FarmHouse - University of Nebraska

FARMHOUSE FRATERNITY Nebraska Chapter / University of Nebraska-Lincoln www.nebraskafarmhouse.org Spring 2016 Building Committee PLans Meeting with ECCO More than $39,800 Committed Since January 1 T he first few months of 2016 have been exciting ones for FarmHouse at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I'm excited to share with you recent details regarding The Next Hundred Years of Building Men campaign, but more than anything, I want to say thank you to the 403 alumni who have helped us by donating more than $3,404,135 toward our campaign goal. We wouldn't be here without you! Since January 1 of this year, more than 23 alumni have donated $39,851, which is outstanding! I am thankful to call all of you my fraternity brothers, and truly know that this project wouldn't be a success without your generous financial support. So far this year, our campaign committee and class leaders, led by brother Evan Luxon '07, worked closely with the national FarmHouse Foundation staff to promote the first-ever Day of Giving during the month of February. It culminated with an event online on Monday, February 29, which was Leap Day. Thanks to those that chose to use their extra day by making a gift to our campaign. Over the past several months, the building committee, led by Jeff Backemeyer '00, Dr. Steve Wirth '01, Greg Ibach '81 and architect Jeff Monzu '89, have met and continue to work on financial models for our project. The Association Board and leaders of the building committee are preparing to meet with ECCO (East Campus Community Organization) regarding specifics of the project, so that we are aligned prior to the permitting process. By working closely with ECCO we hope to have a great outcome for both the fraternity and the community. If you are among the 786 who have yet to make a donation to the campaign, now is the time to get on board! 2016 is going to be a big year for FarmHouse as we gear up for that construction start date, and as the building committee continues to make plans, the cost of construction continues to rise. It's important that as we make plans to meet with lenders to secure a loan that we have as much cash on hand as possible. Construction cost rise each and every day. It is important that our momentum does not stop. Please consider using the enclosed pledge form to make a commitment today. And if you've already made your commitment, consider reaching out to brothers in your class and encouraging them to donate. If you need help getting contact information for them, please reach out Evan at evanluxon@gmail.com. I hope to see many of you and your families at Homecoming 2016, so be sure to save the date. The Cornhuskers will take on the Fighting Illini on October 1 in Lincoln, and I hope to see you there. Fraternally, Ryan D. Downs '88 Campaign Chairman ryan@ryandowns.net / (402) 740-3658 Thanking Nebraska Chapter Why Jim Stevens '68 Encourages Alumni to Support the Capital Campaign F raternities help transform boys into men through providing leadership opportunities, extensive alumni networks, and above all, a core set of values. FarmHouse at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has been the "Builder of Men" for more than 2,000 alumni since its founding in 1911, including Jim Stevens '68. Growing up, Jim heard stories of FarmHouse from his father, Harold Stevens '40; about its high standards and values for membership. "It was inspiring to hear my father speak of the young men he had encouraged to become members over the years," he said. When Jim became a member himself, he saw first-hand how Nebraska Chapter is a positive driving force for its members. After graduating with a degree in business, Jim, alongside his wife, Linda, and sister-in-law, Janet Lepp, opened the retail clothing store, The Garment District, in 1972. The business has kept its doors open for 44 years. "The examples set by FarmHouse members and alumni enhanced my work ethic, and helped inspire me to start a business of my own," he said. The Next Hundred Years of Building Men campaign was the perfect opportunity for Jim to repay the fraternity for the years of support it had given him, and the many other men who have called it home. "I wanted to honor the memory of my father and the fact that FarmHouse has impacted so many lives over the years in such a positive way," Jim said. He hopes by joining the campaign effort it will "aid the chapter to continue attracting the best and brightest men, and to make their experience even better." For those who have yet to make their commitment to the capital campaign, Jim offers this encouragement: "It is important to give back to a group who made a constructive impact on your life, and to think of future members and how they will contribute to society." There is no telling what future (Continued on page 5)

• Cover