Alpha Gamma Rho - University of Arkansas

The Alpha Iota Messenger The Alpha Iota Messenger alpha Gamma rho 3 Campaign status at-a-Glance As of June 16. 2014 Campaign Goal $1,000,000 Total Commitments $538,000 Mailable Alumni 696 Total Contributors 106 Eric earned a BSA in agricultural business/ business economics in 2003, J.D. from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 2006, and an L.LM in agricultural and food law in 2007. He works as an attorney with a dual role as vice president/general counsel for Burford Distributing Inc., and partner within the law firm of Smith, Cohen & Horan, PLC. "To echo my dad's comments, Alpha Iota and AGR opened my eyes to different types of agriculture and gave me a broader perspective. The exposure I gained to different people and experiences broadened my horizons and helped me identify opportunities." John Paul and Eric are both generous donors to the capital campaign, giving what they can to guarantee Alpha Iota remains a prominent chapter at Arkansas. "No facility lasts forever," said John Paul. "as much as we all enjoyed the facility on razorback road, we need a new home. We have about as many undergraduate members today without a house as we did with an old one that was really outdated. Imagine what we could do with a new facility located on campus." "There were 909 members of Alpha Iota initiated before me," said Eric. "They set me up for success in college and beyond. It would be very selfish of me to not give future members the same, or better, opportunities. We can all do something monetarily, in-kind contributions, or shared experiences. if we all step up in some way, we can keep this group going for a long time." As the campaign continues to reinvigorate Chapter pride, both Pendergrass men continue to be impressed with the state of the active Chapter. "As alumni, we all need to take opportunities to reconnect, revisit, and actively participate with the undergraduate Chapter," said John Paul. "I wish we had more time, but we need to make time with what we have available." "I think we have a true fraternity," said Eric. "We're not defined by a building. We're not constrained by normal conventions. We continue to succeed in spite of adversity." John Paul lives in Charleston, Arkansas, with Cissie. In addition to Eric, they have one daughter, Grace. In his free time, John Paul attends Razorback games and plays golf. He also enjoys seeing his Alpha Iota brothers. "Our kids are now having kids, so we still share in each other's lives and successes." You can contact him at johnpaulpendergrass@gmail.com. Eric and his wife, Meighan, live in Fort Smith, Arkansas. When he's not watching Hog sports or visiting the lake, he stays involved with Alpha Iota by helping with the alumni/undergraduate recruitment committee. "Alpha Iota and Alpha Gamma Rho were a great experience for me. It continues to guide me and provide opportunities. I look forward to continuing my involvement with the Chapter and Alumni Association." You can reach Eric at elp.smcrh@mac.com. (Continued from page 1) a family affair: Pendergrass family Gives back to alpha iota alumni association officers Noble Ruler fendley ragland '04 Memphis, Tenn. (901) 505-1444 / fendleyr@yahoo.com Vice President reece bailey '04 Fayetteville, Ark. Secretary chris looney '02 Bryan, Texas Treasurer russ harding '02 Farmington, Ark. Members rodney baker '72 Little Rock, Ark. Kenneth may '66 Rose Bud, Ark. Jeremy bullington '01 McCrory, Ark. everett rogers '68 Paragould, Ark. Kermit tucker '38 is 97 and enjoys gardening and growing roses. He lives in Decatur, Ala. John Stipe '51 retired as president of Forrest City Production Credit Association in 1986, as president and chairman of Forrest City Bank in 2004, and is currently a trustee of Eastern Arkansas Community College. E-mail: jstipe@sbcglobal.net eugene humphrey '57 retired in November 1996 after 32 years in the United States Corps of Engineers and has homes in Florida and Tennessee. E-mail: rzback59@yahoo.com William moore '63 retired from the Army Reserves in 2005 with the rank of colonel after serving five years in active duty and 16 years in the reserves. E-mail: williamhmo@aol.com mitchell harvill '80 was the recipient of the Greene County Farm Family of the Year in 2005. E-mail: mmranch@bscn.com James cupp '92 is enlisted full time in the Air National Guard and plans to retire in 2019. He and his wife, Jennifer, were married in 2000 and built their house in 2006. James welcomes any Alpha Iota brother for a visit. E-mail: cardsfan282002@yahoo.com Will Schunkhecht '00 serves as a member of the Springdale Rotary Club and is a committee member of the Burlsworth Trophy. E-mail: will.schuhknecht@tyson.com reece bailey '04 and his wife, Brooke, were married in 2010 and enjoy traveling and cheering on the Hogs. E-mail: reece.bailey1@gmail.com nathaniel Sullivan '07 has been with Crop Production Services since May of 2011 and was recently promoted to a sales consultant position. E-mail: nathansullivanua11@gmail.com aluMni neWs

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