Alpha Gamma Rho - University of Arkansas

J eff Marcussen '98 came to the University of Arkansas with a plan in mind to go Greek. He didn't know which fraternity he wanted to join until he met a few members of the Alpha Iota Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho. The genuine nature of the men he met that day led him to join AGR, and the camaraderie between the brothers solidified his decision. Alumni involvement played a big role in Jeff's positive experience in Alpha Iota. Two in particular stand out: Russell Black '64 and Dick Oliver '63. "Russell was a big part of the community and he even gave me a job while I was in college. And Dr. Oliver was our faculty advisor for many years. He was also a local alumnus and was always willing to help anyone who needed it. They both brought so much insight and guidance to the Chapter, and I know we were all better off due to their involvement." Jeff graduated with a degree in landscape architecture. After graduation, he worked for a design firm based in Austin, Texas, that had a branch in Little Rock. When he decided to move on from design work, he focused on the construction side of things and joined Baldwin & Shell Construction Company, where he's worked for nearly 10 years. His current position is director of building information modeling. Baldwin & Shell is also the company that is assisting with the design and construction budget for the new Chapter House. "Our specialty is negotiated work for a wide range of building structures. We bring together a design team and construction team to provide the initial design, backup costing, and a budget to help progress the project to the construction phase, where we will then bring all the plans to realization." "The construction industry is an arena I work in every day, so when this opportunity came along to give back to Alpha Iota—the organization that formed me into who I am today—it was a no-brainer. I want to help build a foundation for future members, much like what was there for me as an undergraduate. AGR helped instill some of the qualities that made me successful and gave me lifelong friendships. You may not have noticed it at the time, but every alumnus was impacted by this organization in some way, and if there's ever a time to give back, now is that time." Jeff and his wife, Erin (an AGR Sweetheart in 2000), live in Little Rock, Arkansas, with their daughter, Cora. In his spare time, he enjoys duck hunting and playing golf. You can contact Jeff at jmarcussen@baldwinshell.com. Building a Better Alpha Iota: Jeff Marcussen '98 Gives Back The Alpha Iota Messenger James W. Fisher '67 In memory of Danny Metz '67 Kevin Threlkeld '79 In memory of Randall Smith '80 Joe N. Pierson '88 Jeremy J. Kengla '96 Dr. Jeremy S. Simon '96 Marc Allison, Beta Omega '03 Daniel Robinson '05 Zachary M. Smith '09 Andrew P. Bailey '10 Tyler C. Brents '10 Tanner A. Clow '10 James Fitzsimmons '10 Kade Haygood '10 Chandler H. Ault '11 Caleb A. Smith '12 ALPHA GAMMA RHO 3 new AGR house set the groundwork for Alpha Iota's future. your support today to make this dream a reality! SAVE the DATE Join Alpha Iota on February 7-14, 2015, for spring formal recruitment. Founders Day, April 25, 2015, in Fayetteville, Ark.

• Cover