Alpha Gamma Rho - Penn State University

2 Gamma Crescent Catching Up with Joseph Strite '65 (Γ889) I grew up on my family's fruit and vegetable farm, started by my grandfather in 1914. We grew fruits and vegetables and would sell them at the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg. I wanted to go to college, but my dad and grandfather wanted me on the farm. When I graduated from high school, I went to college at Penn State, where I studied pomology. I joined Alpha Gamma Rho as a freshman, but we had to wait until the next year before I could be a pledge. I went back to work on the family farm every other weekend, and I took courses such as advertising and meteorology. These would help me on the farm and serve me well when I graduated. In the spring of my junior year, we had a fire in the chapter house and had to stay in the Nittany Army Barracks. When we were able to return to the house, we elected to have beer in social occasions six times a year. I graduated in four years and immediately started to work full time for my dad on the farm. Several months after graduation, my high school friend introduced me to his secretary, Sharon. We have been married for over 50 years. In 2008, I had a stroke and spent that year in either a hospital or a nursing home. I can no longer even write my name, but I have good family, good friends, and a great wife. We still live in Harrisburg and operate our 300-acre fruit and vegetable farm, Strite's Orchard, which my nephews oversee; sometimes they ask for my advice. My best friend in college was our Noble Ruler, Bernie Taylor '66 (Γ899). I haven't seen him since I graduated from college. Of course, I would not be able to do all these things if it weren't for my belief in Jesus Christ as my lord and savior. Joseph can be reach at sjstrite@verizon.net. Learn more about Strites's Orchard at www. stritesorchard.com. W ith this being the fourth semester affected by COVID-19, restrictions have finally begun to ease, allowing for more alumni engagement than previous semesters. Tailgating for Penn State football games was permitted this fall, allowing the undergraduates to meet and connect with the brothers who came before them. Huge thanks to Kevin Wimpfhiemer '15 (Γ1685), Todd Grice '81 (Γ1154), and Kevin Culver '82 (Γ1189) for making this possible this year. For Homecoming, the undergraduates decided to host a tailgate in conjunction with recent alumni. This, much like the tailgates that preceded it, was a huge success in promoting engagement between alumni and the undergraduates. Although restrictions were eased, the effects of COVID-19 on traveling and indoor gatherings are still felt. As such, Gamma Chapter put together a video introducing the newest member class so that all alumni, no matter where they are, can still feel connected. I hope these engagement strategies (in-person and virtual) are continued and built upon over time, as a combination of both will allow for a sense of connectivity, no matter one's situation. I am excited to see how Gamma Chapter executes this as more opportunities become available! Fraternally, Kyle Ferguson (Γ1846) VNR Alumni Relations Today, your alumni association is on sound financial footing; however, the payments on the remaining mortgage balance of $826,490 prevent us from doing many upgrades and needed repairs to the house. During COVID, we did not get the expected undergraduate income, which took a big portion of our rainy- day savings. Although we would like to have fewer brothers living in the house, we need large numbers of out-of-house brothers to pay our bills. We would love to make the house rooms comparable to what you can get in an apartment, but at this point the funds are not there. Both of us did well financially in our careers and will be leaving a significant amount to our children and other charities. We also have a sizeable amount going to Gamma. Gamma was significant in our lives, and we want to give back. For those of you who can, please consider what Gamma did for you and the importance of it being there for the years to come. Fraternally, Bill Yerkes '49 (Γ592) (215) 794-7528 Brian Sarris '69 (Γ960) (215) 872-4517 briansarristraining@gmail.com Giving Back (Continued from page 1) Todd Grice '81 (Γ1154) and Steve Culver '84 (Γ1213) organize a tailgate for the Penn State vs. Indiana game on October 2. Carl Anderson Sr. '78 (Γ1111), John Merenick '86 (Γ1236), Jim Valent '90 (Γ1292), Carl Anderson Jr. '05 (Γ1508), and Rob Wierman '09 (Γ1552) enjoy a tailgate at the Penn State vs. Wisconsin game. alumni relationS report

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