HOMECOMING 2010: TENNESSEE VERSUS OLE MISS NOVEMBER 13
Homecoming 2010 will be Saturday night November 13 with the Vols hosting the Ole Miss Rebels. Gametime to be set later. There will be the annual Homecoming lunch prepared by the active chapter for alumni, guests, and families. The annual Alumni meeting will be held prior the the game in the chapter room. The annual "Old Dogs" get together will be held at the Hampton Inn in Alcoa on Friday night November 12 and Saturday night November 13. Look for additional information in the Fall Crescent.
PARENTS-FOUNDERS WEEKEND 2010
Parents-Founders Weekend commemorates AGR's founding at UT in 1951. The annual get together has grown to include an Alumni Dinner on the Saturday night before the Sunday banquet. In recent years, Parents-Founders Weekend has been held in April of each year.
A large crowd was in attendance for the annual Alpha Kappa Parents-Founders Day banquet April 19. Brother Donnie Smith, AKSN-554, CEO of Tyson Foods in Springdale, Arkansas was the keynote speaker. Brother Smith spoke about how he came to work for Tyson Foods and his journey to becoming CEO of one of the U.S.’s largest food processing companies. For his achievements, Brother Smith was selected as Alpha Kappa’s Alumnus of the Year for 2010.
Parents-Founders Day recognizes Alpha Kappa’s membership with scholarships and awards. Being the banquet, the three highest awards the chapter can award are announced. Will Mayfield, AKSN-1026, was selected by his fellow seniors to receive the 2010 Prof Cole Leadership Award. Whit Shofner, AKSN-1035, was selected by the chapter to receive the Dr. Bletner Man of the Year Award. Kevin Hensley, AKSN-1052, was named winner of the Prof Lidvall Brotherhood Award.
A number of scholarships were awarded to actives. The first AGR Professional Promise Scholarship was awarded to Robert Moser, AKSN-1053. Susan Marks presented the John Long Marks Scholarship in memory of her son to John Schultz, AKSN-1066. The John Dale Moss Scholarship was presented to Thomas Greenlee, AKSN-1050. The R. Dan Culp Leadership Scholarship was presented to Kyle Hensley, AKSN-1062. Receiving AGR scholarships were Will Hightower, AKSN-1071, Kevin Hensley, AKSN-1052, and Jacob Watson, AKSN-1064.
Chapter scholarship awards went to Daniel Hale (Highest Active GPA Spring 2009 and Most Improved GPA Spring 2009), Ben Collins (Highest Active GPA Fall 2009), Taylor Blount (Most Improved Active GPA Fall 2009). Highest New Member Grades for Spring 2009 was Will Hightower and Scott Adkins Fall 2009.
Outstanding New Member Awards were also made to Trevor Jackson, Spring 2009 and Scott Adkins Fall 2009.
All in all, $13,900 in scholarships and awards were made to active members of AGR at the 2010 Parents-Founders Day banquet. Alumni attending the Saturday Alumni gathering at Green Meadow Country Club were Mike Nichols, Tracey Binkley, Joe Gaines, William Elliott, Dail Meadows, Brandon Abele, Jon Frady, Lance Bracey, Joe Harrison, Ken Alley, Max Gregory, Mike Estes, Bill Kemp, Jim Nunn, Keith Harrison, Arthur Jones,
Ken Goddard, Gene Caldwell, Lawrence Shore, David Hayes, Jerry Estes, and Tom Looney. Actives in attendance were Kevin Jones, Clay Head, Robert George, and Whit Shofner.
Alumni attending the Sunday activities (Board Meeting and P-F Banquet) were Lawrence Shore, Mike Nichols, Tracey Binkley, Joe Gaines, William Elliott, Dail Meadows, Greg Hensley, Jon Frady, Lance Bracey, Joe Harrison, Ken Alley, Max Gregory, Mark Wilson, Aaron Fisher, Mike Estes, Bill Kemp, Jim Nunn, Bobby Simpson, Devin Gilliam, Adam Hensley, Ryan Hensley, Robert Elliott, Mark Tillman, Eric Luttrell, John Harrison, Terry Head, Andrew Smith, Charlie Goan, Donnie Smith, Keith Harrison, Arthur Jones, James Lee, Gene Caldwell, Jeff Cathey, and Tom Looney.
PICTURES FROM ALUMNI DINNER APRIL 17, 2010
AGR Alumni and Actives at Alumni Dinner April 17, 2010
L-R: Mrs. Jon Frady, Mr. & Mrs. Brandon Able, Jon Frady
L-R: Tom Looney, Prof. E. R. Lidvall, Whit Shofner, Robert George, Kevin Jones, Tracey Binkley, Alice Nunn, Jim Nunn.
L-R: Joe Gaines, Ken Goddard, Linda Goddard
L-R, Debbie Nichols, Cheryl Elliott, William Elliott
L-R: Mike Estes, Beverly Estes, Jerry Estes, Robin Estes.
L-R: Dwane Bell, Lance Bracey, Joe Harrison, Clay Head and girlfriend.
FOUR BROTHERS PASS AWAY IN 2010
Joe Armstrong, AKSN-89, passed away February 26, 2010 in Lenoir City, Tennessee. He was 77 years old. Brother Armstrong was initiated in 1953.
Samuel R Keyes AKSN-51 died February 11, 2010. He is survived by his wife Barbara, and one daughter Jan F Knudson. He lived in Limestone, Tennessee. Brother Keyes was initiated in 1951.
On May 24, 2010, charter member Charles Rowland, AKSN-26, passed away in Jackson, Tn. Charles grew up in Chester County and graduated from UT in 1951. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy. In 1952, he was selected to attend Officer Candidate School and was subsequently commissioned as an Ensign. Charles had a 24-year career in the Navy, much of it spent on ships. Among his postings, he served at the Pentagon as the Assistant Head of the Service Craft and Boats Desk. Charles retired from the Navy in 1974 as a Commander. He is survived by his wife Carolyn and two children.
On May 27, Don Miracle AKSN-67 passed away in Knoxville. He was a banker before retiring as a Realtor in Knoxville. He was also an Army Veteran and a Mason. He is survived by his wife Telvis and four children. Bro. Miracle was initiated in 1952.
TYSON FOODS NAMES UT AGR ALUM AS NEW CEO
Chairman of the Board John Tyson, of Tyson Foods, Inc., announced that Tyson Foods has chosen Tennessee-Knoxville alumnus Donnie Smith, formerly senior group vice president of Poultry and Prepared Foods, to be the company's president and chief executive officer, effective immediately.
"The Tyson Board and the Tyson family congratulate Donnie Smith and wish him the best for the future success of our company," Tyson said. "I have worked with Donnie for a number of years and am convinced that he is part of the right leadership team for this next phase in the evolution of our company. His extensive experience inside the company has fully prepared him to continue the progress we have made in the last year."
Donnie Smith, 50, joined Tyson Foods in 1980 after graduating from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville with a degree in Animal Science. After seven years experience in various live poultry production jobs, he moved to the corporate headquarters in Springdale, Ark., to join the Tyson commodities purchasing group. Since then, he has had various leadership roles in the company, including Purchasing; Environmental, Health and Safety; Food Safety and Quality Assurance; Manufacturing Services; Information Systems; and Logistics, before becoming senior group vice president of Poultry and Prepared Foods.
"I started with Tyson Foods 29 years ago, and I've been very fortunate to serve in several roles for this great company," Smith said. "At every turn, I learned a different aspect of what we do, but the most important thing I've learned is that we have an amazing team of individuals that are dedicated to producing results. I am honored that I will now serve these team members as the leader of our company, and I am certain that 2010 and the years to come are going to be great for our shareholders, our customers, and other stakeholders. Yes, we, like everyone else, have seen some struggles in these economic times, but I am certain that through the leadership of our team, the efforts of all our team members with our customers, and the focus on operational excellence, we will succeed."
Smith was initiated by Alpha Kappa in 1978.
HOMECOMING 2009
A large group of AGR alums, family and friends were in attendance Saturday November 7, 2009 for a weekend of fellowship and football. Norman Willis and the new guys prepared another excellent Homecoming feast for those in attendance. Below are pictures from Homecoming 2009.
Alumni present at the Annual Alumni Meeting held in the Chapter Room were: Bill Murphy ASKN-8, Gene Caldwell AKSN-9, Bill Kemp AKSN-35, Max Gregory AKSN-58, Joe Harrison AKSN-111, Giffin Scarlett AKSN-137, George Whitfield AKSN-150, Fred Greeg AKSN-157, Larry Redden AKSN-159, Elmo Lunn AKSN-179, Johnny Bruff AKSN-183, Dan Wheeler AKSN-227, Phil Baggett AKSN-286, Dail Meadows AKSN-289, Ken Alley AKSN-296, Steve Forrester AKSN-308, Joe Gaines AKSN- 311, Mike Estes AKSN-394, Mark Wilson AKSN-423, James Morris AKSN-432, William Elliott AKSN-433, Mike Nichols AKSN-439, Frank Proffitt AKSN-441, Jim Nunn AKSN-462, Greg Hensley AKSN-536, Bobby Simpson AKSN-540, Keith Harrison AKSN-619, Mike Walker AKSN-648, Dale Rose AKSN-660, Joe Huffine AKSN-682, Brian Light AKSN-729, Tom Looney AKSN-738, Chales Hord AKSN-805, Aaron Fisher AKSN-821, Jon Frady AKSN-964, and Stuart Morris AKSN-968. Active brothers in attendance were William Nichols AKSN-1011, Whit Shofner AKSN-1035, Taylor Blount AKSN-1049, Justin Hixson AKSN-1049, Kevin Hensley AKSN-1052, Kyle Hensley AKSN-1062, John Schultz AKSN-1066, and Jonathan Harrison AKSN-1077.
The Thomas White family at Homecoming.
James and Lucielle Morris and Stuart Morris at lunch Homecoming 2009.
Co-eds visiting AGR house Homecoming 2009.
(photos by Bill Murphy AKSN-8)
TWO UT AGRS SERVE IN TENNESSEE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Two Alpha Kappa Alumni currently serve as members of the 106th Tennessee General Assembly, Stratton Bone, D-Lebanon, and Vance Dennis, R-Savannah.
Stratton Bone, AKSN-197, represents Cannon, Trousdale, and part of Wilson counties in the 46th Legislative District. Stratton is Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Member of House Rules and Calendar Committee and Member of House Finance, Ways and Means Committee. Stratton is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Agriculture and Cumberland University. He is a farmer and is in residental construction. He is a member of the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho Hall of Fame. Stratton has served in the 100-106 Tennessee General Assemblies.
Vance Dennis, AKSN-824, represents Hardin, McNairy, and part of Decatur Counties in the 71st Legislative District. Vance is a member of the House Judiciary Committee and House Health and Human Resouces Committee. While at UT, Vance served as Noble Ruler of Alpha Kappa Chapter in 1997/98. Vance is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Agriculture and the UT College of Law. Vance is a practicing attorney in Savannah, Tennessee.
MEMPHIS AREA AGR ALUMS GATHER
Ten Memphis area AGR alums gathered for dinner at Jim's Place East September 9, 2009. The brothers had an enjoyable evening of great food, but better AGR fellowship.
Those in attendance were: Back row (L-R) Jeffrey AKSN-609, Tim Mandrell AKSN-579, John Duff AKSN-535, Sloan Regen AKSN-983, Phillip Martin AKSN-765, Tom Looney AKSN-738, Jack Webster AKSN-453. Front Row: Jim Nunn AKSN-462, Les Binkley AKSN-303. Not pictured, James Morris AKSN-432.
A Farmer First McMinn County educator Jonathan Pierce, AKSN-552, has had a positive influence on ag students for 30 years
Tennessee Cooperator, August 2009 Story and photos by Chris Villines
On August 3, 2009, 12 Alpha Kappa Chapter AGRs gathered at Baudo's Restaurant in Jackson, Tn. for an evening of AGR and Big Orange fellowship.
Brothers in attendance were (l-r) Steve Monteith AKSN-458, Medina, Tn., Mike Nichols, AKSN-439, Oakfield, Tn.; James R. Morris, AKSN-432, Cordova, Tn.; Tom Looney, AKSN-738, Knoxville, Tn.; Will Nichols, AKSN-1011, Oakfield, Tn.; Jim Nunn, AKSN-462, Brownsville, Tn.; Johnny Bruff, AKSN-183, Union City, Tn.; Tracey Binkley, AKSN-736, Smyrna, Tn.; Dan Morris, AKSN-336, Medon, Tn.; Brick Veirs, AKSN-1010, Brownsville, Tn.; John Schultz, AKSN-1066, Dyersburg, Tn.
2009 PARENTS-FOUNDERS DAY
Twenty eight Alpha Gamma Rho alumni and actives met for dinner April 4, 2009 at the Green Hills Country Club in Maryville, Tennesssee for the annual AGR gathering hosted by Joe Harrison. Those in attendance were:
Back Row: (L-R)Bill Murphy AKSN-8, Bill Kemp AKSN-35, Brent Hurd AKSN-78, Lawrence Shore ASN-82, Bond Jones AKSN-1029, Gene Caldwell AKSN-9, Joe Gaines AKSN-311, William Elliott AKSN-433, Cap Nunn AKSN-1017, Charles Goan AKSN-220, Kirby Reed AKSN-1001, and Joe Harrison AKSN-111
Third Row: Max Gregory AKSN-58, Arthur Jones AKSN-53, Dwane Bell AKSN-54, Mark Wilson AKSN-423, Mike Nichols AKSN-439, Mike Estes AKSN-394, and Jim Nunn AKSN-462.
Second Row: Ken Goddard AKSN-287, Doug Craig AKSN-280, William Nichols AKSN-1011, Whit Shofner AKSN-1035, and Robert George AKSN-1041.
Front Row: Will Mayfield AKSN-1026, Michael Culley AKSN-1033, Colin Marcum AKSN-1063, and Taylor Blount AKSN-1045.
The dinner is hosted by Clark and Joe Harrison the night before the annual Parents-Founders Day banquet. Many wives and girlfriends were in attenance and any and all alumni are invited and encouraged to attend.
THOMAS WHITE HONORED WITH 2009 GRAND PRESIDENT'S AWARD
Thomas White, left, receives the Grand President's Award at the 2009 AGR Leadership Seminar in Washington, D/C.
Thomas White AKSN-725, an 1988 initiate of Alpha Gamma Rho at the University of Tennessee, was honored in February with one of four Grand President's Awards for 2009. The Grand President's Award is awarded by Alpha Gamma Rho for business excellence and professional achievement. It is awarded to a a specific AGR alumnus age 40 or younger who has achieved remarkable success in his business and professsional career.
Thomas is owner/operator of Fish Springs Marina and Resort in Hampton, Tennessee. He has a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from UTK and a Masters Degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University.
Thomas served on the AGR Home Office staff from 1993 to 1996 as Consultant and Director of Chapter Development. He and his wife Michele live in Elizabethton, Tennessee with their daughers.
NOTABLE UT AGR ALUMNI
Notable UT AGR Alumni include:
vTracey Binkley, Regional Vice President, Alpha Gamma Rho National Fraternity
v Straton Bone, Member, Tennessee House of Representatives, House District 46, Lebanon, Tennessee
vCharles R. Henry, Retired Major General, United States Army and past President and CEO of National Veterans Business Development Corporation.
vWaymon Hickman, Chairman and CEO, Farmers and Merchants National Bank, Columbia, Tennessee
vBrent Hurd, President of Hurd Real Estate Associates, Past President, Nashville Board of Realtors; current House Resource Trust Board Trustee for Alpha Gamma Rho and past National AGR Board Member, Lebanon, Tennessee
vEd Jones, U.S. Congressman and former Tennessee Commission of Agriculture
vJohn T. Leeman, Executive Director Tennessee Council on Vocational Education, Nashville, Tennessee
vBob Vantrease, Past President and CEO, American Chianina Association; Past Executive Vice President, North American Limousin Foundation
vDr. David Whitaker, Director of Horse Programs, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
vJesse T. Wilson, State Conservation Engineer, Florida, USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Gainesville, Florida
vJohn Charles Wilson, President, Agri-Center International, Memphis, Tennessee
TRACEY BINKLEY HONORED WITH 2008 GRAND PRESIDENT AWARD
Tracey Binkley was honored by Alpha Gamma Rho in February 2008 with the Grand President's Award during the 2008 Leadership Seminar in Pittsburg.
With a versed backgrouond in Agricultural Economics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a Master's in Business Adminstration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Binkley currently servies as Assistant Vice President in the Private Client Group of Merrill Lynch in Brentwood, Tennessee. After college graduation, Binkley served on the Fraternity's Home Office staff and held a variety of postions at Bank of America ranging from financial analyst, corporate marketing manager to relationship manager in the commercial lending group.
He continues to be active with the fraternity, serving as past National Recruitment Coordinator, Brother of the Century Award Receiptant in 2004 and currently as Regional Vice President for the Mid-East Region. Tracy lives in Mufreesboro, Tennessee with his wife Beth and three sons.
From Sickle and Sheaf, Winter 2008
FIRST AGR HOUSE
The first AGR house at UT was located at 1613 West Clinch Avenue, about two blocks from the UT University Center. This was Alpha Gamma Rho's UT home until we moved to 1840 Fraternity Park Drive in 1967.
AGR 1951
FIRST CLASS OF GRADUATING AGR SENIORS SPRING 1951
FALL 1973 PLEDGE CLASS
ALPHA GAMMA RHO, UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE 1975
ALPHA GAMMA RHO SPRING 1977
HOMECOMING 2008
2008 Alumni Association Board of Directors: (L-R) Mike Nichols, Jim Nunn Mike Estes, Joe Gaines, Bernie Ridenour, Mike Walker, Ken Alley, William Elliott, Shane Williams
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville
