Alpha Gamma Rho - Penn State University

ΑΓΡ gamma crescent Gamma Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity at Penn State I Fall 2013 Chapter Hopes to Rise to the Occasion Alumni and Undergraduate Leadership Emphasize "Getting to the Next Level" Inside 2 Thank You, Loyal Alumni and Friends 3 Gamma Undergraduates Prepared for Successful Semester 4 Gamma House Facelift 7 Congratulations, Graduating Seniors 8 Alumni Update O ver the past few years, I have used The Crescent as a way to share with you the progress we have made at Gamma. I hope you can appreciate the significant steps that have been taken by your alumni and undergraduate leadership. At our last retreat in August 2012, we decided on a theme for the year of "Making Big Strides," and from then we have made huge strides in so many areas. We now have more than 80 active undergraduate brothers (40 living in the house), our GPA has been consistently above a 3.0, the house is looking better now than it has in many years, we are very active on Ag Hill, and the number of brothers in ag-related majors is on the rise. We have had success in the Making Big Strides program, but there is still a lot to do. At this year's retreat, we again decided on a theme for the upcoming year; "Getting to the Next Level" is our mantra for the 2013-14 year. The undergraduates and your alumni leadership are very aware that getting to the next level will not be easy but are committed to making it happen. Two weeks ago, I sent an open letter to the Gamma brotherhood detailing some of the graduate leadership's expectations moving forward: • Let's raise the standard of keeping our house always neat and clean. If you see a cup, a piece of paper, or something on the floor or grounds around the house, pick it up! If you see someone drop it, let them know that is not how we live at Gamma. • Let's bring back the traditions of eating together as a brotherhood, singing a few songs at dinner, and enjoying the fun and fellowship. But if you are not going to eat with the rest of us, clean up after yourself in the kitchen. If you mess it up, clean it up! • When your parents, an alumnus, or visitor enters your room, let's take pride in what we are presenting. Beer cans, liquor bottles, and a messy room do not give a good impression. • When there is a work session, participate with the other brothers. It is all of our responsibilities to keep Gamma neat and presentable. • Vandalism to the house is unacceptable. It's our home; look out for it. • Enjoy yourself at Gamma, but know more important is your academic success. Balance your academic time with your social time. Know your limits. We are all our brothers' keepers. • Let's always look and act professionally, especially when visitors and alumni are around. The letter was well received by the undergraduates and, during the retreat, specific goals were set to facilitate Getting to the Next Level. Brothers, our undergraduates are committed to "Getting to the Next Level." Support from more alumni will always be helpful and appreciated. Fraternally, Brian "Greek" Sarris '69 (G960) Gamma Alumni Association President (215) 872-4517 briansarristraining@gmailcom Keith Masser '70 (G985) Gives Back to Gamma Chapter Alumnus Values Fraternal Experience T here are many ways a young man can join a fraternity, but in the case of Keith Masser '70 (G985) it was based on a potential date with his future wife. Keith was recruited into Alpha Gamma Rho after making a deal with then Pledge Master John Tallman '69 (G956) to be set up on a date with John's sister, Helen, in exchange for joining the fraternity. Within 18 months, the couple was married. "Meeting my wife was a great part of Alpha Gamma Rho, but being in the chapter also gave me a great sense of pride because of AGR's agricultural roots and the importance the ag industry provides to our country's future," he said. After graduating with a degree in agricultural engineering, Keith took a job as a project engineer with Procter and Gamble, but after several years he, went back to his roots to join his family farming operation, Sterman Masser Inc., where he serves as chairman (Continued on page 2)

• Cover