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THe Alpha Iota messengerA PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI OF ALPHA IOTA H ALPHA GAMMA RHO
SUMMER 2013
ALPHA IOTA ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN TO BUILD CHAPTER HOUSE
Loyal Alumni Contribute $416,400 So Far
REBUILDING ON A PROUD PAST
When James Mitchell ’72 came to the University of Arkansas
in the fall of 1965, he admitted that he was not ready for the college lifestyle yet. “I was 18 years old and just ready to enjoy myself,” he said. He left the university to join the Navy and eventually was stationed in Vietnam with the first marine division, three years and one year respectivly. “In the Navy I learned organization,” he said. “Looking back on it, it was the best decision for me at the time.”
He returned to the University of Arkansas in 1971, and a visit from Don Metz ’70 would serve as the catalyst for James joining the Alpha Iota Chapter. “I was good friends with his brother, Danny Metz ’67, my first years in college. Don asked me if I would be interested in joining the chapter at Arkansas, and I accepted,” said James.
Going through recruitment, James says the brothers were a group of young men who
were just like him with agricultural roots. He also credits Ralph May ’65 and his cousin, Carlos Mitchell ’62, who were in the chapter at the time, for helping spur his decision to join Alpha Iota.
After his initiation, James went on to serve as Noble Ruler of the chapter, creating a passion for the brotherhood in his brothers, which started from the World War II veterans who helped Alpha Iota build their first house. “The World War II veterans that came back to Alpha Iota
Past Support Reminds James Mitchell ’72 Why Campaign Is EssentialWorld War II Veterans Created Vision for Alpha Iota Over 70 Years Ago
Alumni have gathered to form a capital campaign committee and have worked tirelessly to bring us to this critical point in Alpha Iota’s
history. We are pleased to announce the Rebuilding on a Proud Past campaign that will ensure the future of AGR at the University of Arkansas. This capital campaign will help us meet the needs of the undergraduates, secure the future of AGR at the University of Arkansas, and position ourselves to attract top student leaders.
Chapter House Necessary to Remain Competitive As alumni, it is vital we contribute time, energy, and our financial resources to the Alpha Iota Chapter. Your financial gift will be an investment in the lives of our undergraduate members and the future of Alpha Iota. We can expect great things of our fundraising campaign and alumni support. The undergraduates have already shown their support and loyalty to the campaign, and we can only achieve our vision if we work together to make this project a reality. It is now time to aggressively realize our goal of securing a building site and constructing a new Chapter House.
Highlights of our Future Chapter House • 10,283 total square footage • Two-man bedrooms with semi-private bathrooms for 24 live-in members • Dedicated study space • Fire-safety sprinkler system and security features • Commercial kitchen and dining room
Support the Future of Alpha Gamma RhoThe success of our Chapter and our alumni is a tribute to the foundation that Alpha Gamma Rho instilled in each of us. We urge you to focus on the important task of providing the same experience for future generations of Alpha Iota Chapter members. To compete with other fraternities at Arkansas, we must secure a building site and construct a new Chapter House. This will allow our undergraduate men to compete with other fraternities, residence halls, and off-campus living options. We must offer our undergraduates a safe and attractive facility.
We urge your thoughtful consideration of this project and what it means for the future of AGR at the University of Arkansas. In the next few weeks, please look for more information concerning the capital campaign. The campaign is structured to meet your financial needs and we look forward to your support. Thank you for your loyalty to the Alpha Iota Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho.
Fraternally, Campaign Chairmen Jim Burton ’62(308) 340-2249 | [email protected]
Chris Looney ’02 (979) 777-6851 | [email protected]
(Continued on page 4)
2 ALPHA IOTA
REBUILDING ON A PROUD PAST
Thank You, Generous alpha IoTa BroThers
The Order of Crescent($50,000 and above)James E. Mitchell ’72 In memory of Danny Metz ’67 and Don Metz ’70J. Kirk Thompson ’72Mark Waldrip ’74
The Order of Pink Rose($25,000 to $49,999)Pendergrass Family Gift John P. Pendergrass ’73 Eric L. Pendergrass ’99Greg Satterfield ’74Kevin Barrows ’78 In memory of Gary Dabbs
The Order of Shamrock($15,000 to $24,999)Jerry B. Burkett ’76 In memory of Gary Groce
The Order of Green and Gold($10,000 to $14,999)Gary F. Norris ’60 In memory of Larry Fry and Charles SaxJames E. Burton ’62 In memory of Danny MetzJim Marrs ’62Rodney D. Baker ’72William N. Groce ’72 In memory of Gary Groce and Nolan Groce ’46Looney Family Gift Charles Looney ’74 Chris Looney ’02
The Order of Shield($5,000 to $9,999)Paul R. Noland ’52 In honor of Mother MooreLeamon D. Williams ’55
Roy Runyan Jr. ’63 In memory of Jake Phillips and Glenn WillRussell O. Black ’64Kenneth J. May ’66Everett I. Rogers ’68Douglas L. Threlkeld ’71Clarence H. Overbay ’72 In memory of Steven BennettCharles J. Peacock IV ’77Bullington Family Gift Roy Lynn Bullington ’78 Jeremy Bullington ’01Reece B. Bailey ’04Jeff Pratt ’04Fendley Ragland ’04Nathaniel L. Sullivan ’07
The Order of Lamp and Tree($2,500 to $4,999)Joe L. Keathley ’65 In memory of Alan and and Tim PackWayland H. Holloway ’66William R. McDonald ’70
Brent Howton ’72Corbin L. Brown ’89Jay Mirus ’00Casey Rogers ’00Russell Harding ’02
The Order of Loyal Brotherhood($1,000 to $2,499)John P. Verkamp ’83Levon Ogden III ’97K. William Schuhknecht ’00Samuel D. Roberts ’09John J. Forsyth ’10Jordan R. Thomas ’10Matthew Beck ’11William E. Maples ’11Dillon L. Mizer ’11Justin Olsen ’11Dakota J. Sloan ’11Bryce A. Theby ’11David Harris ’12Adam Jackson ’12Austen Ward ’12
The Order of the 1931 AGR Club(Up to $999)J.O. Hoggard ’59Marc S. Allison, Missouri State ’03Zachary M. Smith ’09Andrew P. Bailey ’10Tyler C. Brents ’10Tanner A. Clow ’10James Fitzsimmons ’10Kade Haygood ’10Chandler H. Ault ’11Caleb Smith ’12
We sincerely thank the following Brothers and friends for their dedication to the Alpha Iota campaign. These alumni recognize the importance of ensuring the future of the Alpha Iota Chapter and have demonstrated a sense of
gratitude for their personal experience. Commitments are still needed from the rest of our alumni to achieve our campaign goal and complete this major project.
All donors contributing a minimum of $2,500 or more to the campaign, over a five-year period, will be recognized on a plaque prominently displayed in the Chapter House. If an error has been made in recording your gift, or your name has been mistakenly omitted or listed improperly, we sincerely apologize. Please advise our campaign coordinator at (785) 843-1661. Thank you, loyal alumni!
Campaign Status At-a-GlanceAs of August 8, 2013
Campaign Goal$1,000,000
Total Commitments$416,400
Mailable Alumni710
Total Contributors62
Alpha Iota Alumnus Encourages Others to Get InvolvedHelp Now Will Benefit Future Workers of Agriculture
Corbin Brown ’89 says that being a Brother of the Alpha Iota Chapter meant more than just
being in a fraternity. It meant joining a group of men who valued education, not depending on mom and dad to completely earn their college degree. The Brothers marched to the beat to a different drum than other fraternity men at Arkansas, achieving a sense of pride from being Alpha Iota members. “I felt like I should be held to a higher standard. Just by attending the University of Arkansas I felt like I
was getting a superior education compared to other schools in Arkansas.”
Alpha Iota opened doors for Corbin’s career. After graduation, he worked with the State Plant Board, Farm Bureau, and the co-op boards outside his local county. “AGR introduced me to the movers and shakers of Arkansas agriculture and allowed me to learn and become a part of it.”
The Alpha Iota Messenger
ALPHA GAMMA RHO 3
Campaign Status At-a-GlanceAs of August 8, 2013
Campaign Goal$1,000,000
Total Commitments$416,400
Mailable Alumni710
Total Contributors62
Although Corbin has not been overly involved with the Chapter since graduation, he donated to the capital campaign because he knows there is a good core group of students attending the University of Arkansas from agricultural backgrounds who can benefit from an organization that focuses on the lifestyles and the backbone that agriculture brings to America. “I encourage alumni who have lost touch with the Chapter and their pledge class to check in on the Chapter and show support. A quality education is a vital a part for American agriculture,” he says. “Agriculture needs quality students with a well-rounded education to keep this country strong and to protect the safest food source in the world. If alumni can contribute to the longevity of the Chapter, they should do so.”
Looking back on his undergraduate days, Corbin recalls escorting the Razorback mascot to football games. “This job required me to get the hog to the games, escort the cheerleaders to the games, and participate in the pre-game festivities. For me, it didn’t get any better than the gas, a meal, a ticket to the game, and a truckload of cheerleaders.”
Corbin works on his family farm which has 3,000 acres of rice and soybeans. He has two daughters, one of whom is an Alpha Delta Pi at the University of Arkansas. Contact Corbin at [email protected].
Academics on the Rise at Alpha Iota Chapter Has High Hopes for Summer Recruitment
Last school year, the Alpha Iota Chapter accomplished a lot. As a Chapter, we became more involved on cam-pus, thus making our presence greater. I am proud to be president of the fine men of Alpha Gamma Rho at
the University of Arkansas.
CHAPTER IMPROVES ACADEMICALLYIn the fall, Alpha Iota achieved a G.P.A. of 2.66 and maintained an overall cumulative G.P.A. of 2.73, remaining consistent with the G.P.A.s of the previous two semesters. Alpha Iota also had two members make perfect 4.0 G.P.A.s, and nine members made a 3.0 or higher. The Chapter made strides to improve individual academics, revising how study hall was conducted for the spring semester; each week members with a 2.5 G.P.A. or lower must attend study hours. This gave all members the opportunity work their study hours around prior obligations and still meet their required six hours each week. Alpha Iota has high expectations that our academic standing will greatly improve in the coming semesters.
ALPHA IOTA EMPHASIZES COMMUNITY SERVICEIn the spring, the Chapter had a road clean-up as our philanthropy event and have many events planned for upcoming semesters. Alpha Iota will have our third annual golf tournament for the Garrett Uekman Foundation on September 29. The fraternity is also planning our first cattle show in March. These events will help us reach out to the local community.
RECRUITMENT AROUND THE CORNEROur recruitment process went very well this spring, as we initiated three new brothers into the Chapter. We look to have continued success throughout the summer with a booth during summer orientation and a float trip.
Alpha Iota would like to thank our alumni for your continued support toward our future housing. You also helped make Founder’s Day a success in the spring. Building on this success, the Chapter plans on having a mom’s and dad’s day in the fall to show our apprecia-tion for our parents and their support of the fraternity.
We look forward to seeing and meeting many of you this fall and in the future. Feel free to come by and visit us in Fayetteville anytime.
Fraternally, John Forsyth ’10Noble [email protected]
James Fitzsimmons ’10, Kade Haygood ’10, Tab Wildy ’09, and Dillon Mizer ’11 attend AGR’s
formal in Memphis.
HONORARY CHAIRMANDr. Paul Noland ’52
CHAIRMENJim Burton ’62
Chris Looney ’02
MEMBERSJ.O. Hoggard ’59
Gary F. Norris ’60Roy L. Runyan Jr. ’63Joseph L. Keathley ’65
Everett I. Rogers ’68Douglas L. Threlkeld ’71
Rodney D. Baker ’72James E. Mitchell ’72C.H. Overbay III ’73
Charles R. Looney ’74John P. Pendergrass ’74
James V. Smith ’77Mike Hudlow ’80
Baxter H. Gladden ’84Corbin L. Brown ’90
Dr. Keith S. Lusby ’99Eric L. Pendergrass ’99
Jay S. Mirus ’00Jeremy A. Bullington ’01
Rebuilding on a Proud Past
Campaign Board
Alpha Iota Chapterhttp://uagreeks.uark.edu/3247.php
Alpha Gamma Rhowww.alphagammarho.org
AI Chapter of AGR@AGR_AI
Alpha Iota Chapter of AGR Alumni Associationfacebook.com/ARKAGR
Visit Us Online
Alpha Iota Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho
P.O. Box 1435Farmington, AR 72730
Address Service Requested
The Alpha Iota MessengerA PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI OF ALPHA IOTA H ALPHA GAMMA RHO
specIal edITIon campaIGn
announcemenT
What’s Inside?• Spotlight on James Mitchell ’72• Spotlight on Corbin Brown ’89
Welcome, New Members
Colby Griffin ’13Texarkana, Texas
Jace Hutchinson ’13Temecula, Calif.
Bryce Parker ’13Allen, Texas
Alumni News
Max Kelley ’54 lives in Fort Smith, Ark., with his wife, Melissa. Officially retired from Kelley Farms, he still oversees the farm, which is approximately 900 acres and grows soybean, wheat, and corn. E-mail: [email protected]
James D. Amyx ’89 lives in Greenbrier, Ark., and is CEO of Amyx Farms. E-mail: [email protected]
Scott Fry ’01 and his wife, Kayte, returned to Raleigh, N.C., after a brief stint in Ohio while Scott completed his Ph.D. in animal science at North Carolina State University. He now works for Elanco Animal Health in the swine business unit as the associate senior technical consultant. Scott and Kayte welcomed their first child, Henry, in September 2012. E-mail: [email protected]
gave us a vision and maintained a drive and foresight to create what we are today. They made the extra effort, and we as alumni have an opportunity to build on what they started.” The property on Razorback Road was purchased, and the house was built in 1969, giving James the opportunity to live there. “Living in the house was something special. I’m not sure I would have graduated from Arkansas if not for being surrounded by my Alpha Iota brothers and help from our adviser, Paul Noland, Ph.D. ’52. The camaraderie was an experience I hope every Alpha Iota member will have—the good, bad, and even ugly.”
James appreciates the business relationships Alpha Gamma Rho opened up for him. “I got my education from Arkansas, but through AGR I met people all over the nation at conventions and educational events. Alpha Iota was a great resource.” However, James encourages undergraduates to take their education seriously, along with being involved in the Chapter. “If you have the opportunity to go to school, make the best of it. You don’t get that time back. Don’t just pass through, be a part of something special,” he said.
Though his time as an undergraduate member ended when he graduated in 1975, he is
impressed with the spirit and dedication of the actives in working with the campaign. “Those guys have really weathered the storm of the university taking our property and done a superb job of hanging in there.” He encourages the actives to stay the course and continue on until a desirable location is found.
Because Alpha Iota made such an impact on his life, James decided to give back to the Rebuilding on a Proud Past campaign, ensuring that future generations are given the same opportunities that he was afforded. “Alpha Gamma Rho provides a unique experience for young men in their college experience in managing a business of their own and building bonds of friendship at the same time,” he said. “That would not be possible any place other than living in a fraternity that is as strong as Alpha Iota. As a Chapter, we have been through this before and if we stick together, we will accomplish this goal.”
James has two children, Robert and Sarah. He lives in Danville, Arkansas, where he enjoys fishing, hunting and the daily challenges of Mother Nature in running his ranch, Backbone Ranch. E-mail James at [email protected].
Past Support Reminds James Mitchell ’72(Continued from front page)
