Alpha Gamma Rho - University of Minnesota

T he world and agricultural industry are always changing, but Alpha Gamma Rho maintains a commitment to developing brothers like Neal Grotsun #1215 for life beyond college. Looking back now, Neal is grateful for his AGR experience that prepared him for success while cultivating lifelong connections. A PART OF SOMETHING GREATER "I was planning on going back home to the farm at the time, but I figured I'd go get my college degree first," Neal said. Heading to the St. Paul campus, Neal's familiarity with several AGR members compelled him to join as a freshman. "They were good guys in a good organization; I wanted to be a part of it." Fraternity life provided new opportunities to socialize and work as a team during events like Minn Royal. Within the house, Neal found ways to further engage with Lambda Chapter through service on various committees. INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE After his AGR days, Neal spent the next 38 years working as the genetic programs manager for Select Sires in Minnesota and North Dakota. He earned numerous recognitions while having the privilege of working with great dairy and beef farmers throughout the decades. "I've seen many technological changes take place. The key to the future in agriculture is embracing new technologies and the concept of precision agriculture. Artificial intelligence is really going to take off in the next decade or two, progressing agriculture to feed the growing, hungry world." AGR CONNECTIONS Neal met his wife, Cindy, who was a Rho Mate in college. They'll be celebrating 40 years of marriage this fall. She had three brothers who were all AGRs. Their son, Joe, continued the legacy as Noble Ruler of Epsilon Chapter at North Dakota State University. They also have a daughter, Amy, who graduated from the University of Minnesota. When Cindy's oldest brother passed away from cancer in 2013 following his wife's passing months earlier, Cindy became their children's guardian and moved to Northfield, Minnesota, for eight-and-a-half years. "We had several AGR connections in the Northfield area," Neal said. "They were supportive during that time, getting together socially and some even helping with repairs on the farm. The AGR brothers, and my wife's Rho Mate/LDPhi sisters, helped that entire experience go much smoother." Neal continues to value those AGR bonds to this day, seeing alumni whenever possible at the Minnesota State Fair or heading back to campus for Founder's Day. YOU CAN CHAT WITH NEAL ABOUT YOUR AGR CONNECTION AT LUXACRES@MSN.COM. BOUND BY BROTHERHOOD Neal Grotsun #1215 Shares His Lambda Story 19 Years of Brotherly Bonding ANNUAL LAMBDA LUNCHEON RECAP O n March 8, 14 brothers met at Joe's Farm BBQ in Gilbert, Arizona, for lunch, fellowship, and a few old AGR songs. It was an appropriate setting for farm boys, who enjoyed excellent barbecue pork, ribs, and brisket as well as lots of stories, many memories, and over three hours of fantastic brotherhood. This gathering has occurred annually since 2005 and has grown to include as many as 18 brothers. Over the years, we've said goodbye to aging brothers and welcomed new faces to join us. We've also had men from Epsilon and Eta chapters attend. Our special guest this year was Dave Speltz #711, who had missed this event for the last two years. Dave founded the first luncheon about 20 years ago alongside four other brothers. Ernest Baughman #396 attended our luncheons during the first few years, which I mention because his pledge number was under 400. This year the pledge numbers ranged from 707 to 1186! We encourage every brother who may find themselves in Arizona next March to contact Ronald Bushlack #867 at ronbushlack@gmail.com to find out when and where to meet. We would love to see you, and we promise you'll not regret the opportunity to see some old friends and meet new brothers! We really do have a lot in common. Noble Ruler Ben Styer #1867 VNRs Recruitment Gus Hasbargen #1859 Brady Gille #1862 VNR Finance Justin Post #1853 VNR Membership Development Weston Schwecke #1855 VNR Activities and Risk Management Caden Carlson #1858 VNR House Manager Levi Lilleberg #1851 VNR Alumni Relations Seth Heitman #1864 VNR Planning Austin Lang #1860 VNR Scholarship John Novacek #1852 Join this great group of guys at the next Lambda Luncheon! First row: Gerald Tabbut #924 and Lloyd Platz #863. Second row: Rich Sether #908, Ron Bushlack #867, and Dave Speltz #711. Standing: Ron Scheuring #864, Neil Durhman #707, Wayne Gjersvig #918, John Shafer #914, Bill Manwarren #944, Tom Keller #973, Bill Perleberg #1186, Tom Brandt #971, and Ron Sether #809. Chapter Officers

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