Alpha Gamma Rho - University of Minnesota

Lambda: Proud Past — Promising Future Alumnus Invests in the Future of the Agricultural Industry Steve Koziolek '83 Gives Back to Alpha Gamma Rho S teve Koziolek '83 graduated in 1985 with a degree in agricultural economics. Since leaving the University of Minnesota, he has benefited from and built more relationships with Alpha Gamma Rho Brothers than he ever would have expected. He credits AGR with establishing a network on which he built his career and also giving him the moral foundation he needed to succeed. "I can't imagine what my career would look like without AGR when I really think about what it helped me do—the lessons were phenomenal," he said. When Steve heard about the Lambda: Proud Past— Promising Future To Make Better Men campaign he felt obligated to participate. "As I look forward in the agricultural industry, the most challenging problem we face is access to quality people. AGR trains quality people and we need them coming back when they graduate," he said. Steve has been extremely impressed with the undergraduate members on his recent visits to campus, but fears the competitiveness of campus housing will limit AGR's position. "I think if we don't do this house it will be hard to stay long-term on campus. We need to continue to attract the best and brightest young men because the industry needs young agriculturalists that are well trained and well mannered." Steve feels his commitment to the campaign has been a blessing more than a burden. He is able to stay connected with Brothers he would not have otherwise spoken to and encourages other alumni to participate as well. "If you look at an organization that has helped, has really developed and trained you, you almost have to give until it hurts. You should sacrifice something for the gift you make, because you wouldn't be where you are today without it," he said. Steve lives in Northfield, Minnesota, with his wife, Carolyn, and their daughter, Nicole. He works for Rosens Inc. and is responsible for their business in the upper Midwest. In his free time, Steve likes to pretend he's still a farm boy, working on his family's farm, driving the tractor and the combine. You can contact Steve by e-mail at skoziolek@ riw2000.com. Brother Dedicated to Continuing Alpha Gamma Rho Tradition Why I Gave – Stuart Immer '57 S tuart Immer '57 joined Alpha Gamma Rho in 1957 and has been a dedicated member ever since. From improving social skills to developing positive work habits, Stu is thankful for the lessons AGR taught him and enjoys being able to give back. Stu has served as the Lambda alumni secretary for more than 13 years and is fortunate to be in close contact with the active members. "I very much enjoy visiting with the collegians. They are sincere, intelligent, and very mature for their age. They are quite active with various organizations on campus and are positive examples of what AGR stands for," he said. This last spring semester, the Chapter GPA was 3.4, which placed first over all the other 26 campus fraternities. When Stu heard about the Lambda: Proud Past—Promising Future To Make Better Men campaign he knew he wanted to participate so he could help attract the top students as members. "Lambda is one of the top fraternities on campus, and in order to maintain this status we need the best men. There have been prospective members who did not join because of the current condition and appearance of the house. This will become a greater problem if nothing is done," he said. The Chapter House was built in 1936 and has never been renovated. The new Lambda house will be an up-to-date facility providing a solid foundation for future generations. "I love Lambda and what it stands for," Stu said. "I want to see it exist for many years in the future as the preferred fraternity to belong to." Stu encourages every Brother to remember their own good times in the Chapter House. "This is your opportunity to give back to Lambda as payment for the benefits and experiences you were able to gain as a member. Some of the best years of my life were living in the Chapter House. Contribute to the capital campaign so that future Brothers can have the same experiences and memories," he said. Stu lives in Zimmerman, Minnesota, with his wife, Joyce. He retired from the family farm and now enjoys spending tim traveling and playing golf. Chapter Officers Noble Ruler Kirby Schmidt '10 Marshall, Minn. schm2807@umn.edu (507) 530-6611 VNR House Management Ben Thorpe '10 Richmond, Minn. VNR Recruitment Ethan Lapham '11 Caledonia, Minn. laph0022@umn.edu (507) 458-0665 VNR Membership Development Bryan Wendt '12 Stoughton, Wis. VNR Finance Eric DeBlieck '11 Marshall, Minn. VNR Activities Caleb Dressen '11 Ellsworth, Wis. VNR Scholarship Dylan Barth '11 St. Charles, Minn. VNR Alumni Relations Ryan Rehbein '11 Hugo, Minn. VNR Planning Steven Haring '12 Arlington, Va.

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