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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.
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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 new Missouri FarmHouse chapter house.
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).
