Below you will find archives of local news of the Theta Chapter from several years back.

 

 

2011

 

Alpha Gamma Rho Philanthropy 2011

                        

 

Just as last years philanthropy Bringin’ the Heat; this years first shot at the Firefighter Face-Off was just as successful. With the support of Chi Omega, Phi Mu, Alpha Chi Omega, Zeta Tau Alpha and of course Sigma Alpha the weeklong event list played out to be quite successful. Between serenades, interviews, a barbeque and don’t forget the Face-Off competition on the same week as Greek Week there was hardly time to relax. Regardless, the men of Alpha Gamma Rho know the importance of giving back to the community and this goes to prove it. Despite the bad weather everyone showed up willing to lend a hand to support True North and the local Burn Unit.

            Many women from all the participating sororities showed up bright and early ready to participate or cheer on their teams for Saturdays Firefighter Face-Off. The Columbia Fire Department not only volunteered their time but also three of their fire trucks to help with the competition. Between relays, balloon drops, tug-of-war and of course the hose-down competition the day was literally a blast! Participants went from cold and tired to wet and wild in a matter of minutes after turning on spectators with live fire hoses.

            Again, the men of Alpha Gamma Rho love to volunteer their time to help the community, but there is no doubt this event could not have been successful without the help of the Columbia Fire Department and the wonderful ladies that participated throughout the week. Of course lets not forget our sponsors from all over Columbia as well as surrounding cities.

            With the help of all these generous people Alpha Gamma Rho was able to raise $4,000 to give to our great beneficiaries. This money is used to do many services; within the George David Peak Memorial Burn and Wound Center the money goes to deliver world-class care to the people of Missouri, train the health care professionals of tomorrow and conduct groundbreaking research that improves and saves lives. While True North uses these moneys to have outreach practices, special counseling services and even provide shelter to battered, abused and neglected women and their children, all in hopes of getting them safely back out on their own. We hope next year to have a well established word of mouth concerning our beneficiaries and our overall philanthropy and therefore have even more participation. With more participation comes more profit that can go to better these great organizations and what they strive to do to help our community. 

 

Please continue to our Photo Gallery to view more pictures of the event.

Excellence Conitues at Theta Chapter

 

The College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources hosted their Celebration of Excellence 2011 on Thursday, April 7, 2011, at the Reynolds Alumni Center.  The annual banquet and awards presentation honors outstanding faculty, staff, alumni and students.

 

 

Theta Chapter was well represented in every category.  The Alumni of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Robert “Bud” Hertzog (Theta ‘49).  Brother Hertzog founded and manages one of the most extensive veterinary practices in the Midwest, is part president of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association and past executive chairman of the American Veterinarian Medical Association and has been official veterinarian for both the Kansas City Zoo and the Kansas City American Royal.    He also found time to serve on the Jackson County Legislature, the Lee’s Summit School Board and the Missouri State 4-H Board of Directors.  Charles Kruse, president of the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation said it best, “For Bud, his time at MU opened doors to a world he now takes pride in offering others the chance to enter.”

 

An Alumni Honorary Membership Award was presented to Dr. Jim Spain, (Theta 2001) currently vice provost for e-learning at Mizzou.  Before assuming his job as provost, Dr. Spain was a professor in animal sciences.  Those who know him say Spain is one of the best examples of a well-rounded, land-grant faculty member.  He uses his teaching, research and outreach to make an impact around the state on students, members of the agriculture community and in economic development in Missouri.

 

A 2010 Mumford Outstanding Staff Award was presented to James Hundle (Theta 2009)  James is Administrative Assistant to CAFNR Dean Thomas Payne (Theta ’01).  Best described as a “mover and shaker,” he gets things done.  One of his responsibilities includes managing The Gathering Place, a bed and breakfast owned by CAFNR Alumni and leased to the Hotel and Restaurant Management Department of CAFNR.  Another of his projects is Mizzou Central, a face for the University each August at the Missouri State Fair.  In addition to promoting CAFNR to 350,000 attendees, Buck’s Ice Cream, made at Eckles Hall, is sold at the fair. Members of Theta Chapter manage and sell hundreds of gallons of ice cream to fair goers.

 

Dalton Brown (Theta ’08) was selected by CAFNR Student Council as the Outstanding Junior.  An animal science major with a pre-veterinary emphasis, he is from Exeter, Missouri.  This year he was selected for prestigious CAFNR student honors that included the Dickinson Scholars program, CAFNR Student Development Board and CAFNR Student Council, where he was team leader for the student recruitment group.

 

Bryant Kagay (Theta ’10) of Maysville, Missouri was nominated for Outstanding Freshman, Jacob Buehler (Theta ’09) of North Kansas City was nominated for Outstanding Sophomore, and Jason Reichert (Theta ’07) was nominated for Outstanding Senior.  The senior winner will be announced at graduation on May 14, 2011.

 

And finally, Alpha Gamma Rho was selected as the Outstanding CAFNR Organization for 2011.  During the past year members can point to their important leadership roles throughout the campus and the college.  The chapter’s philanthropic achievements have been equally impressive.  Our philanthropy netted just over $5,000 for True North, the Columbia area shelter for battered women.  AGR Classic attracted 200 exhibitors and over 400 head of cattle.  And finally, participation in fund-raising projects at Greek Week and Rocking Against Multiple Sclerosis (RAMS) added to our philanthropic success.  

The Blizzard of 2011

     The blizzard of 2011 blanketed much of Missouri, shutting down traffic and closing the University of Missouri for a record three days – February 1, 2, & 3.  Nearly every retail business in Columbia was closed on Wednesday including the Mall, most restaurants, and several grocery stores and gas stations. 

 

     It wasn’t business as usual at 602 S. College – it was crazy.  While some brothers shoveled the walks and dug out the parking lot for the adventurous with 4-wheel drive trucks, others helped Mom Marty who took over cooking for two days.  Of course, there were snowball fights, a snow fort built in the front yard, and cookies and milk for the snowbound.

     We survived and managed to successfully pull off the AGR Classic Cattle Show which was moved to Midway and Founder’s Day which was moved to the Chapter House.   Over 100 alumni, from across the state, Florida, Iowa, Oklahoma and Illinois made it to Columbia on Saturday, Feb. 5 to attend one of the weekend events which included the Founder’s Day activities, initiation, Classic, Ag. Unlimited, a 50^th birthday celebration and for some, the Tigers basketball game.

All in all, February’s whiteout may have slowed us down, but in no way did it stop Alpha Gamma Rho.

Cassville man nominated to Mizzou board

SBJ Staff Gov. Jay Nixon on Jan. 26 nominated Cassville man Donald Cupps to serve on the University of Missouri Board of Curators for a term ending Jan. 1, 2017. The board oversees operation of the university's four campuses at Columbia, Kansas City, Rolla and St. Louis, according to a news release from the governor's office. Cupps practices law as the attorney for the city of Cassville, as the attorney for the Barry County Industrial Development Authority and at his own practice, Ellis, Cupps and Cole PC, also of Cassville.  He serves on the board of trustees for the Public School Retirement System of Missouri and has previous board experience for the South Barry County Hospital District, the County Employee Retirement Fund and the Cassville Industrial Development Corporation. "Don Cupps has long-standing, strong ties to the University of Missouri and to rural Missouri,” Nixon said in the release. Cupps obtained his bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from the University of Missouri and his law degree from the University of Missouri School of Law. His wife, Mary, both of his parents, and his brother, David, also are graduates of the university. The University of Missouri Board of Curators consists of nine members appointed by the governor. Appointments are subject to approval by the Missouri Senate. "His dedication to public education and community service, and his experience in the business and agricultural communities will serve the people of Missouri well on the board of curators," Nixon said in the release. "I know he will continue to be a strong voice for rural Missouri in this position.”   -Springfield Business Journal

 

2010

 

Homecoming 2010

 

The theme for this year’s Homecoming was “A Tradition Set in Stone!” and that is exactly what happened that weekend.

 

 

Looking at what could have been the best Homecoming in the history of being a Tiger fan; we hosted ESPN GameDay on our campus for the first time ever as the undefeated Tigers took on the BCS #1 Oklahoma Sooners. As a student body we broke the record for attendance at the GameDay with an estimation of over 18,000; a record previously set by Nebraska in 2001 hosting Notre Dame. The day was then cemented in the Tiger Legacy by a 36-27 win over the Sooners.

 

The one thing that could have made the weekend better was for the guys of Alpha Gamma Rho would have been to take home a first place win in the Greek Competition for Homecoming. Remembering from last year when we did bring home that first place title, much sweat was again put into this year. Despite the hopeful attempt that Ag Rho put in, we came out in 4^th. However, the placing does not summarize the work that went into the cause of Homecoming. Alpha Gamma Rho still placed 1^st in Float, Service, Merchandise, and for a first time ever- First Place in Campus Decorations! We encourage you to take a look at our photo gallery to really take away the full effect. Many of the items controlled by the Ag Rho part of the paring we excelled at and have lots of pride to take away with the weekend. 

 

College Game Day: National Record 18,000 in attendance.

 

Remembering Jerry Litton...

Theta alumni initiated in 1958, Jerry served two terms as Noble Ruler in 1958 and 1959.  

Gift to CAFNR honors Jerry Litton, class of '61

Jerry Litton, who tragically died in an aircraft accident in 1976 after winning a Democratic primary bid for United States Senator, will be honored by the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, his alma mater.

 

 

The Jerry Litton Fund for Agricultural Leadership will have several components: the Litton Lectureship will bring interesting speakers to campus, the Litton Fellowship will support faculty entrepreneurial activities, the Litton Scholarship will encourage top students to develop their leadership potential, and the Litton Agricultural Leadership Fellowship will help students to gain farm policymaking experience.

The $250,000 fund, announced in October, was endowed by the Jerry Litton Family Memorial Foundation. The foundation supports agricultural, educational and athletic activities in memory of the Jerry Litton family.

"MU and CAFNR played a very important role in shaping Congressman Litton's career," said Edwin Turner, college fraternity brother and Vice President of the Jerry Litton Family Memorial Foundation.

"His unparalleled leadership skills were developed as he participated in many on-campus activities. The resources offered by MU were equally invaluable to the incredible success of the Litton Charolais Ranch. Even though Jerry's life tragically ended at a very young age, he became known both nationally and internationally as an innovative spokesman for agriculture. It is only fitting that The Jerry Litton Fund for Agricultural Leadership be established at CAFNR."

 

 

The Littons were one of the first to take their Charolais on the road to shows across the country in an effort to draw attention to this new breed of cattle which ofered advantages to the American cattleman.

 

From a farm house to House of Representatives

Jerry Lon Litton was born in a farmhouse without plumbing or electricity near Lock Springs, Missouri, on May 12, 1937. During his youth, an accident disabled his father, so his mother supported the family by selling milk from the family's eleven cows. While a student at Chillicothe High School, Litton served as president of both the National Honor Society and the Chillicothe Chapter of Future Farmers of America. In 1956-57 the FFA elected him as national secretary.

Litton graduated from the MU College of Agriculture in 1961 with a bachelor's degree in agricultural journalism and a minor in economics. He returned to Chillicothe and joined his parents in a highly successful cattle-breeding business. Before he began his political career, he was active in promoting youth involvement in leadership in agriculture and rural communities.

In 1972, Litton was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he advocated the rights of farmers and hardworking citizens. Often referred to as a "breath of fresh air in Washington," Litton impressed his colleagues with his honesty and his political incorruptibility. House Majority Leader Thomas "Tip" O'Neal claimed that in his 22 years in Congress he had never been more impressed by a freshman congressman than by Jerry Litton.

 

The Powerful Dialogue With Litton

The Congressional Club, which Litton conceived and organized in his district, sponsored a monthly television program, "Dialogue with Litton," that aired statewide. Open to the public, these meetings offered voters a chance to ask questions and state their concerns about political issues. For each show Litton invited a guest, including such prominent political figures as Senator Hubert Humphrey and Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter, who said that he thought Litton would be President one day.

 

 

Guests on "Dialogue with Litton" included Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, Agriculture Secretary Earl Butz, former Vice President Hubery Humphrey, President Ford's campaign manager Bo Callaway, FDR Jr., five democratic presidential candidates, Speaker of the House Carl Albert, and a host of other well known personalities.

Litton decided to seek the seat of retiring U.S. Senator Stuart Symington in 1976. He handily defeated the incumbent's son, James Symington, and former governor Warren Hearnes in the Democratic primary on August 3, 1976. That same evening, Litton, his wife, Sharon, and their two children, Linda and Scott, along with their pilot and the pilot's son, died in a plane crash just after takeoff from Chillicothe Airport en route to a victory celebration in Kansas City.

"Jerry Litton embodied what CAFNR would like to see in all of its graduates – a commitment to personal integrity, a strong work ethic and a passion to serve the community," said Thomas Payne, vice chancellor and dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. "In his all-too-short life, he inspired those he met to follow him in living these values."

 

Story by Randy Mertens

Photos: The Western Historical Manuscript Collection (University of Missouri / State Historical Society of Missouri)

Allan Purdy

 

A brothers who was initiated into Alpha Gamma Rho in 1951.  He helped many Theta brothers with financial aid during this college days at Mizzou. 

 

Contributions to the Allan Purdy Scholarship

If you would like to make a contribution to this scholarship fund, you can make a gift.

For the fund, specify Allan W. and Vivian C. Purdy Enhancement Fund.

Allan Purdy, who dedicated his life to removing financial barriers to higher education, died Oct. 14, 2010 after suffering a stroke. He was 96.

"With the passing of Allan Purdy, the financial aid community and students lose an irreplaceable advocate for college access and success," said National Association of Student Financial Aid Administration President Justin Draeger. "Purdy was a pioneer who helped create a true community of advocates dedicated to helping students achieve their higher education goals. NASFAA is just one part of Purdy's legacy and we will continue to work toward his goal of providing equal opportunity for all students."

Purdy worked as director of scholarships and student financial aid for the University of Missouri for 21 years. He is credited with creating that office, a task given him by MU President Elmer Ellis in 1957. In 1982, Gov. Kit Bond called on Purdy to help students from across the state obtain student loans.

 

 

Purdy also helped create the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, spending 20 years on its board of directors, and the first regional financial aid association, the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

Purdy was the founding president of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and helped create the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, spending 20 years on MOHELA's board of directors.

Purdy is survived by his wife, Vivian, and their four children, Robert, George, Ray and Christina, and their families.

Purdy was born in rural Macon County in 1914. Active in 4-H and Future Farmers of America, he graduated from Macon High School, and then farmed for a year with his father.

 

 

In 1938, he earned a bachelor's degree in horticulture from the MU College of Agriculture, now the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

He received his master's degree the next year, then joined the Navy, where he served as a PT boat captain during World War II.

He returned to MU as an extension horticulturist. Purdy quickly became an advocate for the agricultural school's efforts to provide scholarships for more students.

The MU Ag Alumni Association's Allan Purdy Distinguished Service Award was named in Purdy's honor.

 

Story: Randy Mertens
Posted Oct. 15, 2010

 

A memorial wreath was placed near the Purdy Tree Collection in front of the Bond Life Sciences Building.

 

61st National Alpha Gamma Rho Convention

     Theta Brothers from Deleware to Florida and across Missouri answered the call to "Meet Me in St. Louis" when the 61st National Convention of Alpha Gamma Rho convened August 12-14, 2010.

     Brother Ken Morrison ('73) served as the convention chairman and he received some great support from several Theta brothers currently residing in the greater St. Louis area.  David Minnick ('75) helped with sponsorships and organized and presided over the Vesper Service.  Lowell Newson ('66) organized a great outing (via a chauffeured limousine) to St. Charles, Missouri, for all of the housemoms attending the convention.  He also planned a special session for housmoms and advisors.  Steve Barr ('69) served on the steering committee, sponsored dinner on Friday evening at the St. Louis Zoo, and his company, Osborne & Barr, designed the convention Logo.  Powell Carman ('81) hosted the Steering Committee/National Boards dinner on Tuesday at the Missouri Athletic Club.  And, John Koenigsfeld ('08) was an undergraduate member of the steering committee.  A big thanks goes to everyone on the steering committee for a job well done. 

     Wherever you looked throught the convention Theta brothers were there making things happen.  Finishing out his term as Grand President, Brother Larry Warren ('65) greeted us on Thursday with his State of the Fraternity Address and presided over the business sessions and other events throught the convention.  Steve Ellis ('71) was a volunteer worker for Home Office seeing that all aspects of the convention ran smoothly and on time.  Charlie Napier ('62) was the technology geru that kept the attendees informed and entertained; and Zane Akins ('59) chaired the nominations committee.  Phil Witte ('64) was a bus tour guide on our trips to Grant's Farm and the Zoo and Boyd Atteberry (‘67) was also a tour guide at Grant's Farm.  Joe Eddy ('96) did a breakout session "Earn It, Don't Burn It.  Tyler Kelly ('93) published the AGR News overnight three times, often receiving the content very late in the evening, but completing the publication so that it was on the delegates chair by 8:30 am the following morning.  Kyle Allen ('05) was the convention auctioneer raising thousands of dollars for the AGR Education Foundation.

     Theta Noble Ruler, Logan Chrislaw ('07) led the initiation ceremonies for three distinguish service initiates that included Bill Jackson (pin # 1681) who chose to be initiated as a Theta.  Our newest Theta is co-owner of Brunswick River Terminal Inc., part owner of Mendon Feed and Grain, and General Manager of Agri Services of Brunswick LLC.

     In addition to the business and breakout sessions, convention goers enjoyed tours to the Gateway Arch, Chesterfield Village (Monsanto) Research Center, Cahokia Mounds, Grant's Farm, the Missouri Botanical Gardens, the Busch Stadium Redbird Club, and the Zoo at Forest Park.

     A highlight for Theta Chapter was making trips to the podium to pickup the numerous awards we received.  Theta was recognized as one of only ten Gold Star Chapters.  We received Highest Honors for Promise and Values; High Honors for Alumni Relations, Chapter Website, and Best Single Issue of the Crescent; and Honorable Mention for Membership Development.  In addition, our Housemom, Marty Napier was recognized for Best Chapter Management Program and the Building Association received Honorable Mention as the Best Alumni Corporation.

     2010 Convention Attendees:  Zane Akins, Kyle Allen, Boyd Atteberry, Steve Barr, Dalton Brown ('09), David Buckman ('79), Jacob Buehler ('09), Christopher Carmen ('83), Powell and Kelly Carman,  Logan Chrislaw ('07), Steve Chaney ('73), Phillip Durbin ('08), Joe Eddy, Steve Ellis, Brett Everett ('91), Brandon Fischer, ('07), Kelsey Flynn ('10), John Harvey ('56), Jared Henderson ('08), Bill Jackson, Tyler Kelly, Thad and Shelly Koenigsfeld ('98), Alan and Belinda Masters ('80), Christopher Masters ('07), Collin Masters (2010 recruit), Ryan and Elizabeth Milhollin ('98), David and Nancy Minnick, Ken and Helena Morrison, Charlie and Minta Napier, Marty Napier (Housemom), Lowell Newson and Joni DeWeese, Brandon Salmons, ('07), Josh and Molly Terhune ('98), Doug and Pat Thomas ('79) Larry and Sue Warren, Shannon Weber ('07), Phil and Eileen Witte.

Please visit the Photo Gallery for additional pictures of the 2010 Convention

Josh Bondy Receives Honorary FFA Degree

 

                Josh Body, FFA advisor at Paris R-II School and Mizzou Theta Chapter Alumnus, was named an Honorary State FFA Degree recipient at the 82^nd Missouri FFA Convention held April 15-16 in Columbia.

                Body was a member of the Brunswick FFA Chapter as a high school student. After graduating from the University of Missouri he taught at Keytesville and helped four students receive their State FFA Degrees and three students receive their American FFA degrees. He also had one student who won a national proficiency award.

                Since moving to Paris three years ago he has had 16 students receive their State FFA degrees and fice students go on to receive their American FFA degrees. Bopndy has had several of his students serve as area officers and has served as the Area 4 FFA advisor and has coached many successful Career Development Event (CDE) teams, including two national poultry evaluation CDE teams.

                The Missouri FFA Association recognizes Honorary State FFA Degree recipients each year at its annual convention for their valuable efforts and contributions to the FFA organization and its members.

 

-The Brunswick Newspaper

Alpha Gamma Rho Philanthropy 2010

 

 

     Many adjectives are used to describe what a fraternity does, but one frequently overlooked by the general public is service; however, that is not the case at Alpha Gamma Rho-Theta Chapter. Each year we host a series of events in the spring during philanthropy week to benefit the charity of our choosing.  In 2010 we continued to benefit The Shelter of Columbia; a safe place for Women and Children. Last year we raised roughly $4,400, however, this year we exceeded our goal by nearly $5,400!

 

     Five sororities; Alpha Phi, Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Kappa Delta, and Sigma Sigma Sigma, participated in a week of events from April 5 thru 10.  Monday evening six queen candidates joined us for a formal dinner followed by interviews later in the evening.  Banner judging was also on Monday.  Tuesday was our day of service at The Shelter.  More than 15 girls and many guys from Alpha Gamma Rho volunteered to repaint the basement shelves of the home office; the ladies at The Shelter were very appreciative of this. Along with the service, Tuesday was also the night of serenades which included some very entertaining talent from the participating sororities. Wednesday was the first night we have ever done canning for the philanthropy. Canning is very well-known to Mizzou’s campus.  Students volunteer their time outside local venues to collect monetary donations and raise awareness for our cause. The five participating sororities as well as men from Ag Rho spent nine cumulative hours collecting donations on Wednesday, Thursday and Frieday events at the corner of 9^th and Elm in downtown Columbia.  Thursday was the night of our BBQ which was a continued hit from last year and raised $700 in pure profit for The Shelter. Everyone stepped up to do their part flipping burgers and serving Tiger Stripe ice cream. This year’s BBQ  also featured a dinner speaker, Benjamin Garret, who works with the Outreach Program of The Shelter. The action packed week closed with a volleyball tournament held at the Mizzou Rec. Center.

 

     Thank you to everyone who participated and volunteered; the week couldn’t have gone any better! Congratulations to our Philanthropy Queen Maria Civitate from Chi Omega, congrats to the winning volleyball teams of Sigma Sigma Sigma and Kappa Delta, and congratulations to the overall winners: The Women of Kappa Delta.

 

Please continue to our Photo Gallery to view more pictures of the event.

Successful Weekend

at Boone County Fairgrounds

 

AGR Classic Heifer and Beef Show

      Despite freezing temperatures, snow, and a new location Theta Chapter still experienced a great Classic Cattle Show.  The 2010 AGR Classic attracted over 200 exhibitors and 415 head of cattle to the Boone County Fair Grounds for the three-day event, February 5 -7, 2010.  Members and alumni are very grateful for the turnout, and would like to thank everybody who exhibited in this year's Classic. Thanks to great participation and our sponsors, the event still remains a prestigious cattle show in the mid-west! Also a big thank you to Matt Kahrs and Tony Ryan, co-chairs of the committee, who tied the whole event together.

 

94th Theta Founder's Day

     Along with Classic, this weekend was incorporated with our annual Founder's Day Celebration.  Held on the balcony overlooking the arena, over 170 Brothers and their guest gathered for business and fun!  The balcony not only provided a great view of the cattle show, but also a location for our annual business meeting, awards presentations, and a great buffet luncheon.   It  is an event in which many alumni return to Mizzou to share their experiences with the undergrads, recap the previous year, and discuss the current state of our fraternity. But, most importantly, Brothers have the opportunity to reconnect and the undergraduates have the opportunity to show our appreciation to them for their continuted interest and support of our Brotherhood.  The day concluded with the CAFNR Ag Unlimited banquet at the Holiday Inn Expo Center.   Check out the photo gallery for pictures of Classic and Founder's Day. 

 

Trap Shoot Benefits Popp/McBee Scholarship

 

   The Popp/McBee Trap Shoot was held at Prairie Grove Shooting Club on Sunday, March 7, 2010.  Brother Ralph Gates and wife Mary Ann welcomed Alpha Gamma Rho to the annual event which provides a $500 scholarship to two incoming freshmen.  In addition to the shoot, lunch, drawings and a raffle also provide monies for the scholarship fund.  Dale Ryan (Moscow Mills) was the chairman for this years event.  To view more pictures, visit the Photo Gallery

 

Alpha Gamma Rho & Sigma Alpha Leadership Conference

 

     Ten members of Theta Chapter along with Mom Marty traveled to Kansas City to attend a leadership conference on February 12 and 13.  The workshop, "6 Degrees of Me," focused on developing leadership skills, dealing with chapter issues and sharing ideas, all with the goal of improving our Chapter.  We were joined in KC by other Thetas, including Larry Warren, Grand President; Steve Ellis, Thad Koenigsfeld, and Josh Terhune.  On Saturday afternoon, Logan Chrislaw, Noble Ruler and other Theta members were honored to conduct the initiation ceremony and welcome our newest Theta Brother, Caleb Jones. 

 

 

Two members chosen to serve on Homecoming Steering Committee!

 

 

                                                        

 

Brandon Thiel (Marshall), to the right, and Dalton Brown (Wheaton), to the left, were selected to the 2010 Homecoming Steering Committee.  In traditional fashion, they were kidnapped, blindfolded, and taken to Faurot Field Monday morning to meet the other members selected to SteerCo.  Mom Marty was up early to take photos.

 

Theta Welcomes New Honorary Initiate

   Each year, Theta Chapter finds it appropriate to initiate an honorary member into our order.   We select a candidate whom  we feel best represents the ideals and values upon which this fraternity was founded.  This year's candidate was none other than one of Mizzou's animal science professors, Dr. George Jesse.  For many years, almost every brother has enrolled in a class taught by Dr. Jesse.  Because of his positive influence and the many connections we've had with him,  we felt it fitting to initiate him into our brotherhood. Congratulations Dr. Jesse on your initiation and welcome to Theta Chapter and Alpha Gamma Rho.  We are proud to call you a Brother.  

 

2009

 

 

Homecoming 2009!

 

Results:

1st Place Overall- Alpha Gamma Rho- paired with Alpha Chi Omega and Delta Chi

Break Down by Event:

Blood Donations- 3rd Place

Campus Decorations- 3rd Place

Merchandise- 1st Place tie

Parade/Float- 1st Place outright winner

Public Relations- 1st Place tie

Royalty- 1st Place tie

Service- 1st Place tie

Special Events- 1st Place tie

Spirit- 2nd place

Talent/Skit- 1st place outright winner

 

 

Steve Barr Honored

At the 2009 CAFNR Celebration of Excellence, Steve Barr was named Alumnus of the Year.  Barr is the co-owner of Osborn & Barr, a leading St Louis-based communications and marketing company.  Barr was born and raised in Saline County near Slater, Mo.  Initiated into Theta Chapter in 1969, Steve graduated from CAFNR in 1972 with an agriculture journalism degree.  He began his career at Deere and Company and later with Monsanto.  Barr co-founded Osborn & Barr Communications in 1988.  Twenty years later, the company is North America's leading ag and rural marketing communications agency, employing more than 130 people.  Clients include John Deere, Monsanto, Merck AgVet, the United Soybean Board and the National Cattlemen's Association.  He also manages a three-location Deere dealership and his family's 1,500-acre row crop farm.      He has served on the National 4-H Board of Trustees, FFA Foundation, Conservation Technology Information Center and is the current Chairman of the Board for IRON Solutions, an information service company.  In 1997, Alpha Zeta recognized Barr's dedication to the ag industry by naming him to it Centennial Honor Roll.      "Steve is a passionate supporter of the agricultural industry," said Dale Ludwig, CEO of the Missouri Soybean Association.  "He is an entrepreneur consistently looking for new opportunities that further the agricultural industry."      In his nomination letter, Don Borgman, director of industry relations for John Deere, said that Barr exemplifies outstanding leadership qualitie and professionalism.  "His contributions to agriculture put him in the company of our most outstanding ag alunmi," he said.

 

2009 Greek Awards Night

 

     At the 2009 Greek Honors Night, the men of Theta Chapter spent the evening walking to the podium to pick up their awards.  We collected two of the five major awards available to the 28 fraternities at Mizzou.  The President's Cup is awarded for leadership within the Chapter and on the Mizzou campus.  The Director's Cup is awarded for innovative programs for the good of the Brotherhood.                          

     IFC selected two outstanding members for the 2008-09 school year and both were members of Theta.  Bryant Kagay current NR won the award and Kyle Eckler was the runner-up.  Kyle is super involved in CAFNR as an ambassador and CAFNR StuCo President.  Brett Naylor received Honorable Mention (2nd) for the IFC Presidents Award, Jared Thomas received the Greek Week Scholarship and  Mom Marty was named Outstanding House Director.

 

2009 CAFNR Excellence Awards

 

     Excellence continues at 602 S. College Avenue as the Chapter learned recently that we have been named the Outstanding CAFNR Organization for the second year in a row.  To achieve this title, the Chapter must submit an application to the CAFNR Student Council.  The awards application details our contribution to the University of Missouri and the College in terms of participation, leadership, and service to the College, the University and the City of Columbia.  They also consider the work of individual members as leaders of campus clubs and organizations.  Finally, and equally important is scholarship.  During the two semester in 2008, Theta Chapter had a GPA above 3.0, with 71 members named to the Dean's List during one or both semesters.

     Brandon Thiel (Marshall, Missouri) was named the 2009 CAFNR Outstanding Freshman.  At the Theta Founder's Day in January, Bradon was named Outstanding Theta freshman and he and his Big Brother, Michael Manson, won the Big Brother/Little Brother Best GPA Award.

     CAFNR awards are presented at the Ag Excellence Banquet in April at the Reynold's Alumni Center.