Fall - Alpha Gamma Rho

Fall 2014
T
Fraternity Elects New
Grand President...2
Hall of Fame
Inductees...2
Awards and
Scholarships...3
Foundation Brief...4
Donor Spotlight...7
Honoring a Brother
and a Hero...8
Honors & Awards...9
AGR Announces New
Leaders...9
Partnership Creates
Opportunities for
Brothers...10
Take Your Pic[k]...10
On the Move...11
The South’s Gonna do
it (BBQ) Again!...Back
National Convention
look-back
he 2014 Alpha Gamma Rho National Convention
in Indianapolis, Ind., was an awesome celebration
of history, tradition, fellowship and opportunity.
The weekend was packed with informational speakers
and panel discussions aimed at keeping brothers up-todate on the latest agricultural trends and issues. There
were also speakers who touched on working in the industry, covering how to find a job and successfully build
a life and career. Along with the opportunities for personal and professional growth, there was also plenty of
brotherhood and fun throughout the weekend.
Friday kicked off with committee meetings, a welcome address by Ted McKinney, Purdue alumnus and
director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture,
and an update on the state of the Fraternity by Grand
President Arlen Wonderlich, Iowa State alumnus. Lowell Catlett, New Mexico State alumnus initiate, then
spoke during the Opening Session sponsored by Zoetis.
Friday’s program concluded with a Vespers ceremony
officiated by Purdue alumnus Rick Nagel and the initiation of Dwight Armstrong, COO of the National FFA
Organization.
Friday evening, attendees
walked to the Eiteljorg Museum, which was located just
around the corner from the
Convention hotel. A reception and dinner was held at the
museum, and attendees were
able to wander and enjoy the
museum’s collection of Native
American art.
Saturday began with a breakfast program sponsored by
Monsanto during which Bradley Wilson, Southern Illinois
alumnus, spoke. Following
breakfast, attendees gathered
in the main meeting room for
the Opening Business Session.
Next, panel discussions on Future Trends in International
and Domestic Agriculture and
Animal Agriculture were held.
Saturday afternoon and evening were full of fun and fellowship. First, the busses were
loaded, and brothers and guests
had the opportunity to tour the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Museum and NCAA Hall of
Champions, or the Dow AgroSciences Research and Development facility. Saturday
evening, Convention attendees
made a short walk to the Indianapolis Indians ballpark for
dinner and a game. After the
ballgame, brothers and guests
enjoyed a private tour of the
park, which included going
down on to the field.
Sunday morning began with breakfast sponsored by
DuPont Pioneer and a program by agriculture humourist, Damien Mason. The Second Business Session and
Elections followed breakfast, and then, brothers attended
their choice of three educational workshops — Trends
in Post-Secondary Agriculture, Drone Technology or Effective Talent Management. After lunch, the Final Business Session took place, and the day wrapped up with a
moderated AGRconnect breakout session.
The Convention closed with the Hall of Fame reception
and banquet on Sunday Evening. Three brothers were inducted into the Hall of Fame: Keith Bjerke, North Dakota
State alumnus, Ole Meland, Cal Poly alumnus, and David
Van Wert, Iowa State alumnus. Also during the banquet,
Cal Willemssen was sworn in as Grand President.
A number of awards were given out during lunch each
day and during Sunday’s banquet. A complete list can be
viewed on page three of this publication or on the Alpha
Gamma Rho website. The banquet concluded with the
exciting (and successful!) Bid For Better Men auction
benefiting AGRconnect.
FRATERNITY
C
al Willemssen was recently
voted national Grand President of the Fraternity. He
was elected and sworn into the position at the Fraternity’s 63rd National
Convention in Indianapolis, Ind.
Willemssen was raised on a
farm in Clear Lake, S.D. He attended South Dakota State University
and was initiated into the Alpha
Phi Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho
in 1966. He earned his bachelor’s
degree in mechanized agriculture
from SDSU in 1968 and a master’s
degree in speech and journalism in
1973. Willemssen is also a graduate of Stonier Graduate School of
Banking.
The Alpha Phi Chapter was one
year into chartering when Willemssen joined during his sophomore
year of college. AGR was the first
social fraternity at SDSU, so the
brothers found themselves under
the University’s microscope. During this critical time, the Chapter
was under the leadership of two excellent advisers and a housemoth-
er who served as a mentor to the
members. This made all the difference — both for the Alpha Phi
Chapter and for Willemssen.
The expectations associated with
being in a Greek organization also
made an impact. Willemssen was
surprised by the strong emphasis on
scholastic performance, but instead
of deterring him, the high expectations acted as encouragement.
Through AGR, Willemssen was
also encouraged to pursue additional collegiate, campus and community involvements. He credits
the Fraternity with bolstering his
social development, which had a
great impact on his life since college — especially in his career.
Early in his career, Willemssen did television and radio work
for the South Dakota Agriculture
Extension Service. He made a
move to the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce before taking a
position with The First National
Bank in Sioux Falls where he
stayed for the rest of his career.
ELECTS
NEW
Cal Willemssen, joined by his wife, Lynne, is sworn into office at the 2014 National
Convention by the outgoing Grand President, Arlen Wonderlich.
After 30 years, Willemssen retired
as the executive vice president of
The First National Bank in Sioux
Falls. He continues to serve on the
bank's board of directors.
Willemssen describes himself
as exceedingly social, which is
evidenced in his track record of
volunteer work and community engagements. Throughout his career,
Willemssen worked in a volunteer
capacity many times, including
serving as the 100th chair of the
Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and as chairman of the Dakota Wesleyan University Board of
Trustees. He says that volunteering
is valuable because everyone has
something to contribute to the betterment of their community.
“It’s twofold because society
can gain from your involvement,
and you’ll certainly gain something
as well,” he said.
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
T
he Hall of Fame is to
honor those Alpha Gamma
Rho alumni who have
made outstanding contributions
to Alpha Gamma Rho and/
or outstanding service in their
professional
work
and/or
exceptional service to mankind.
Inductees should be held in high
esteem as other AGRs reflect on
these Brothers’ stature.
Keith D. Bjerke
is an alumnus of
Epsilon Chapter
at North Dakota
State University.
After graduating from NDSU
in 1961, Bjerke
spent three years
as an active duty
officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.
His military service continued in
the Reserves and National Guard
until 2000 when he retired as a Major General. After completing his
tour of active duty, Bjerke returned
to his hometown of Northwood,
N.D., and became the owner and
operator of Spruce Row Farm.
Bjerke served as the Administrator of the Agricultural Stabilization
and Conservation Service and executive vice president of the Commodity Credit Corporation from
2
1989 to 1993. He was appointed
Civilian Aide to the Secretary
of the Army in August 2006 and
served through 2010. Bjerke joined
NDSU on January 1, 2001 as the
vice president for university relations. He was responsible for university relations, legislative affairs
and community outreach before retiring on January 15, 2011.
Bjerke’s dedication to Alpha
Gamma Rho is evident through his
participation at both the national
and chapter level. He has provided
advice and guidance to the Epsilon
Chapter during their remodeling and
centennial projects as well as providing financial support for the Chapter.
He was named an AGR Brother of
the Century in 2004, was elected to
the AGR Housing Resources Trust
Board in 2011 and served as HRT
Board Chair from 2012 to 2014. Currently, Bjerke serves as a Director on
the National Board.
versity with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Dairy Science in 1977,
he has gone on to earn master’s
and doctorate degrees from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State
University and climb the ranks of
Tri State Breeders Coop/Accelerated Genetics. In addition, Meland
has demonstrated his ability as an
outstanding dairy cattle judge, officiating shows around the world.
Currently, he is a genetic consultant
with the National Association of
Animal Breeders.
Meland’s dedication to Alpha
Gamma Rho is evident through his
years of committed participation at
the chapter level and his long history of involvement and leadership
at the national level. Meland was
a Charter Member of Chi Chapter,
and served in the Alumni President
and Adviser roles for Beta Eta.
Currently, he serves as the Housemother Coordinator of the National
Fraternity and has since 1991. Mewas honored with the Alpha
Ole Meland has great- land
Gamma
Rho Grand President’s
ly contributed to
advancements award in 1994, served as Grand
in dairy genet- President from 1994 to 1996 and
ics and artificial was named an AGR Brother of the
insemination in Century in 2004.
the United States
and around the David Van Wert
world.
Since has been instrumental in adding
graduating from value to poultry and pork operations
California Polytechnic State Uni- across the country over the course
of his career.
Since graduating from Iowa
State in 1960,
he has worked
for a number
of divisions of
Swift and Company, IBP and
ConAgra. Before retiring, he spent
eight years as president and CEO
of Van Wert Associates Consulting.
Currently, Van Wert volunteers for
a number of organizations including his local Rotary club, Iowa State
University and Alpha Gamma Rho.
Van Wert’s dedication to Alpha
Gamma Rho is evident through his
years of participation at both the
national and chapter level. He has
provided advice and guidance to
Eta Chapter at Iowa State as well as
providing financial support for the
Chapter. He founded the Eta Chapter Fund within The Educational
Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho
and helped to fund the Eta Chapter
House addition. From 1996 until
2002, Van Wert served the Foundation as a member on the Board of
Directors, serving as president of
the board for two of those years. In
2006, he served the National Fraternity on the National Convention
Steering Committee. Van Wert was
also named an AGR Brother of the
Century in 2004.
Fall 2014
GRAND
Willemssen’s past service to Alpha Gamma Rho includes holding
positions on the Alpha Gamma Rho
Housing Resources Trust Board
and the Fraternity’s National Board
of Directors. He was recognized as
a Brother of the Century in 2004,
which he describes as a highlight of
his Fraternity experience.
Another fond memory of Willemssen’s AGR involvement is,
of course, meeting his wife of 46
PRESIDENT
years, Lynne. They were both dating other people when they met at
Pink Rose the spring of his junior
year. The couple began dating during senior year, and married the
following summer.
The Willemssens are looking
forward Cal’s service as AGR’s
Grand President. With the great vision of Fraternity leaders and the
momentum from a successful 2014
Convention, he is sure it will be a
productive time for AGR.
“My intention is that we continue to develop AGR chapters
that are strong both in quantity and
quality of members,” Willemssen
said. “Also, ensuring that all brothers develop a deep understanding
and sincere interest in the heritage
and values of the Fraternity.”
In addition to his position with
Alpha Gamma Rho and The First
National Bank in Sioux Falls, Wil-
lemssen currently serves on the
South Dakota State University
Foundation Board of Trustees.
Willemssen and his wife split
their time between Arizona and
Sioux Falls, S.D. They have two
children and two grandchildren. In
his free time, Willemssen enjoys
spending time with family, playing
golf and speaking at community
and Fraternity events.
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
AGR Excellence
Scholarship
Nicholas Millington, Maryland
Nathan Stinson, Kansas State
Ashton Yoder, Kansas State
Weber Stibolt, Delaware
Undergraduate
Achievement Award
Theodore Miller, Florida
Jared Kempel, Illinois
Horticulture
Scholarship
Jeremy Chapman, Western Kentucky
Doug Major, Oklahoma State
Wendell Custer, Oklahoma State
Ross Love, Oklahoma State
Michael Shirley, Middle Tennessee
10 Years:
Anson Elliott, Missouri State
Lance Miller, Wyoming
Thomas Hoagland, Connecticut
Philip Fravel, Clemson
Rich Blackburn, Northwest Missouri
Malcolm Manners, Florida Southern
Joe Harrison,Tennessee-Knoxville
Frank Luenser, Cal Poly
Anthony Kalogridis, Florida
15 Years:
Andrew Clausen, Minnesota
Dairy Scholarship
20 Years:
Tim Heiler, Iowa State
Dale Perritt, Stephen F. Austin
Jospeh Degreenia, Virginia Tech
Agriculture
Education Scholarship
Evan Woodbury, Kansas State
Ag Economics/
Ag Business Scholarship
Kenneth Kays, Kansas State
Lindley Finch
Memorial Scholarship
William Suk, Louisiana State
Dale Runnion
Scholarship
25 Years:
Paul Heineman, Iowa State
Duane Jewell, Northwest Missouri
Russell Black, Arkansas
30 Years:
George Magers, Truman State
Glenn Wehner, Truman State
Alumni
Corporation Award
Highest Honor:
Alpha Zeta, Kansas State
Chris Mushrush, Kansas State
High Honor:
Lambda, Minnesota
Wayne Rehn Scholarship
Honorable Mention:
Alpha Upsilon, Tennessee-Martin
Alex Tebbe, Illinois
Outstanding Adviser
Highest Honor:
Joe Harrison,Tennessee-Knoxville
High Honor:
Brad Starbuck, Minnesota
Honorable Mention:
Marvin Flatt, Tennessee-Martin
Adviser Service
5 Years:
Alan Masters, Missouri
Matthew Fischer, Clemson
Charles Steiner, Wisconsin-Platteville
Jed Strnad, Ft. Hays State
Larry Ropp, Arkansas
Mike Jones, Arizona
Clint Stevenson, North Carolina State
Thomas Pridgen, Virginia Tech
Trent Ranburger, Western Kentucky
Fall 2014
Housemother
Management Award
Highest Honor:
Jan Brown, Iowa State
High Honor:
Marty Napier, Missouri
Honorable Mention:
Monica Voiles, Wisconsin-River Falls
Housemother Cultural
& Social Development
Award
Highest Honor:
Marty Napier, Missouri
High Honor:
Jerrie Conley, Tennessee-Martin
Honorable Mention:
Jan Brown, Iowa State
Housemother Service
Recruitment Excellence
10 Years:
Edie Riggs, South Dakota State
Marty Napier, Missouri
High Honor:
Kappa, Nebraska
5 Years:
Carolyn Sadler, Kansas State
Gold Chapter Status
Delta, Purdue
Epsilon, North Dakota State
Eta, Iowa State
Theta, Missouri
Iota, Wisconsin-Madison
Kappa, Nebraska
Lambda, Minnesota
Omicron, Kentucky
Pi, Oklahoma State
Tau, Michigan State
Alpha Alpha, West Virginia
Alpha Epsilon, Louisiana State
Alpha Zeta, Kansas State
Alpha Eta, Georgia
Alpha Kappa, Tennessee-Knoxville
Alpha Upsilon, Tennessee-Martin
Alpha Chi, Western Kentucky
Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls
Beta Gamma, Wisconsin-Platteville
Beta Nu, Texas A&M
Green Chapter Status
Alpha, Illinois
Gamma, Penn State
Nu, North Carolina State
Alpha Delta, Montana State
Promise & Values
Highest Honor:
Theta, Missouri
High Honor:
Lambda, Minnesota
Honorable Mention:
Beta Gamma, Wisconsin-Platteville
Alumni Relations
Highest Honor:
Eta, Iowa State
High Honor:
Alpha Upsilon, Tennessee-Martin
Highest Honor:
Alpha Eta, Georgia
Honorable Mention:
Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls
Academic Excellence
Highest Honor:
Alpha Zeta, Kansas State
High Honor:
Eta, Iowa State
Honorable Mention:
Alpha Upsilon, Tennessee-Martin
Website
Highest Honor:
Theta, Missouri
High Honor:
Eta, Iowa State
Honorable Mention:
Pi, Oklahoma State
Best Single
Issue Crescent
Highest Honor:
Iota, Wisconsin-Madison - Fall 2013
High Honor:
Kappa, Nebraska - Fall 2013
Honorable Mention:
Lambda, Minnesota - Summer 2013
Best Crescent Series
Highest Honor:
Alpha Zeta, Kansas State
High Honor:
Alpha Kappa, Tennessee-Knoxville
Honorable Mention:
Alpha, Illinois
Sleeter Bull Chapter
Improvement Award
Highest Honor:
Alpha Kappa, Tennessee-Knoxville
Honorable Mention:
Pi, Oklahoma State
High Honor:
Alpha Eta, Georgia
Membership
Development
Maynard Coe Chapter
Efficiency Award
High Honor:
Nu, North Carolina State
High Honor:
Eta, Iowa State
Honorable Mention:
Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls
High Honor:
Theta, Missouri
Highest Honor:
Eta, Iowa State
Highest Honor:
Alpha Zeta, Kansas State
3
FOUNDATION BRIEF
You might notice a reduced amount of Foundation information provided here in the SICKLE & SHEAF, and that’s because we have created the Fall 2014 Growth Report – “Higher
Futures” – a glimpse into the performance of
The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma
Rho and the impact that is being provided to
brothers and chapters of Alpha Gamma Rho
Fraternity. “Higher Futures” was created with
you, the donor, in mind because you are creating “higher futures” for our Alpha Gamma
Rho brothers. Our intent is to provide what we
believe to be greater transparency through a
more comprehensive and impactful Foundation piece.
Without the generosity of alumni and friends like you, the mission of
The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho to support the Fraternity’s efforts of “making better men” would not be possible. Whether
through annual unrestricted gifts to the Loyalty Fund for AGR, designated gifts to the AGRconnect Capital Campaign, a Heritage Club qualify-
ing legacy gift or any other gift to the Foundation, each gift is an investment in educational and leadership development, helping shape the lives
and careers of those throughout our Brotherhood. Thank you to all those
brothers and friends who make a priority of giving to The Educational
Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho!
On behalf of the Foundation and the Home Office Staff, I invite you
to visit alphagammarho.org/growth-report. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and for taking the time to learn more about our
“Higher Futures.”
Fraternally and gratefully yours,
Brad Garrison
Director of Development
P.S. Please let me know what you think of “Higher Futures” either by
emailing [email protected] or by calling 816-891-9200 ext., 21.
For more information, check out the comprehensive Growth Report
"Higher Futures" by visiting alphagammarho.org/growth-report
2013-14 Grand President’s Society membership is based on annual contributions of $1,000 or more, specifically
in response to Loyalty Fund for AGR solicitation. This list recognizes brothers who are focused on a vision in support of educational programs that
inspire young brothers towards success.
Alpha-Illinois
Brett Bayston
Thad Kuhfuss
Gene Lemon
Dave Maurer
Wilbur Nelson
Lyle Orwig
David Slater
Tim Heiller
Lars Palmer
David Van Wert
Arlen Wonderlich
Theta-Missouri
Zane Akins
Leroy Burkemper
Jerome Graeser
Larry Warren
Beta-Ohio State
Kirby Barrick
Dennis Fox
Dwight Steen
Iota-Wisconsin-Madison
Dale Emshoff
Robert Schwert
Randy Torgerson
Gamma-Penn State
George Pringle
Delta-Purdue
Wayne Beehler
Joseph Coffey
Tom Davis
Harold Harper
C. James McCormick
Scott Priebe
L. Patrick Scheetz
Charles Whittington
Don Winters
Epsilon-North Dakota State
Dale Anderson
Al Johnson
Zeta-Cornell
Douglas DeGroff
Eta-Iowa State
Jim Borel
Michael Borel
Charlie Brown
Sigmund Cornelius
Five Star Club
$2,500 and above
Kappa-Nebraska
Gregory Mullins
William Schilling
Richard Wahlstrom
Nu-North Carolina State
Tyler Warren
Xi-Auburn
Samuel Jones
Omicron-Kentucky
Burgess Brown
Steve Hupman
Glenn Stith
Pi-Oklahoma State
A.J. Jacques
Sigma-Washington State
Doyle Jacklin
Phi-California-Davis
Gerald Rominger
Chi-Cal Poly
Donald De Jong
Ole Meland
Omega-New Hampshire
Robert Bolton
Alpha Gamma-Florida
Barry Bustillo
Bernie Lester
Jim Newsome
Alpha Delta-Montana State
Jim Driscoll
Alpha Zeta-Kansas State
Donald Griffiths
Loren Kruse
Alpha Eta-Georgia
J. Austin Pugmire
Alpha KappaTennessee-Knoxville
Sam Hamblen
Alpha Pi-Arizona
Kelly Keithly
Ronald Rayner
Alpha Rho-Vermont
James Carpenter
Erwin Clark
Tau-Michigan State
William Hellegas
Dave Willetts
Four Star Club
$1,000 - $2,499
Three Star Club
$500 - $999
Alpha Sigma-Fresno State
Ian Burnett
Michael Way
Alpha Tau-Western Illinois
Gerry Salzman
Alpha UpsilonTennessee-Martin
Robert Earnest
Alpha Phi-South Dakota State
Cal Willemssen
Alpha PsiWisconsin-River Falls
Bill Boehm
Philip Josephson
Beta Delta-Illinois State
Bruce Attig
Beta Zeta-Clemson
Michael Freeman
Beta Eta-Virginia Tech
Ronnie Green
Gordon Thornhill
Beta Sigma-Tarleton State
Michael Bosco
Beta Tau-Mississippi State
Brad Garrison
Annual Giving Clubs
Grand President’s Society
$1,000 and above
Two Star Club
$250 - $499
One Star Club
$100 - $249
lifetime giving Clubs recognize brothers with cumulative lifetime giving of $5,000 or more to The Educational Foundation
of Alpha Gamma Rho prior to September 5, 2014, and indicate the number of gifts made during a brother’s lifetime. To see the complete Lifetime
Giving listing, visit alphagammarho.org/growth-report. Thank you all for your generous and continued support of Alpha Gamma Rho!
Founders' Circle
Order of the Shield
$1,000,000+
$50,000-99,999
Pi-Oklahoma State
A.J. Jacques Malone Mitchell
Fobes
28 Groves, Inc.
1
Alpha-Illinois
Steven Gerdes
Order of the Brotherhood Larry Gerdes
$500,000-999,999
Beta-Ohio State
Alpha-Illinois
Dick Bere
Philip Francis
22
Gene Lemon
44 Gamma-Penn State
William Yerkes
Order of the Harvest
$100,000-499,999
Norberta Modliszewski
Beta-Ohio State
Kirby Barrick
Delta-Purdue
Sandy Belden
Theta-Missouri
22 Steve Ellis
38 Robert Wheeler
42
66 Iota-Wisconsin-Madison
Karl Drye
Russell Schuler
Epsilon-North Dakota State David Sunderland
3
Nu-North Carolina State
Samuel Davis
Iota-Wisconsin-Madison
Chuck Edwards
Bill Hantke
13 Arthur Williams
Pi-Oklahoma State Pi-Oklahoma State
Bradley Gungoll
2 Jeffrey Bode
Doug Jackson
5 Lee Larkin
James Sigmon
Sigma-Washington State
Dennis Slagell
Doyle Jacklin
55
Chi-Cal Poly
Ole Meland
Tau-Michigan State
Russ Mawby
99 Alpha Zeta-Kansas State
Alpha Gamma-Florida
John Douthat
Bernie Lester
Alpha Zeta-Kansas State
Richard Chase
3
1
6
11
16
22
52
Epsilon-North Dakota State
3 Gregory Halverson7
Al Johnson
48
Corey Martin
13
68
Jerry Puppe
40
Delta-Purdue
Douglas Eckrote
Mike Jackson
Steven Newcom
Gene Swackhamer
23
54
Steve Burgess
Loren Kruse
Randy Stoecker
Doug Weyer
Alpha Kappa8 Tennessee- Knoxville
Donnie Smith
82
9
26
2
34
20
3
4
26
12
14
40
22
68
57
46
3
Alpha PsiWisconsin-River Falls Alpha Tau-Western Illinois
Phillip Nichols
13
Bill Boehm
106 Lifetime Giving Clubs
Order of the Brotherhood
$500,000 - $999,999
Theta-Missouri
Zane Akins
47
$25,000-49,999
Phillip Brown
13
David Minnick
28
Northwest Farm Credit Services 1 Charlie Napier
25
Greg Oehrtman
1 Paul Steele
19
Ruthann Sayre
2 Larry Warren
39
Alpha-Illinois
John Woodward
19
Edward Dollinger
14
Gerald Gehlbach
26 Iota-Wisconsin-Madison
John Cull
11
Thad Kuhfuss
37 Cliff Gnatzig
5
James Ross
42 Robert Kalter
2
Jerry Steiner
25
Beta-Ohio State
Bill Richards
15 Nu-North Carolina State
Bill Swank
28 Raymond Collier
6
Thomas Timmer
5 Robert May
34
Tyler Warren
21
Gamma-Penn State
Omicron-Kentucky Rick Carpenter
61
Glenn Stith
15
Brian Sarris
15
Jon Schroer
14 Pi-Oklahoma State
Tom Scott
21 Ray Beck
2
John Shearer
29 Jason Bradshaw
1
James Valent
11 Gary Clark
24
Joe Hinz
15
Robert Hodgen
1
Delta-Purdue
Rodney Orrell
24
William Beard
13 Terry
Tippens
11
Dick Belcher
24
Joseph Coffey
57
Phi-California-Davis
Tom Davis
49
Gerald Rominger
35
Byram Dickes
35
Dick Feltner
42 Chi-Cal Poly
Joseph Hasler
12 Donald De Jong
28
Ted Priebe
46 Paul Weubbe
30
Order of the Sheaf
Epsilon-North Dakota State
Randall Aarestad
John Anderson
E. J. Brown
Allen Giese
Bill Harbeke
Roger Kenner
Earl Marifjeren
Randy Reber
Peter Shockman
Michael Vipond
David Vipond
Ray York
Alpha Gamma-Florida
Barry Bustillo
24
7
John Hooker
15
6
John Norris
38
36
25 Alpha Delta-Montana State
14 Jim Driscoll
49
14
28 Alpha Epsilon-Louisiana State
Glenn Bryant
2
4 6 Alpha Zeta-Kansas State
21 Ben Brent
25
5 Samuel Hands
19
5 Robert Moore
32
Zeta-Cornell
William Baskin
David Galton
Ronald Pope
Charles Saul
Donald Wickham
Gerald Young
Bill New
7
Dale Rodman
24
Wallace Wolf
10
14 28 Alpha Nu-Connecticut
7 George Staby
18
5
13 Alpha Sigma-Fresno State
Gary Nelson
14
8 Eta-Iowa State
Fred Bahrenburg
Jim Borel
Sigmund Cornelius
David Van Wert
Alpha PsiWisconsin-River Falls
66 Philip Josephson
41
38 Beta Eta-Virginia Tech
Gordon Thornhill
40 137
10
Order of the Harvest
$100,000 - $499,999
Order of the Shield
$50,000 - $99,999
Order of the Sheaf
$25,000 - $49,999
Order of the Sickle
$15,000 - $24,999
Order of the Lamp
$10,000 - $14,999
Order of the Crescent
$5,000 - $9,999
FOUNDATION BRIEF
The AGRconnect Capital campaign provides for the development and continued expansion of AGRconnect — Alpha
Gamma Rho’s e-learning resource designed to engage, educate and empower our members. Whether you are a collegiate or an alumnus, AGRconnect
has something to offer each and every member. The following list recognizes those brothers and friends who have supported the AGRconnect Capital
Campaign with a gift and/or pledge. Thank you for investing in the future of Alpha Gamma Rho!
Chairman's Council
$250,000+
Philip Francis
Platinum
$100,000-249,999
Douglas Eckrote
Doyle Jacklin
Mike Jackson
Diamond
$50,000-99,999
Kirby Barrick
Sigmund Cornelius
Donald De Jong
John Douthat
Donnie Smith
Bill Boehm
Michael Bosco
Rick Carpenter
Tom Davis
Edward Dollinger
Jim Driscoll
David Hollinrake
Chuck Iager
James Irvin
Kenneth Isley
Duane Jacklin
Troy Johnson
Rob McClelland
Gary Nelson
Pepsico Foundation
Ted Priebe
Larry Warren
Gregory Webb
Cal Willemssen
Jim Zarndt
Gold
Bronze
$10,000-49,999
Up to $4,999
Zane Akins
Sandy Belden
Jim Borel
Jack Britt
Donald Brock
Ron Carli
Phillip Farmer
Ron Grapes Family
Al Johnson
Philip Josephson
Gene Lemon
Brian Markwell
Dave Maurer
Ole Meland
Steven Newcom
David Parker
Jay Poole
Jerry Puppe
Gerald Rominger
Jerry Steiner
Glenn Stith
Leland Sundet
Gene Swackhamer
Gordon Thornhill
Charlie Trauger
David Van Wert
Paul Weubbe
American AgCredit/
CoBank
Silver
$5,000-9,999
David Ames
Dick Belcher
Jordan Alf
Chad Allaman
Kenneth Alley
Thomas Archer
Benjamin Arteman
Samuel Barrick
Andy Barricklow
Robert Batchelor
Patricia Bathie
Judson Belding
Steven Bensend
Ryan Betka
Tracey Binkley
Keith Bjerke
Matthew Borges
Andrew Bowman
Ira Branson
Dakota Brasher
Logan Britton
Eric Brown
Jess Brown
Taylor Broyles
Don Calhoun
Michael Cameron
Peter Chaires
John Chapman
John Chapman
Jimmy Cheek
Isaac Christenson
Erwin Clark
Peter Clark
Joseph Coffey
Derek Cox
Doug Craig
Henry Cravens
Rick Daluge
Andrew Darin
John Demerly
Adam d'Entremont
John DeRuiter
Mark DiMonte
Robert Earnest
Andrew Ellender
Steve Ellis
Mike Estadt
Kirby Fecht
Dick Feltner
Robert Felton
James Ferrell
Dennis Fiscus
Marvin Flatt
Ed Foley
Dan Foor
Floyde Forman
Gary Frazier
Eldon Fredericks
Kenneth Fryman
Julian Garcia
Michael Gardella
Brad Garrison
Andrew Geary
Adam Geiger
Austin Gillham
H. Charles Goan
Russell Gray
J. D. Greiner
Doug Griffin
Thomas Griffin
Paul Gutierrez
Kayden Guymon
Christopher Haggerty
Bill Hantke
John Harvey
Albert Headlee
Brett Hedrick
Gerald Hegreberg
Tim Heiller
Kip Herzog
Ronald Hirst
Mark Holloway
Tony Howard
Steve Hupman
A.L. Hutson
William Jackson
Shawn Jasper
Ross Jensen
Mark Jewell
Dan Johnson
Roger Johnson
Denver Johnston
Caleb Jones
LCJ Jost
Eddie Kahle
Jack Kaltenberg
Elliott Kann
Reagan Kays
Lawrence Keeley
Keith Kennedy
Ned Kirklin
Thad Koenigsfeld
Dave Korbelik
Cameron Krebs
Lane Kreiling
Loren Kruse
Thad Kuhfuss
Cody Lane
Kaleb Long
William Longinaker
Tom Looney
Aaron Lower
Calvin Lynch
Justin Lynn
Rodger Main
Martin Massengale
Michael Mauzey
Phill McCallon
Ken McCorkle
Larry McCraney
Don McFeeters
Ken McGuffey
Jack McKiddy
Ted McKinney
Cathie Menard
David Merwin
Derek Middlesworth
Bob Miller
David Minnick
Scott Moffitt
Phillip Monson
Allen Morell
Kelvin Moreno
Fred Mueller
Wilbur Mull
Brian Myers
Sarah Nadler
Marty Napier
James Nasados
Clyde Nelson
Samuel Nelson
Tanner Nelson
Greg Nickerson
Lane Nordlund
Jim Nunn
Edward Osborne
Durward Owen
Craig Parker
Marc Paulson
Paul Pinyan
Keith Pletcher
Ray Pletcher
Glenn Poxleitner
Bryan Pregler
Scott Priebe
John Pucheu
William Pucheu
Keith Putnam
Cole Ratzburg
David Ray
Randle Richardson
Aaron Rill
Grady Roberts
John Romines
Ken Root
James Ross
Christian Ruf
George Ruff
Gerry Salzman
Brian Sarris
Micah Scanga
Duane Schaefer
Ritchie Schaefer
Ronald Schaefer
take a look at our comprehensive
GROWTH REPORT “HIGHER FUTURES”
by visiting
alphagammarho.org/growth-report
or scanning the qr code.
The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho is a not-for-profit corporation funded by voluntary contributions and investment income. The business purpose of the Foundation is to receive and invest contributed property
and to distribute such property to qualifying organizations or persons for charitable, educational or scientific purposes. These charitable, educational and scientific purposes, include, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law). Organized in 1965,
The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho operates as a tax-exempt, not-for-profit 501©(3) corporation and public charity under the laws of the State of Illinois. The employer identification number is 36-6158409.
Bronze (continued))
L. Patrick Scheetz
William Schilling
Kirby Schmidt
Will Schuhknecht
Paul Schulte
Stasia Sherman
Richard Simonian
Ken Slofkosky
Bernie Staller
Dwight Steen
Dale Stith
Leslie Stith
Randy Stoecker
Christopher Sutton
David Swaters
Josh Terhune
Daryl Theis
Bret Thurmond
Peter Tomlinson
Randy Torgerson
Justin Torres
Jeremy Turner
Jay Van Wert
Spencer Vance
Nicholas Vander Poel
Tracy Vigil
Tim Von Thun
Alex Wach
Josh Wackler
John Walker
Natalie Walker
K. Russell Weathers
Paul Weller
Jerrod Westfahl
Doug Weyer
Thomas White
Doug Wicker
Wayne Willems
Willis of Nebraska
Paul Willis
Bear Wilson
Arlen Wonderlich
Lee Wright
Allen Wysocki
Logan Yearsley
The Heritage Club honors brothers and friends who leave a legacy for the future of Alpha Gamma Rho through specific gifts
or bequests. Admittance is attained with planned gifts of $10,000 or more designated to The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho. If
you have included the Foundation in your will or estate plan, please notify us, and you will be recognized as a member of the Heritage Club and
as one whose legacy will “make better men.”
Alpha-Illinois
Gene Lemon
James Ross
Jim Zumwalt
Beta-Ohio State
Kirby Barrick
Gamma-Penn State
Rick Carpenter
Delta-Purdue
William Beard
Dick Feltner
Mike Jackson
Ted Priebe
Gene Swackhamer
EpsilonNorth Dakota State
E. J. Brown
Dale Carpentier
Tom Gates
Al Johnson
Jerry Puppe
DONOR
Eta-Iowa State
Fred Bahrenburg
Michael Borel
Scott Flynn
Steve Hanson
David Van Wert
Robert Vasko
Arlen Wonderlich
Theta-Missouri
Zane Akins
Lowell Mohler
Lowell Newsom
Daniel Prosser
Kappa-Nebraska
Ron Grapes Family
William Schilling
Dick Stephens
Charlie Trauger
Sigma-Washington State
Duane Jacklin
Doyle Jacklin
Alpha KappaTennessee-Knoxville
Thomas White
Tau-Michigan State
Russ Mawby
John Welser
Alpha Pi-Arizona
Len Richardson
Phi-California-Davis
John Kidd
Chi-Cal Poly
Ole Meland
Omega-New Hampshire
Everett Ryan
Alpha Delta-Montana State
Jim Driscoll
Omicron-Kentucky
Glenn Stith
Alpha Zeta-Kansas State
Edwin Kerley
Loren Kruse
Warren Nichols
Tim Rosenhagen
Doug Weyer
Pi-Oklahoma State
James Ferrell
Alpha Theta-Maryland
Paul Weller
Nu-North Carolina State
Tyler Warren
SPOTLIGHT
Alpha Rho-Vermont
Erwin Clark
LCJ Jost
Don McFeeters
Alpha Tau-Western Illinois
Jeff Warner
Alpha PhiSouth Dakota State
Cal Willemssen
Alpha PsiWisconsin-River Falls
Bill Boehm
Philip Josephson
Beta Eta-Virginia Tech
Jay Poole
Beta Tau-Mississippi State
Brad Garrison
AGR is integrated in every aspect of
my life. The difference the brothers
of AGR have made in my life, both
personally and professionally, has
been unmeasurable.
As the Lord has blessed me through different organizations,
I want to give back to these same organizations. I have been
blessed and simply want to pour out some of these blessings to
others. Though I may not know the individuals that receive the
monies donated, I trust the Fraternity leadership to use it to benefit
those that either need it or will use it wisely. It is through regular
giving that the Foundation can make plans each year for providing
these undergraduate men additional opportunities. In this way, I feel
that my donations help “make better men.”
Robin Lawson
Kentucky alumnus, Loyalty Fund Donor
Donors like Robin make a difference to our collegiate brothers.
Put your investment to work faster by giving online at
alphagammarho.org/donate
or contact Brad Garrison at [email protected].
HONORING A BROTHER
AND A HERO
During the 1950s and early
1960s, college-aged men were in
a unique situation as the United
States was at war with North Vietnam and there was an ongoing
draft. At Purdue University, every
student was required to involve
themselves in ROTC or in the Purdue Marching band during their
first two years of college. All Delta
Chapter pledges (as this was prior
to introduction of the Brotherhood
trol helicopter to direct fire team
strikes on an enemy force. Captain
Hurt directed numerous gunship
strikes onto enemy positions in
spite of numerous hits received by
his helicopter. For this action, Captain Hurt received the Air Medal
with “V.”
Brother Hurt was killed when
the vehicle he was driving hit a land
mine in the Chau Doc Provence of
South Vietnam on March 23, 1970.
when his father was killed, this was
a chapter of his father’s life with
which he was very unfamiliar.
As a surprise to Michael, Brother
Sommers and others had made efforts to have Michael accepted as
a prospective new member of Delta Chapter in hopes that Michael
would accept a bid and become initiated during the reunion. During a
meeting of alumni brothers and
current Delta Chapter officers, it
Left: Brother Ronald Wayne Hurt
Above: Brothers in attendance for the 2014 AGR Reunion and Scholarship Fundraiser
Program, new members pledged
before being initiated) and brothers
participated, and many elected to
stay in ROTC for all four years of
college so they could enter military
service as officers upon graduation.
Many other brothers were drafted
after completion of their degrees.
Approximately half of each pledge
class was involved in military service, and more than 110 brothers
served the United States military
during this time.
A lifetime resident of Owensville, Ind., Brother Ronald Wayne
Hurt, from the pledge class of 1962,
received his bachelor’s degree from
Purdue University and was a leader of the Delta Chapter of Alpha
Gamma Rho. Brother Hurt served
in the United States Army and completed one tour of duty in Vietnam
as an officer before electing to return for a second tour. Captain Hurt
was awarded an Air Medal with
“V” (Valor) Device, a Bronze Star
Medal with “V” Device, an Army
Commendation Medal (Achievement) and a Bronze Star Medal
(First Oak Leaf Cluster) awarded
posthumously.
The Bronze Star Medal was
awarded for his heroic action while
serving as Liaison Officer with the
36th Engineers. In that role, Captain
Hurt acted as a liaison between the
engineers, a Special Forces advisory team, and the Vietnamese security forces. While serving as acting
District Senior Advisor for Tinh
Bien District, Chau Doc Province,
South Vietnam, he and the District
Chief flew in a command and con-
8
He was serving his second tour of
duty as part of the United States’ effort to support the South Vietnam
Army. He was the only Delta Chapter Brother to die in action during the
Vietnam conflict. Brother Hurt was
survived by his wife, Olga, and his
two children, Michael and Tanya.
—
Brother Patrick Sheetz helped
revitalize an effort for Delta Chapter brothers from the 1950s and
1960s to reunite, plan the establishment of a scholarship fund
with The Educational Foundation
of Alpha Gamma Rho and successfully connect with Michael
Hurt, Brother Hurt’s son. Brother
Thomas Sommers led the effort
to organize a recent reunion attended by 57 brothers from the
Delta Chapter. Because efforts to
connect with Brother Hurt’s son,
Michael, had been successful, he
was also invited to attend so that
he could meet his father’s Delta
Chapter brothers.
The reunion included many programs and activities providing opportunities
for
Michael to connect with his father's old friends
and hear stories
about his father’s
college years as a
brother of Alpha
Gamma Rho, a
leader on campus
at Purdue and as
an ROTC cadet.
Since Michael was
only two years old
was officially voted to extend an invitation for membership to Michael
Hurt, and soon thereafter, Michael
Hurt was initiated in a ceremony
conducted by Delta Chapter Officers. It was a great surprise to Michael, and he was honored to have
the opportunity follow in his father’s
legacy and to be initiated in his Fraternity. Witnessing the ceremony
and Michael’s gratitude was an
emotional occasion for all of those
in attendance. It was quite special
for the officers to conduct the initiation and to witness the emotional
significance of Michael becoming
an Alpha Gamma Rho Brother.
After the reunion, Michael spent
several more days in Indiana with
his young son Dylan to visit the
farms of Alpha Gamma Rho brothers and to once again visit Purdue
University and his father’s memorial at the Delta Chapter house.
—
For his military service, including the ultimate sacrifice of his
own life, and for his many contributions to the Delta Chapter of Al-
pha Gamma Rho, Brother Ronald
Wayne Hurt is being remembered
with the Ronald Wayne Hurt Memorial Scholarship Fund. Throughout the reunion, more than $13,000
in funds was raised to support the
newly established scholarship, and
coupled with several other gifts and
funds transferred from Delta, the
balance now well exceeds $30,000.
The is goal to grow the endowment fund to more than $100,000
in hopes of annually recognizing
Delta Chapter upperclassman in
good standing who is also:
• Enrolled at Purdue University
• Successfully involved in Fraternity activities as well as University related activities and clubs
• Achieving a minimum GPA
• With preference given to applicants who are ROTC members,
members with military experience
or military reservists, active duty
personnel or members who exhibit
patriotism.
Efforts were made to expedite
the first award of the Ronald Hurt
Memorial Scholarship during the
Purdue Homecoming festivities on
Sept. 27, 2014. Michael Hurt was
able to attend and participate in the
presentation of a $1,500 scholarship to Delta Chapter Brother William Logan Perdue.
Contributions to scholarship
fund may be made with gifts to The
Educational Foundation of Alpha
Gamma Rho and by specifying
“Ronald Wayne Hurt Memorial
Scholarship” in the memo line. The
Foundation was delighted to assist
the Delta Chapter brothers in establishing this scholarship, which is an
excellent reflection of upholding
the Promise and Values of Alpha
Gamma Rho!
Bottom left: Tom Stierwalt, initiated 1963,
addresses crowd attending the scholarship
presentation in front of the Ron Hurt
memorial. Tom was one of the 60s brothers
that was very involved in the establishment
of the memorial and the scholarship fund.
Bottom right: Mike Hurt presents the
scholarship award to William Logan Perdue.
Fall 2014
HONORS AND AWARDS
Western Illinois alumnus
Gerry Salzman was
one of four agricultural
professionals to receive
the Torch of Leadership
award from the Alumni
Association of the Illinois
Agricultural Leadership
Foundation. The inaugural presentation of this
Gerry Salzman
award occurred in Bloomington, Ill., on Aug. 23. Gerry recently retired
from CaseIH as senior director, global marketing. He is now principal of GES International
LLC and was recently elected to the Board of
Directors of The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho. Salzman was initiated by Alpha Tau in 1968.
Northwest Missouri State
alumnus Jason Dent recently won the Professional Bull Riders’ F:UN
contest. As a result, he
will appear in the PBR
2014 World Finals where
he’ll be a part of Flint
Rasmussen’s Outside the
Barrel show on Oct. 23.
Jason Dent
Dent regularly performs
at rodeos and other events with his bull, Ole,
as a comedy/specialty act called Whistle-Nut
and Ole. Check out their Facebook page at
facebook.com/whistlenutole. Dent was initiated
by Beta Rho in 1997.
Missouri alumnus initiate Bill Jackson was
recently honored with the 2014 Award for AgBeta Alpha Chapter at Southern Illinois re- riculture Leadership. The award was presented
cently won the IFC All Sports Championship in Kansas City by the Agriculture Business
beating out the 16 other fraternities on campus Council. The honor is bestowed annual to those
for the forth consecutive year.
who embody the leadership, spirit and drive
Tarleton State alumnus
initiate Lionel Lane has
been inducted into the
Tarleton Rodeo Hall of
Fame. While a student
at Tarleton, Lionel was a
member of the first team
to qualify for the finals in
Laramie, Wyo., in 1965
where
they finished third.
Lionel Lane
They qualified for the finals again in 1967 held in Saint George, Utah,
where the team was crowned national champions. Lane was initiated by Beta Sigma in 2001.
North Carolina State
alumnus William Tesh
was recently elected
president of the National
Pest Management Association (NPMA). He is
president and owner of
Pest Management Systems, Inc., in Greensboro, N.C. Tesh’s term
William Tesh
of office on the NPMA
board of directors began on July 1, 2014, and
he will serve until June 30, 2016. Tesh was
initiated by Nu in 1977.
Oklahoma State alumnus Dexter Matlock, an
agriculture education instructor and FFA adviser with Chattanooga Public Schools, was recently recognized as the Outstanding Teacher
of the Year. He was awarded $2,500, and his
school was given $2,500 for classroom needs.
Matlock was initiated by Pi Chapter in 2005.
FIND US ON INSTAGRAM
Alpha Gamma Rho is now on Instagram!
We’re snapping fun shots at the Home
Office and following our traveling staff
as they visit chapters and brothers across
the nation. See what you’ve been missing
and follow us @alphagammarhohq!
that fuels the heartland’s agribusiness industry.
A record crowd, including Kansas Governor
Sam Brownback, was in attendance in historic
Union Station for the presentation. Jackson,
who is the general manager of AgriServices in
Brunswick, Mo., was initiated by Theta in 2010.
Te n n e s s e e - K n o x v i l l e
alumnus John Charles
Wilson was recognized
for his lifetime commitment to conservation and
agriculture during the
National Association of
Conservation
Districts’
southeast regional meeting in Louisville, Ky.,
John Charles Wilson
July 11-13, 2014. Wilson is only the eleventh person to receive this
honor. He has been a supervisor with the Shelby County Soil Conservation District Board
since 1979, and currently serves as chairman.
Wilson was initiated by Alpha Kappa in 1970.
AGR Announces
New Leaders
The following members have taken on new leadership positions within the National Fraternity
and Foundation as a result of elections at National Convention:
Bernie Staller, Wisconsin- Madison alumnus, and Keith Bjerke, North Dakota State alumnus, join the National Board of Directors. Cal Willemssen, South Dakota State alumnus, is
the new Grand President. Julian Garcia, New Mexico State alumnus, is the new Vice Grand
President. David Parker, Purdue alumnus, is the new Financial Vice President. Gerry Salzman, Western Illinois alumnus, joins the Educational Foundation Board. Donnie Steed, Tennessee-Martin, joins the Housing Resources Trust Board.
OVERHEARD ON TWITTER
@AGR_Iota: @AlphaGammaRho Thank you for hosting a great convention! We truly had a
great time and are looking forward to Omaha, NE in 2016!
@Trent56tx: 7 new brothers will join our fraternity tonight, big steps in the right direction!
@AlphaGammaRho @ttuagr #makebettermen
@NathanLaudan: 2014 @AlphaGammaRho Maynard Coe Chapter Efficiency Award
Recipient @AGRAlphaZeta. Top Chapter. Still can’t believe it
@jmike_brown: Excited to be talking animal Ag with 400 @AlphaGammaRho leaders.
@Cody_Grondin: @AlphaGammaRho road tripping out west with another brother
planning on stopping quite a few times to say hi to other chapters #omega
@JakeHoltkamp1: The Beta Alpha brothers won the Best Fraternity award at Greek Sing,
then cleaned up the mess afterwards. #GoodOleBoys of @AlphaGammaRho
we asked...
about your summer internships
“Through an Agriculture Business class at Montana
State University, 27 college of ag students got the opportunity to travel to New Zealand for 10 days to tour
the agriculture industry this past summer. Of the 27 students, five of them were AGRs.
The trip offered a once in a lifetime experience for
us to broaden our agriculture background. We got to
meet many top leaders in the New Zealand sector. We
toured the largest dairy company in the world, Fonterra, a black angus seed stock operation, colleges on
the north and south island, a dairy research farm, government organizations and many other things unique
to New Zealand.”
Left to right: Cole Ratzburg, Ben Johnson, Tomas Garcia and Lane Schmitt
Fall 2014
9
monsanto, agr cultivating the
next generation of ag professionals
Joe Hora, Iowa State alumnus, tween people,” Hora said. “And
completed two internships with a lot of the valuable information I
Monsanto prior to obtaining a full- learned from attending conferences
time role with the company upon came from the other AGR leaders
graduating in May of 2013. His that attended from across the couninternships, along with the skills try. I was able to learn from their
experiences and
and network
build strengths
he gained as a
AGR provided me the
from them.”
brother of Alnecessary education and
During his
pha
Gamma
experiences
to
be
prepared
two internships,
Rho, have set
for the professional world.
Hora was given
him up for a
the opportunity
successful cato explore a wide range of posireer in agriculture.
“Interning with Monsanto for tions within Monsanto, giving him
two summers provided the experi- insight into the many facets of the
ence necessary to better understand ag industry. “Projects throughout
the vision and the direction that my two summers serving as an inMonsanto is moving towards as a tern were varied across the board,”
leader in the agriculture industry,” he said. “I spent time working with
Hora said. “And AGR provided me our ag retail side, farmer dealers and
the necessary education and experi- direct with our growers. Each expeences to be prepared for the profes- rience taught me new lessons that
sional world. The ability to commu- have continued to help my abilities
nicate effectively is an attribute that in the sales field.”
When the time came to decide
I learned through my experiences at
AGR, and it continues to be a staple where he would start a full-time position, Hora’s experiences throughin the role I play at Monsanto.”
Hora was initiated by Eta in 2009 out college pointed him in a clear
and quickly became a leader on direction. “I felt Monsanto gave me
campus and in the Chapter. Through the best opportunity to grow as an
holding a Chapter office and attend- ag professional and give me a career
ing Leadership Seminars and Na- that I love,” he said. “I also saw the
tional Conventions, he continued technology, people and resources
to hone these important skills and the company has to offer new hires.
Monsanto will set you up for sucbuild his network.
“I gained the understanding of cess if you’re willing to learn and
networking and collaboration be- work hard.”
“The training program gave me edge from other agriculture leaders
the opportunity to learn from and that shared the AGR experience.”
work with current District Sales
When asked what advice he
Managers as well as current deal- would give to collegiate brothers,
ers within Monsanto. The people I Hora said, “Continue to build your
worked with were highly skilled in professional network and realize
their businesses and provided me there is an opportunity in agriculture
with the necessary knowledge and for anyone who wants to be a part
tools to be successful in my own of it. The ag sector is only going to
sales district,” Hora said.
grow as the world population conThroughout the past year as a di- tinues to expand and the demands
rect sales manager with Monsanto, for agriculture products increase.
Hora has learned that nothing comes Skilled people will be needed to fulwithout hard work and determina- fill those demands.”
tion. “It is an exciting time to be a
Monsanto has been a longtime
young ag professional with Mon- supporter of Alpha Gamma Rho,
santo, but I understand that I still and their efforts to recruit the talenthave to bring valed men of AGR
ue to our customare part of an
Monsanto will set you
ers and business
ongoing partnerup
for
success
if
you’re
partners,” he said.
ship between the
willing to learn and
“I have quickly
Fraternity and
work hard.
learned that the
Monsanto. Hora
seed industry is
believes there are
always evolving and continues to a lot of similarities between AGR
change. Understanding how to ef- and Monsanto that help to make
fectively deal with new technology, the partnership so successful. “The
services and people is what will help major similarity is the emphasis
make all young ag professionals in on improving lives through the adthe seed industry more successful.” vancements and innovations of agHora says AGR continues to help riculture. The vision of Monsanto
him grow in his current role. “AGR is to earn that trusting relationship,
exists all throughout the Agriculture and I feel that at AGR, it’s alike. As
sector, so the ability to network and an AGR, we build that necessary
develop relationships through the trust to rely on a brother and always
AGR experience has greatly ben- be there for one another.”
efitted my personal development. I
have gained the necessary knowl-
TAKE YOUR PIC[K] WINNERS!
PHOTO CAPTION:
READING SICKLE & SHEAF: Chris Wilder, Florida alumnus, Kirby Barrick,
Beta alumnus, and Jason Steward, Florida alumnus, take a break to read
the SICKLE & SHEAF at the DMZ, Republic of Korea.
DISPLAYING ALPHA GAMMA RHO’S LETTERS: Sharon Swackhamer,
wife of Past Grand President Gene Swackhamer, was the successful
bidder of the Brother’s Pin quilt at the Bid For Better Men Convention
Auction. She is giving it to the Gamma (Penn State) Chapter, where her
grandson, Clay, is a member as well as his father, Scott. Pictured are
“Three Brothers by Choice” with the quilt, which was handmade by
Karlene Wonderlich, wife of Past Grand President Arlen Wonderlich,
and has been framed with an appropriate brass plate attached.
FULL CONTEST DETAILS:
Visit our website at alphagammarho.org/take-your-pick or scan the QR
code to the right using a mobile device. If your submission did not win,
we will keep it in mind for future contests.
DEADLINES:
Winter: Dec. 1 | Spring: March 1
Summer: June 1 | Fall: Sept. 1
PRIZE OPTIONS:
Prize Pack #1: Embroidered hoody and T-shirt
Prize Pack #2: Embroidered polo shirt, screenprinted T-shirt and rear
windshield decal
Prize Pack #3: Embroidered polo shirt, hat and rear windshield decal
10
Fall 2014
ON THE MOVE
South Dakota State alumnus Kevin Schulz recently joined the staff of
National Hog Farmer as
a senior content specialist
after a long career as editor of The Land magazine,
an agricultural- rurallife publication based in
Mankato, Minn. In this
Kevin Schulz
new role, Schulz will be
writing and editing stories for National Hog
Farmer magazine and covering news for the
National Hog Farmer website and newsletters.
Schulz and his family live in southern Minnesota on a farm near where he grew up. Schulz
was initiated by Alpha Phi in 1987.
Cal Poly alumnus Joe
Bannon has coauthored
his first business book,
“The People Powered
Brand - A Blueprint for
B2B Brand and Culture
Transformation,” with his
colleague, Chris Wirthwein. The book provides a
method for helping senior
Joe Bannon
leaders take their brand to
the next level. More information on the book is
available at peoplepoweredbrand.com. Bannon
was initiated by Chi Chapter in 1975.
Transitions
The following deaths were reported to the Home Office since the last publication. Includes initiation year.
Alpha-Illinois
William I. Pape, 1947
Beta-Ohio State
Richard D. Glass, 1947
Gamma-Penn State
Robert L. Roulston, 1950
Howard E. Angstadt, 1953
Delta-Purdue
James R. Hardesty, 1941
W. James Harper, 1942
E. E. Dollmeyer, 1951
Loren R. Carswell, 1951
James D. Overmyer, 1951
EpsilonNorth Dakota State
John D. Babinski, 1952
Zeta-Cornell
Robert G. Smith, 1933
James VanDerwerken, 1950
Lawrence H. Conlon, 1952
David B. Hammond, 1959
Eta-Iowa State
Willis J. Kuecker, 1951
Robert D. Clawson, 1953
Theta-Missouri
Norman F. Kloker, 1937
William T. Porter, 1942
Karl D. Stout, 1953
Cale E. Boedeker, 2013
Iota-Wisconsin-Madison
Elton W. Broege, 1942
Kappa-Nebraska
Leonard L. Wilson, 1925
Clare E. Glandon, 1936
Floyd J. Mecham, 1936
Robert E. Daniell, 1937
Lyle F. Clark, 1938
Robert W. Koehler, 1943
Louis K. Gauger, 1949
Gary L. Hild, 1952
J. Roger Hubbard, 1956
Roger Kreutz, 1968
Gordon D. Ganz, 1975
Sigma-Washington State
Arnold E. Glarborg, 1950
Lambda-Minnesota
Kirkpatric Lawton, 1938
Dale E. Sauer, 1956
Tau-Michigan State
David S. Clark, 1938
George L. Bradford, 1950
Alpha Eta-Georgia
Juan R. Beasley, 1958
William F. Rentz, 1963
James E. Gilbert, 1990
Psi-Maine
Edwin C. Rockwell, 1946
Richard H. Cole, 1951
Alpha Theta-Maryland
Earl C. Spurrier, 1948
Gary M. Gryszkiewicz, 2014
Omega-New Hampshire
Robert N. Kelley, 1939
David E. Ingalls, 1956
Alpha Iota-Arkansas
John E. Kerr, 1940
John H. Rhodes, 1949
David F. Humphrey, 1957
Franklin E. Robberson, 1957
Terence S. Vest, 1968
Xi-Auburn
John E. Pittman, 1942
James W. Vick, 1946
James T. Powell, 1949
Phillip V. Glover, 1949
Robert H. Lisenby, 1950
Paul O. Johnson, 1957
Dan A. James, 1957
Omicron-Kentucky
Jerome B. Weisenberger, 1922
George A. Wilson, 1922
Noel L. Watson, 1934
Berl Fowler, 1938
James A. McConathy, 1939
Asa I. Overall, 1941
Thomas J. Cobb, 1942
B. F. Gillaspie, 1946
Martin L. Thurmond, 1953
Harold M. Hurst, 1954
Robert L. Sanders, 1955
William H. Patton, 1956
Ben H. Crawford, 1958
Billy D. Felker, 1961
Robert K. Wallace, 1965
Harry W. Blanton, 1966
Kenneth E. Blake, 1969
William E. Jones, 1969
Lannie F. Arnold, 1970
Barry G. Harmon, 1973
Alpha BetaTexas A&M-Kingsville
Thomas J. Davis, 1938
Robert R. Gray, 1942
Norman R. Goetze, 1949
Dale H. Helm, 1952
Richard S. Loy, 1956
James C. Page, 1975
Alpha Gamma-Florida
Robert L. Granger, 1939
Jack I. Greene, 1946
Maurice W. Hoover, 1947
Ralph N. Brown, 1948
James R. Moody, 1948
James B. Smith, 1949
Hal A. Davis, 1949
Charles T. Wallis, 1949
Marion H. Mann, 1951
Albert N. Darlington, 1951
Earl C. Brubaker, 1952
Donald F. Jordan, 1961
Harvey E. Smith, 1970
John C. Lynn, 1970
Marvin Zimmerman, 1951
Alpha KappaTennessee-Knoxville
Dan H. Lutrell, 1951
John W. Wetmore, 1955
Carlos E. Webb, 1960
Alfred E. Stone, 1961
Glyn E. Newton, 1961
David M. Spencer, 1982
Alpha Sigma-Fresno State
Mike Hardy, 1963
Alpha TauWestern Illinois
Donald A. Burns, 1966
Alpha ChiWestern Kentucky
Daniel Meador, 1999
Beta AlphaSouthern Illinois
Wendell E. Keepper, 1974
Alpha DeltaOhio State alumnus Alex
Beta Iota-Truman State
Montana State
Baker recently graduated
Earl G. Hopkins, 1978
Dana O. Schrupp, 1946
from United States Air
Pi-Oklahoma State
Alpha Zeta-Kansas State Beta Xi-Texas Tech
Force Joint Specialized
Raymond L. Wegener, 1948 Elmer L. Pelton, 1949
Darren S. Edwards, 1987
Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance Air Force
Base, Okla. Lt. Baker beFall Vol. 104-04 | Published continuously since 1910
gan JSUPT on April 24,
2013, and over the next
STAFF
year,
he
competed
amongst
Editor – Dave Korbelik
Alex Baker
Communications Coordinator – Sarah Nadler
his peers flying the T-6A
Contributing Editors – Joe Arterburn, Omer Dye, Steve Fairchild, Matt Fanta, Corey Geiger, John Harvey, Loren Kruse, Justin Lessman,
Texan II in the 33rd Flying Training Squadron
Chester Peterson, Jr., Steve Rich, Len Richardson, John Ruebush, Vance Runnels, Patrick Scheetz, Jeremy Zweiacker
Dragons and in the T-1A Jayhawk in the 3rd FlyBusiness Manager – Philip Josephson
ing Training Squadron Jayhawks. Baker was asSICKLE & SHEAF (ISSN 8750-6866) is published four times a year (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer) by Publications Office,
signed his first choice of base and aircraft - the
10101 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO. Members receive life subscriptions with payment of initiation fee. Periodicals postage paid at
Kansas City, MO and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: SICKLE & SHEAF, 10101 N. Ambassador Drive,
15th Airlift Squadron Global Eagles at Joint Base
Kansas City, MO 64153-1366.
Charleston, S.C., to fly the C-17A Globemaster
III. He will be based here for the next several
roles at Monsanto Company, including two in- sulted with small, large and Fortune 500 compayears. Baker was initiated by Beta in 2009.
ternational assignments in Latin America. In his nies. Parker was initiated by Delta in 1977.
Colorado State alumnus new role, Foor will be responsible for directing
Iowa State alumnus Tom Latham will retire this
James Brandt has re- the business activities of La Cross Seed. Foor
year after 20 years in the U.S. House of Repretired after 45 years. His was initiated by Eta in 1991.
sentatives. Latham was first elected to congress
career included 5 years
Purdue alumnus David in 1994, and became one of ten AGRs serving in
in the U.S. Air Force as a
Parker recently became the House and Senate. He went on to become a
C-130 pilot and 40 years
executive vice president key member of the House Appropriations Comin the oil and gas industry.
of Asurgo, an FLM+ Com- mittee and a chief spokesperson for agriculture.
Brandt worked 13 years in
pany. He has spent his en- Latham was initiated by Eta in 1995.
Scotland and France for
tire 35 year career helping
the French company TOJames Brandt
individuals and organiHELP US
TAL. Currently, Brandt
zations improve perforKEEP YOUR
and his wife, Sharon, reside in Houston, Texas.
mance. Prior to joining
He is active in the local chapter of Tex US TOO,
FELLOW
Asurgo, he was an original
David Parker
a prostate cancer support organization, and
MEMBERS
management team memworks with their annual 5K run event. Brandt
INFORMED!
ber of ABG/Adayana. Specializing in sales and
was initiated by Rho in 1965.
marketing, financial management value-based
Please send updates to Sarah Nadler
Iowa State alumnus Dan Foor has been promot- solutions and branding initiatives, his focus is
via email at [email protected]
on
the
“people”
side
of
the
business.
Parker
is
a
ed to chief executive officer of La Crosse Seed.
or fill out the Share Your News form at
Prior to joining La Crosse Seed in 2011 as chief nationally-known speaker and facilitator, having
alphagammarho.org/share-your-news.
operating officer, Foor held various leadership delivered more than 2,500 presentations and con-
Fall 2014
11
the south’s
gonna do it
(BBQ) again!
The Central Tennessee AGR
Alumni Chapter and seven local AGR chapters invite AGRs
around the nation to participate
in the 3rd Annual AGR National
BBQ Competition on April 1718, 2015 in Lebanon, Tenn. You
can come to compete in cooking,
camp out with brothers for the
weekend or just come Saturday
evening for the dinner and social.
The 2014 event was an overwhelming success with 17 teams and nearly 300 participants in the
Saturday evening dinner and alumni social. Around $2,500 in prize money was awarded, and undergraduate and alumni teams laid claim to bragging rights for various cooking, rope pull and corn hole toss tournament
prizes. We expect next year to be even bigger and better!
Cooking team registration fees are $250 for each five-man team. Undergraduate chapters can only have one team, but there can be multiple alumni
teams. Teams will compete in four separate categories: pork, ribs, chicken
and chicken wings (new this year). Fees cover registration, T-shirts, several
meals, access to utilities and showers, and admission to the Saturday evening event. We will be having a Friday evening “Pig Pullin” social for all
weekend participants.
We will also be holding the 3rd annual AGR Olympics with a rope pull,
corn hole toss and “closest-to-the-pin”
competition. Trophies and prizes will
be given for each of the winners.
Many brothers will choose to just
come and camp out for the weekend,
and they can purchase a “weekend
pass,” which includes all meals and
camping for $40. The James E.
Ward Agricultural Center grounds
are perfect for camping, with ample
grass for tent camping and plenty
of RV camping spots with water and electrical
hook-ups. There are also plenty of showers and shelters in the event of
inclement weather.
Many local alumni and guests will come to the Saturday evening social and awards dinner. We will have a big catered dinner, and this year,
we will move to a large covered pavilion that can seat more than 300
guests. Dinner tickets will cost $15.
Host chapters include Middle Tennessee State, Tennessee-Martin,
Tennessee-Knoxville, Western Kentucky, Austin Peay, Murray State
and Kentucky.
Check out our website at agrbbq.com and “like” our Facebook page
at facebook.com/middletnalphagammarhoalumni. For more information
contact Chad Bradshaw at 615-708-8307 or [email protected], or
Robert Elliott at 865-207-5513 or [email protected].
Alpha Gamma Rho
gives special thanks to its
corporate partners:
Elite
Diamond
Gold
E Q U I T Y C U L T I V AT I N G GRO W TH
Silver
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Bronze
Wells Fargo Bank
Sponsor
Agricultural Investment Associates Inc. | AgReliant Genetics | Bader Rutter
For More Information on Becoming
a Corporate Partner: Visit alphagammarho.org/sponsor-agr
Submit Your News
1. Visit alphagammarho.org/share-your-news and submit a story
electronically.
2. Email your news to [email protected].
3. Mail your news to Alpha Gamma Rho, 10101 N. Ambassador
Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153. Please include your contact information for verification purposes. News releases and information
from published news clippings may also be used.
Article courtesy of Tracey Binkley
AGR Home Office
10101 N. Ambassador Drive
Kansas City, MO 64153
| FAEGRE BAKER DANIELS LLP
816-891-9200
[email protected]
alphagammarho.org
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Nadler, Communications Coordinator
at 816-891-9200, ext. 11.
Dates to Remember
Nov. 6-7, 2014
Board Meetings
Jan. 9-10, 2015
Adviser Forum
Jan. 16-17, 2015
Recruitment School
Feb. 13-14, 2015
Leadership Seminar
Feb. 20-21, 2015
Leadership Seminar
Feb. 27-28, 2015
Leadership Seminar
March 6-7, 2015
Leadership Seminar
April 17-18, 2015
AGR National BBQ
Madison, Wisconsin
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri
Fall 2014
Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas
Chicago, Illinois
Reno, Nevada
Baltimore, Maryland
Lebanon, Tennessee
North-American
Interfraternity
Conference
Member of Fraternity
Communications
Association