMUNITY SERVICE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Alberta, Auburn, Colorado State, Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas State, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota State, Purdue, South Dakota State, Troy & Wisconsin-Platteville

RECRUITMENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDMET EXCELSIOR TIER 3 GOAL

Michigan State, Tarleton State & Troy

RECRUITMENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDMET TIER 2 GOAL

South Dakota State

RECRUITMENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDMET EXCELSIOR TIER 1 GOAL

Arkansas, Auburn, Kansas State, North Carolina State, Oklahoma State, South Dakota State & Southern Illinois

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICEMOST HOURS OF SERVICE

Colorado State

PHILANTHROPY EVENT OF THE YEAR

Kansas State

SUMMA CUM LAUDEHIGHEST GPA

Wichita State

MAGNA CUM LAUDEMOST IMPROVED GPA

Oregon State

Auburn chapter officers with the awards they won with International Executive Board President, Eric Bymaster (Purdue 90).

FarmHouse Emerging Leader award winner, Isaac Dietzenbach (Nebraska 19).

Thirty years ago, FarmHouse took a leap of faith to create the Presidents’ Leadership Conference and hoped the first time wouldn’t be the last.

Little did the Fraternity’s leadership and the 30 inaugural attendees know then what this program would become today. Now known as the FarmHouse Leadership Institute (FLI), this values-based leadership program has educated nearly 3,000 students over its 30-year history, including the newest class of 239 FH chapter leaders.

The Fraternity has improved and built upon the program to make it even better for the next generation of leaders, with the belief you can’t educate tomorrow’s leaders with yesterday’s programs. Since the beginning, this educational program has been fully funded for all student attendees, thanks to the generosity of donors through the FarmHouse Foundation. Much has changed in 30 years. However, the vision to build resilient and prepared FarmHouse leaders remains.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 FLI FACILITATORS

Brent Bible (Purdue 93)

Amanda Bramley

Julie Bryant

Eric Bymaster (Purdue 90)

Brian Fenimore (Missouri 85)

Corby Fichter (Iowa State 78)

2023 FLI RECAP

This fiscal year, donors to the FarmHouse Foundation made it possible for 239 leaders from 34 chapters and associate chapters to attend the FarmHouse Leadership Institute (FLI), January 5-8, 2023, in St. Louis, Missouri, at no personal cost to the attendees.

Leaders kicked off the new year with comprehensive leadership training, skill building and personal development. Eight key officers per chapter strengthened their chapter’s bandwidth to implement positive changes (an increase from seven in 2020 and six in 2019).

Each FLI attendee participated in 18.5 hours of training and learning through a variety of sessions. Keynote speakers, breakout leaders and other facilitators provided knowledge and new insights to our members, enabling them to translate those skills back to their chapters.

Ryan Laughlin, the Fraternity’s assistant director of education and leadership, worked to bring the program back to its roots by refocusing on the values of FarmHouse. Ryan said, “When beginning the planning process, I scoured the 2022 curriculum to see where we missed the mark on our values, it quickly became clear our students want more of a focus on faith and reverence for the Fraternity.”

To fill this gap in programming, the team created new programs including a second faith-based learning lab to accompany the one created last year, a ritual-focused program emphasizing the meaning of ‘The Object’ and a reinvigorated history program curated by former staff member, Andrew Stockman (Wichita State 17).

The Fraternity’s International Executive Board (IEB) had a larger involvement than previous FLIs, with seven of eight IEB members in attendance, each facilitating different tracks. A special thank you to the IEB vice president, Joe Stephens (Missouri 93), who emceed the keynote sessions and facilitated an officer track. As one FarmHouse chapter president said, “It was good to see the IEB in front of everyone and I really enjoyed the effort made to bring prominent FarmHouse men to lead FLI.”

Shawn Flynn (Minnesota 18)

John Foltz (Ohio State 79)

Chad Harris (Iowa State 98)

Macee Ponder

Judson Ricks (Troy 07)

Steve Robisky (Illinois State 83)

Nicholas Schasch (Missouri 12)

Jared Spader (Missouri 96)

James Spry (Clemson 13)

Joe Stephens (Missouri 93)

Andrew Stockmann (Wichita State 17)

Jim Tobin (Iowa State 76)

Jacob Walter (Colorado State 15)

Braden Wilson (Colorado State 13)

Gill Wilson (Clemson 14)

Carson Wiltfong (Nebraska 18)

FLI small group session with facilitator Andrew Stockmann (Wichita State 17).

A group of FLI attendees during the conference.

REFLECTIONS WITH AN AMAZON EXECUTIVE

The program began with an impressive session with Brian Huseman (Oklahoma State 91), vice president of public policy for Amazon. Brian shared his ladder to success and about his FarmHouse experience, how to have difficult conversations and how to use data to inform decisions. Eric Bymaster (Purdue 90), IEB president, led the session with Brian and finished with questions from the audience.

DATA DRIVEN LEARNING

Attendees were given the first look at the 2022 Dyad student assessment results and were provided highlights by Dr. Gentry McCreary, CEO and managing partner of Dyad Strategies. This enabled officers to learn from and use their chapter’s results for a deeper dive into their chapter’s collective attitudes and behaviors, which will assist them with goal setting and strengthening belonging as well as enhancing and improving the FarmHouse experience.

Overall, the 2022 Dyad assessment had an 84% response rate by FarmHouse undergraduate members. One key finding is FarmHouse members continue to be among the most satisfied with their fraternity experience. FarmHouse has one of the highest satisfaction net promoter scores (NPS) of any fraternity in the benchmark dataset, and is one of only three groups with a score over 45. Research on NPS suggests that any score over 40 is an excellent indication of customer satisfaction.

PLANNING AHEAD

Ryan said, “The follow-up work for FLI included review of over one hundred survey responses, enabling us to improve our keystone program for future generations of FarmHouse men.”

Preparations for next year’s FLI are already underway, and Ryan is excited to build on this year’s success.

FLI CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

Eight specialized officer tracks provided chapter leaders the opportunity to learn from their peers and better understand the essential duties of their new officer role and how to implement these responsibilities;

• Learning labs were designed for personal development with attendees participating in four sessions, choosing from 30 topics such as mental health, time management, career planning, personal finance, ethical decisionmaking, alumni relations and FarmHouse history;

• Health and safety education programs for more FarmHouse men to be trained on alcohol safety, belonging, and awareness around sexual assault;

• Town hall Q&A session with the IEB about the work they are doing to support chapters and associations and the future of the Fraternity;

• Celebration of chapter successes through the FarmHouse awards ceremony, Ruby Cup presentation and installation of new chapter presidents;

• Peer-to-peer learning, idea sharing and mentoring throughout officer tracks and learning labs;

• FLI concluded with a chapter planning session, in which chapters developed their action plan and set goals for the coming year.

“I have learned a great deal planning my first FLI and am excited to do it again,” said Ryan. “The values of FarmHouse will continue to be front and center for future FarmHouse curriculum.”

DONORS MAKE FLI POSSIBLE

Thanks to the generosity of individual donors to the FH Excellence Fund, 40 leadership endowment funds and 18 FarmHouse Associations and foundation councils, the FarmHouse Foundation granted $147,049 to the International Fraternity to fully fund the costs for the 260 students and volunteers who attended FLI. This included their travel, meals, lodging, program development and facilitation.

Thank you to the donors who invest in young FarmHouse leaders. Their giving is far more than the training these young men received over four days — it is the growth, confidence building and development that will continue as they apply what they learned in their chapters, personal lives and future careers.

Scan the QR code to watch the FLI session with Brian Huseman (Oklahoma State 91) and IEB President Eric Bymaster (Purdue 90).

Scan the QR code to watch a thank you video for our donors.

Scan the QR code to view the list of FLI donors.

THE TIME IS NOW N NOW

LET’S CELEBRATE!

THANK YOU! It’s an exciting time for FarmHouse and we are thankful for the unwavering support of 1,010 alumni, parents friends and undergraduates who answered the “Time is Now” call to celebrate, engage and give for 1905 minutes, April 14-15, 2023, commemorating the founding of FarmHouse, 118 years ago. We are absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful for their generosity!

Collectively, donors gave $250,272 to the FH Excellence Fund through the Foundation’s new GiveCampus online donation platform and by mail during the month of April.

During this special fundraising initiative, as FarmHouse brothers and friends joined together, the impact of their giving is a remarkable and resounding vote of confidence in the Fraternity.

Having the most significant impact on our members, volunteers and chapters, investments for the FH Day of Giving will continue FarmHouse’s tradition of providing values-based educational and leadership opportunities through the FH Excellence Fund. It helps today’s undergraduates build and develop their skills through the Fraternity’s educational initiatives, providing hands-on learning experiences, access to values-based opportunities and resources.

Specifically, these FH Excellence Fund gifts are put to use immediately for grants to the International Fraternity for the upcoming To Be and Become: Emerging Talent Retreat, the next FarmHouse Leadership Institute, Conclave, the Dyad student research initiative, co-op mentoring program, online new member education platform, and in-person training and coaching by the International Executive Board and Fraternity Staff.

Furthermore, giving strengthens FarmHouse by saving for emerging initiatives, fueling our operations and supporting our talented FH Headquarters staff who put dollars into action to benefit our student members. Ultimately, it helps to ensure the positive FarmHouse experience continues.

The 2023 FH Day of Giving highlights include:

• 406 alumni, parent and friend donors

• 604 undergraduate donors

• Donors from 38 states made a gift

• Donors from 26 chapters

• 90 new donors

• Top five alumni donor participation by chapter: Iowa State, Nebraska, South Dakota State, North Dakota State and Minnesota

• Nine matching challenges and eight chapter-based challenges

• 20,643 total impressions on social media, reaching over 10,800 followers

• 760 individuals shared, liked, commented or watched our FH Day of Giving and Founders’ Day videos

Thank you, again, to those members and friends who took time to be a part of this special celebration, made a meaningful gift and connected in the name of FarmHouse! They are shining examples of what it means to be a Builder of Men!

“It gives me great pleasure to know the valuable FarmHouse experiences of my undergraduate days at Iowa State are still available to other young men today. I want to help assure those experiences are available into the future.”

- Donald Irwin (Iowa State 65)

“FarmHouse is the single greatest reason I completed college. I was struggling in a lot of ways my freshman year. I pledged as a sophomore and completed my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a job offer in hand; moreover, I had been blessed with close relationships of friends, mentors and leaders I still treasure 10 years later.”

- Trent Kruessel (Missouri 11)

“FarmHouse has made a great impact on my life and career. The friendships and connections I developed through FarmHouse are second to none.”

- Bryce Dibbern (Nebraska 12)

“My deepest appreciation to the many donors who thoughtfully answered our request to give, connect and share the positive impact FarmHouse has made in your life. FarmHouse would not be where it is without ‘the sacrifices of time, pleasures and comforts’ from so many FH brothers and friends, who give selflessly for the betterment of others. I personally thank you for what you have done and will continue to do for our great Fraternity. You, too, change lives as our Founders did.” — Scott Nagel (Minnesota 85), Foundation Chairman, center of picture with other Foundation Trustees & IEB members

THE POWER OF 7 SEMINAR HITS MUSIC CITY

“The Power of 7 Seminar was an outstanding experience to get to know FarmHouse members — undergraduates and alumni, alike. The knowledge the alumni were able to provide, not only in regard to Fraternity matters, but also things like finances and relationships, was amazing to learn from. All of this happened in awesome Nashville, a city I have never visited and, for my first time, I had a blast,” said Zealand Davis (Texas Tech 21) about his experience at the 16th annual Power of 7 Seminar March 31-April 2, 2023, at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.

Transferring wisdom, sharing life lessons, networking, celebrating brotherhood and learning across generations is at the heart of the FarmHouse Foundation’s Power of 7 Seminar, which brought alumni donors, Fraternity and Foundation board members, spouses and 12 FarmHouse undergraduate leaders from 12 FH chapters to Nashville, one of the nation’s most dynamic destinations.

“The Power of 7 is a wonderful chance to meet today’s undergraduates and learn about their college and FarmHouse experiences and aspirations. It is very energizing to meet and hear from other FarmHouse men across North America,” said Kent Horsager (Minnesota 81), a Seminar sponsor and mentor.

The Seminar opened with a networking reception and welcome dinner at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. The evening continued with the Seminar’s annual “Clayton Yeutter† (Nebraska 49) Lecture: Lessons in Leadership” in tribute to Clayton’s illustrious career in public service and agriculture. This year’s speaker was Dr. Douglas Christiansen, Vanderbilt

Interested in attending in 2024? Save the Date!

The 17th annual Power of 7 Seminar will be held in Spring 2023. Please contact Allison Rickels at allison@farmhouse.org for more information and to reserve your seat today.

University’s vice provost for university enrollment affairs and dean of admissions and financial aid, who spoke about enrollment, changing demographics, rising costs of college, college students today, trends in higher education and his outlook for the future of education. Dr. Christiansen shared his perspective and leadership tips based on his long academic career.

Saturday’s sessions included roundtable discussions on the topics of production agriculture, energy, inflation, the global economy, personal finance, trends in higher education, leadership development, mentorship and networking. These sessions were led by alumni facilitators and guided by questions from the undergraduate attendees. Attendees deliberated about many national and world challenges, as well as opportunities they face daily in their professional and personal lives.

“I am always amazed by the generosity, knowledge and expertise of our Power of 7 donors and alumni. Since the Seminar, I have shared multiple insights I received during the Power of 7 with fellow alumni, family members and co-workers,” said Foundation Trustee Charlie Oellermann (Nebraska 77).

In the late afternoon, attendees enjoyed a private, guided tour of the historic RCA Studio B on Music Row. The studio is the birthplace to more than 35,000 legendary songs and more than 1,000 popular hits. Stories were shared about famous recordings in this historically important studio. William Bosch (Minnesota 20), treated the group by ‘tickling of the ivories’ on the Studio’s renowned baby grand piano also played by musicians such as Elvis Presley.

The day ended with a private thank you dinner at One Fourteen at the Wildhorse. Following dinner, Nashville songwriter John Hemingway (Iowa State 67) shared remarks about songwriting being a head, heart, hips and feet business.

John grew up on his family’s farm in Iowa, attended Iowa State University, had a long career in farm management, agribusiness and financial management before becoming a

Power of 7 Seminar attendees experienced a private tour of RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennesee.

full-time songwriter. He writes image-rich country, pop and Americana songs and has written and co-written hundreds of songs with more than 80 songwriters and performing artists from four different continents. John shared his experiences of two different careers, his insights into the music industry, what lifelong learning means to him, and how FarmHouse has influenced his life’s journey.

The Seminar concluded Sunday morning with advice and lessons learned from the alumni and spouses in attendance, and reflections from the undergraduates. Participants also had the chance to tour Vanderbilt University, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and explore downtown Nashville.

“What a wonderful experience!” said Foundation Trustee Bryce Freeman (Iowa State 93), who stepped in as a mentor. “I was so impressed with my mentee and all the young men at Power of 7. It made me so proud of FarmHouse and to learn from other undergrads about their accomplishments and plans for post-graduation. The alumni and spouses in attendance are so humble despite their incredible careers, and I learned a lot from the Seminar topics they led. Best of all, Nashville was such a fun city to enjoy together.”

The Power of 7 Seminar is a unique and long-running annual fundraising tradition. Alumni who make a gift of $10,000 or more to the FarmHouse Excellence Fund are invited to attend and mentor one of FarmHouse’s top undergraduate leaders.

“The Power of 7 provides an opportunity to both the mentor and mentee to form a bond of brotherhood, oftentimes lasting a lifetime. FarmHouse’s brotherhood is more than friendships; it provides a lifetime of mentorship and lifelong experiences. The Power of 7 is another outstanding way to help create those opportunities, ” said Corby Fichter (Iowa State 78), Power of 7 sponsor and IEB member.

A very special thank you to the Power of 7 donors who generously helped make the Seminar experience possible: Eric Bymaster (Purdue 90), Corby Fichter (Iowa State 78), Gary Hansen (South Dakota State 72), Jim Hendrix (Colorado State 72), Kent Horsager (Minnesota 81), Noel Stuckman (Purdue 54), Jim Tobin (Iowa State 76), Dick Wittman (Idaho 68) and Kevin Wittrock (Oklahoma State 78).

Also, thank you to Larry Anderson (Kansas State 62), Bill Appelgate (Iowa State 65), Steve Davis (Oklahoma State 77), Wayne Engstrom (Washington State 60), Jim Herbert (Tennessee 61), Jim Hericks (South Dakota State 70), Jay Lockhart (Purdue 65) and Ron Vaske (South Dakota State 87) who were unable to attend, however, made generous gifts of $10,000 or more to the FH Excellence Fund in support of the Power of 7 Seminar for FY 22-23.

The undergraduates selected to participate included: Cross Allen (Kansas State 19), Austin Borchers (Ohio State 21), William Bosch (Minnesota 20), Jayden Brown (Purdue 20), Zealand Davis (Texas Tech 21), Jack Dobbs (Missouri 20), Connor Domonoske (South Dakota State 19), Ryan Herren (Iowa State 19), Nolan Jackson (Alberta 20), Simon Kroll (North Dakota State 20), Brodee McCormick (Illinois 20) and Garrett McKeon (Troy 21).

Power of 7 sponsor Noel Stuckman (Purdue 54) said, “Meeting the 12 FarmHouse mentees and getting to know them restores my faith. They bring many talents and capabilities, which will serve them and others well in the future.”

“My experience at the Power of 7 Seminar was nothing short of fantastic. I was able to connect with extremely motivated undergraduates and alumni who have reached tremendous levels of success. Through several intellectually driven sessions, I was able to learn from many knowledgeable people and express my opinions on specific topics. I’m proud to say this Seminar was one of the best weekends of my undergraduate career and I would encourage all other FarmHouse men to apply for this great opportunity.”

- Nolan Jackson (Alberta 20) with Kevin Wittrock (Oklahoma State 78), Seminar sponsor and Foundation Trustee

Kent Horsager (Minnesota 81), Simon Kroll (North Dakota State 20) and Darren Havens (Illinois 92) discuss current issues during the Seminar’s mentoring session.

Spouse Mary Oellermann shares her perspective about work-life balance during the spouses’ session.

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

By definition, a servant leader primarily focuses on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. They inspire people to do noble work together and feel responsible for helping people learn and grow, feel purposeful, motivated, energized and contributing at their highest level.

FarmHouse has had countless servant leaders who generously share their time, talent and treasure for the betterment of the organization and others. Jim Tobin (Iowa State 76) is a dedicated alumnus who exemplifies this.

Jim’s impact has been felt for many decades through his volunteerism, leadership, generosity, personal outreach and mentoring to others. Serving as a Foundation Trustee from 2008-2016, including two years as Chairman, Jim helped to lead Live. Learn. Lead. — The Campaign for FarmHouse during its public phase in 2014-16 and was instrumental in creating the Chapter Housing Loan Program (CHLP).

As a Trustee Emeritus, he co-chairs the CHLP Committee, volunteers with the Board and assists with donor visits. He has been a sponsor of the Power of 7 Seminar since 2008 and mentored 15 student participants.

Jim, articulate in speech and thought, has presented several times at the FH Leadership Institute (FLI) and Conclave. He has given the keynote at the Emerging Talent Retreat since its inception in May 2009 sharing his experiences related to “a prepared mind makes discoveries,” his leadership lessons and passion for FarmHouse.

Generosity is an integral part of Jim’s servant leadership. He and his wife, Gina Heagney, are members of the Order of the Crest, for accumulative giving of $250,000 to $499,999.

Jim earned his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State in 1978 and a MBA from Harvard in 1983. He is a member of the Farm Foundation Roundtable, serves on the board of Neogen Corporation and the board of governors for the Iowa State University Foundation. He served on the National 4-H Council and the Missouri 4-H Foundation. Jim and Gina are active in their church and participate in a free tax preparation clinic for low income families.

Jim joined Monsanto’s agricultural unit in 1983 and served in many capacities before he retired in December 2014. His last leadership role was vice president of industry affairs for the corporate engagement group.

Jim and Gina live in St. Louis, Missouri, and have three children, Michael, Zach (Iowa State 08) and Maura. In addition, Jim’s father, Kelly (Iowa State 82), and three brothers, Bernie (Iowa State 81), Terry (Iowa State 76) and Kevin (Iowa State 79) are members of FarmHouse. At FarmHouse’s 100th Anniversary Celebration in 2005, his mom, Irene, received the “Friend of FarmHouse” Award.

For Jim’s devotion, philanthropy and leadership to FarmHouse, Jim was honored with the Philanthropy Laureate Award in 2016 and named a Master Builder in 2018. At the 2021 Power of 7 Seminar, he was presented the Robert L. Off Servant Leader Award.

This is Jim’s story about what service and FarmHouse means to him.

WHAT DID SERVICE MEAN AS A CHILD?

I grew up on a small farm in southwest Iowa with my parents, Kelly and Irene, and three brothers, Terry, Bernie and Kevin. The four of us were born six years apart.

My parents met at a 4-H camp and their families were very active in 4-H. As we were growing up, dad farmed and mom was a home economics teacher at our high school. They were involved in local politics, 4-H and church, so helping others was a part of the way we lived. They always modeled the way of assisting, supporting and serving others.

WHY DID YOU JOIN FARMHOUSE?

I was attracted to FarmHouse because of the people I knew and respected. I wanted to be associated with them, and learn from them. FarmHouse was a learning laboratory where you were encouraged to lead and live out experiences together. Unlike work, being a part of the Fraternity is 24/7, where you learn from really talented people what service and leadership are about.

WHAT IS YOUR FAMILY’S FARMHOUSE STORY?

After high school, I attended Iowa Western Community College, where I took classes in the morning and helped farm in the afternoon. I then transferred to Iowa State.

I am the oldest of the four boys and we all went to Iowa State, each of us joining FarmHouse. Terry started at ISU before I did and joined the chapter first. Later, Kevin and Bernie joined, followed by dad when Bernie was in school.

Our dad always wished he could attend college and after the three of us graduated, dad went to Iowa State, where he was invited to become a FH associate member. Kevin ran the farm while dad got his degree. Dad took classes, lived on campus, had meals at FarmHouse and mentored members. The farm crisis was going on and he would give them advice, and they appreciated his perspective and insights.

It was even more rewarding when our son, Zach, joined the ISU chapter. He had a wonderful experience, which helped him mature and improve academically, and he built relationships that carry on today. We value tremendously the growth we saw from Zach’s experience.

The Tobin family celebrated Irene’s 90th birthday in March. Pictured: front, Irene and Kelly — back, Lisa and Bernie, Kevin and Cristine, Maureen and Terry, Gina and Jim.

WHAT EXPERIENCES AS A FH UNDERGRADUATE INSPIRED YOU?

As a new member, my pledge class took a trip to visit the Kansas State FH chapter. We spent time with Dr. Duane Acker (Iowa State 49), who was president of Kansas State University at the time. I was encouraged to see his leadership as a prominent university president and learn how FarmHouse impacted his life.

In the spring of 1976, a group of us visited D. Howard “Daddy” Doane (Missouri 05), who was 92 years old, at the College of the Ozarks. It was so interesting to meet a Founder, hear stories and learn from him.

HOW HAS SERVICE BEEN AN INTEGRAL PART OF YOUR CAREER?

My first job after college was as a county extension agent in Iowa. I worked with volunteer leaders where I saw community leadership making a difference across the state. It reinforced the importance of service early in my career.

While working for Monsanto, I served on the American Seed Trade Association and U.S. Grains Council industry boards. Working in the industry affairs group demonstrated the importance of service to others and advocating for the grain and seed trade industries for the betterment of agriculture.

WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A TRUSTEE?

Through my eight-year tenure as a Foundation Trustee, I learned so much about the International Fraternity and the Foundation, and the importance of giving, service and recruiting others to get involved. It was an exciting time and a joy to interact with the staff, boards and other donors. I got more out of the experience than I ever gave.

YOU HAVE SPOKEN AT THE TO BE AND BECOME PROGRAM SINCE IT BEGAN IN 2009. WHY?

For several years, Monsanto sponsored the To Be and Become program and I was honored to speak on their behalf. After their sponsorship ended, I continued to speak about leadership development and my FH involvement.

Fifteen years later, I continue to stay involved with the program because I believe it is an important educational opportunity. I enjoy sharing stories, interacting with the young men and hearing about their aspirations for the future. I learn from them as much as they do from me.

The more we can help students early on in their college career with leadership development, with an understanding FarmHouse is bigger than their chapter, the better.

To Be and Become is partially sponsored by the C.J. (Iowa State 37) & Dorothy Gauger Endowment Fund, and I take personal responsibility and pleasure to help continue C.J.’s legacy. A Master Builder, C.J. was a long-time volunteer and mentor through 4-H and FH and I deeply admired him.

WHAT SUSTAINS YOU AS A VOLUNTEER?

I want to make a difference and help the organizations I am involved with accomplish their goals and achieve their mission. Making a difference keeps me going.

Being a part of the Power of 7 Seminar re-energizes me and I always enjoy talking with the students. I learn so much from them and the other alumni who attend.

Also, I have facilitated a learning lab at the last two FLIs. This has been a great chance to meet students in new leadership roles and interact with other alumni; it’s gratifying to see them take on new opportunities with the Fraternity.

HOW IS SERVICE A FAMILY DECISION?

My wife, Gina, is very service-oriented with her legal work as an attorney and is involved in many organizations. We enjoy the Power of 7 Seminar as a couple, and it’s fun to volunteer together. Being a part of the tax preparation clinic Gina coordinates to serve those in our community who don’t have help otherwise, is rewarding.

Our philanthropy is a decision we make together. The organizations where we contribute our time, talent and financial resources to are those we believe will make a positive difference in the lives of the people they serve.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?

You can learn a lot by serving others. Learning from people who have experience beyond my personal exposure has been incredibly fulfilling.

I believe anything you do to help FarmHouse today will help make a difference into the future. As you get involved you benefit personally with new skills and life experiences.

WHAT DOES “TELL YOUR FH STORY” MEAN?

I give credit to Darrell Godfrey (Iowa State 73), who served as a Foundation Trustee for six years. He set an incredible example of philanthropy and would tell us, as fellow Trustees, to start by asking someone to tell their FarmHouse story. He then encouraged us to listen and learn what a difference FarmHouse has made in that person’s life. It is inspiring to hear these stories, what others have done, the impact the Fraternity has made on them and how they’ve shared their time and treasure. In keeping with Darrell’s motto, I encourage others to reflect on and share their FarmHouse story. Know when you’re involved it truly makes a difference.

WHY IS GETTING INVOLVED IN FARMHOUSE IMPORTANT?

Finding time to make a difference in FarmHouse is important and great volunteers are needed in many ways. I encourage people to find a place where you can make an impact. I don’t regret the time I’ve spent volunteering— it’s been very fulfilling.

Furthermore, I believe when you give financially you are making an investment. Gina and I are investors in the Foundation because we deeply believe in the Fraternity. It’s a great place to invest our time and treasure because we see the impact directly in the students we meet and the stories we hear.

HOW HAS VOLUNTEERISM IMPACTED YOU?

All of the experiences as a volunteer make life more interesting, enriching and rewarding. It exposes you to more people and opportunities than you’d ever imagine. Sometimes you don’t know when you’ve made a difference until many years later.

YOUR VERY OWN ESTATE PLANNING ASSISTANT

How can you express your long-term values and protect your loved ones?

Through your estate plan. Think of it as a road map that guides loved ones and loved causes to your assets and shows how they should be distributed.

If the idea of collecting your thoughts and organizing multiple pieces of information seems daunting, we have good news.

With help from our comprehensive Estate Planning Binder, you can take the first steps toward organizing your estate and detailing how you would like your legacy to carry on your values for generations.

Scan code to receive your free download, which includes 8 1/2x11-inch pages that can be printed at home or through a copy center. You can also save it as a PDF and make all your adjustments digitally. The 49 total pages form a comprehensive estate resource you can fill out on your own time in the comfort of your home.

While it may feel challenging or not enjoyable to do tasks like this and create or update your estate plans, it is one of the most generous, important and valuesdriven tasks you can do. Whether you are 18 or 80, it will help you protect the people you love while ensuring you can make important decisions for the future. When you do, you benefit your family, future heirs and/or organizations important to you, like FarmHouse, and ultimately, share your legacy.

Did You Know?

Our Estate Planning Binder will help you:

• Reflect on the experiences that have shaped you and the legacy you wish to leave.

• Document important financial and medical information vital for your loved ones to know.

• Ensure your estate is in order and detail how you would like your assets and personal belongings to be distributed.

You can use your estate plan to support the future of FarmHouse. Contact Allison Rickels, Foundation executive director & CEO, at allison@farmhouse.org or (816) 891-9445 to learn how you can include a gift to the FarmHouse Foundation in your plan or for help navigating your Estate Planning Binder.

Estate planning has traditionally been expensive, overwhelming, and inaccessible — but it’s a necessary task for everyone, no matter how old you are. To make this task easier than ever, we have also partnered with FreeWill, a complimentary online resource for FarmHouse members to help you create a simple will in about 20 minutes to complete. You can also use this helpful tool to create a list of documented wishes and name beneficiaries for assets outside of your will. We invite you to use this tool to write or update your will, protect your future and create a lasting legacy for the next generation of leaders. As always, we recommend consulting with an estate planning attorney to make sure your wishes are properly formalized. Your efforts today will change lives, not just someday, but every day and forever.

Visit

NEW CHARITABLE GIVING LAWS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The new year has brought more than just resolutions. It has brought new laws and other changes that may affect your charitable giving decisions. With any economic change, you may be looking at your finances and wondering how you will be impacted.

The new federal laws, which took effect January 1, 2023, include retirement changes, known collectively as “Secure 2.0,” that may affect your saving and your giving. It may even make it easier for you to make a difference at organizations you care about, like the FarmHouse Foundation. Some important things Secure 2.0 Act does that involve charitable giving:

1. Increases the required minimum distribution (RMD) age

Secure 2.0 increases the age retirees must begin taking taxable withdrawals to 73 years old in 2023 and 75 by 2033, up from the previous 72 years old. It does not, however, increase the age an IRA owner can make a qualified charitable distribution. That age remains 70 1/2 years old.

How does this affect me?

Simply put, the extension of the RMD age gives you more time to save. You will enjoy additional tax-free growth. It also can be significant if you do not want to begin withdrawing retirement funds during an unsettled economic climate, giving you more time for your stock portfolio to recover.

2. The $100,000 annual limit adjusts for inflation on direct gifts to qualified charities from your IRA

Are you 70 1/2 or older? If so, you may know about a popular gift option that allows you to make a gift directly from your IRA to a qualified charity without paying income taxes on the distribution. Historically, the amount you could give was capped at $100,000 per year. This figure will now be adjusted annually for inflation beginning in 2024.

How does this affect me?

This allows you to not only increase your giving but also ensure your giving keeps pace with inflation. And you can make an impact—and see that impact—now rather than after your lifetime.

3. Allows for a distribution from your IRA to fund a life-income gift

If you are 70 1/2 or older, you can make a one-time election for a qualified charitable distribution of up to $50,000 (without being taxed) from your IRA to fund a life-income gift such as a charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder unitrust or charitable remainder annuity trust.

How does this affect me?

These types of life-income gifts allow you to make a gift to a qualified charitable organization and receive lifetime payments to boost your retirement income or provide a lifetime payment for you or your spouse.

Let’s Talk!

We can help answer any additional questions you might have about how the new retirement laws affect your charitable giving. Contact Allison Rickels, Foundation executive director & CEO, at (816) 891-9445 or allison@farmhouse.org to have a conversation about your legacy.

Why Consider This Gift?

• Your gift will be put to use today, allowing you to see the difference your donation is making.

• Beginning in the year you turn 73, you can use your gift to satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution (RMD).

• You pay no income taxes on the gift. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions.

• Since the gift doesn’t count as income, it can reduce your annual income level. This may help lower your Medicare premiums and decrease the amount of Social Security that is subject to tax.

For those 59 1/2 years old or older

If you are at least 59 1/2 years old, you can take a distribution and then make a gift from your IRA without penalty. If you itemize your deductions, you can take a charitable deduction for the amount of your gift.

At Any Age

No matter your age, you can designate the FarmHouse Foundation as the beneficiary of all or a percentage of your IRA and it will pass to us taxfree after your lifetime. Contact your IRA administrator for a change-ofbeneficiary form or download a form from your provider’s website.

Tip: It is critical to let us know of your gift because many popular retirement plan administrators assume no obligation to notify a charity of your designation. The administrator also will not monitor whether your gift designations are followed. We would love to talk to you about your gift intentions to ensure they are followed and thank you for your generosity.

60 Alumni Join Top Honor Roll Clubs

The FarmHouse Foundation welcomed 60 members between May 1, 2022, and April 1, 2023, into its highest giving societies. We thank these very generous donors.

CORNERSTONE SOCIETY

Accumulative gifts of $500,000 and above

Larry Hageman (Ohio State 94) is a third generation dairy and grain farmer and manages the Hageman/Jackson Trust Farms of Northern Illinois. Larry retired in June 2022 after a long career as field station manager for FMC Corporation in Rochelle, Illinois. He is a 2020 FH Master Builder of Men recipient and serves as a member of the Ohio State FH Foundation Council. He is a generous donor to the FarmHouse Foundation, including establishing seven scholarship endowment funds, hosting an annual scholarship banquet for the Ohio State FH chapter and including the Foundation in his estate plans. He resides in Rochelle, Illinois.

Chris Lembcke† (Colorado State 67) was an involved volunteer with FarmHouse for over four decades, including longtime service to the Colorado State FH Association, as a CSU chapter advisor and served on the Fraternity’s International Executive Board for two terms from 198088. He was named a Master Builder of Men in 2006. Chris and his wife, Vicki, farmed near Wellington, Colorado, where for 36 years they raised registered Angus cattle and bred and showed Australian Shepherds. Chris died Oct. 22, 2016, after suffering from Parkinson’s disease and Vicki passed

away May 19, 2022. In September 2022, the Foundation received a generous six-figure gift from their estate for scholarships, leadership training and chapter housing.

ORDER OF THE CREST

Accumulative gifts of $250,000 to $499,999

Randy Rich (Kansas State 64) is retired following his career in engineering. He and his wife, Linda, reside in Scroggins, Texas.

CENTURY CLUB

Accumulative gifts of $100,000 to $249,999

Corby Fichter (Iowa State 78) is regional vice president of business development for Farm Credit Services of America for southwest Iowa. He has served in various roles with Farm Credit Services for over 40 years. He also manages and operates their family’s 1,800-acre farm near Randolph, Iowa. Corby serves on the Fraternity’s International Executive Board, which he was elected to in July 2022. Corby and his wife, Jean, reside in Shenandoah, Iowa. They have three grown children, Adam (Iowa State 12), Austin (Iowa State 12), and Heidi, and three grandchildren. Corby’s father, the late A. Corby Fichter, Jr. (Iowa

State 50) and Heidi’s husband, Chris Mandt (Iowa State 15), are also FarmHouse members.

Jim Fitterling (Missouri 80) is chairman and chief executive officer for Dow, a global materials science company with 2022 sales of $57 billion. Throughout his 39-year career with Dow, he held leadership positions in many of the company’s business units. He serves on a number of industry and national non-profit boards. Jim lives in Midland, Michigan.

Curtis Frasier (Kansas State 70) is an attorney and co-owner of Frasier, Johnson & Martin, LLC in Beloit, Kansas. He has practiced law since 1976, and his areas of expertise include estate planning, probate, trusts, real estate law and business law. He is involved in several community, civic and charitable organizations. Curtis and his wife, Sherry, enjoy spending time with their three grown children and grandchildren, traveling and attending Kansas State University events.

Mark Freese (Nebraska 78) is a farmer and financial officer for Farm Credit Services of America. In this role, he enjoys working with farmers and production agriculture leaders throughout southeast Nebraska. Mark served for six years on the Nebraska FH Association. Mark and his wife, Marlys, have three adult children and live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Blair Kotkowski (Ohio State 75) owns

Christopher Arnold Owen Bailey David Borgelt Steven Burger Tim Carlson Gabriel Eckert

Kenneth Emde Wayne Engstrom Corby Fichter Jim Fitterling Ron Fraase Curtis Frasier

Bryce Freeman Mark Gardiner

Ken Gorden

Larry Hageman Marshall Hansen Jeff Hood John Kelley Kim Krehbiel

Jeremy Krone Chris Lembcke

Steven Lonergan Mark Magruder

Michael Miller Michael Northup

Randy Oberdiek Charlie Oellermann Kenan Penaskovic Gyles Randall Timothy Real

David Reid

Randy Rich Paul Rohlfing Henry Sink Joe Stephens

Leonard Sullivan Eric Thurber

Steve Velten Gerry Weinand Charlie Wilkinson

Gerald Wilson

Wayne Wohler William Wykoff

Jason Topp Tom Thurber

and operates a dairy farm and works for the United States Postal Service. He and his wife, Karen, live in Mantau, Ohio.

Tom Thurber (Nebraska 60) is a retired industrial veterinarian, who worked with companies in the animal health industry. Tom is well-known for recruiting men to FarmHouse, most especially his family including sons, Eric (Nebraska 89) and Lee (Nebraska 91), son-in-law Paul Rohlfing (Nebraska 83) and grandsons, Pierce Thurber (Clemson 19) and Logan Thurber (Nebraska 2022). He has served as a Foundation Trustee, Nebraska FH Association president and as a chapter advisor. He was named a Master Builder in 1998. He and his wife, Bev, live in Roca, Nebraska.

DOANE CLUB

Accumulative gifts of $50,000 to $99,999

Gabriel Eckert (Kansas State 95) serves as executive director of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Georgia. In addition to his full-time job, Gabriel is a consultant and speaker, focusing on the topics of nonprofit governance and leadership. Gabriel served on the Fraternity’s International Executive Board for eight years, including six years as president when his term ended in July 2022. He and his partner, Chris, reside in Atlanta, Georgia.

Wayne Engstrom (Washington State 60) served as vice commander in the Washington Air National Guard where he was an instructor pilot for over 40 years. He was named a FarmHouse Master Builder in 2016 and was involved in the Washington State FH Association for many years. His wife, Wilma, passed away in April 2023. He and his adult daughter, Karin, live in Spokane, Washington.

Robert Graves (Missouri 68) is a semiretired veterinarian. Previously, he owned a veterinary practice in his community for 34 years. He serves on the Missouri FH Association board. He and his wife, Janice, have three adult children, and live in Boonville, Missouri.

Gyles Randall (Minnesota 60) is a professor emeritus and retired soil scientist at the University of Minnesota’s Southern Research and Outreach Center. His research focused on nutrient management and its effect on crop yields, economic return and environmental consequences on ground and surface water. He and his wife, Carol, live in Waseca, Minnesota.

Paul Rohlfing (Nebraska 83) is the executive director of chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) and regulatory affairs for vaccines with Pfizer, Inc. He leads the CMC organization, which supports clinical development, licensure and post-approval management of Pfizer’s

vaccine portfolio. He has worked for Pfizer for more than 30 years. Paul, his wife, Gail, and their children, including their son, Pierce (Clemson 19), live in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Gerald Wilson (Arkansas 62) is retired after spending 42 years in the plant protection business with Shell Chemical and BASF Corp., where he held marketing and sales management positions. He and his wife, Sandy, live in Germantown, Tennessee.

H.K. WILSON CLUB

Accumulative gifts of $25,000 to $49,999

Tim Carlson (Minnesota 93) is cofounder and chief operating officer for AgMotion, an integral player and software developer for multiple supply chains in the agri-business sector. Tim, his wife, Erin, and their four children live in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.

The Cott family, Kyle (Kansas State 01), Richard (Kansas State 73), Robert (Kansas State 80) and Thomas (Kansas State 74), each have joined the H.K. Wilson Club for their generosity to the Kansas State FH Building Fund. Together, they own and operate Cott Family Farms, a multigenerational farm with a diversified crop and livestock production operation in Clay Center, Kansas.

Kenneth Emde (Minnesota 69) is a senior lending officer for AgriBank, FCB. He and his wife, Barbara, live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Mark Gardiner (Kansas State 79) and his family operate Gardiner Angus Ranch in Ashland, Kansas, which was first homesteaded in 1885. Ranching for nearly 140 years, their operations have grown to include 48,000 acres and more than 2,000 cows, plus another 4,000 head of customer cattle. They are among the nation’s leading producers of Angus seedstock. Mark, his wife, Eva, and their three children, including their son, Ransom (Kansas State 12) live near Ashland, Kansas.

Jeff Hood (Idaho 87) is manager of Houck Farms, a century farm in the northernmost county of Idaho, near the Canadian border. Jeff also works full-time as an account executive of global alliances for Dell EMC. He lives in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Steven Lonergan (Iowa State 85) is a Morrill Professor in the animal science department at Iowa State University. He has served the Iowa State FH chapter and Association continuously since 1999, as a chapter advisor, Association board member and currently as foundation council chair. He also serves on the Foundation’s scholarship committee. At the 2022 Conclave, he received the Robert L. Off Servant Leader Award and in 2018, he was

an inaugural recipient of the Claude B. Hutchison Award for Meritorious Service. Steven and his wife, Elisabeth, live in Ames, Iowa.

Gary Luth (Illinois 69) is a farmer who grows corn and soybeans. Gary serves as treasurer of the Illinois FH Association. He and his wife, Vicki have three children and live near Allerton, Illinois.

Mark Magruder (Missouri 75) owns Magruder Companies, a conglomerate of businesses associated with heavy highway construction, production of limestone aggregates and asphalt manufacturing, in communities across Missouri. Semiretired, Mark enjoys spending time with his family, tending to his classic car collection, hunting and deep-sea fishing. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Eolia, Missouri. They have two adult children and four grandchildren.

Charlie Oellermann (Nebraska 77) is an attorney who oversees the business restructuring and reorganization practice for Jones Day’s Columbus, Ohio office, where he has practiced since graduating law school in 1991. He became a FarmHouse Foundation Trustee in December 2020 and serves as finance chair. He is also involved with the Ohio State FH Association. Charlie and his wife, Mary, have two adult children and they live in Columbus, Ohio.

Timothy Real (Auburn 75) is a family medicine doctor in Birmingham, Alabama, where he has practiced for more than 37 years. A board-certified internal medicine doctor, his practice is open to patients in Birmingham and the surrounding area. He lives in Indian Springs, Alabama.

Henry Sink (North Carolina State 98) is a project manager for the global pricing department with John Deere and is also involved with his family’s farm. He serves on the North Carolina FH Association board. He and his wife, Amanda, and their two children live in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina.

Jason Topp (Kansas State 05) is a partner for T-T Ranch, his family’s multigeneration farm, where he oversees the cattle operation and bred-heifer program. Their farming operation also includes multiple types of small grains and row crops and selling flax to dairies. He farms with his dad, Jeff (North Dakota State 79), mom Jan, and brother Justin (North Dakota State 06). Jason and his wife, Rami, have three children and live near Grace City, North Dakota.

Charlie Wilkinson (North Carolina State 00) works in client services for Altria Group and lives in Powhatan, Virginia.

1905 CLUB

Accumulative gifts of $10,000 to $24,999

Chris Arnold (Colorado State 82) is a product manager for John Deere, developing new customer solutions for tillage and seeding experiences as it relates to display technologies. He has worked for John Deere for more than 26 years and resides in Des Moines, Iowa.

Owen Bailey (Auburn 82) serves as chief executive officer and senior associate vice president for medical affairs of USA Health. His leadership responsibilities include University Hospital, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Mitchell Cancer Institute and USA Health Physicians Group. He and his wife, Genie, have four children and live in Fairhope, Alabama.

David Borgelt (Missouri 78) is principal and owner of a business consulting practice focused on helping firms to better manage, market and develop technology-based businesses. He resides in Atlanta, Georgia, and Columbia, Missouri.

Steven Burger (Missouri 81) is chief executive officer of Burgers’s Smokehouse, a four-generations family business and nationally known producer of cured and smoked meats along with other foods. Steven serves as secretary of the local Missouri FarmHouse Foundation. He and his wife, Laura, live in California, Missouri.

Donald Claeys (Oregon State 64) is a retired molluscicide specialist with Pace International. He resides in Portland, Oregon. Don and his late wife, Ardith, have two children and four grandchildren.

Steven Davis (Kansas State 69) is a rancher and owner of Steven R. Davis Farms. He and his wife, Glenda, live in Hugoton, Kansas.

Ron Fraase (North Dakota State 75) is a farmer in Buffalo, North Dakota. He, his wife Gwen and two of their sons, Justin (North Dakota State 05) and Micah (North Dakota State 09), have established a leadership endowment fund in their family’s name.

Bryce Freeman (Iowa State 93) serves as a supply chain and human resources executive for McCormick & Co., working to save the world from boring food. He became a Foundation Trustee in April 2022 and previously served on the Fraternity’s International Executive Board for eight years, including four years as president, and on the Iowa State FH Association board. He was a part of the Fraternity’s executive search committee in 2023. Bryce and his wife, Marisa Pace, and two children live in Columbia, Maryland.

Jerry Giger (Missouri 71) retired following a long-time career in public education, which included serving as superintendent of Rolla (Missouri) Public Schools. He and his wife, Linda, have two sons and live in Rolla, Missouri.

Marshall Hansen (Nebraska 88) is senior vice president of the agribusiness capital group for Farm Credit Services of America and has been a part of the Farm Credit

FOUNDATION HONOR ROLLS

Services staff for over 22 years. He and his wife, Heidi, have two sons and live in Omaha, Nebraska.

Donald Johnson (Missouri 54) is a retired agronomist with Arcadian Corporation. He and his wife, Gayle, live in Columbia, Missouri.

John Kelley (Kansas State 87) is a family medicine specialist in Clay Center, Kansas, and has more than 26 years of experience as a certified physician. John and his wife, Dana, have four children including son Joshua (Kansas State 17). They live in Clay Center, Kansas.

Kim Krehbiel (Kansas State 79) is vice president and chief operating officer for the People’s Bank in Pratt, Kansas. He has been in the banking industry for 40 years and also farms 2,300 acres of dry land crops in Reno County, Kansas. Kim and his wife, Pam, have three adult children and seven grandchildren.

Jeremy Krone (Ohio State 00) is a product development engineering manager for Nordson Corporation, an industrial coating systems company, in Amherst, Ohio. Jeremy, his wife Traci and daughter live on a small farm near Penfield Township, Ohio, where they raise sheep, hogs and chickens.

Greg Mallory (Missouri 73) and his wife, Carey, live in Orland Park, Illinois.

Michael Miller (Missouri 98) is chief operating officer and general counsel for Mid-Missouri Bank, headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, with 14 locations in 11 cities in Missouri. He is president of Mid-Missouri Insurance Agency and was elected in 2022 to serve as a representative for the Missouri Bar Board of Governors District 10. Michael and his wife, Ami, have a daughter and live in Springfield.

John Northcutt (Missouri 72) is a farmer and lives in Middletown, Missouri.

Michael Northup (Honorary 18) is the owner of a CPA firm, providing accounting services to the FarmHouse Foundation since 1985. The Fraternity’s International Executive Board recognized Mike as an honorary member at the 50th Biennial Conclave in July 2018. Recently losing his wife, Kathy, Mike resides in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Randy Oberdiek (Missouri 81) is a CPA and partner in the national professional standards group with FORVIS, LLP. He serves on the audit committee for the FarmHouse Foundation. He and his wife, Pam, reside near Platte City, Missouri.

Kenan Penaskovic (Auburn 97) is a professor, assistant dean for student affairs at the University of North Carolina’s School of Medicine and is the incoming vice chair for clinical affairs for the Department of Psychiatry. Following medical school, he became chief resident in the psychiatry unit at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Kenan and his wife, Bridget, live in Chapel Hill with their six children.

David Reid (Missouri 81) is an investment representative and financial advisor with Edward Jones, where he began his career in 1990. He has been active in business and civic affairs in his community for many years. David and his wife, Diane, have two adult children and reside in Higginsville, Missouri.

Joe Stephens (Missouri 93) serves as the senior assistant dean and director over the working professional and executive MBA programs at the McCombs School of Business, University of Texas in Austin. Joe has spent the majority of his career devoted to higher education, including working for FarmHouse International Fraternity for two years. He serves as vice president of the Fraternity’s International Executive Board. Joe, his wife Cheryl, and their two daughters live in Austin, Texas.

Leonard Sullivan†(Minnesota 37) was a life-long Rotarian who took great pride in his service and dedication to the club. He was a Mason, and in June 2010, received the 70th Year Masonic Service Award. He was an active and involved member of his church and many civic activities in his community. He and his late wife, Ione, had four children and lived in Waxahachie, Texas, prior to their deaths.

Steve Velten (Missouri 02) is vice president of operations for SS&C Health, a healthcare technology company. He and his wife, Megan, live in Overland Park, Kansas, with their two children.

Gerry Weinand (Oklahoma State 64) served two years in the United States Army. Following his military service, he moved to Enid, Oklahoma, and built Wheatland Animal Clinic where he was a practicing veterinarian for 38 years. He and his business partners sold their practice in 2018; however, he continues to work part-time for the clinic. Gerry and his wife, Marsha, are active in their church and community and reside in Enid, Oklahoma.

Wayne Wohler (Idaho 74) had a 36-year career with IBM Global Services as an engineer and an architect before earning a master’s degree in economics at the University of Colorado Denver. Wayne is now an economics instructor at the University of Colorado Denver. He served as president of the Idaho FH Association for many years. He and his wife, Janice, live in Denver, Colorado.

William Wykoff (Minnesota 67) retired in 2004 after a 30-year career developing models to predict how forest communities respond to management intervention and environmental stresses. Bill was a bicycle race official for 30 years and served as director for the Northwest Collegiate Cycling Conference for 13 years. Bill and his wife, Joan, have one son and enjoy retirement in Clarkston, Washington.

THANK YOU, FOUNDATION VOLUNTEERS

The FarmHouse Foundation’s work would not be possible without dedicated volunteers leading with their time, talent and treasure. The impact volunteers make on FarmHouse is tremendous and puts our mission into action with their leadership. We applaud and thank the following individuals for their involvement with the Foundation.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Scott Nagel (MN 85), Chair

Eric Thurber (NE 89), Chair-Elect

Charlie Oellermann (NE 77), Finance Chair

Lloyd Bettis (IA 67), Fundraising Chair

Dick Wittman (ID 68), Governance Chair

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Charlie Oellermann (NE 77), Chair

Darren Havens (IL 92)

Jim Kelly (AU 81)

Eric Thurber (NE 89)

Kevin Wittrock (OK 78)

Scott Nagel (MN 85), ex-officio

FUND RAISING COMMITTEE

Lloyd Bettis (IA 67), Chair

Rick Berg (ND 81)

Bryce Freeman (IA 93)

Craig Harris (IA 65)

Chris Wetzell (MN 99)

Scott Nagel (MN 85), ex-officio

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

Dick Wittman (ID 68), Outgoing Chair

Brian Woolley (IA 75), Incoming Chair

Don Buhl (MN 69)

Gary Hansen (SD 72)

Jim Hericks (SD 70)

Jim Tobin (IA 76), Trustee Emeritus

Scott Nagel (MN 85), ex-officio

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Jim Kelly (AU 81), Chair

Gary Hansen (SD 72)

Charlie Oellermann (NE 77)

Don Ferguson (KS 63)

Jim Hendrix (CO 72)

Randy Oberdiek (MO 81)

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

Eric Thurber (NE 89), Chair

Darren Havens (IL 92)

Jim Hendrix (CO 72)

Andy Jacobitz (NE 85)

Bob Knief (IL 89)

Jeremy Settles (NM 94)

Larry Witzel (IA 85)

CHAPTER HOUSING LOAN PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Tom Kopacek (MN 70), Chair

Jim Tobin (IA 76), Co-Chair

Jason Mott (MO 94)

Jeff Davis (SD 78)

Jack Haselbush (CO 67)

Terry Tobin (IA 76)

Doug Sims† (IL 65), posthumously

SCHOLARSHIP JUDGES

Frank Bezdicek (MN 67)

Don Ferguson (KS 63)

Tim Hadachek (KS 07)

Jim Hendrix (CO 72)

Tim Hornsby (OH 08)

Mark Jirik (ND 95)

Steven Lonergan (IA 85)

Jeff Muchow (SD 66)

Randy Sims (IL 66)

FOUNDATION COUNCIL CHAIRS

Arkansas - Ken Dunk (AR 71)

Auburn - Lee Murphy (AU 80)

Colorado State - John Ortner (CO 04)

Idaho - Mike Conklin (ID 92)

Illinois - Chris North (IL 16)

Illinois State - Kevin Schafer (ILS 97)

Iowa State - Steven Lonergan (IA 85)

Kansas State - Rick Munson (KS 73)

Kentucky - Patrick Robinson (KY 98)

Michigan State - Dan Gratz (MI 84)

Minnesota - Kent Horsager (MN 81)

Mississippi State - Jerry Grace (MS 69)

Missouri - Paul Smith (MO 78)

Nebraska - Mark Nelson (NE 79)

New Mexico State - Jack Thomas (OK 71)

North Carolina State - Matthew Moyer (NC 94)

North Dakota State - Cal Messersmith (NE 91)

Ohio State - Jack Stickle (OH 03)

Oklahoma State - John Storm (OK 78)

Oregon State - Duane Goranson (OR 90)

Purdue - Brent Bible (PU 93)

South Dakota State - Craig Weber (SD 86)

Southern Illinois - Thomas Marten (SI 11)

Tennessee - Jarrod Reed (TN 00)

Texas A&M - Scott Steffen (TAM 05)

Texas Tech - Jeff Norris (TT 89)

Troy - Cody Farrill (TR 11)

Washington State - Nicholas English (WA 17)

Western Kentucky - Timothy Gardner (WK 83)

Wichita State - Drew Goering (KS 07)

Wisconsin-Plattteville - Les Schmidt (WIP 96)

Thank you to Dick Wittman (Idaho 68) for serving for six years as a Foundation Trustee, including as Governance Chair for four years. His term concluded in April 2023 and we are deeply grateful for his leadership and dedicated service.

FARMHOUSE VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

FarmHouse would not be successful without passionate, dedicated volunteers who assist in advancing the Fraternity, every day. Whether you serve as a chapter advisor, a program facilitator, a mentor in the Mentorship Cooperative program, or on an Association board, thank you. Your dedication of time to the betterment of FarmHouse does not go unnoticed, and we celebrate you! Chapter advisors are the “boots on the ground” volunteers who assist with day-to-day operations and achievements of FarmHouse chapters. These volunteers are incredibly crucial to the development of successful FH chapters, and it is often an underappreciated role. Matt Podhajsky (Iowa State 91) moved to Knoxville, Tennessee and pursued a volunteer role. “I always wanted to give back to FarmHouse and after some professional moves, I am finally living in proximity to a university with a FH chapter. I had reached out to see what opportunities might be available, and the Tennessee chapter had an advisor opening. I knew I had to say yes,” Matt said.

“Service to others is deeply ingrained in my family. Being a chapter advisor is a great way to give back to the brotherhood whose principles guide my life. I hope that by guiding and mentoring the current generation of undergraduate members, they will also model these ideals in their communities.”

If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity with FarmHouse, scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/FHvolunteers to fill out an interest form.

Matt Podhajsky (Iowa State 91)

AUBURN

Kenan Penaskovic (AU 97), MD, has been named assistant dean for student affairs of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

COLORADO STATE

Randy Blach (CO 77) received the 2022 Certified Angus Beef Industry Acheivement Award at the Feeders Quality Forum in Kansas City in August 2022.

Ben Rainbolt Jr. (CO 80) was named to the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame and was honored as 2022 College of Agricultural Sciences Distinguished Alumni for Colorado State University.

IOWA STATE

Isiah Brandt (IA 16) started a new position as manager of manufacturing engineering at AMOS Power.

Sam Galuk (IA 19) started a job with the NASA Mission Control team January 2023.

Chad Harris (IA 98) elected as the vice chair of records for the Iowa State University Board of Directors.

Paxton Williams (IA 97) started a new position as an attorney with Belin McCormick, P.C. in November 2022.

MINNESOTA

Bradley Heins (MN 95) was promoted to full professor of animal science-dairy production in the Department of Animal Science and West Central Research and Outreach Center at the University of Minnesota.

MISSOURI

Lance Burditt (MO 94) started his new position as strategic partner to the chief customer officer for Farm Journal in March 2023.

Steven Burger (MO 81) and Burgers’ Smokehouse was named 2022 Independent Processor of the Year. Headquartered in California, Missouri.

Brad Peters (MO 96) is now senior vice president of Brinshore Development, LLC in Kansas City, Missouri.

NEBRASKA

Brian Hilgenfeld (NE 86) started a new position as vice president of sales, MidCentral Majors for CDW.

NORTH DAKOTA STATE

Justin Fraase (ND 05) is now the senior director of strategic communications at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.

OHIO STATE

Brittany and Nick Erf (OH 18) welcomed the birth of their first child, Paisley Marie, November 10, 2022.

Ryan Goddard (OH 18) and Kayla Walls were united in marriage May 28, 2022 with a ceremony in New Carlisle, Ohio.

Tyler Zimpfer (OH 21) was united in marriage to Mallary Caudill July 2, 2022, at First Church of God in Bellefontaine, Ohio.

OKLAHOMA STATE

Dr. Bill Clay (OK 62) was named Oklahoma Veternarian of the Year at the 2023 Oklahoma Vetenarian Conference. He was president of the American Breeders Service for 25 years.

Robert Walton (OK 50) has published Volume Two of his autobiography, “View from the Bull’s Eye.”

PURDUE

Travis Park (PU 92) was promoted and tenured to full professor at North Carolina State University.

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE

Spencer Chase (SD 11) currently serves as president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters.

Matt Dahle (SD 13) and his wife Karen welcomed little boy, Charles Stewart Dahle, to the world November 13, 2022.

TEXAS TECH

Shayne Woodard (TT 85) appointed as director of legislative affairs to Texas Governor Abbott’s staff for the upcoming legislative session.

TROY

Dalton Cates (TR 21) was selected as the recipient of the 2023 Lamar P. Higgins Leadership Award for Excellence in leadership and community service from Troy University and the City of Troy, Alabama.

SHARE YOUR NEWS

Have you recently gotten married? Has your family recently had or adopted a child? Maybe you changed careers, received a promotion, received an award at work or were recognized in your community? We want to know about it!

Memoriam

ARKANSAS

OTTIE J. DICKERSON (54); 1/15/2023; 89; Clemson, SC

ROBERT J. TIMMONS (56); 2/9/2022; 86; Paris, AR

AUBURN

ROBERT C. KEEN (71); 12/20/2022; 74; Greenfield, IN COLORADO STATE

DOUGLAS M. BULLOCK (90); 1/17/2023; 52; Sterling, CO

JOHN COLLAMER (56); 6/15/2021; 86; Saratoga, WY

RONALD ERICSSON (54); 12/22/2022; 87; Belle Fourche, SD

CHARLES W. KIRK (55); 10/13/2022; 87; Grand Junction, CO

JOHN D. TABB (55); 12/25/2022; 86; Springboro, OH

ILLINOIS

WARREN E. BERNER (47); 3/29/2022; 98; Decatur, IL

JAMES L. GOLDENSTEIN (06); 12/25/2022; 36; Washington D.C.

DOUGLAS A. HOLLER (61); 3/29/2022; 80; Chicago, IL

IOWA STATE NORMAN (CHRIS) CASTEEL (73); 9/21/2022; 70; Shenandoah, IA

PAUL (TED) HUTCHCROFT (51); 11/2/2022; 91; Ames, IA

DENNIS D. MASSEY (62); 1/16/2023; 81; Fredericksburg, VA

JAMES T. MAILANDER (56); 3/22/2022; 84; Wiota, IA

GAIL B. PARKER (66); 11/17/2022; 75; Newton, IA

ROY A. SCHULTZ (56); 12/18/2022; 89; Avoca, IA

THOMAS E. SPEER (73); 11/8/2022; 69; Poulsbo, WA

KANSAS STATE

JOHN W. ROOHMS (61); 11/23/2022; Goldthwaite, TX

LARRY E. SCHMIDT (64); 1/23/2023; Alva, OK

KENTUCKY

WILLIAM (BILL) R. BRINKLEY (51); 12/4/2022; 91; Berea, KY

WILLIAM (BILL) A. CISNEY (57); 1/3/2022; 85; Madisonville, KY

CHARLES O. LITTLE (88); 12/17/2022; 87; Lexington, KY

JOHN C. ROBERTSON (51); 1/9/2023; 91; Lexington, KY

JAMES TOOMBS (70); 2/8/2023; 73; St. Pete Beach, FL

MICHIGAN STATE

GEORGE G. GREENLEAF (46); 9/21/2022; 104; Alma, MI

TERRY A. NARHI (73); 2/26/2023; 69; Menomonie, WI

DAVID E. RANDALL (55); 12/13/2022; 87; Grand Rapids, MI

BRUCE L. UPSTON (65); 2/26/2023; 77; Milan, MI

MINNESOTA

HENRIK J. AUNE (42); 7/27/2022; 100; Florence, AL

The following are notices received by the international office between October 26, 2022 and April 1, 2023. Listed by—Name (Initiation year); Death 0/0/0000; Age at time of death; Resided in

MATTHEW L. EDMAN 53); 2/21/2023; 88; East Grand Forks, MN

MISSOURI

MARLIN M. ADKINS (52); 10/24/2023; 88; Eugene, OR

LARRY D. DINGUS (53); 3/30/2022; 87; San Ragael, CA

RONALD M. SEWELL (52); 12/20/2022; 89; El Dorado Springs, MO

WILLIAM G. SHIDELER (52); 12/31/2021; 88; Cameron, MO

NEBRASKA

ANDIS KAULINS (65); 10/4/2022; Traben-Trarbach, Germany

WILLIAM J. MANNLEIN (53); 5/27/2022; 87; Naples, FL

EUGENE W. MORSE (62); 1/6/2023; 79; St. Louis, MO

FRANKLIN L. MORSE (55); 2/4/2023; 85; Sioux City, NE

GARY L. WAHLGREN (64); 12/28/2022; 77; Crowley, TX

GARY E. WOLFF (68); 11/26/2020; 71; Santa Fe, NM

NORTH CAROLINA STATE

BERNARD W. FERGUSON (58); 10/27/2022; 84; Clyde, NC

NORTH DAKOTA STATE

CHARLIE A. BALSTAD, JR. (81); 4/18/2022; 62; Austin, MN

EDWARD F. CZERWIEN (70); 1/3/2022; 70; Amarillo, TX

LAREN D. HOLZNAGEL (67); 11/4/2022; 67; Washburn, ND

FRANK ROSE (55); 1/18/2020; 87; Ayr, ND

JERRY L. SELL (72); 10/30/2022; 91; Fargo, ND

KENT M. VESTERSO (67); 12/17/2021; 74; Fargo, ND

OHIO STATE

ROBERT J. FLEMING (63); 6/23/2022; 81; Delaware, OH

KERMIT L. NEWCOMER (52); 2/22/2022; 93; La Crosse, WI

DONALD B. SCHILLING (51); 8/17/2022; 93; Upper Sandusky, OH

JOSEPH D. SHEAFFER (91); 1/24/2023; 54; Harpster, OH

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE

LARRY L. LOUNSBERRY (66); 11/29/2021; 77; Sioux Falls, SD

KENDAL J. THOMPSON (76); 6/5/2022; 67; Everly, IA

TENNESSEE

JACK P. CRABTREE JR. (61); 3/31/2022; 82; Knoxville, TN

CRAIG E. ROBERTSON (76); 11/26/2021; 66; Harrogate, TN

DOUGLAS H. STAMPER (59); 12/5/2022; 86; Athens, TN

We rely on alumni and families to send us obituaries of brothers who have passed away. So we may properly record the passing of FH brothers for our membership and send our condolences to his family, please email obituary information to FHHQ@ FarmHouse.org or call (816) 891-9445. Badges of deceased members may be donated to the FarmHouse Foundation at the discretion of the family. Badges are then passed on to the deceased member’s chapter of initiation.

Memoriam

Dr. Robert C. (Bobby) Keen (Auburn 71) was one of 12 founders of the Auburn FarmHouse chapter and served FarmHouse International in many roles. Bobby was a servant leader well beyond FarmHouse with his dedicated military service, his impressive career, civic leadership, and deep commitment to his family and his faith.

Born in Clanton, Alabama, March 22, 1948, Bobby spent his childhood on a small family farm in Billingsley, Alabama, and was active in 4-H and FFA. He was the son of Lonnie Warren and Zelma (Wilkins) Keen and had one sister, Gloria (Keen) Robinson of Atlanta, Georgia, who is married to Steve Robinson (Auburn 72).

Bobby attended Billingsley High School, graduating as salutatorian in 1966. He entered Auburn University in 1966 where he developed leadership skills and lifelong friendships on campus. As a student, Bobby co-founded the Auburn FarmHouse chapter, which chartered in 1971 and served as the second president of the chapter.

He was in the Army ROTC, where he served as the cadet brigade commander. On campus, he was also involved in leadership roles for many honor societies and clubs. As a senior, he was honored with the University’s Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award as the outstanding male student at Auburn by then President Harry M. Philpot. Bobby earned his bachelor’s of science degree in 1970 and a master’s degree in 1972.

After graduating with his master’s degree in 1972, Bobby was commissioned an officer in the United States Army. He entered active duty as a transportation officer at Fort Eustis, Virginia, in August 1972. With the close of the Vietnam War at the end of 1972, Bobby returned to Auburn University as assistant to the dean of students but continued his military service in the National Guard and United States Army Reserves. He served for 26 years and retired in 1996 as a lieutenant colonel in the Reserves.

In 1973, Bobby married Margaret (Peggy) Dunlap and they had three children. In 1974, Bobby left Auburn to pursue his Ph.D. at Purdue University. While at Purdue, he taught economics and financial management courses and administered the cooperative education program and associate degree programs in retail food management and retail farm supply management.

Bobby joined Agri-Business Group (ABG) of Indianapolis, as director of program development and business analysis in 1981. He later served as Southeastern and Southwestern regional manager. He was with ABG for 13 years and served on its executive leadership team.

In 1994, Bobby joined Hancock Memorial Hospital (later Hancock Regional Hospital) in Greenfield, Indiana, where he served as chief executive officer for 20 years.

Under his leadership, the hospital experienced significant growth, added new facilities, and new services were added to the organization, receiving quality awards and best places to work in healthcare designations.

Bobby also served as chairman of the hospital council for the Indiana State Department of Health, was appointed by several governors to the Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation board, and served as chairman of the Indiana Hospital Association, receiving that organization’s Distinguished Service Award.

Upon his retirement in 2014, he was given the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the highest honor the Indiana governor can bestow.

Throughout his distinguished career, Bobby remained active with FarmHouse serving in many capacities. In 1974, Bobby was elected to the Fraternity’s International Executive Board, where he served for eight years, including president for four years. He later served on the FarmHouse Foundation Board from 1990-96, including as finance chair.

Bobby became known as the FarmHouse strategic planner. He conducted several strategic planning sessions for the International Board, and often spoke at the chapter level addressing strategic planning for FarmHouse leadership conferences. He always emphasized the importance of the development of the physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects of the organization.

In 1990, Bobby was awarded the Fraternity’s highest honor, the Master Builder of Men Award. He was a generous donor to the FarmHouse Foundation, reaching the Doane Club for cumulative giving of $50,000 to $99,999.

In retirement, Bobby turned his focus to the improvement of his family’s farm in Alabama. He worked with a local forester and other United States Department of Agriculture personnel to write a forestry plan for the farm and received designations as a certified family forestry farm, a stewardship farm and a treasured forest farm.

Bobby and Peggy have been active members of churches in the communities where they lived. Bobby was an ordained deacon in the Baptist Church and served several churches in that capacity. He and Peggy were active at Park Chapel Christian Church in Greenfield for 20 years.

Of all his accomplishments, Bobby was most proud of his wife, Peggy, and their children — Ashley Petry, Sarah Book and Nathan Keen — and his grandson Declan. Bobby and Peggy were married for 49 years.

Following a battle with pancreatic cancer, Bobby passed away Dec. 20, 2022, at age 74, with his family by his side.

He best builds lives of other men who starts from within so that when the job’s all done the Judge will say, “A Master Builder passed this way.”

- BUILDER OF MEN CREED

Dr. Robert C. (Bobby) Keen

Iowa State FarmHouse members cheer on their newly initated class of members. Photo by Ian Stravers (Iowa State 21).