&PEARLS RUBIES
Pearls&Rubies Fall 2026
The fall 2026 edition of Pearls & Rubies will highlight Builders at Work. Submit your story idea at bit.ly/FarmHouseNews.
Pearls&Rubies
EDITORIAL
Dave Hansen (Iowa State 90)
Editor-in-Chief
Christine Fly Managing Editor Production
Maddy Chapman
PEARLS & RUBIES
Builders at Work
SHARE YOUR STORY IDEAS FOR THE NEXT EDITION
July 23-26, 2026 53rd Biennial Conclave Louisville, Kentucky
Graphic Design, MaddyChapman.com
EDITORIAL TEAM
Miranda Howe
Jeanine Lane
Allison Rickels
Aaron Smith
Neil Stanglein
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS
Eric Bymaster (Purdue 90)
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Kevin Warneke (Nebraska 82), Chair
Justin Fraase (North Dakota State 05)
Luke Munchrath (Tarleton State 17)
Tyler Pigg (Troy 10)
Doug Thomas (Kentucky 78)
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Visit farmhouse.org/pearls-and-rubies to view this issue online.
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POSTMASTER
The next edition of Pearls & Rubies will feature Builders at Work—a closer look at how FarmHouse men are living out the values of our brotherhood through their careers. From agriculture to entrepreneurship to unexpected and unique paths, we want to highlight the meaningful, innovative and impactful work our brothers are doing every day. This theme is all about showcasing the many ways FarmHouse men continue to build—both in their professions and in the world around them. Have a story idea—your own or someone else’s? Share it with us at bit.ly/FarmHouseNews.
Jan. 7-9, 2027
FarmHouse Leadership Institute St. Louis, Missouri
February 2027 Power of 7 Seminar
May 2027
The next edition of Pearls & Rubies will feature Builders at Work—a closer look at how FarmHouse men are living out the values of our brotherhood through their careers. From agriculture to entrepreneurship to unexpected and unique paths, we want to highlight the meaningful, innovative and impactful work our brothers are doing every day. This theme is all about showcasing the many ways FarmHouse men continue to build—both in their professions and in the world around them. Have a story idea— your own or someone else’s? Share it with us at bit.ly/FarmHouseNews.
To Be & Become: Emerging Talent Retreat
U.S. address changes to Pearls & Rubies, FarmHouse International Fraternity, Inc. 1021 Jefferson Street Kansas City, MO 64105 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
FRATERNITY@FARMHOUSE.ORG FOUNDATION@FARMHOUSE.ORG FARMHOUSE.ORG
FarmHouse is a proud member of:
& RUBIES
About FarmHouse:
FarmHouse Fraternity was founded in 1905 at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, by D. Howard Doane, Robert F. Howard, Claude B. Hutchison, Henry H. Krusekopf, Earl W. Rusk, Henry P. Rusk and Melvin E. Sherwin.
FarmHouse Values: Faith, Ambition, Reverence, Morality, Honesty, Obedience, Unity, Service and Excellence
The Object of the Fraternity:
The Object of our Fraternity is to promote good fellowship, to encourage studiousness, and to inspire its members in seeking the best in their chosen lines of study as well as in life. Progress shall mark our every step; the spirit of congeniality shall reign at all times; and every member shall be honest with himself as with his brothers. Men elected to our membership are considered to be of good moral character, to be high in scholarship, to have the capacity for meeting and making friends, and to give promise of service to their fellow men and to the world. To be and become such may at times require a sacrifice of time, pleasures and comforts.
International President Eric Bymaster (Purdue 90)
Fraternity Executive Director & CEO
Dave Hansen (Iowa State 90)
Foundation Chairman Bryce Freeman (Iowa State 93)
Foundation Executive Director & CEO
A llison R ickels, CFRE
Dear FarmHouse brothers and friends,
This edition of Pearls & Rubies focus is on the E in FARMHOUSE: excellence. Spring represents growth and renewal, and just as spring awakens dormant fields, excellence turns potential into performance. Excellence—how do you define it? How do you measure it? I would like to highlight what excellence in FarmHouse looks like today.
...IN SCHOLARSHIP
Last spring, FarmHouse undergraduates across North America had an average 3.26 GPA. Yes, that is on a 4.0 scale! Our younger brothers lead by example and value scholarship. They exemplify excellence in the classroom every day. The newly chartered University of Alabama chapter and the consistently excellent Oklahoma State chapter set the standard, with a chapteraverage GPA of 3.73. Outstanding academics and terrific job, FarmHouse men!
…IN PHILANTHROPY
Last year our chapters raised nearly $318,000 for various charities, including our two national philanthropy partnerships with NMDB and Blood Cancer United. The Auburn chapter led the way with more than $35,000 raised, while the South Dakota State chapter raised the most per member at $720 each for a total of nearly $34,000.
…IN COMMUNITY SERVICE
With more than 52,000 service hours last year across all FarmHouse chapters, our brothers are making a difference on their campuses and in their communities. The Tarleton State chapter led the way with more than 7,500 service hours; nearly two full work weeks of community service hours per member last academic year.
…IN LEADERSHIP
FarmHouse brothers continue to lead on their campuses. Our men are leaders in IFC,
student government, intramural athletics, campus ambassadors, student organizations and community groups.
…IN DOING
When FarmHouse men show up, they execute with excellence. When they volunteer, they are the first to lend a hand; when they are in the classroom or at a conference, they are engaged, learning and leading; and when they work on projects, they focus and deliver exceptional products.
…IN BEING A GOOD PERSON
FarmHouse men ground themselves in daily spiritual practices, living by the golden rule and sacrificing time, pleasures and comforts in support of others. There is no better demonstration of excellence. FarmHouse men, you lead by example with excellence and consistency. People are watching, yet they may or may not know you’re a FarmHouse man. They may be watching to learn from you, seeing you as an example. Sometimes, they may watch for you to stumble or want you to fail. Nevertheless, let your actions, big or small, reflect something you can be proud of at the end of each day.
Thank you for your commitment to excellence. Congratulations to all our leaders and FarmHouse award winners from 2025! And, like spring, your excellence renews and inspires our Fraternity!
Fraternally,
Eric Bymaster (Purdue 90), President International Executive Board
By Kevin Warneke (Nebraska 82)
sk Tom Thurber (Nebraska 60), a retired veterinarian, about his family—three generations of FarmHouse men striving to live the Fraternity’s pillars—and he will quickly redirect the conversation.
Instead, he talks about the men who shaped him.
“All excellent men,” Thurber said. “Great role models.”
At the top of his list is Harold Stevens (Nebraska 40)†, the county extension agent in Thurber’s hometown of Lexington, Nebraska. Shortly after Thurber graduated from high school, Stevens invited him and his parents to his office.
“He asked me where I was going to live in Lincoln,” Thurber recalled. “I told him I didn’t know. I didn’t understand the Greek system, and neither did my parents. He told us about FarmHouse and explained how it was academically oriented.”
Stevens, later named a Master Builder in 1976, described FarmHouse as his home away from home. Thurber also points to Russell Edeal (Nebraska 58)†, his high school livestock
judging teammate, as another early influence.
“It was strengthened by association,” Thurber said. “Many great FarmHouse men were part of my life early on.”
That pattern—steady mentorship, quiet influence and faithful service—has defined the Thurber family’s relationship with FarmHouse ever since.
Marshall Hansen (Nebraska 88), president of the Nebraska FarmHouse Association, said the family’s impact is unmistakable.
“The Thurber family is always there for FarmHouse,” Hansen said. “Holding a homecoming event? They’re there. Launching a fundraising campaign? They step forward—not only to support it financially, but to help lead it. In big and small ways, they consistently show up.”
He added, “That speaks to excellence—in their careers, in their personal lives and especially in how they put others first.”
Dave Hansen (Iowa State 90), chief executive officer of FarmHouse Fraternity, said every strong chapter has
Generations of the Thurber family gathered at the 2024 Nebraska FarmHouse Barner’s Ball.
cornerstone families who provide continuity across generations.
“For Nebraska, one of those families is the Thurbers,” he said. “Their lives—professionally and personally—reflect excellence and embody the very best of our tradition as Builders of Men. Most of all, it’s the lasting presence and example they continue to bring to our Fraternity.”
Tom, a Master Builder (awarded in 1998), has served as a longtime Nebraska FH Association board member, former chapter advisor and past FarmHouse Foundation trustee. He and his wife, Bev, have built a family deeply connected to the Fraternity.
Their daughter, Gail Rohlfing, married a FarmHouse man Paul Rohlfing (Nebraska 83). Their sons, Eric (Nebraska 89) and Lee (Nebraska 91), are both members.
Eric earned a law degree from Harvard University and co-founded Three Bridge Wealth Advisors, serving firstgeneration wealth creators. He served seven years on the FarmHouse Foundation Board of Trustees, including two as chairman. Through his work, he has hired several Nebraska undergraduates as interns and continues mentoring them beyond their internships.
Lee earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and practices ophthalmology in Lincoln. He served as a Foundation trustee from 2010-16 and has been active on the Nebraska Chapter’s building, 100th anniversary and current capital campaign committees.
Son-in-law, Paul, recently retired after three decades with Pfizer, where he led a global team that secured worldwide approvals for four vaccines in four years, including the first approved COVID-19 vaccine. He has served on both the Nebraska and Cal Poly Pomona FarmHouse association boards.
Eric said his father modeled what service looks like.
“One thing our father instilled in us is the importance of serving,” he said. “He gave his time and energy to FarmHouse because of how much he cared—and because of how much he received in return. His life was enriched by those relationships. That’s a big reason Lee and I have remained involved.”
Now a third generation carries the tradition: Pierce Rohlfing (Clemson 19), and Logan (Nebraska 22) and Carson (Nebraska 24) Thurber.
Lee recalled his sons were talking about FarmHouse long before college.
“When Carson was in middle school, he mentioned FarmHouse to a classmate and encouraged him to consider it if he attended UNL,” Lee said. “He did.”
Both sons ultimately chose Nebraska FarmHouse for similar reasons.
“They were drawn to the chapter’s long-term commitment to excellence,” Lee said. “They found a fraternity that emphasizes intellectual, moral, physical and spiritual development.”
Paul knew the family’s influence even before marrying into it—Tom was chapter advisor when he joined.
“The continued engagement of Tom and Bev, as well as Eric and Lee, has inspired me to remain involved,” Rohlfing said. “Both with the international organization and the Nebraska chapter.”
Allison Rickels, chief executive officer of the FarmHouse Foundation, has witnessed that steady generosity firsthand. The family are longtime Chairman’s Club donors, established a family endowment, support Conclave auctions and consistently champion Nebraska FarmHouse fundraising efforts.
“What stands out most is their deep care for FarmHouse— students, brothers, families, volunteers, staff and our shared mission,” Rickels said. “They live that out through leadership, philanthropy, service, mentorship and a willingness to step in whenever asked.”
One moment, she said, captures their heart particularly well. When Tom offered the closing prayer at the 2022 Conclave, it reflected gratitude, humility and a deep commitment to serving others.
ERIC THURBER (Nebraska 89)
TOM THURBER (Nebraska 60)
PAUL ROHLFING (Nebraska 83)
“They don’t do this for recognition,” Rickels said. “They do it because FarmHouse matters to them.”
Perhaps the family’s most visible impact on the Nebraska chapter is hosting its annual new member retreat at their home. Held each autumn since the late 1980s, the retreat serves as orientation for new members and a formative milestone in their FarmHouse journey.
Jared Mulder (Nebraska 19) experienced it from two perspectives—first as a new member and later as chapter president.
“The FarmHouse retreat at the Thurbers’ was one of the most formative experiences of my Fraternity journey,” Mulder said. “As a new member, it was where the values of FarmHouse truly became real—brotherhood, accountability and commitment to something bigger than yourself.
“Later, as chapter president, it was meaningful to watch new members experience that same growth. The setting, the intentionality of the retreat and the generosity of the Thurber family create an environment that encourages reflection, growth and unity. Their willingness to open their home has made a lasting impact on generations of members.”
And if you ask Tom about it all, he will likely point back to the men who first guided him toward FarmHouse.
But those who know the story understand: the influence he once received has multiplied— quietly, faithfully and across generations.
LEE THURBER (Nebraska 91)
PIERCE ROHLFING (Clemson 19)
LOGAN THURBER (Nebraska 22)
CARSON THURBER (Nebraska 24)
Tom Thurber (Nebraska 60) giving the invocation during the 2022 Conclave closing banquet.
IN ACTION EXCELLENCE
By Justin Fraase (North Dakota State 05)
On any given day at Kansas State University, FarmHouse men can be found across campus, leading student government meetings, recruiting future Wildcats, mentoring younger students, competing on national teams and building communities behind the scenes.
For FarmHouse alumni, this might not be surprising, as excellence has always been a key part of the mission. However, for the Kansas State chapter, excellence is not just an idea, it is a way of life that shapes both individual members and the campus as a whole.
Four graduating seniors—Brady Kappelmann (23), Jack O’Malley (22), Simon Lee (22) and Preston Dunn (22)—have each taken a different path at Kansas State, but share a common belief: college, and FarmHouse in particular, is a place to grow. Their actions are great examples of this culture.
Kappelmann, a senior majoring in marketing and professional strategic selling, recently finished his term as the student body president of Kansas State. His path to leadership began long before he ever imagined running for a campus-wide office.
“I knew campus involvement was something I wanted to be a part of,” Kappelmann said. “Coming to Kansas State, I felt like the main way I got involved was just talking to people who were already leading, and learning where I might fit in.”
This confidence eventually led him to FarmHouse, an organization he didn’t know much about.
“After seeing how FarmHouse men led, I realized this was a place full of people invested in growing in their faith and as leaders,” he said. “I thought, if this is what FarmHouse is about, then this is where I want to spend my college years.”
O’Malley, a senior majoring in strategic management, echoes the same sentiment. A former student body vice president and past president of the chapter, O’Malley credits the Fraternity with shaping his college experience.
“I really credit FarmHouse with most of my involvement on campus,” he said. “Older members in the chapter
pushed me to get involved in student government and other organizations. Without that encouragement, I don’t think I would’ve done half the things I did at Kansas State.”
O’Malley noted this encouragement never felt forced. “It didn’t feel like an extra assignment. I got involved in student government because I’m genuinely interested in how things work and where I want to go professionally. FarmHouse helped me to identify my passions and take the next step.”
For O’Malley, excellence is about being intentional. Instead of going through the motions, he believes in making deliberate choices about where to invest time and energy.
“FarmHouse pushes you to be intentional,” he said. “You’re encouraged to take responsibility for yourself, for the chapter and for the organizations you’re part of on campus.”
Lee, a senior studying strategic selling with a certificate in strategic investment, has spent his time growing one of Kansas State’s most visible student organizations. As president of the Sales Club, Lee helped expand membership from around 450 students to more than 700.
“Excellence, for me, is being better than what’s expected,” Lee said. “It’s seeing where a group is struggling and stepping in to make things better.” Lee traces this mindset back to his early days in FarmHouse.
“During the initiation process, the idea of giving back was really ingrained in us,” he said. “The organization gives so much to you, so you have a responsibility to turn around and leave it better than you found it.” This expectation naturally extended beyond the chapter and into every organization he joined.
Dunn, a dual major in animal science and agricultural economics with a minor in business, has balanced leadership roles with competitive success. A member of the Student Alumni Board and Blue Key senior honorary, Dunn also competed on the Kansas State livestock judging team, earning All-American honors and helping the team finish as reserve national champions.
“Excellence is going above and beyond in whatever you’re passionate about,” Dunn said. “As FarmHouse men, we’re called to be excellent in whatever corner of campus we’re involved in.”
This philosophy is reflected not just in individual achievements, but in the chapter as a whole. More than 90 percent of Kansas State FarmHouse members are involved in at least one other campus organization, which shows a shared expectation of involvement.
“It’s kind of the norm in our chapter,” O’Malley said. “You’re involved in FarmHouse, but you’re also involved across campus in ways that matter to you.”
This culture of involvement also plays a role in recruitment, especially at a time when young people are questioning the value of college.
For Kansas State, FarmHouse men point to engagement as the key difference maker, using their time to explore interests, build skills and take on responsibility within a community that expects participation. For these four seniors, this expectation shaped their college experience.
“The best experiences in college are the things you do outside the
classroom,” Kappelmann said. “FarmHouse is one of the best decisions I’ve made because it pushed me to be involved and take risks I wouldn’t have taken otherwise.”
Dunn agrees, adding college offers opportunities hard to find elsewhere. “If you’re not willing to get involved while you’re here, you’re probably not using the experience to its fullest,” he said. “There are so many chances to grow, meet people and develop skills that will carry with you long after graduation.”
All four chose Kansas State for different reasons—family tradition, academic reputation or the welcoming campus culture—but they each found a place where they could fit in and take on leadership roles.
This culture goes beyond the four
seniors featured. Many other members are leaders on campus, including Korben Clawson (Kansas State 22), president of Kansas State Ag and the Collegiate Cattlemen; Holt Williams (Kansas State 23), founder and president of the Kansas State Wrestling Club; Sam Burton (Kansas State 22), Student Government Association athletics liaison; and Matt Hendricks (Kansas State 24), Student Government Association director of external affairs.
This legacy also shows up in recent alumni, like Caleb Stout (Kansas State 20), a former Kansas State student body president who completed a White House fellowship and will attend Harvard Law School this fall. This type of involvement shows leadership is expected of many in the chapter.
Across all FarmHouse chapters, members are expected to acknowledge the opportunities and mentorship and trust they receive and use them to serve others. This expectation is seen in student government, academic programs, judging teams and student organizations across Kansas State.
For alumni, excellence means believing that college is most valuable when students are challenged to lead, guided by mentors and surrounded by peers.
For students considering college, it provides a clear answer: when you add purpose, accountability and a community that expects more from you to the college experience, it can shape not just your career, but the kind of leader and person you become.
Kansas State FarmHouse members are involved across campus in leadership roles serving the university and getting involved in the community.
Left to right: Jack O’Malley (Kansas State 22), Sam Burton (Kansas State 22), Simon Lee (Kansas State 22), Korben Clawson (Kansas State 22), Brady Kappelmann (Kansas State 23), Matt Hendricks (Kansas State 24), Preston Dunn (Kansas State 22), Holt Williams (Kansas State 23).
On a fall day in 1981, standing in the White House Rose Garden with President Ronald Reagan, Peter McPherson (Michigan State 60) looked very much like a Washington, D.C. insider. However, the path that brought him there, from a Peace Corps volunteer in Peru to the helm of major American institutions, was much less about power and much more about purpose.
Over the better part of five decades, McPherson moved seamlessly between government, global development, higher education and corporate leadership with a common theme running through his career: a belief that institutions, when led well, can change lives for the better.
Born in 1940, the third oldest of eight children, McPherson was raised on a traditional dairy and fruit farm in Howell, Michigan.
“We were all involved in 4-H, including showing dairy cattle,” said McPherson. “We showed our cattle on both the county level and the state level on the campus of Michigan State University.”
His ties to Michigan State ran deep, as both of his parents were alumni and his grandfather served on the university’s board of trustees. When the time came to select a college, Michigan State was the obvious choice.
Many years later, after leading major organizations on both the national and international level, McPherson was chosen to serve as president of his alma mater.
As an undergraduate majoring in political science, McPherson joined FarmHouse Fraternity. His FarmHouse roots run much deeper than most as his younger brother also became a FarmHouse man and two of his sisters married men who were in the chapter around the same time.
With a heart for service and empty pockets, McPherson
Institutions, when led well, can change lives for the better.”
Dr. McPherson hands a ceremonial check to President Reagan in the Rose Garden.
By Doug Thomas (Kentucky 78)
left Lansing with his degree in hand, bound for Lima, Peru, where he worked in the Peace Corps in 1964 and 1965. He was charged with organizing credit unions in the developing country. Eventually, he was assigned to work as a support person to administer feeding programs for approximately 50 Peace Corps members.
The Peace Corps was his first taste in a new culture.
“I found I could not be a gringo and be effective,” chuckled McPherson. “I learned it’s just a matter of asking people what they want to get done, finding out what the formal and informal rules are, and figuring out how to do things differently, while doing practical work in that environment. The process was both challenging and exciting.”
Deeply interested in economic development, McPherson returned home to earn an MBA from Western Michigan University in 1967 and a law degree from American University in 1969. He then specialized in international taxation at the Internal Revenue Service before entering national politics.
He joined the administration of President Gerald Ford in 1975 as special assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the Presidential Personnel Office. It proved to be a baptism in high-stakes governance during a turbulent postWatergate era.
When Ford was defeated by President Jimmy Carter in his election bid, McPherson left the White House to practice law in Washington, D.C. Four years later, Carter lost his reelection bid to President Ronald Reagan, who then hired McPherson to be the general counsel of the new president’s transition team.
Under President Reagan, McPherson assumed one of his most consequential roles: Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development from 1981 to 1987.
When famine devastated much of Africa in 1984-85, McPherson oversaw a United States response that delivered two million tons of food in just 12 months. He also helped scale one of the most important public health interventions of the 20th century: Oral Rehydration Therapy. Working with UNICEF and global partners, USAID dramatically expanded access to ORT to combat dehydration from diarrheal disease, which was the leading killer, at the time, of children in the
developing world. As a result, millions of lives were saved.
McPherson later served as Deputy Secretary of the Treasury from 1987-1989, where he helped negotiate final stages of the United States–Canada Free Trade Agreement. This effort reinforced his growing reputation as a pragmatic dealmaker comfortable at both the humanitarian and financial negotiating tables.
One of 171 candidates, McPherson was selected as president of Michigan State University in 1993, a position he held for 11 years. Much like his previous positions in the Peace Corps, the law firm and the White House, the leadership of a major land grant university brought into focus a whole new set of challenges.
“Every day was unique. I might be in a meeting with a group of professors, then go to work on state and federal funding issues, address the rising cost of tuition to ensure affordability, while leading a $1 billion capital campaign,” said McPherson. “It made for a fascinating mosaic that I truly loved.”
In 2007, McPherson became chairman of Dow Jones & Company. That same year, he presided over one of the most consequential media transactions in modern history: the $5 billion sale of Dow Jones & Company, including The Wall Street Journal, to Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp.
In 2006, McPherson began a 16-year run as president of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, the nation’s oldest higher education association. Upon his retirement in June 2021, the APLU established the Peter McPherson Lifetime Achievement Award in his honor.
Today, McPherson lives in the nation’s capital and chairs and serves on several boards focused on higher education and developing country matters. His wife of 33 years, Joanne, passed away in 2022. The couple have four children and seven grandchildren.
At age 85, McPherson stands as a rare figure who has influenced government policy, international development, global finance, higher education and media—all while maintaining a consistent mantra: institutions matter.
From Lima’s food lines to famine relief in Africa, from Treasury negotiations to campus reforms, his career reflects a steady belief that leadership is less about visibility and more about durable systems to serve people.
Dr. McPherson as president of MSU along with President Ford who was the commencement speaker.
McPherson (Michigan State 60) with his wife Joanne during his time as president of Michigan State University.
JOIN US IN LOUISVILLE
July 23-25, 2026
Alumni, undergraduates and guests are invited to attend the 53rd Biennial Conclave in Louisville, Kentucky for networking, fellowship, education and celebration.
Join us in the Derby City to be part of the conversation of where FarmHouse and the fraternal movement is headed. Together, we’ll continue to not only build men, but build FarmHouse.
Current and former IEB members, along with Fraternity CEO, Dave Hansen (Iowa State 90), at the 2024 Conclave in Omaha, Nebraska.
Jim Tobin (Iowa State 76) and Austin Fichter (Iowa State 12) at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium during the 2024 Conclave.
CONVCLAVE 2026 SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
RATES & REGISTRATION
FULL WEEKEND PACKAGE
$650
(Includes all sessions, events and meals for the weekend. Does not include travel or lodging.)
July 23-25, 2026
DAY PACKAGES
(Includes all sessions, events and meals for the day)
Friday, July 24
$300
Saturday, July 25
$300
INDIVIDUAL EVENT OPTIONS
Friday, July 24
• Leadership Luncheon (includes meal and programming) $75
• Kentucky Derby Museum (includes evening programming, dinner and museum exploration) $125
Saturday, July 25
• Volunteer Recognition and Awards Luncheon (includes meal and programming) $75
• Closing Banquet & Gala $125
Day passes and individual event options include a one-time $25 fee.
BOOK A ROOM
Rooms are available at our host hotel, the Louisville Marriott Downtown for a discounted rate of $209 per night (tax not included).
The majority of programming will be on-site at the Marriott and all off-site programming will include travel to and from the hotel.
Attendees are responsible for booking their own accommodations. Rooms can be booked at bit.ly/26ConclaveHotel.
THURSDAY, JULY 23
6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Welcome Reception, Dinner and Vespers at the Muhammed Ali Center
FRIDAY, JULY 24
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Future of the Fraternity Breakfast
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Fraternity Business Session
9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Education Session
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Leadership Luncheon
1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Fraternity Business Session
1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Education Session
5:00 p.m. Kentucky Derby Museum Exploration
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Educational Session at the Kentucky Derby Museum
6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Dinner & Museum Exploration
8:30 - 10:00 p.m. Chairman’s Reception by invitation
SATURDAY, JULY 25
KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM
Explore the history, excitement and tradition of the Kentucky Derby with an exclusive evening at the Museum.
8:30 - 10:00 a.m. Master Builder Breakfast and Panel
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Education Session
11:30 - 1:00 p.m. Volunteer Recognition and Awards Luncheon
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. IEB Installation
2:00 - 2:45 p.m. Ruby Society Networking Session
2:45 - 5:30 p.m. Explore Louisville
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Alumni & Chapter Receptions
6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Closing Dinner, Gala and Auction
In 1950, the Master Builder of Men Award was created by the International Executive Board as the highest honor FarmHouse can bestow upon one of its alumni members. Neither position, wealth, nor occupation enter into consideration for the award but simply what he has done to help others.
GARY LUTH (ILLINOIS 69)
Gary Luth was born Aug. 3, 1949, in Tuscola, Illinois. He joined FarmHouse at the University of Illinois in 1969 and earned his bachelor’s in agricultural science in 1971. That same year, Gary began a lifelong career in cash grain farming, raising corn and soybeans in the Allerton, Illinois area—a vocation he continues to this day.
In 1976, Gary married his wife, Vicki, and together they have three children: Jennifer, Ethan (Illinois 99) and Emory. A dedicated servant-leader, Gary has devoted decades to supporting agriculture, education and community development through extensive board service at both the state and local levels.
His FarmHouse leadership roles have included service on the Illinois FH Association Board from 1976-1982 and again from 2016 to present, where he currently serves as treasurer. Gary was instrumental in the fundraising and financing efforts of the Illinois chapter house renovation project that was reopened and dedicated in September 2025. He is also a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands, Illinois. Gary has contributed to organizations such as Farm Bureau, Illinois Soybean Check Off Board, Illini FS Board of Directors, Illinois Farm Development Authority, Douglas County Board and Lead A Child International.
Gary’s impact has been widely recognized, including being named Champaign News-Gazette Farm Leader of the Year in 2006. He also received the Darl E. Snyder Alumni Award in 2019 and the inaugural Sims Alumni Award from the Illinois FarmHouse Association in 2025.
TERRY TOBIN (IOWA STATE 79)
Terry Tobin grew up on a farm in Taylor County, Iowa, with a father who was a farmer and a mother who was a home economics teacher. After graduation from New Market High School, he received his bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Iowa State University and a law degree from Georgetown University.
His career included 20 years of practicing law— four years in the Iowa Attorney General’s office and 16 as in-house real estate counsel—and 20 years in investment management in commercial real estate. At retirement, Terry was the chief operating officer for Partners Enterprise Capital LLC, which managed over $20 billion in assets.
During his time as an undergraduate in FarmHouse at Iowa State, Terry served as pledge educator and president and received the Doane award. He later served two terms on the association board and as registered agent of the association. In his community, he served on the West Des Moines school board, the Iowa 4- H Foundation and is currently chair of the Iowa State University Foundation board of directors. In his free time, Terry enjoys spending time with family, photography, travel and history.
Terry lives in Clive, Iowa, with his wife, Maureen Roach Tobin, and they have three daughters.
Terry’s three brothers—Jim (Iowa State 76), Kevin (Iowa State 79) and Bernie (Iowa State 81)—are members of FarmHouse as is a nephew, Zachary Tobin (Iowa State 08). His father, Kelly, is an associate member (Iowa State 82) and mother, Irene, was honored with the Friend of FarmHouse Award in 2005.
ERIC THURBER (NEBRASKA 89)
Eric Thurber is a founder and managing director for Three Bridge Wealth Advisors, where he focuses on providing comprehensive wealth management solutions to successful entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and technology executives in Silicon Valley. Together with his partners, he helps affluent clients address their five biggest concerns: preserving their wealth, mitigating taxes, taking care of their heirs, ensuring their assets aren’t unjustly taken and charitable giving.
Eric started his career working on Wall Street in Solomon Brother’s Sales and Trading Program in New York City. He has served as a financial advisor to wealthy individuals and families since 1995, when he began his wealth advising career at Montgomery Securities in the private client department. In 1998, he joined Salomon Smith Barney, where he founded and built The Venture Group. Before founding Three Bridge, he was a Senior Wealth Director at Citi Family Office, a division of Citigroup formed to serve the wealthiest and most sophisticated clients of the firm. Eric founded Three Bridge Wealth Advisors in 2009. Eric served as a Foundation Trustee for seven years, including two as chairman.
He is considered a thought leader in the industry, having been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Registered Rep Magazine, Investment and Wealth Monitor and The Wall Street Journal Radio Network.
JEREMY SETTLES (NEW MEXICO STATE 94)
Jeremy Settles is co-founder and partner of OroSolutions, an Austin, Texas-based technology company he helped establish in 2002. OroSolutions serves large corporations managing billions of dollars in assets across dozens of financial institutions throughout North America. Acting as a centralized financial data hub, the firm delivers reporting and analytics to support accounting, audit, investment performance, tax and treasury functions, equipping internal teams, regulators and external stakeholders with clear, actionable insight.
Jeremy has long paired professional success with meaningful service. A former chairman of the FarmHouse Foundation and a Trustee for six years, he has served on multiple nonprofit boards with an emphasis on process improvement, scalability, community engagement and accountability.
Most recently, Jeremy has joined fellow New Mexico State alumni in leading the effort to purchase and retrofit a permanent home for the newly re-chartered FarmHouse chapter at New Mexico State University.
Raised on a dairy farm in southern New Mexico, Jeremy developed an early appreciation for hard work and stewardship. He and his wife, Cynthia Rivas Settles, MD, are both graduates of NMSU and they have two sons. Jeremy earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics.
The Claude B. Hutchison Award for Meritorious Service recognizes alumni who have demonstrated significant volunteer service to the Fraternity.
Established in 2018, the award honors Claude B. Hutchison— FarmHouse’s first board president, who served an unprecedented eight-year term—and reflects a legacy of sustained leadership and service. It is the Fraternity’s second-highest honor for an alumnus, second only to the Master Builder of Men Award.
DUANE WOLF (IOWA STATE 89)
Duane Wolf graduated from Iowa State with a bachelor’s of science in mechanical engineering in 1992 and a master’s in mechanical engineering from Iowa State in 1995. As an undergraduate, he served on the executive chapter’s team for three semesters, finishing as president in spring 1992.
As a first-generation college graduate, Duane still considers his four years in the Iowa State FH chapter to be the most impactful years of his life. In gratitude for all FarmHouse has given him, he has always tried to give back and provide service to the Iowa State chapter whenever possible. Since 1995, he has served two stints on the Iowa State FarmHouse Association board, and he served as the building owner’s representative during the significant addition and renovation to the Iowa State chapter house from 2015 to 2017.
Duane and his wife, Megan, have lived in Ames since their college days and have three children, Adam, Isabel and Raquel. Adam (Iowa State 21) also served as chapter president and is a recent graduate. One of the highlights for both of them was the opportunity to serve FarmHouse together while Adam was chapter president and Duane was on the association board.
Duane has worked as a consulting mechanical engineer for over thirty years, investigating fires, explosions and other mechanical failures across the United States. When he’s not working or looking for an opportunity with FarmHouse, he’s active in several professional organizations and currently serves on five national standards committees.
KEVIN WARNEKE (NEBRASKA 82)
Kevin Warneke, a lifelong Nebraskan, is an executive vice president for the Steier Group, an Omaha-based fundraising and development company.
He previously worked as a reporter for the Omaha World-Herald and served as chief executive officer for Ronald McDonald Charities in Omaha.
Kevin has served on the board of directors for Keep Nebraska Beautiful, ServeNebraska (the state’s volunteer commission) and Concordia Schools of Omaha. He currently serves on the board for the Nebraska District-Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
Fraternally, he recently served two terms on the Nebraska FH Association and leads FarmHouse International’s Communication Committee.
Kevin earned his doctoral degree in leadership, education and communication from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has taught journalism and fundraising classes at Nebraska Omaha for the past 30 years. He is married and has two children and four grandchildren.
BRUCE FRANK (ILLINOIS 05)
Bruce Frank lives outside Kansas City with his wife, Jessalyn, and their three sons, John, Henry and Conard. For the past 18 years, he has held various roles for John Deere and now serves as the production and precision ag marketing operations manager for the United States and Canada. He recently completed a nineyear term as president of the Illinois FH Association, during which he, the board and chapter led a $5.4 million capital campaign to fund a full chapter house renovation and helped grow chapter membership from 12 to nearly 60 members.
PHILANTHROPY LAUREATE AWARD
Two alumni will be honored with the FarmHouse Foundation’s most prestigious honor during the 53rd Biennial Conclave. Ron Vaske (South Dakota State 87), will be recognized as the 2025 Laureate, and Bob Knief (Illinois 89), has been selected as the 2026 Laureate.
Established in 1999, recipient(s) must have demonstrated great philanthropic intent throughout his or her life, be a member of the Fraternity or have some connection with a FarmHouse brother, spouse, parent or relative. Often, the recipient is an individual who has made financial and service contributions of significant dimension to the Foundation, a FarmHouse chapter and/or its society. Including Vaske and Knief, 29 individuals have received the award since the award’s inception.
Ron and Bob represent the very best of FarmHouse.”
— Allison Rickels, CEO of the FarmHouse Foundation
“Ron and Bob represent the very best of FarmHouse,” said Allison Rickels, CEO of the FarmHouse Foundation. “Their generosity, leadership and long-standing commitment to serving the Fraternity and Foundation reflect exactly what this award is meant to honor. They continue to be exceptionally generous as volunteers and donors, and care deeply about FarmHouse. We are proud to recognize each of them with the Philanthropy Laureate Award.”
BOB KNIEF
(Illinois 89)
Bob is the executive director of Bartlett Company. He joined Bartlett in 2004, beginning in domestic wheat merchandising and later serving as vice president of Bartlett’s Mexico business. In 2011, he was named president of Bartlett Grain. Following Savage’s acquisition of the Bartlett business in August 2018, he was named president of Bartlett and sector president of agriculture in October 2019. He was named executive director in February 2025. Bartlett’s diverse agribusiness is focused on the acquisition, storage, transportation, processing and merchandising of grain. The company is a leading United States exporter of grain to Mexico.
Bob was raised in Burlington, Illinois, where he was active on his family’s farm and livestock auction and export business. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s of science degree in agricultural economics.
He began his career in the grain industry in 1992, working in origination with Continental Grain in Minneapolis, and in facility management in several locations before becoming an export wheat merchant in Kansas City for Continental. After Continental, Knief was a wheat merchant for Scoular Grain before joining Barlett.
He served as chairman of the Transportation, Elevator, and Grain Merchants Association from 2010-11 and served on the National Grain and Feed board of directors.
Bob served on the Foundation Board of Trustees from 2015 to 2021, including two years as chairman and two years as chair-elect. He continues to serve on the Foundation’s Investment Committee. He is a long-time Chairman’s Club donor, has been a sponsor and mentor for several Power of 7 Seminars, and is a member of the Foundation’s Order of the Crest for cumulative giving of $250,000 to $499,999. He was a volunteer and a lead donor for the Illinois FH Association’s capital campaign to renovate its chapter house, which was dedicated in September 2025.
Bob and his wife, Annette, have an adult daughter, Kelly. They split their residency between Kansas City, Missouri, and Dallas.
RON VASKE
(South Dakota State 87)
Ron is a lawyer and partner with Ballard Spahr LLP, and leads their Fintech and Payments Solutions Team. Ron’s practice is focused on matters involving banking, payment systems, consumer financial services and commercial transactions. He provides strategic advice to banks, service providers and program managers in nearly all areas of their business, including issues involving compliance, regulatory supervision and enforcement, privacy, data security, third-party relationships and transactions. He has more than two decades of experience helping clients establish and administer bank sponsorship arrangements for credit card, prepaid card, lending and payment programs. He is a recognized authority on federal consumer financial protection and compliance laws.
Ron received his bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University and then earned a law degree from Creighton University.
For FarmHouse, Ron served on the Fraternity’s International Executive Board from 2004-08 and as a Foundation Trustee from 2012-18. He is a past chapter advisor for the Minnesota FarmHouse chapter. He was a key leader and donor to the South Dakota State FarmHouse capital campaign to build its new chapter house in 2016.
He is a long-time Chairman’s Club donor, has been a sponsor and mentor for several Power of 7 Seminars, and is a member of the Foundation’s Order of the Crest, for cumulative giving of $250,000 to $499,999. Ron lives in Minneapolis.
In 2017, the Robert L. Off Servant Leader Award was established by the Foundation as a means to recognize individuals who have tirelessly contributed their time, leadership and resources in meaningful ways for the advancement of the FarmHouse Foundation. The award is named after Bob Off (Colorado State 64) for his 44 years of professional service to FarmHouse.
At Conclave, two new honorees, Lloyd Bettis (Iowa State 67) and Roy Frederick (Nebraska 63), will be celebrated. They will join seven other FH alumni who have received this distinction.
LLOYD BETTIS (Iowa State 67)
Lloyd is retired chairman and CEO of the National Bureau of Property Administration, Inc., a tax consulting company. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1970 with a degree in agricultural journalism and earned an MBA in accounting and finance from the University of Chicago.
Over the first 20 years of his career, he gained broad management experience at four different public companies: The Jewel Companies in Chicago, Denver and San Diego; The Northern Trust Bank in Chicago; the First National Bank of Chicago, and ConAgra in Greeley, Colorado.
In 1989, he returned to Chicago with the goal of acquiring a business, which led him to NBPA, a tax consulting company started in 1935. The business focused on ad valorem taxes for large corporate industrial clients throughout the United States. He initiated and led the purchase of this business, along with other key staff. He served as chairman/CEO until he retired at the end of 2015 and the business was sold to his employees by way of an ESOP.
Lloyd and his wife, Kathryn, are Iowa State University Foundation Governors and served on the Foundation’s campaign “Forever True For Iowa State”, an eight-year $1.5 billion campaign. Lloyd served as chair of the ISU Foundation investment committee and chair of the board of directors. He served on the FarmHouse Foundation Board of Trustees from 2018-24 and served as fundraising chair. He has included the Foundation in his estate, is a 14-year Chairman’s Club member and a part of the Century Club.
Lloyd and Kathryn split their time between Naples, Florida and Northbrook, Illinois. They have one married son, Chris, who lives in Moline, Illinois. Lloyd’s great nephew Ben Bettis (Iowa State 23) is currently Iowa State FH chapter president.
DR. ROY FREDERICK
(Nebraska 63)
Roy is a retired agricultural economics professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was a faculty member at Kansas State University before spending more than three decades at UNL, where he was later named emeritus professor. He also served as a staff economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry and as director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Throughout his career, he was a widely respected agricultural policy leader and advisor in Nebraska. A professorship in his honor at UNL recognizes his leadership in agricultural economics and public policy.
Roy served as a Foundation Trustee from 2001 to 2006, including as finance chair, and then on the finance and scholarship committees for several years. He is a past board member of the Nebraska FH Association and the Kansas State FH Association. In the early 2000s, he chaired the Nebraska FH Association’s campaign to remodel its chapter house, and he was also an advocate and generous donor to the Association’s campaign to build its current chapter house.
He received the Doane Award in 1966 and the Master Builder of Men Award in 2002. Roy is a member of the Century Club, for cumulative giving of $100,000 to $249,999, has included the Foundation in his estate plans and is a 14-year member of the Chairman’s Club.
Roy resides in Lincoln, Nebraska, and spends time in Arizona visiting his sons Brian (Nebraska 95) and Brett (Nebraska 98), and their families. In 2024, Roy’s wife, Judy, passed away after 55 years of marriage.
The Stars of FarmHouse will shine brightly again for the 53rd Biennial Conclave! You are invited to join in the celebration, whether you attend Conclave or not!
Stars may be purchased for $20 each in celebration or memory of your FarmHouse brothers or friends—creating an opportunity to support the FH Excellence Fund and honoring someone important to you.
Would you honor your FH brothers or friends with stars?
After your Stars are purchased, honorees or their families will be promptly notified of your thoughtful gift. Their name will shine brightly on our Stars of FarmHouse Wall at Conclave and virtually.
Stars may be purchased in advance either online or by sending a check, or in person during Conclave. Your investment in the next generation of FarmHouse Stars through the FH Excellence Fund will help sustain and support FarmHouse young men by providing values-based educational experiences, such as Conclave.
Your generosity will be a vote of confidence as you honor them, just as those who came before you.
Celebrate, remember and honor the Stars in your life by continuing this special Conclave tradition and ensuring FarmHouse continues to shine bright!
Conclave Auction
Give a Star Today!
CREDIT CARD
Visit bit.ly/ FarmHouseStars or scan the QR code to donate.
CHECK
Make checks payable to the FarmHouse Foundation with “Stars” in the memo line. Please include the honor/memorial tribute list with your check. FarmHouse Foundation 1021 Jefferson Street Kansas City, MO 64105.
VIRTUAL STARS WALL bit.ly/FarmHouseStars
Please consider donating an item to the Conclave live and silent auctions to benefit the FH Excellence Fund. Educational programs like Conclave are made possible by your generosity! Donations may include FarmHouse memorabilia, travel packages, vacation homes, unique tickets, art, sports collectibles, gift certificates, specialty products, food gift baskets or exclusive experiences.
Auction items may be donated by alumni, students, friends, chapters and/or associations. Throughout the weekend, attendees will bid on these fantastic items through the silent auction. Conclave culminates Saturday night with the long-running tradition of the live auction and the Fund-A-Need auction.
To donate an item, contact Neil Stanglein at Neil@FarmHouse.org or 816-891-9445.
EQUIPPED TO LEAD: FARMHOUSE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE 2026
or more than three decades, January has marked more than just the start of a new calendar year for FarmHouse—it marks the start of a new chapter of leadership.
Jan. 8–11, 2026, nearly 225 FarmHouse leaders gathered in St. Louis, Missouri, for the annual FarmHouse Leadership Institute. Approximately 205 undergraduate officers and 20 chapter advisors participated in this year’s educational program, continuing a 30-year tradition of preparing those who lead their chapters.
What began decades ago as a commitment to student leadership remains one of the Fraternity’s cornerstone educational programs. The purpose is clear: equip newly elected officers at the beginning of their term with the tools, perspective and confidence to lead well—and with purpose.
Each January, FLI welcomes six key chapter officers: president, vice
president of finance, vice president of recruitment, vice president/director of administration, director of risk management and director of new member education. Together, these men form the operational core of their chapters, and FLI strengthens not only each officer, but the future of the chapters they serve.
This year’s program sharpened role-specific skills, developed broader leadership capacity and fostered meaningful brotherhood connections.
205
SIX
Guided by FarmHouse staff, volunteers and members of the International Executive Board, officers participated in keynote sessions, small-group discussions with peers from other chapters, interactive learning labs and focused chapter planning sessions.
A highlight of the weekend was learning from two keynote speakers who challenged attendees to think both personally and strategically about their leadership. Scott Fussell, a men’s mental health advocate and coach, spoke candidly
20 CHAPTER ADVISORS
about the pressures young men face and the importance of vulnerability, accountability and seeking support. His message encouraged officers to lead with authenticity and to create chapter cultures where mental health is taken seriously.
Later, Dr. Gentry McCreary of Dyad Strategies shared insights from the FarmHouse Dyad assessment results. By walking through national and chapter-level trends, he provided a datainformed look at belonging, satisfaction and the overall undergraduate experience. Together, these sessions emphasized that leading well requires both personal growth and a clear picture of the chapter you serve.
“FLI helped me prepare as a chapter officer by opening my eyes about what it truly means to lead as well as how to be successful in my role,” shared Dietrick Walstrom (Idaho 25).
Throughout the weekend, students and advisors engaged in specialized tracks tailored to their position. These sessions offered practical strategies, shared best practices and candid conversations about chapter
leadership. Whether discussing financial stewardship, recruitment strategy, risk management protocols or new member education, each track emphasized accountability, excellence and alignment with FarmHouse values.
Beyond position-specific training, learning labs encouraged students to explore broader leadership topics. These sessions challenged participants to think critically about communication, decision-making, goal setting and cultivating a healthy chapter culture. Small-group discussions created space for peer-to-peer dialogue and ideasharing, helping attendees learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
One of the most meaningful components of FLI was the Thanks In Action session. During this time, attendees paused from the pace of the weekend to reflect on the generosity that makes FLI possible. Students wrote handwritten thank-you cards and made phone calls to donors who support FarmHouse. For many, it was a meaningful reminder their leadership journey is supported by alumni and friends who believe in them. The session gave students the opportunity to express their gratitude while strengthening the connection between undergraduate members and the broader FarmHouse brotherhood.
Equally important were the moments between sessions—shared meals, conversations and brotherhood— that reminded attendees they are part of something larger than their chapter. FLI strengthens not only individuals, but the broader FarmHouse network.
The advisors who participated deepened their understanding of officer responsibilities and strengthened their partnership with undergraduate members. Their presence reflected what makes FarmHouse special—alumni and volunteers learning alongside students and supporting their experience.
While the program makes a lasting difference for those who attend, it is
made possible through extraordinary generosity.
The cost of FLI is almost entirely underwritten by the FarmHouse Foundation and its donors. Because of this support, chapters are able to send their officers to St. Louis at little to no cost. Travel, lodging, meals, program development and facilitation are funded through support of the FH Excellence Fund and leadership endowments.
That generosity is more than financial support. It reflects a deep belief in young men, in the FarmHouse experience and in the lasting difference leadership development makes.
When donors support the FarmHouse Foundation, they are strengthening safer chapters, stronger recruitment efforts, improved financial stewardship, more intentional new member education and healthier brotherhood cultures. They are supporting young men who will carry the lessons of servant leadership into their careers, families and communities.
For more than 30 years, the FarmHouse Leadership Institute has adapted to meet the changing needs of students while remaining anchored in the Fraternity’s core values. The environment may shift and leadership challenges may grow more complex— but the mission remains the same: to be Builders of Men.
As attendees departed St. Louis and returned to their chapters, they carried more than notes full of ideas. They carried renewed vision, confidence and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a leader.
As FarmHouse continues to prepare its leaders each January, FLI will continue strengthening chapters—and the men who lead them—for generations to come.
The Purdue chapter’s officer team at the 2026 FarmHouse Leadership Institute.
THE 19TH ANNUAL POWER OF 7 SEMINAR: LEARNING, LEADERSHIP AND LIFELONG CONNECTIONS
By Allison Rickels, FarmHouse Foundation CEO
“The Power of 7 Seminar has been a highlight of my FarmHouse career,” Zach Schmitz (Iowa State 22) said. “This is the most premier event I have ever attended, and I am grateful for the opportunity. It gave me a glimpse into what I could accomplish in my career and in life, and it served as a checkpoint, affirming that I am on the right track. The insight I gained from alumni was invaluable—there were no major ‘secrets’ shared about a ticket to a better life, but they were living testaments to what continual practice of FarmHouse values can lead to over time. I aspire to return to Power of 7 as an accomplished professional, be a donor myself and enjoy this experience again!”
For nearly two decades, the Power of 7 Seminar has stood as one of the FarmHouse Foundation’s most meaningful educational, fundraising and stewardship traditions, bringing alumni donors and undergraduate leaders together for a weekend of mentorship, roundtable discussions and shared learning.
This year’s seminar, Feb. 20–22, 2026, in Savannah, Georgia, welcomed generous alumni donors, Foundation Trustees, Fraternity board members, staff, spouses and 12 outstanding FarmHouse undergraduate students. Throughout the weekend, attendees explored issues shaping today’s world, reflected on leadership lessons and built relationships that will last long after the seminar concluded.
The Thompson Savannah, a boutique hotel overlooking the Savannah River, served as the host hotel where the city’s historic district meets the emerging Eastern Wharf development. With sweeping waterfront views, the setting created a relaxed and memorable backdrop for the weekend.
“The Power of 7 is a uniquely impactful event where ideas and learnings extend across generations,” said seminar sponsor Bob Knief (Illinois 89). “The relationships we form and the learning that happens can be life-changing. I really
“It gave me a glimpse of what I could accomplish in my career and in life, and it served as a checkpoint, affirming that I am on the right track.” — Zach Schmitz (Iowa State 22)
enjoy engaging and sharing ideas with the students.”
The seminar began with a networking reception and welcome dinner, followed by the annual “Clayton Yeutter (Nebraska 49)† Lecture: Lessons in Leadership,” in tribute to Yeutter’s career in public service and agriculture. This year’s lecture featured Lloyd Bettis (Iowa State 67), 2026 Robert L. Off Servant Leader Award honoree, who reflected on his lifelong FarmHouse experience, offered leadership advice and shared about the meaning of servant leadership.
Saturday’s sessions centered on the global economy, agriculture and the future of food, artificial intelligence, learning from different generations, leading in uncertainty, building financial confidence and mental health and belonging. Alumni facilitators guided conversations on national and global issues, and how evolving industries shape participants’ lives and careers.
“My Seminar ‘wow’ moment was during the generations in leadership session when one of the donors said, ‘you have to be young and dumb to be old and wise.’ That statement has stuck with me,” said Ross Bodine (Illinois 22). “I looked around the table and saw all of the incredibly wise individuals who were willing to impart their wisdom on the undergraduate attendees. Beyond what I learned from them, that session made me think about my future and inspired me.”
Saturday afternoon, attendees explored historic Savannah with its museums, local shops and landmarks. That evening, the group gathered for dinner and fellowship at The Pirates’ House, where attendees enjoyed a lively history lesson from a resident artist. Closing out the evening, Fraternity CEO Dave Hansen (Iowa State 90) shared an update on the Fraternity.
The seminar wrapped up Sunday morning with sessions focused on preparing for life after college with advice from spouses and alumni. Students also shared their impressions of the weekend and how they plan to apply what they learned.
“The Power of 7 Seminar allowed me to learn more about myself, as well as reflect on alumni experiences in FarmHouse,” Payton Rude (North Dakota State 23) said. “It gave me connections with alumni, leadership skills and other experiences that will help shape my future in my profession and in my life goals. I am so grateful for this life-changing opportunity.”
Now in its 19th year, the seminar is the Foundation’s most unique annual fundraising tradition. Alumni who make a gift of $10,000 or more to the FH Excellence Fund are invited to attend and mentor one of FarmHouse’s top 12 undergraduate leaders.
“As a Seminar sponsor and mentor, it is rewarding to witness the interactions my mentee has with other students and alumni, and to try to be a positive influence as they realize FarmHouse is forever,” Gary Hansen (South Dakota State 72) said. “The opportunity for students to benefit from other alumni’s knowledge and expertise is exceptional.”
“The Power of 7 included many moments that will stick with me for the rest of my life,” Ethan Greenwald (South Dakota State 23) said. “The trip was extremely memorable, and my favorite part was meeting the other undergraduates. Touring Savannah with them helped me make lifelong connections that I otherwise would not have.”
As the weekend concluded, alumni and students reflected on the value of crossgenerational experience, perspective and encouragement. The Power of 7 Seminar continues to demonstrate the lasting influence of FarmHouse alumni who invest their time, wisdom and generosity in the next generation of Builders of Men.
“The Power of 7 is a uniquely impactful event where ideas and learnings extend across generations.”
— Bob Knief (Illinois 89)
“The opportunity for students to benefit from other
alumni’s knowledge and expertise is exceptional.”
— Gary Hansen (South Dakota State 72)
SPRING Photos
Kansas State University
South Dakota State University
University of Alabama
Mississippi State University
Western Kentucky University
North Dakota State University
ALUMNI NEWS
IDAHO
Art Butler (Idaho 75) was re-elected to a second term on the board of directors for the American Angus Association at the 142nd Annual Convention of Delegates, held last fall in Kansas City, Missouri. A third-generation cattleman, Butler raises registered Angus cattle as owner of Spring Cove Ranch in Bliss, Idaho.
ILLINOIS
Jeff Beavers (Illinois 92) spent the past four years co-leading a global initiative in Mozambique, Africa, to establish university-based career development centers that support workforce readiness and long-term economic development.
IOWA STATE
Warren Clark (Iowa State 77), owner of CCI Marketing and editor and publisher of AgNewsCenter, received the Above and Beyond Award from the American Society of Agricultural Consultants during its annual conference in Indianapolis in November 2025. Clark was recognized for his ongoing contributions to the organization, including promoting ASAC programming through news releases and serving on three committees. He resides in Lago Vista, Texas.
Rainer Erani (Iowa State 18) was recognized as an Emerging Leader by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, a program that serves as the industry’s premier training and networking event for Christian publishing professionals. Rainer lives in Excelsior, Minnesota.
Chris Miller (Iowa State 94) started a new position as senior vice president and general counsel of Verizon Consumer at Verizon in Washington, D.C.
Jake Stenzel (Iowa State 19) and his wife, welcomed their first child, a baby girl, Sadie, in October 2025.
MINNESOTA
Pat Duncanson (Minnesota 81) received the 2025 Alumni Service Award from the University of Minnesota in recognition of his decades of leadership and advocacy. A firstgeneration graduate and CEO/CFO of Highland Family Farms, Duncanson has served in numerous governance roles, including chair of the Alumni Association board of directors (2023–24), and has supported presidential and regent advisory efforts. He and his family live in Mapleton, Minnesota.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
Gunnar Dunnam (Mississippi State 15) was named Young Poultry Veterinarian of the Year by the World Veterinary Poultry Association. He received the international honor during the XXIII World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress in Malaysia.
Robert Hill (Mississippi State 13) was named the 2025 Tennessee Young Farmer of the Year at the Tennessee Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers summer conference. A fifthgeneration west Tennessee farmer, Hill operates a 5,000-acre cotton, corn and soybean farm with his family and has helped more than double the operation since returning full-time in 2014. An active Farm Bureau leader, he advanced to compete for national honors in January 2026.
PURDUE
Jonathan Hawley (Purdue 98) has launched a consulting practice centered on leadership development and team effectiveness, helping clients better understand how they are wired to work, communicate and lead. He previously worked for Neogen Corporation for 19 years, and prior was director of chapter services for FarmHouse Fraternity. He and his family live in Lexington, Kentucky.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE
Wes Dellinger (North Carolina State 92) joined Thrivent Financial as area vice president for South Texas. Wes lives in The Woodlands, Texas.
NORTH DAKOTA STATE
Simon Kroll (North Dakota State 20) and Rhiannon Theis were united in marriage Sept. 13, 2025. They live in Alexandria, Minnesota.
Will Odland (North Dakota State 21) founded Fidelis Financial—a faith-based financial advisory firm focused on biblically responsible investing and comprehensive financial planning.
Rick Berg (North Dakota State 81) is serving as interim president of North Dakota State University. Berg is a businessman, entrepreneur and real estate executive with more than four decades of experience building and leading companies across the Upper Midwest. As interim president, Berg is focused on strengthening collaboration between NDSU, industry and the state in order to support long-term student success.
SHARE YOUR NEWS
Have you started a new career or received a promotion? Been honored with an award or recognized in your community? Recently gotten married or welcomed a new child into your family? If so, we’d love to hear about it!
Submit your news for our next edition of Pearls & Rubies at bit.ly/FarmHouseNews or by scanning the QR code.
Memoriam
AUBURN
GARY W. GRAY (78); 1/5/2026; 68; Auburn, AL
COLORADO STATE
DONALD C. CLANTON (49); 12/8/2025; 98; Castle Rock, CO
IDAHO
BRETT M. HAMILTON (85); 6/17/2022; 60; St Charles, MO
JAMES A. MCCONNELL (63); 7/16/2022; 79; Springfield, MO
ILLINOIS
WILLIAM E. BRITZ (53); 8/12/2025; 91; Wheatland, WY
ROBERT F. MULCH (47); 11/3/2025; 96; Raymond, IL
GERALD R. THEOBALD (64); 12/6/2025; 81; Buffalo, IL
IOWA STATE
GARY L. ASKEW (60); 10/11/2025; 85; Hampton, IA
BILLY J. CARPENTER (53); 12/25/2025; 92; Allerton, IA
WAYNE A. MALEY (62); 10/5/2025; 98; Las Cruces, NM
KANSAS STATE
ROBERT E. IRELAND (60); 12/10/2025; 84; Hanover, IN
KENTUCKY
GARNETT BRADFORD (55); 12/30/2025; 90; Wilmington, NC
CHARLES W. BYERS (88); 1/22/2026; 85; Lexington, KY
WILLIAM H. MERCHANT (72); 10/23/2025; 72; Bagdad, KY
KEENAN R. TURNER (66); 11/28/2025; 78; Somerset, KY
JEROME E. LAWSON (54); 8/2/2025; 92; Elizabethtown, KY
MICHIGAN STATE
JAMES D. BALLARD (51); 1/3/2026; 95; Holland, MI
WAYNE H. CLIFFORD (63); 11/7/2025; 81; Burleson, TX
DAVID E. LARSON (45); 11/2/2025; 100; Alpharetta, GA
ARTHUR W. LIEWERT (61); 3/24/2025; 85; Palmyra, MI
GARTH L. MAXAM (64); 11/14/2025; 81; Corrales, NM
RICHARD WALIGORE (77); 3/20/2025; 73; Travelers Rest, SC
MINNESOTA
RICHARD A. FREDERIKSEN (53); 8/13/2025; 92; Albuquerque, NM
DONALD W. KVASNICKA (51); 12/31/2025; 96; Mankato, MN
ROBERT L. RICE (56); 9/21/2025; 94; Grenada, CA
OSCAR C. ZOEBISCH (43); 2015; Haddonfield, NJ
MISSISSIPPI STATE
THOMAS M. BAYLESS (76); 1/5/2026; 71; Hernando, MS
MISSOURI
JAMES R. CLARK (66); 3/22/2025; 79; Canyon, TX
ROBERT T. MARSHALL (51); 1/14/2026; 93; Columbia, MO
LARRY S. MURPHY (56); 1/21/2026; 88; Manhattan, KS
DONALD R. PROFFITT (53); 1/17/2026; 91; Pottersville, MO
NEBRASKA
RICHARD R. FRAHM (58); 7/23/2025; 85; Roanoke, VA
THOMAS F. HANSEN (67); 10/11/2025; 78; North Platte, NE
ROBERT D. WIEMER (55); 12/14/2025; 94; Honolulu, HI
NEBRASKA-CURTIS
MATTHEW R. BOICE (85); 6/9/2024; 60; Omaha, NE
The following are notices received by the International Office between Oct. 7, 2025 and Feb. 23, 2026. Listed by-Name (Initiation year); Date of Death MM/DD/YYYY; Age at time of death; Place of residence
NORTH DAKOTA STATE
VERNON O. BOESHANS (61); 8/1/2025; 86; Beulah, ND
LYDELL G. DESSONVILLE (80); 12/27/2025; 65; Red Wing, MN
GERALD M. ERICKSON (92); 5/20/2024; 70; West Fargo, ND
DALLAS A. HEIDT (56); 12/8/2025; 90; Lakeville, MN
NORMAN F. LEMMON (55); 1/28/2025; 88; Cedar Falls, IA
ERNEST S. MARTIN (61); 10/22/2024; 82; Melissa, TX
DOUGLAS E. RICHMAN (58); 4/20/2025; 86; Tower City, ND
LOUIS J. ROSENAU (68); 10/4/2025; 77; Grandin, ND
THE OHIO STATE
RICHARD C. WALDMAN (97); 12/7/25; 90; Austin, MN
OKLAHOMA STATE
ODIS W. ROBISON; (54); 12/16/2024; 90; Raleigh, NC
JACK D. CAMPBELL (81); 12/7/2025; 64; Tulsa, OK
OREGON STATE
RONALD R. JONES (64); 9/5/2025; 80; Beavercreek, OR
PURDUE
STEVEN A. KINCAID (62); 9/27/2025; 82; Colorado Springs, CO
CLETUS R. MITCHELL (52); 12/30/2025; 101; Bowling Green, KY
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
FRED A. TIDEMANN (71); 1/31/2026; 73; Rosendale, WI
GARY P. WHEELER (69); 6/12/2025; 74; Fergus Falls, MN
TENNESSEE TECH
MARK E. HERNDON (83); 12/16/2025; 64; Chattanooga, TN
JOHN P. JORDAN (62); 6/16/2025; 80; Forest City, AR
TEXAS TECH
JOHN D. SLAY (85); 1/1/2026; 60; Duncanville, TX
WASHINGTON STATE
GERALD E. WILLIAMSON (59); 2/4/2025; 85; Davenport, WA
JACOB W. WEBER (72); 9/3/2025; 71; Ellensburg, WA
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 to be passed on to the deceased member’s chapter of initiation at the family’s discretion.
Men of the Alabama FarmHouse chapter at their chartering ceremony and initiation April 11, 2026.
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
July 23–25, 2026, members, guests and friends of FarmHouse will gather in Louisville, Kentucky, for the 53rd Biennial Conclave.
Conclave is where decisions are made, leaders and milestones are celebrated and the future of FarmHouse takes shape. It’s a chance to reconnect with brothers, engage in meaningful conversations and be part of what’s next.