Alpha Gamma Rho - University of Arkansas

The Alpha Iota Messenger 2 aLpha iota M ost everyone looks to role models, and for russell black '64, they were the Brothers of Alpha Iota when he was an undergraduate. "I joined Alpha Gamma Rho in hopes of having a place to live near campus and develop connections with like like-minded individuals. In reality, however, my Alpha Iota experience was so much more than that. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I made." Russell's unique fraternal experience inspired him to give back to Alpha Iota to ensure future generations are provided just that. Being surrounded by positive, involved alumni such as former Chapter Advisors Glenn Will, Theta '23 and Dr. paul noland '52 encouraged Russell to stay connected with Alpha Iota and become a Chapter advisor. During his 25-year tenure as Chapter advisor, Russell had the honor of attending three Alpha Gamma Rho national conventions and was one of the recipients of the Brothers of the Century award for Alpha Iota. "Seeing Brothers from all across the nation share a common goal of bettering themselves and their Chapters made me realize how important it is to preserve the future of Alpha Iota and its membership," he says. "Alpha Iota made me a better student, leader, and man than I would have been able to accomplish on my own." Because Russell knows an attractive, well-maintained Chapter House is a tremendous source of pride for undergraduates and alumni alike, supporting Alpha Iota's campaign became inherently part of who he is. "My fraternal experience in Alpha Iota was truly one in a million, and it is imperative that future Brothers are afforded this same rewarding experience. The only way we can ensure this is to provide a Chapter House that will allow Alpha Iota to continue down the successful path it's on," Russell says. "We have waited a long time to find the right location and fundraising resources for a Chapter House, and now is the time to bring this project to fruition. Your financial support, no matter the size, will make a world of difference in the lives of undergraduate Brothers and alumni alike. This is a once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our fraternity. With everyone's support, our dream of building and owning a Chapter House will become a reality; be a leader for Alpha Iota." Russell, his wife of 50 years, Brenda, and his two sons, Stephen and Jeffrey, started a nursery 41 years ago, and proudly own and operate four gardens together. He served as president of the Arkansas Green Industry Association (AGIA) for the nursery business and now serves as the representative for the association on the Arkansas State Plant Board. In addition, Russell has served on the AGIA board for the last 26 years and serves as chairman of the Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional Committee for 10 years. When he is not hard at work, Russell and his wife take pleasure in traveling extensively and have been on 13 cruises throughout various parts of the world. They recently bought a piece of property in the mountains in Arkansas, which overlooks the Buffalo National Forest. Together they have two children: Stephen, who is an Alpha Gamma Rho alumnus at Cornell, and Jeffrey black '90, who is an Alpha Iota alumnus at UA. You can contact Russell at rblack@westwoodgardens.com. rewarding Fraternal experience Inspires russell black '64 to give back L ast spring was a very exciting time for the Alpha Iota Chapter at the University of Arkansas. We have been working diligently to improve our Chapter's academics, recruitment, community service, and alumni involvement. All of these have shown improvement and have potential for even more improvement this fall. As an executive board, we have decided to put academics first and foremost on our list of priorities. To continue this goal, we have reserved a room on campus three nights a week to have a private study hall for new and active members. Even for members who are in good academic standing, it is a great place for them to go and study without distractions and be in a comfortable environment where tutoring is available. Campus involvement is another major focus for our Chapter. With a requirement of at least two registered student organizations, one agriculture-based, and another one of their choosing, this has allowed not only individual members but the Chapter as a whole to expand our presence on campus. Not only has this helped our Chapter name, but it has greatly improved our relationship with the Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture. We also continue to work with Sigma Alpha sorority and will co-host a faculty appreciation night for the college this fall. This is an exciting time for Alpha Iota as we are on the verge of building a Chapter House. Over the past few years, our members have lived together in apartments and townhomes to preserve the Chapter House aspect. Living together has helped recruitment tremendously, but having a traditional Chapter House could potentially double our yearly recruitment numbers. Alpha Iota has a bright future at the University of Arkansas, and with the help of our beloved alumni, all we can do is grow even bigger. On behalf of the Chapter, thank you to all who have helped bring plans for building a fraternity house to fruition. We sincerely hope all alumni will contribute to this project and help us reach our goals. Fraternally, tucker thompson '13 Noble Ruler (901) 487-7111 / tnt006@uark.edu alpha Iota Maintains strong Footing at Ua Thanks to alumni support Undergraduates Focus on Academics and Campus Involvement Undergraduates and alumni proudly display the AGR flag.

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