FarmHouse - University of Nebraska

Summer 2017 Newsletter

Nebraska Chapter of FarmHouse Fraternity at the University of Nebraska

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FARMHOUSE FRATERNITY 4 C layton Yeutter '49 entered Chapter Grand at his home in Potomac, Maryland, on March 4, 2017. He moved as seamlessly among high-level positions in both the public and private sectors as has anyone in the U.S. in the post- World War II period. He did so while maintaining the respect and cooperation of friend and political foe alike. Clayton held a Cabinet post (U.S. Trade Representative) under President Reagan, another (Secretary of Agriculture) under President George H.W. Bush, and then had a short stint as Chairman of the Republican National Committee, before finishing his tenure in government as Counselor to the President, a Cabinet-level White House post, also under President George H. W. Bush. Earlier in his career he held two sub-Cabinet appointments in the Department of Agriculture and then a sub-Cabinet appointment in the Office of the Special Trade Representative. Ray Vlasin '51, Clayton's college roommate remembers, his dedication to FarmHouse and commitment to strengthening the fraternity both as an undergraduate and an alumnus. "Throughout all of his public sector and private sector actions, Clayton never forgot his FarmHouse roots or his University of Nebraska ties. He gave freely of his support, financially and otherwise, and was remarkably generous to both entities. It is true that Clayton had much influence throughout this country and internationally. He was the best of what FarmHouse stands for—its high standards and the building of men that it strives to achieve. In a very real sense, he was not only a tribute to FarmHouse, the University of Nebraska, the state, and the nation, but to the human race. We will miss him and remember him fondly." Clayton earned a B.S. in animal husbandry, a J.D., and a Ph.D. in agricultural economics, all from the University of Nebraska with highest academic honors. A native Nebraskan, Clayton served in various leadership roles at the University of Nebraska and in state government prior to serving four United States presidents. As a FarmHouse Master Builder, Clayton's service has not been confined to the public sector; he played a key role in a number of private enterprises as well. He served seven years as president of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, served on the board of directors of 22 for-profit corporations, including some of the nation's largest. He helped make a difference through his role as a member of the board of directors of numerous non-profit organizations in the United States and internationally. "When I was a senior, Clayton was an underclassman," said Wayne Nielsen '49. "I remember him as an intense person who had unlimited ambition and high intelligence. He was a warm person and always made time to converse with you and was very supportive of many causes. He never forgot FarmHouse or his Nebraska roots. Clayton supported his community, his state, and UNL." Knowing his longtime affiliation with FarmHouse International and his support of higher education, it was determined that a scholarship fund in Clayton's name was most appropriate. Led by his friends Ben and Marsha Neff, The Clayton K. Yeutter Scholarship Fund, honoring his service as United States Secretary of Agriculture, 1989 to 1991, was established. "Clayton's legacy has made him a core builder of FarmHouse Fraternity," said Brennan Costello '12. "I was the first recipient of the Clayton Yeutter Scholarship, which was used to aid in my travel on a study abroad trip to New Zealand with the UNL College of Agriculture. Clayton, without any ask, went above and beyond to connect me with New Zealand agriculture dignitaries he knew personally and gave me once-in-a-lifetime experiences." Charlie Stuber '49 knew him throughout their undergraduate and graduate school careers. "Clayton made many significant financial contributions to the University of Nebraska and to FarmHouse Fraternity," Charlie said. "Not only did he provide great leadership in FarmHouse and in campus organizations as an undergraduate at UNL, his outstanding career served as an example and a model for all of our FH brothers, including my own. He was a remarkable individual, and I really miss the interactions with him over these many years." Clayton is survived by his wife of 21 years, Cristena, and his children: Brad, Gregg, Kim, Van, Victoria, Elena, and Olivia; nine grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Remembering Loyal FarmHouse Alumnus Clayton Yeutter '49 Jon Freese '15 President Lincoln, Neb. Grant Suddarth '16 Vice President York, Neb. Jacob White '16 Recruitment Supervisor Kearney, Neb. Jacob Kingsley '15 Philanthropy Chairman Kearney, Neb. Bryce Byman '15 New Member Educator Omaha, Neb. Cody Boche '15 Business Manager Norfolk, Neb. Harrison Pearse '16 Social Chairman Kearney, Neb. David Krueger '15 Treasurer Normal, Ill. Sage Schmidt '15 Secretary Moorefield, Neb. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

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