Alpha Gamma Rho - Beta Psi Chapter

Howdy Ags!

 

I figured this news was important enough to have its own post, so here y'all go;  I'm talking about...

 

Farmers Fight! TAMU Ag Advocacy 2012- This event, which will promote agricultural advocacy and awareness throughout the Texas A&M campus, is building steam as committee chair Mason Parish mobilizes leaders and students throughout the College of Agriculture and beyond to take part in this great movement to promote agriculture among the Texas A&M student body and even into the Bryan/College Station community.  A little back story- After some anti-ag blogs were posted on the A&M newspaper's website, the brothers of Alpha Gamma Rho came together and formed an Ag Advocacy committee to dispel the destructive myths flying around about modern agriculture, while promoting a positive, informative image of agriculture on the A&M campus.  From there, we've gained tremendous momentum in putting Farmers Fight! together, as well as enthusiastic support from various ag organizations, including the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences itself.  This is an incredible opportunity for the Beta Nu chapter, as well as all Ag-based student organizations, to stand up and speak out in support of Agriculture- the common thread that unites and sustains us all.  Some incredible possibilities and opportunities are in the making with the progress of Farmers Fight!, so BE SURE to check out the Farmers Fight! facebook page, where you can stay up-to-date on the latest news about our work and view the link to our blog posts!  And if you tweet, don't forget to check out the Farmers Fight! twitter feed for even more news and updates from the committee work.

 

That's all I've got for now; I'll be back soon with more news from the Beta Nu chapter.  Until then, Gig 'em and God Bless!

 

-Eric Evans

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Howdy!

 

Sitting down to send out another update from the Beta Nu chapter, I reflect on the accomplishments of the past week:  First and foremost, we brought a great group of new brothers into the chapter for Spring Rush!  We're excited to welcome three new brothers into the Beta Nu chapter.  It's always a pleasure to watch the chapter's potential grow in conjunction with our quality membership.  I'd also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Bo/David Williford, our 2012 VNR-Recruitment, for doing a fine job so far, and commend his hard work recruiting for the chapter.  He, along with the rest of the brothers, has plenty to do in preparation for recruiting for the Fall 2012 Rush next semester.  Remember, if you're interested in Alpha Gamma Rho, don't hesitate to contact Bo/David, or any of our members!

 

That being said, all of our officers are doing well representing their respective leadership positions.  A new semester brings about a sense of freshness to the business of the chapter and helps to promote new enthusiasm and innovation within the chapter's operations.  Currently, we're in the process of meeting with a chapter consultant, where we discuss the chapter's current state and activities while brainstorming ways we can work to improve all aspects of the Beta Nu chapter.  Observing the progress and stimulating thought that these discussions have facilitated also provides fresh insight and resolve to continue developing our chapter and planning upcoming events.

 

Until next time,

 

-Eric Evans

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As 2011 ends and a new years begins, we too look to the future. An new crop of officers has been established and transitioned at the Gamma Beta chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho. While some brothers merely changed offices, others decided it was time to take charge and become the new leaders of the Gamma Beta chapter. 

On January 23, 2012, former Noble Ruler Corey Moomaw swore in the new incoming Noble Ruler, Jade Meinzer. Jade's first task as Noble Ruler was to then swear in the remaining VNR officers of 2012. This new class shows great promise and has the drive to be extremely successful in all matters relating to Gamma Beta and Alpha Gamma Rho. The new officer class is as follows:

 

VNR Recruitment - Jay Kindler

VNR Operations - Randy Sheffield

VNR Activities - Garrett Kahrs

VNR Finance - Kirk Woodruff

VNR Scholarship - Curtis Satran

VNR Planning - Frank Ringleman

VNR Membership Development - Jacob Holcomb

VNR Alumni Relations - Cole Mangers

 

Other positions filled for the 2012 year include:

Chaplain - Corey Moomaw

Bingo Liaison - Joe Penning

IFC Representatives - Mike Jack & Kevin Elpers

Webmaster - Craig Nations

 

While it is imperative to maintain a strong leadership foundation for growth and development, it is also equally important that we remember why we are in college to begin with. The last day of the 2011 Fall semester also meant the last day of college for some Gamma Beta brothers. Brothers Taylor Myers, Devin Spears, and Jared Grauerholz were moved to Alumni tonight, as they complete their tenure at Fort Hays State University. We wish them the best of luck in all future endeavors and are very honored that we were given an opportunity to know them and impact their lives. To new alumni Clayton Kershner, who transferred to a new school over winter break, we also wish the best of luck in his journey to a higher education.

With the 2012 Spring semester just underway, we hope that all brothers and friends of Alpha Gamma Rho continue to find success in all aspects of life; and better not only themselves, but all those whose paths they may cross. 

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In 1992, the men of Pi Chapter had the honor of initiating the founding members of the AGR

Colony at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. 

 

This action officially established the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho and recognized those men who were instrumental in its formation.  Unfortunately, one man who played an instrumental role in the formation of the colony earned his degree the semester before the initiation ceremony took place and, thus, was not officially initiated as a member of Beta Sigma Chapter.

On February 19, 2011, almost twenty years after the installation of Beta Sigma, the men of Pi Chapter once again had the honor of initiating a member of Beta Sigma Colony--Scotty Duvall. 

 

Brother Duvall was that colony member who graduated and was never officially initiated.  The ceremony took place at the Alpha Gamma Rho Leadership Seminar in Ft. Worth, Texas.  The members from Pi Chapter participating in the initiation were Carson Horn, Kale Castner, Kyle Slagell, Clark Bixler, Brock Pittman, Mitchell Earl, and Josh Goff.  The initiation of Brother Duvall was arranged by Brother Cody Lane, Alpha Gamma Rho Regional Vice-President.

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At Beta Nu chapter, we have always held academics among our highest
priorities. During the fall of 2010, the brothers of the Beta Nu chapter
made this known to the Texas A&M Interfraternity Council and to the entire
campus when we achieved the honor of the highest GPA of any fraternity at
the university, ranking above the university and all men's average. Furthermore, an annual $1,000 Leadership Scholarship is awarded by the Beta Nu chapter to a deserving student enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Alongside this scholarship, our chapter gives away multiple scholarships to new members who show outstanding academic achievement each semester. For more information about our scholarships, please click the "Scholarship" tab on the left-hand side of
the webpage.

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My name is David Smith and I'm a current member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Beta Psi Fraternity at Delaware Valley College for the past couple of years we have been providing our brother with belt buckles to recognize that they are an Alpha Gamma Rho member.  As a fundraiser for our fraternity, I thought I would offer the belt buckle design that is copyrighted to us, to other members in Alpha Gamma Rho.  If you have an interest in this please contact me as soon as possible and I will be sure to send you pictures and more details on the belt buckle itself.  Thank you very much and I hope to hear from you soon. 

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Scholarships awarded by Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity at NDSU are the result of generous financial contributions by the chapter's alumni in conjunction with the NDSU Development Foundation and the National AGR Educational Foundation.  Our alumni view their donations as an investment in tomorrow’s leaders of the diverse agriculture industry.  In total, Epsilon distributes over $6,000 annually in scholarship and award dollars to encourage students to improve their academic performance, pursue leadership development opportunities, and to explore agricultural careers.

 

Read more about our most recent scholarship winners HERE in the NDSU Spectrum.

 

Click HERE to read more about our Agriculture Leadership Scholarship & complete an application.

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Brothers Zack Greenhill and Joe Poindexter recently visited the Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) headquarters in Pittsboro, NC to deliver a check for $500. RAFI representatives said that it was the largest private donation made all year. This donation was the result of the money raised at the chapter's Ag Bash benefit concert last semester. This was the first philanthropy effort made by Nu Chapter in several years and they aim make it an annual event. Hide

 In past semesters at Epsilon, we’ve contributed to the community by doing various activities like picking up trash along our adopt-a-highway stretch, or selling wheat emptied from old samples from research plots and donating the proceeds to Farm Rescue. It’s been quite some time, however, since we’ve held our own special event at the house, and invited the public to help out. What better time to do this than our first semester living in the newly renovated house! Our idea was to hold a community food drive, and offer a meal and a house tour to anyone who came with a food item. We named the event “Farmers Feeding Fargo,” and it was a success as we collected 129 pounds of food. We also accepted money donations which were distributed to the Great Plains Food Bank ($180) and Farm Rescue ($154). We plan to continue these types of events in years to come as well as use our newly found experience to improve participation. A special thanks to all alumni who stopped by or donated money. Your support is greatly appreciated.

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Dr Steve Damron is the 2010 Oklahoma Professor of the Year!!

 

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Originally published in the Stephenville Empire-Tribune Sunday Nov. 14, 2010

 

The Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity hosted the Fall Spectacular Stock Show this weekend at the Tarleton agriculture farm. More than 100 exhibitors from across the state displayed cattle in the Texas Junior Livestock Association sanctioned show with two rings and double the points. 

Dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and Beta Lambda alumnus Don Cawthon  welcomed participants and their families to campus.

"This is a great opportunity for young people to come to campus, see our facilities and meet our students," said Cawthon.

FFA and 4-H members displayed steers and heifers competing for the champion prize and earned points from TJLA. TJLA awards points for placing in sanctioned shows and recognizes point-leaders each year. 

Exhibitors like Dustin Cooper from Wills Point use shows like this to prepare for major shows such as the Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston livestock shows.

"This gives me the opportunity to get experience for both me and my heifer before we go to the majors," said Cooper.

Rick Hirsch, an extension agent for Henderson County, and Bart Stover, of Stover Cattle Company in Binger, Okla, judged the two-ring show. 

Since its inception in 1999, the agricultural fraternity has awarded more than $50,000 in cash and prizes to Texas youth exhibitors. 

Stock show chairman Stephen Roop explained that many groups hold stock shows as fundraisers.

"That's not the case for us, all proceeds from entries and sponsorships are given back to exhibitors in prizes," Roop said.

The event continues at 9 a.m. today with the steer show. 

"We're very proud of our Alpha Gamma Rho chapter and what they do throughout the year," Cawthon said. 

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The Fall 2010 semester marked the beginning of a new annual philanthropic event for the Beta Nu Chapter as members joined the National MS Society in its fight against Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in honor of friends, family, and alumni who have been diagnosed with the disease. 

 

Throughout the semester, Brothers solicited donations, sold t-shirts, and helped raise awareness about MS.  This year's semester-long effort to raise money for the National MS Society concluded last weekend with seven Brothers participating in a 5K Walk in The Woodlands, Texas.  The Beta Nu Chapter team raised a total of $1725, placing first in the school organizations category. 

 

In addition to participating in the walk in The Woodlands, Brothers also gathered information and established contacts with the National MS Society staff.  It is with great inspiration that the Brothers plan to sponsor and organize a similar annual event in the Bryan/College Station area benefiting the National MS Society.  Details about the Chapter's new annual philanthropic event will be made available in the Spring of 2011. 

 

 

Pictured above: Brothers Logan Leschper, Anthony Lopez, Travis Tippit, Matt Okeson, Wesley Tobola, and Jake Riley "Giving MS the Boot" at the 5K Walk in The Woodlands, Texas.

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Members of the National AGR Fraternity visited Pi Chapter on November 4th.

Members visiting included Grand President Sandy Belden and members of the National Board, members of the Housing Resource Trust, Executive Director Phil Josephson, Chief Recruitment Officer Josh Wackler and home office staff and Director of Development James Ferrell (Pi Chapter) and members of the Foundation board.

Members visited Pi Chapter before attending meetings in Oklahoma City Thursday and Friday for the various boards. Our guests had a chance to visit various fraternities to see the housing conditions at Oklahoma State as well as touring the residential life options students have. Members also met with various members of the OSU faculty and the Manager of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.

Before leaving for their meetings, the visitors sat down with Alumni President A.L. Hutson and alumni while discussing the current condition of the Chapter had an opportunity to eat with Mom Walker, Chapter Advisors, Stillwater alumni and undergraduates.

Grand President Belden had many complements to share with our Chapter about the alumni and undergraduate relationship and the successes of the Chapter.

 

The National Fraternity hosted a reception & dinner at Cattlemen's in OKC for Pi Chapter Alumni.  The reception was well attended by Pi Alumni & a great time was had by those in attendance.

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Help Alpha Gamma Rho Beta Psi Chapter raise money for an alumni's brother's hospital bills by not shaving for the month of November. 

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Help Alpha Gamma Rho Beta Psi Chapter raise money for an alumni's brother's hospital bills by not shaving for the month of November. 

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Riley Pagett, Oklahoma FFA Member from Woodward, has been selected as the 2010-2011 National FFA President.

 

Read the complete National FFA News Release

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Several Pi Chapter Brothers were recognized during the 43rd Annual Career and Technology Education Summer Conference. The conference was held Aug. 2-3 at the Tulsa Convention Center.

Phil Berkenbile (Initiate 1061, 1977), State Director of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, received Oklahoma CareerTech’s top award, the Francis Tuttle Career Excellence Award

The Francis Tuttle Award was established in honor of Francis Tuttle (Initiate 1323, 1990), former state director of the Oklahoma Department of Vocational and Technical Education and “architect” of what is now called the CareerTech system. The award recognizes individuals whose careers exemplify Tuttle’s dedication to the development of people through career and technology education.

Berkenbile was also presented with the Stars of Excellence Award by the National Technical Honor Society. The Stars of Excellence Award recognizes those individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the Oklahoma Chapter of NTHS.

Kent Boggs (Initiate 1781, 2007), executive secretary, Oklahoma FFA, received the Arch Alexander Award.

The Arch Alexander Award recognizes CareerTech educators who have made significant contributions to Oklahoma’s CareerTech system and applauds those who are progressive leaders in program and curriculum development and utilizing advanced technology in education.

Jeremy Zweiacker (Initiate 1469, 1995), State Tech Prep and Alliance Coordinator, received the New Professional Award as a potential leader in Oklahoma ACTE.

Dr Joe Williams, New Mexico State Univesity, was recognized with the Outstanding Board Member award.

 

For more information about the awards visit OkACTE Awards website

August 15, 2010

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The new website is up and running!! Comments or Concerns contact David Smith

 

ΑΓΡ WINS AGAIN!!!

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