Fireside Chatter
October 2008
In This Issue... Beating the Sunderland Challenge Page 2 100 Volunteers and Growing Page 3 Consider Making a Tribute Gift Page 4 Let the Games Begin! Page 5 Naming Opportunities Available for Leadership Gifts Page 5 Project Overview Page 5 Donor Roster Page 6 Campaign News Page 8
For more campaign information go to www.agrfargo.org
Fireside Chatter
Issue 6
Epsilon Launches Campaign! “This project has been in the works for 10 years as we’ve thought about how to celebrate our centennial anniversary at NDSU in 2013,” said Brant Bigger ’00, House Corp. president. “We’ve developed a sound plan, tested it with a core group of alumni, and for the past 10 months, we’ve been quietly raising money. With success within our grasp, it’s time to reach out to all Epsilon alumni and publicly launch our 2nd Century Campaign!”
$1.75 million goal before going public. But the Homecoming news from NDSU is all that and better. Today 134 donors and their employers have contributed $1,358,522.75.
continued on page 2
The $1.75 million campaign will fund three objectives: • Development of a campus-leading scholarship program • Renovation and expansion of the chapter house • Purchase of neighboring property for parking Volunteers never could have imagined that their brothers would contribute just shy of 80% of the
House Corp. President Brant Bigger ‘00 updated alumni on the history of the project, and the success of the campaign’s leadership gift phase. Volunteers have been developing the project over the past decade to celebrate AGR’s centennial anniversary at NDSU in 2013.
Second Century Campaign Launches con’t Addressing a crowd of 100 brothers and their spouses at the Kick-Off event at Season’s at Rose Creek October 5th, Campaign Chair Gregg Halverson ’71 credited the passion that brothers feel for the fraternity for motivating alumni to support the campaign. “If we don’t take action now to upgrade our facility and invest in its young men, we stand to lose AGR at NDSU. This organization stands for something special in our lives; it bonds us all together. This the right project to support at the right time in our history.”
Think 2nd Half, 4th Quarter
Gregg Halverson likened the next phase of the Epsilon project to the Bison’s come from behind, second half victory over Southern Illinois 3527. “We’ve cleared the major hurdles and are gaining serious energy, but the game is not over until we reach our goal of $1.75 million. We can’t declare victory yet, but it’s within sight! “The biggest reason people don’t give to campaigns is they’re not asked,” added Gregg. “This won’t happen with our campaign. We’re going to go the extra mile so all brothers have the opportunity to participate in this project.”
Bill Finley ’70 has been charged to lead the public campaign. For the past two months he’s been recruiting brothers to serve as Decade and Class Chairs to personally reach out to over 800 living AGR alumni. “In order to eat an elephant, you need lots of people sitting around the table,” said Bill. “And that’s what we’re trying to accomplish. Many brothers have already stepped forward to talk to their classmates about the campaign. This is an exciting time and an excellent reason to reconnect with brothers you haven’t spoken to in many years.”
Beating the Sunderland Challenge Giving the campaign a tremendous shot in the arm this summer was David and Marlys Sunderland ’68 who promised to contribute up to $250,000 if the chapter could match that exact amount within a 6-week period from July 28th through September 15th. Gift rules encouraged alumni to contribute gifts of $10,000 or more. Existing donors – who had already contributed $5,000 or more – were encouraged to increase their gift by at least $5,000. Thirty-one donors – now members of the Fireside Circle giving club - answered the call raising a total of $352,582.50. Thirty-four donors contributed an additional $100,000 in non-qualifying gifts. In total the Sunderland Challenge raised $700,382.50! “Get r’ done is all I can say,” said Dave Sunderland who was accompanied by his wife Marlys, a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority
2
David and Marlys Sunderland ‘68 promised a $250,000 challenge gift if alumni could match that exact amount by 9/15/08. Over $700,000 was raised by the effort. Maryls was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority which is no longer on the NDSU campus. According to Dave, that loss figured heavily in their decision to support AGR.
which has long been absent from the NDSU campus. “Marlys said we needed to get involved in this effort
because AGR is too good to lose like Gamma Phi. “Now is the time for all alumni to get involved.”
100 Volunteers and Growing Many brothers have made significant contributions of time and talent to develop a sound project and a successful capital campaign effort. Thank you to all! If you would like to volunteer, call Bill Finley at 701-235-2314. House Corporation Brant Bigger ‘00 Tom Lilja ‘92 Jon Lee ‘97 Blain Erovick Andy Maier ‘05 Don Nelson ‘87 Craig Hanson ‘90 Bill Harbeke ‘69 Aaron Kleingartner ‘01 Erik Sorensen ‘00 Jamie Nettum ‘98 Bill Finley ‘70 Darnell Wohlk ‘07 Steering Committee Roy Johnson ‘50 Don Schwartz ‘57 Howard Schmid ‘59 Dale Anderson ‘60 Jack Brown ‘60 Jerry Puppe ‘60 Keith Bjerke ‘61 Rick Palmer ‘61 Jim Hauge ‘70 Bruce Fagerholt ‘70 Gregg Halverson ‘71 Jim Kokett ‘88 Tom Lilja ‘92 Jason Eckert ‘93 Anthony Larson ‘95 Jeff Strang ‘98 Brant Bigger ‘00 Bill Harbeke ‘69 Feasibility Study Participants Lester Amundson Dale Anderson Brant Bigger Keith Bjerke John Bollingberg Jack Brown Jack Dahl Jeff Dahl Donavon Evashenko Orian Fjestad LaVern Freeh Tom Gates John Giese Carl Haas Gregg Halverson Jim Hauge Maynard Helgaas Maynard Iverson
Myron Johnsrud Allan Johnson, Merrill Johnson Clinton Kurtz Carl Larson Earl Marifjeren Dr. Corey Martin Andrew Mauch Randy Mauch Rob Pile Jerry Puppe Eugene Rott Joe Ruliffson Howard Schmid Don Schwartz Bob Steffes Earl Stegman Dr. Tom Socha David Sunderland Mike Vipond Building Committee Mike Vipond ‘82 Jamie Nettum ‘99 Keith Bjerke ‘61 Bob Jerger ‘70 Russ Johnson ‘69 Steve Wosick ‘08 Doug Wosick—Noble Ruler Charlie Aarestad — undergraduate Campaign Committee Gregg Halverson ‘71 Brant Bigger ‘00 Bruce Fagerholt ‘70 John Giese ‘80 Jim Hauge ‘70 Allan Johnson ‘68 Earl Marifjeren ‘54 Roger Kenner ‘71 Bob Knorr ‘65 Robert Knudson ‘58 Jerry Puppe ‘60 Jim Kokett ‘88 Carl Larson ‘62 Tom Lilja ‘92 Trent Velure ‘88 Steve Wosick ‘08 Doug Wosick—Noble Ruler Tribute Committee Don Schwartz—Chair Myron Johnsrud ’57 Jack Babinski
Jerry Puppe ‘60 is one of over 100 volunteers to the 2nd Century Campaign. On Jerry’s left is undergraduate Ritchie Schaefer, the current VNR of Recruitment.
Howard Schmidt General Business & Foundations Committee Dale Anderson—Chair General Campaign Committee Bill Finley ‘70 Decade Chairs: Bob Knudson – 1950s Duane Preston—1960s David Vipond—1970s Jim Kokett—1980s Greg Goodman—1990s Grant Anderson—2000s Class Chairs 1960 Jerry Puppe 1961 Keith Bjerke 1962 1963 Duane Preston 1964 Robert Rose 1965 Bob Knorr 1966 Don Strickler 1967 Allen Odenbach 1968 Mick Anderson 1969 Bill Harbeke 1970 Ed Pearson 1971 Terry Skjerseth 1972 Randy Mauch 1973 Pat Stallman
1974 Reed Tinkham 1976 Kim Lees 1977 Mark Sletten 1978 Randy Mittness 1979 Howard Huebner 1980 1981 Dave Schneeberger 1982 1983 Ralph Kaehler 1984 1985 1986 Gary Pfann 1987 Jim Rhormodson 1988 Trent Velure 1989 Blaine Hopfauf 1990 Brad Giese 1991 & 1992 Craig Hanson 1993 Kenneth Sundberg 1994 Kirk Johnson 1995 & 1996 Anthony Larson 1996 & 1997 Don Carlson 1998 Jeff Strang 1999 Eric Halverson 2000 Eric Sorensen 2001 Aaron Kleingartner 2002 Dallas Loff 2003 Jeff Olson 2004 Ken Berg 2005 Craig Olson 2006 Andrew Mauch 2007 2008 Steve Wosick
3
Consider Making a Tribute Gift What finer recognition could there be for an AGR brother, relative, favorite professor or mentor than a Tribute gift extended in their honor for the 2nd Century Campaign. Tribute gifts are acknowledged in the campaign Donor Roster and Fireside Chatter, and will be on permanent display at the renovated/expanded chapter house long after the campaign is over. Joe Ruliffson ’56 was the first alumnus to recognize his father Ralph M. ’17 and brother Ralph R. ’63 with a Tribute gift. According to Joe, his dad only attended NDSU for two terms, but never missed a Founder’s Day. With donor approval, alumni and friends are encouraged to add their gifts to named Tributes as the campaign proceeds. New tributes can be made at any time for individuals deceased or living. If a new or existing Tribute reaches the threshold for a naming opportunity, a room at the chapter house will be named for the Tribute honoree. Other Tributes currently
How Does the Campaign Work? • All gifts to Epsilon are tax deductible. • Cash and non cash gifts – including marketable real estate, life insurance, commodities and others – can be accepted. • Donors can make payments on pledges over a five year period. • Matching gifts can be received.
4
Joe Ruliffson is flanked by Bernie Goodman on the left and Dave Lee on the right. Joe and his wife Joan have made a Tribute gift in honor of Joe’s father Ralph M. ’17 and brother Ralph R. ‘63.
being established include: • The Darel Leetun ’55 Tribute • The Reg Gorder ’57 Tribute • The Mrs. Ella Metcalf Tribute
To make a Tribute gift, complete the coupon on the right and enclose it with your campaign pledge card.
Your Name and Graduating Year: Your Tribute Honoree: Honoree Description: (Why have you selected your Tribute Honoree for special recognition? Please include pertinent details of your honoree for use in future campaign materials.)
Your Preference for Acknowledging Your Honoree: (For example, The John Doe Tribute Contributed by Robert ’69 and Sally Doe)
With your Tribute gift of $10,000 or more, you are eligible for a naming opportunity within the Chapter House. Do you have a preference for a specific room?
Let the Games Begin! As Decade and Class Chairs get their feet on the ground, classes from the 1950s through 2008 will be jockeying to see who can claim “King of the Hill” status in terms of overall campaign participation and giving. Seventies Decade Chair Dave Vipond ’79 thinks brothers of his decade will come out on top. “Brothers of my vintage are in a good position to become major donors to the campaign,” said Dave. “I’m challenging the rest of you, with just a little bit of fun, to give it your all. Homecoming ’08 was the most fun since we smuggled two kegs into the stands at the ’78 Homecoming game. Money aside, this campaign is about reconnecting and catching up with brothers.”
The Marifjeren brothers—Allyn and Earl— reconnect with Gary Gibbons at the public campaign kickoff event.
Naming Opportunities Still Available! All gifts to the 2nd Century Campaign are appreciated. For donors contributing $1,000 or more, permanent acknowledgement of your gift will be made at the chapter house following the conclusion of the campaign. For donors interested in room naming opportunities, please contact Campaign Coordinator Bill Harbeke at 701-277-9681.
Renovating and expanding the chapter house was soundly endorsed by an alumni study group.
Campaign Dollars will Support: • Six new scholarships per semester • 2,900 square foot addition to the chapter house to the east, creating six new student rooms including a potential resident advisor suite and replacement stairwell • Improved life safety features such as a remodeled south stair enhancing fire prevention and evacuation • Expanded baths and laundry
• Improved and expanded study space • Air conditioning and improved heating efficiency • Expanded parking beyond the 9 current spaces available • Improved computer access • Handicapped accessibility on the main floor, including bathroom facility
Size of Gift
Building Target
$250,000
Scholarship Fund
$100,000-$249,999
Library, Dining Room
$50,000-$99,999
Living Room, Patio, Game Room, Second and Third Floor Study Rooms
$25,000-$49,999
5 New Resident Rooms Created by Expansion (including Resident Advisor Suite and Noble Ruler Suite)
$10,000-$24,999
Current Resident Rooms
5
Epsilon Donor Roster AGR Centennial Campaign at NDSU Goal: $1,750,000 Amount Pledged/Gifted to date: $1,370,522.75 Amount Collected: $263,303.82 Percent Pledged: 78.3 % Total Number of Contributors: 136 As of 10-14-08 $250,000 or more Number of Gifts Needed: 1 Number of Gifts to date: 1 David & Marlys Sunderland ‘68 $100,000 - $249,999 Number of Gifts Needed: 2 Number of Gifts to date: 0 $50,000 - $99,999 Number of Gifts Needed: 5 Number of Gifts to date: 3 John Giese ‘80 Gregg Halverson ‘71 Corey Martin ‘98 $25,000 - $49,999 Number of Gifts Needed: 12 Number of Gifts to date: 13 Randall C. Aarestad ‘77 John, Grant, & Noah Anderson ‘80, ‘04, ‘06 Allen Giese ‘82 Bill Harbeke ‘69 Allan Johnson ‘68 Roger Kenner ‘71 Earl Marifjeren ‘54 Gerald Puppe ‘60 Randy Reber ‘80 Peter Shockman ‘78 Dave Vipond ‘79 Mike Vipond ‘82 Ray York ‘70 $10,000 - $24,999 Number of Gifts Needed: 30 Number of Gifts to date: 33 Michael Anderson ‘68 Joseph L., Christopher, Joseph M. & Mark Bata ‘72, ‘00, ‘04, ‘06 Darby Bauer ‘91 Jack & Ken Berg ‘00, ‘04 Keith Bjerke ‘61 Jack Brown ‘60 Don & Kristi Carlson ‘97
6
Bruce Fagerholt ‘70 Bill Finley ‘70 Dr. Gary B. Gibbons ‘55 Bernie Goodman ‘68 Jared Hagert ‘98 Warren & Kevin Hall ‘06 John & Eric Halverson ‘99, ‘99 Craig Hanson ‘90 Jim, Jamie & Clair Hauge ‘70 ‘95 ‘00 Merrill Johnson ‘56 Myron Johnsrud ‘57 Aaron Kleingartner ‘01 Robert Knorr ‘65 Clint Kurtz ‘60 Carl Larson ‘62 Tom Lilja ‘92 Travis Maddock ‘93 Andrew Moquist ‘04 Ralph M. ‘17, & Ralph R. ‘63 Ruliffson, Tribute by Joe S. Ruliffson ‘56 Howard Schmid ‘58 Donald F. Schwartz ‘57 Myron Senechal ‘66 Mark Sletten ‘77 Tim & Mark Vipond ‘83 ‘88 Jarvis York ‘99 Bruce Zavalney ‘77 $5,000 - $9,999 Number of Gifts Needed: 50 Number of Gifts to date: 42 Charles Aarestad ‘11 Arnold M. Amundson ‘62 Lester Amundson ‘56 Dale Anderson ‘59 Jacob Bailey ‘08 Charles Bateman ‘61 Brant Bigger ‘00 Alan Blume ‘80 Dale Blume ‘73 Dick Clark ‘53 Rich Clemenson ‘63 Jason Eckert ‘93 Orian Fjestad ‘59 Robert Geston ‘50 Greg Goodman ‘99 George W. Hildre ‘55 Howard Huebner ‘79 Robert Jerger ‘70
Roy H. Johnson ‘50 Russ Johnson ‘69 Jim Kokett ‘88 Anthony Larson ‘95 David A. Lee ‘66 Tom Lipetzky ‘83 Terry Lorenzen ‘58 Brad Maier ‘94 Randall A. Mauch ‘72 Lyle Moe ‘58 Wade Moser ‘79 Lyle E. Nelson ‘48 Jamie Nettum ‘99 Roy Simonson ‘34 Jeffrey Strang ‘98 Donald Strickler ‘66 Kenneth Thompson ‘58 Jim Thormodson ‘87 Matt Titus ‘93 Aaron Vadnais ‘08 Archie & Dave Wanner ’80, ‘80 Dan Weiler ‘85 Ryan Wingenbach ‘00 Steve Wosick ‘08 $1,000 - $4,999 Number of Gifts Needed: 175 Number of Gifts to date: 39 Vince Anez ‘89 Dixon Best ‘49 Neal Coit ‘79 Matt Danuser ‘93 Donavan Eck ‘63 Mark Ellison ‘83 Blaine Erovick Tom Gates ‘56 Justin Green ‘01 Harlow Grove ‘72 Allyn Hart ‘61 Clayton Haugse ‘53 Blaine Hopfauf ‘89 Maynard J. Iverson ‘61 IVY Partners Bob Knudson ‘58 Dallas Loff ‘02 Dan Lugert Darryl Lutovsky ‘68 Lee McLaughlin ‘69 Ron Mueller ‘81 Steven T. Neil ‘88 Curtis H. Nelson ‘58
Jerome Nipstad ‘69 Roger Olafson ‘70 Gerald O’Keefe ‘59 Gary Pfann ‘86 Dan Phillips ‘99 Keith Pillatzki ‘94 Duane Preston ‘63 Robert Rose ‘64 Ritchie Schaefer ‘10 Rick Seim ‘64 Greg Seims ‘08 Erik Sorensen ‘00 Earl Stegman ‘59 Mike Tokach ‘86 Trent Velure ‘88 Darnell Wohlk ‘07 $500 - $999 Number of Gifts Needed: 100 Number of Gifts to date: 2 Richard Fraught ‘60 Gene Funseth ‘71 Up to $499 Paul Myrdal ‘85 Dale Carpentier ‘70 Ronald Nelson ‘57 Corporate Gifts AdFarm Matching Gifts BASF Bobcat Caterpillar Pfizer Sherwin-Williams 3M Wells Fargo
Two Gift Clubs Recognize Special Donors Founders’ Circle
Members of the Founders’ Circle provided the gifts necessary to push the campaign over the $500,000 mark. Thank you for your early commitment and foresight that the 2nd Century Campaign would be a success. Gifts of $50,000 or more Gregg Halverson ‘71 Gifts of $25,000 - $49,999 Randall C. Aarestad ‘77 John Giese ‘80 Bill Harbeke ‘69 Allan Johnson ‘68 Earl Marifjeren ‘54 Gerald Puppe ’60 Dave Vipond ‘79 Mike Vipond ‘82 Gifts of $10,000 - $24,999 Keith Bjerke ‘61 Jack Brown ‘60 Bruce Fagerholt ‘70 Bill Finley ‘70 Warren & Kevin Hall ‘06 Jim, Jamie & Clair Hauge ’70 ’95 ‘00 Merrill Johnson ‘56 Myron Johnsrud ‘57 Roger Kenner ‘71 Clint Kurtz ‘60 Carl Larson ‘62 Tom Lilja ‘92 Travis Maddock ‘93 Donald F. Schwartz ‘57 Gifts of $5,000 - $9,999 Arnold M. Amundson ‘62 Lester Amundson ‘56 Dale Anderson ‘59 Brant Bigger ‘00 Alan Blume ‘80 Robert Jerger ‘70 Russ Johnson ‘69
Aaron Kleingartner ‘01 Jim Kokett ‘88 Anthony Larson ‘95 Randall A. Mauch ‘72 Lyle Moe ‘58 Roy Simonson ‘34 Ryan Wingenbach ‘00 Steve Wosick ‘08 Gifts of $1,000 - $4,999 Dixon Best ‘49 Blaine Erovick Bob Knudson “58 Jamie Nettum ‘99 Roger Olafson ‘70 Gerald O’Keefe ‘59 Duane Preston ‘63 Erik Sorensen ‘00 Trent Velure ‘88
David & Marlys Sunderland ‘68 $250,000 Challenge Gift
Members of the Fireside Circle have provided gifts and pledges of $10,000 or more to maximize the David & Marlys Sunderland 2nd Century Campaign Challenge which began July 28, 2008 and expired September 15, 2008. The total raised against the match was $352,582.50. Fireside Circle New Gifts of $50,000 or more Corey Martin ‘98 New Gifts of $25,000 - $49,999 Peter Shockman ‘78 Raymond York ‘70 Allen Giese ’82 New Gifts of $10,000 - $24,999 Michael Anderson ‘68 Joe, Joey, Chris, & Mark Bata ‘72, ‘00, ‘04, ‘06
Darby Bauer ‘91 Jack & Ken Berg ‘00, ‘04 Don & Kristi Carlson ‘97 Gary Gibbons ‘55 Bernie Goodman ‘68 Jared Hagert ‘98 John & Eric Halverson ‘99, ‘99 Craig Hanson ‘90 Robert Knorr ‘65 Andy Moquist ‘04 Howard Schmid ‘58 Myron Senechal ‘66 Mark Sletten ‘77 Tim & Mark Vipond ‘83, ‘88 Pledges Increased by $5,000 or More Earl Marifjeren ‘54 Roger Kenner ‘71 Merrill Johnson ‘56 John Giese ‘80
How Can I Make a Gift or Pledge to the 2nd Century Campaign? Contact Bill ’69 and Geri Harbeke at 701/277-9681, email at [email protected], or any campaign volunteer. To assure that you receive proper credit for your gift, please complete a campaign pledge card available from any member of the volunteer team. Please indicate on the pledge card how you (and/or your family or business) should be acknowledged on the Donor Roster.
7
Bill & Geri Harbeke – Campaign Coordinators 746 14½ Avenue East West Fargo, North Dakota 58078 Phone: 701-277-9681 Email: [email protected]
Campaig n Reache s 80% of G oal!
Campaign News: • The 2nd Century Campaign exceeded 77% of the $1.75 million goal by Homecoming 2008. The current total is $1,370,522.75 with 136 donors contributing. • 31 donors contributed $352,582.50 to exceed the David & Marlys Sunderland ’68 Challenge. 34 donors contributed an additional $100,000 in non-qualifying gifts. Total dollars raised as a result of the Sunderland Challenge was $700,382.50! • Decade and Class Chairs are being recruited now to reach out to all brothers. • 100 brothers and their spouses attended the Public Campaign Kick-Off Homecoming weekend. • Naming opportunities are still available. • Tribute gifts can recognize special individuals, and will be permanently displayed at the chapter house at the conclusion of the campaign. • For more information on the campaign, check out the Epsilon website at www.agrfargo.org
Over 100 brothers and their wives attended the kick-off celebration at Seasons at Rose Creek. The event officially launched the public phase of the 2nd Century Campaign. Close to 80% of the campaign goal has been raised!
In This Issue... Beating the Sunderland Challenge Page 2 100 Volunteers and Growing Page 3 Consider Making a Tribute Gift Page 4 Let the Games Begin! Page 5 Naming Opportunities Available for Leadership Gifts Page 5 Project Overview Page 5 Donor Roster Page 6 Campaign News Page 8
For more campaign information go to www.agrfargo.org
Fireside Chatter
Issue 6
Epsilon Launches Campaign! “This project has been in the works for 10 years as we’ve thought about how to celebrate our centennial anniversary at NDSU in 2013,” said Brant Bigger ’00, House Corp. president. “We’ve developed a sound plan, tested it with a core group of alumni, and for the past 10 months, we’ve been quietly raising money. With success within our grasp, it’s time to reach out to all Epsilon alumni and publicly launch our 2nd Century Campaign!”
$1.75 million goal before going public. But the Homecoming news from NDSU is all that and better. Today 134 donors and their employers have contributed $1,358,522.75.
continued on page 2
The $1.75 million campaign will fund three objectives: • Development of a campus-leading scholarship program • Renovation and expansion of the chapter house • Purchase of neighboring property for parking Volunteers never could have imagined that their brothers would contribute just shy of 80% of the
House Corp. President Brant Bigger ‘00 updated alumni on the history of the project, and the success of the campaign’s leadership gift phase. Volunteers have been developing the project over the past decade to celebrate AGR’s centennial anniversary at NDSU in 2013.
Second Century Campaign Launches con’t Addressing a crowd of 100 brothers and their spouses at the Kick-Off event at Season’s at Rose Creek October 5th, Campaign Chair Gregg Halverson ’71 credited the passion that brothers feel for the fraternity for motivating alumni to support the campaign. “If we don’t take action now to upgrade our facility and invest in its young men, we stand to lose AGR at NDSU. This organization stands for something special in our lives; it bonds us all together. This the right project to support at the right time in our history.”
Think 2nd Half, 4th Quarter
Gregg Halverson likened the next phase of the Epsilon project to the Bison’s come from behind, second half victory over Southern Illinois 3527. “We’ve cleared the major hurdles and are gaining serious energy, but the game is not over until we reach our goal of $1.75 million. We can’t declare victory yet, but it’s within sight! “The biggest reason people don’t give to campaigns is they’re not asked,” added Gregg. “This won’t happen with our campaign. We’re going to go the extra mile so all brothers have the opportunity to participate in this project.”
Bill Finley ’70 has been charged to lead the public campaign. For the past two months he’s been recruiting brothers to serve as Decade and Class Chairs to personally reach out to over 800 living AGR alumni. “In order to eat an elephant, you need lots of people sitting around the table,” said Bill. “And that’s what we’re trying to accomplish. Many brothers have already stepped forward to talk to their classmates about the campaign. This is an exciting time and an excellent reason to reconnect with brothers you haven’t spoken to in many years.”
Beating the Sunderland Challenge Giving the campaign a tremendous shot in the arm this summer was David and Marlys Sunderland ’68 who promised to contribute up to $250,000 if the chapter could match that exact amount within a 6-week period from July 28th through September 15th. Gift rules encouraged alumni to contribute gifts of $10,000 or more. Existing donors – who had already contributed $5,000 or more – were encouraged to increase their gift by at least $5,000. Thirty-one donors – now members of the Fireside Circle giving club - answered the call raising a total of $352,582.50. Thirty-four donors contributed an additional $100,000 in non-qualifying gifts. In total the Sunderland Challenge raised $700,382.50! “Get r’ done is all I can say,” said Dave Sunderland who was accompanied by his wife Marlys, a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority
2
David and Marlys Sunderland ‘68 promised a $250,000 challenge gift if alumni could match that exact amount by 9/15/08. Over $700,000 was raised by the effort. Maryls was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority which is no longer on the NDSU campus. According to Dave, that loss figured heavily in their decision to support AGR.
which has long been absent from the NDSU campus. “Marlys said we needed to get involved in this effort
because AGR is too good to lose like Gamma Phi. “Now is the time for all alumni to get involved.”
100 Volunteers and Growing Many brothers have made significant contributions of time and talent to develop a sound project and a successful capital campaign effort. Thank you to all! If you would like to volunteer, call Bill Finley at 701-235-2314. House Corporation Brant Bigger ‘00 Tom Lilja ‘92 Jon Lee ‘97 Blain Erovick Andy Maier ‘05 Don Nelson ‘87 Craig Hanson ‘90 Bill Harbeke ‘69 Aaron Kleingartner ‘01 Erik Sorensen ‘00 Jamie Nettum ‘98 Bill Finley ‘70 Darnell Wohlk ‘07 Steering Committee Roy Johnson ‘50 Don Schwartz ‘57 Howard Schmid ‘59 Dale Anderson ‘60 Jack Brown ‘60 Jerry Puppe ‘60 Keith Bjerke ‘61 Rick Palmer ‘61 Jim Hauge ‘70 Bruce Fagerholt ‘70 Gregg Halverson ‘71 Jim Kokett ‘88 Tom Lilja ‘92 Jason Eckert ‘93 Anthony Larson ‘95 Jeff Strang ‘98 Brant Bigger ‘00 Bill Harbeke ‘69 Feasibility Study Participants Lester Amundson Dale Anderson Brant Bigger Keith Bjerke John Bollingberg Jack Brown Jack Dahl Jeff Dahl Donavon Evashenko Orian Fjestad LaVern Freeh Tom Gates John Giese Carl Haas Gregg Halverson Jim Hauge Maynard Helgaas Maynard Iverson
Myron Johnsrud Allan Johnson, Merrill Johnson Clinton Kurtz Carl Larson Earl Marifjeren Dr. Corey Martin Andrew Mauch Randy Mauch Rob Pile Jerry Puppe Eugene Rott Joe Ruliffson Howard Schmid Don Schwartz Bob Steffes Earl Stegman Dr. Tom Socha David Sunderland Mike Vipond Building Committee Mike Vipond ‘82 Jamie Nettum ‘99 Keith Bjerke ‘61 Bob Jerger ‘70 Russ Johnson ‘69 Steve Wosick ‘08 Doug Wosick—Noble Ruler Charlie Aarestad — undergraduate Campaign Committee Gregg Halverson ‘71 Brant Bigger ‘00 Bruce Fagerholt ‘70 John Giese ‘80 Jim Hauge ‘70 Allan Johnson ‘68 Earl Marifjeren ‘54 Roger Kenner ‘71 Bob Knorr ‘65 Robert Knudson ‘58 Jerry Puppe ‘60 Jim Kokett ‘88 Carl Larson ‘62 Tom Lilja ‘92 Trent Velure ‘88 Steve Wosick ‘08 Doug Wosick—Noble Ruler Tribute Committee Don Schwartz—Chair Myron Johnsrud ’57 Jack Babinski
Jerry Puppe ‘60 is one of over 100 volunteers to the 2nd Century Campaign. On Jerry’s left is undergraduate Ritchie Schaefer, the current VNR of Recruitment.
Howard Schmidt General Business & Foundations Committee Dale Anderson—Chair General Campaign Committee Bill Finley ‘70 Decade Chairs: Bob Knudson – 1950s Duane Preston—1960s David Vipond—1970s Jim Kokett—1980s Greg Goodman—1990s Grant Anderson—2000s Class Chairs 1960 Jerry Puppe 1961 Keith Bjerke 1962 1963 Duane Preston 1964 Robert Rose 1965 Bob Knorr 1966 Don Strickler 1967 Allen Odenbach 1968 Mick Anderson 1969 Bill Harbeke 1970 Ed Pearson 1971 Terry Skjerseth 1972 Randy Mauch 1973 Pat Stallman
1974 Reed Tinkham 1976 Kim Lees 1977 Mark Sletten 1978 Randy Mittness 1979 Howard Huebner 1980 1981 Dave Schneeberger 1982 1983 Ralph Kaehler 1984 1985 1986 Gary Pfann 1987 Jim Rhormodson 1988 Trent Velure 1989 Blaine Hopfauf 1990 Brad Giese 1991 & 1992 Craig Hanson 1993 Kenneth Sundberg 1994 Kirk Johnson 1995 & 1996 Anthony Larson 1996 & 1997 Don Carlson 1998 Jeff Strang 1999 Eric Halverson 2000 Eric Sorensen 2001 Aaron Kleingartner 2002 Dallas Loff 2003 Jeff Olson 2004 Ken Berg 2005 Craig Olson 2006 Andrew Mauch 2007 2008 Steve Wosick
3
Consider Making a Tribute Gift What finer recognition could there be for an AGR brother, relative, favorite professor or mentor than a Tribute gift extended in their honor for the 2nd Century Campaign. Tribute gifts are acknowledged in the campaign Donor Roster and Fireside Chatter, and will be on permanent display at the renovated/expanded chapter house long after the campaign is over. Joe Ruliffson ’56 was the first alumnus to recognize his father Ralph M. ’17 and brother Ralph R. ’63 with a Tribute gift. According to Joe, his dad only attended NDSU for two terms, but never missed a Founder’s Day. With donor approval, alumni and friends are encouraged to add their gifts to named Tributes as the campaign proceeds. New tributes can be made at any time for individuals deceased or living. If a new or existing Tribute reaches the threshold for a naming opportunity, a room at the chapter house will be named for the Tribute honoree. Other Tributes currently
How Does the Campaign Work? • All gifts to Epsilon are tax deductible. • Cash and non cash gifts – including marketable real estate, life insurance, commodities and others – can be accepted. • Donors can make payments on pledges over a five year period. • Matching gifts can be received.
4
Joe Ruliffson is flanked by Bernie Goodman on the left and Dave Lee on the right. Joe and his wife Joan have made a Tribute gift in honor of Joe’s father Ralph M. ’17 and brother Ralph R. ‘63.
being established include: • The Darel Leetun ’55 Tribute • The Reg Gorder ’57 Tribute • The Mrs. Ella Metcalf Tribute
To make a Tribute gift, complete the coupon on the right and enclose it with your campaign pledge card.
Your Name and Graduating Year: Your Tribute Honoree: Honoree Description: (Why have you selected your Tribute Honoree for special recognition? Please include pertinent details of your honoree for use in future campaign materials.)
Your Preference for Acknowledging Your Honoree: (For example, The John Doe Tribute Contributed by Robert ’69 and Sally Doe)
With your Tribute gift of $10,000 or more, you are eligible for a naming opportunity within the Chapter House. Do you have a preference for a specific room?
Let the Games Begin! As Decade and Class Chairs get their feet on the ground, classes from the 1950s through 2008 will be jockeying to see who can claim “King of the Hill” status in terms of overall campaign participation and giving. Seventies Decade Chair Dave Vipond ’79 thinks brothers of his decade will come out on top. “Brothers of my vintage are in a good position to become major donors to the campaign,” said Dave. “I’m challenging the rest of you, with just a little bit of fun, to give it your all. Homecoming ’08 was the most fun since we smuggled two kegs into the stands at the ’78 Homecoming game. Money aside, this campaign is about reconnecting and catching up with brothers.”
The Marifjeren brothers—Allyn and Earl— reconnect with Gary Gibbons at the public campaign kickoff event.
Naming Opportunities Still Available! All gifts to the 2nd Century Campaign are appreciated. For donors contributing $1,000 or more, permanent acknowledgement of your gift will be made at the chapter house following the conclusion of the campaign. For donors interested in room naming opportunities, please contact Campaign Coordinator Bill Harbeke at 701-277-9681.
Renovating and expanding the chapter house was soundly endorsed by an alumni study group.
Campaign Dollars will Support: • Six new scholarships per semester • 2,900 square foot addition to the chapter house to the east, creating six new student rooms including a potential resident advisor suite and replacement stairwell • Improved life safety features such as a remodeled south stair enhancing fire prevention and evacuation • Expanded baths and laundry
• Improved and expanded study space • Air conditioning and improved heating efficiency • Expanded parking beyond the 9 current spaces available • Improved computer access • Handicapped accessibility on the main floor, including bathroom facility
Size of Gift
Building Target
$250,000
Scholarship Fund
$100,000-$249,999
Library, Dining Room
$50,000-$99,999
Living Room, Patio, Game Room, Second and Third Floor Study Rooms
$25,000-$49,999
5 New Resident Rooms Created by Expansion (including Resident Advisor Suite and Noble Ruler Suite)
$10,000-$24,999
Current Resident Rooms
5
Epsilon Donor Roster AGR Centennial Campaign at NDSU Goal: $1,750,000 Amount Pledged/Gifted to date: $1,370,522.75 Amount Collected: $263,303.82 Percent Pledged: 78.3 % Total Number of Contributors: 136 As of 10-14-08 $250,000 or more Number of Gifts Needed: 1 Number of Gifts to date: 1 David & Marlys Sunderland ‘68 $100,000 - $249,999 Number of Gifts Needed: 2 Number of Gifts to date: 0 $50,000 - $99,999 Number of Gifts Needed: 5 Number of Gifts to date: 3 John Giese ‘80 Gregg Halverson ‘71 Corey Martin ‘98 $25,000 - $49,999 Number of Gifts Needed: 12 Number of Gifts to date: 13 Randall C. Aarestad ‘77 John, Grant, & Noah Anderson ‘80, ‘04, ‘06 Allen Giese ‘82 Bill Harbeke ‘69 Allan Johnson ‘68 Roger Kenner ‘71 Earl Marifjeren ‘54 Gerald Puppe ‘60 Randy Reber ‘80 Peter Shockman ‘78 Dave Vipond ‘79 Mike Vipond ‘82 Ray York ‘70 $10,000 - $24,999 Number of Gifts Needed: 30 Number of Gifts to date: 33 Michael Anderson ‘68 Joseph L., Christopher, Joseph M. & Mark Bata ‘72, ‘00, ‘04, ‘06 Darby Bauer ‘91 Jack & Ken Berg ‘00, ‘04 Keith Bjerke ‘61 Jack Brown ‘60 Don & Kristi Carlson ‘97
6
Bruce Fagerholt ‘70 Bill Finley ‘70 Dr. Gary B. Gibbons ‘55 Bernie Goodman ‘68 Jared Hagert ‘98 Warren & Kevin Hall ‘06 John & Eric Halverson ‘99, ‘99 Craig Hanson ‘90 Jim, Jamie & Clair Hauge ‘70 ‘95 ‘00 Merrill Johnson ‘56 Myron Johnsrud ‘57 Aaron Kleingartner ‘01 Robert Knorr ‘65 Clint Kurtz ‘60 Carl Larson ‘62 Tom Lilja ‘92 Travis Maddock ‘93 Andrew Moquist ‘04 Ralph M. ‘17, & Ralph R. ‘63 Ruliffson, Tribute by Joe S. Ruliffson ‘56 Howard Schmid ‘58 Donald F. Schwartz ‘57 Myron Senechal ‘66 Mark Sletten ‘77 Tim & Mark Vipond ‘83 ‘88 Jarvis York ‘99 Bruce Zavalney ‘77 $5,000 - $9,999 Number of Gifts Needed: 50 Number of Gifts to date: 42 Charles Aarestad ‘11 Arnold M. Amundson ‘62 Lester Amundson ‘56 Dale Anderson ‘59 Jacob Bailey ‘08 Charles Bateman ‘61 Brant Bigger ‘00 Alan Blume ‘80 Dale Blume ‘73 Dick Clark ‘53 Rich Clemenson ‘63 Jason Eckert ‘93 Orian Fjestad ‘59 Robert Geston ‘50 Greg Goodman ‘99 George W. Hildre ‘55 Howard Huebner ‘79 Robert Jerger ‘70
Roy H. Johnson ‘50 Russ Johnson ‘69 Jim Kokett ‘88 Anthony Larson ‘95 David A. Lee ‘66 Tom Lipetzky ‘83 Terry Lorenzen ‘58 Brad Maier ‘94 Randall A. Mauch ‘72 Lyle Moe ‘58 Wade Moser ‘79 Lyle E. Nelson ‘48 Jamie Nettum ‘99 Roy Simonson ‘34 Jeffrey Strang ‘98 Donald Strickler ‘66 Kenneth Thompson ‘58 Jim Thormodson ‘87 Matt Titus ‘93 Aaron Vadnais ‘08 Archie & Dave Wanner ’80, ‘80 Dan Weiler ‘85 Ryan Wingenbach ‘00 Steve Wosick ‘08 $1,000 - $4,999 Number of Gifts Needed: 175 Number of Gifts to date: 39 Vince Anez ‘89 Dixon Best ‘49 Neal Coit ‘79 Matt Danuser ‘93 Donavan Eck ‘63 Mark Ellison ‘83 Blaine Erovick Tom Gates ‘56 Justin Green ‘01 Harlow Grove ‘72 Allyn Hart ‘61 Clayton Haugse ‘53 Blaine Hopfauf ‘89 Maynard J. Iverson ‘61 IVY Partners Bob Knudson ‘58 Dallas Loff ‘02 Dan Lugert Darryl Lutovsky ‘68 Lee McLaughlin ‘69 Ron Mueller ‘81 Steven T. Neil ‘88 Curtis H. Nelson ‘58
Jerome Nipstad ‘69 Roger Olafson ‘70 Gerald O’Keefe ‘59 Gary Pfann ‘86 Dan Phillips ‘99 Keith Pillatzki ‘94 Duane Preston ‘63 Robert Rose ‘64 Ritchie Schaefer ‘10 Rick Seim ‘64 Greg Seims ‘08 Erik Sorensen ‘00 Earl Stegman ‘59 Mike Tokach ‘86 Trent Velure ‘88 Darnell Wohlk ‘07 $500 - $999 Number of Gifts Needed: 100 Number of Gifts to date: 2 Richard Fraught ‘60 Gene Funseth ‘71 Up to $499 Paul Myrdal ‘85 Dale Carpentier ‘70 Ronald Nelson ‘57 Corporate Gifts AdFarm Matching Gifts BASF Bobcat Caterpillar Pfizer Sherwin-Williams 3M Wells Fargo
Two Gift Clubs Recognize Special Donors Founders’ Circle
Members of the Founders’ Circle provided the gifts necessary to push the campaign over the $500,000 mark. Thank you for your early commitment and foresight that the 2nd Century Campaign would be a success. Gifts of $50,000 or more Gregg Halverson ‘71 Gifts of $25,000 - $49,999 Randall C. Aarestad ‘77 John Giese ‘80 Bill Harbeke ‘69 Allan Johnson ‘68 Earl Marifjeren ‘54 Gerald Puppe ’60 Dave Vipond ‘79 Mike Vipond ‘82 Gifts of $10,000 - $24,999 Keith Bjerke ‘61 Jack Brown ‘60 Bruce Fagerholt ‘70 Bill Finley ‘70 Warren & Kevin Hall ‘06 Jim, Jamie & Clair Hauge ’70 ’95 ‘00 Merrill Johnson ‘56 Myron Johnsrud ‘57 Roger Kenner ‘71 Clint Kurtz ‘60 Carl Larson ‘62 Tom Lilja ‘92 Travis Maddock ‘93 Donald F. Schwartz ‘57 Gifts of $5,000 - $9,999 Arnold M. Amundson ‘62 Lester Amundson ‘56 Dale Anderson ‘59 Brant Bigger ‘00 Alan Blume ‘80 Robert Jerger ‘70 Russ Johnson ‘69
Aaron Kleingartner ‘01 Jim Kokett ‘88 Anthony Larson ‘95 Randall A. Mauch ‘72 Lyle Moe ‘58 Roy Simonson ‘34 Ryan Wingenbach ‘00 Steve Wosick ‘08 Gifts of $1,000 - $4,999 Dixon Best ‘49 Blaine Erovick Bob Knudson “58 Jamie Nettum ‘99 Roger Olafson ‘70 Gerald O’Keefe ‘59 Duane Preston ‘63 Erik Sorensen ‘00 Trent Velure ‘88
David & Marlys Sunderland ‘68 $250,000 Challenge Gift
Members of the Fireside Circle have provided gifts and pledges of $10,000 or more to maximize the David & Marlys Sunderland 2nd Century Campaign Challenge which began July 28, 2008 and expired September 15, 2008. The total raised against the match was $352,582.50. Fireside Circle New Gifts of $50,000 or more Corey Martin ‘98 New Gifts of $25,000 - $49,999 Peter Shockman ‘78 Raymond York ‘70 Allen Giese ’82 New Gifts of $10,000 - $24,999 Michael Anderson ‘68 Joe, Joey, Chris, & Mark Bata ‘72, ‘00, ‘04, ‘06
Darby Bauer ‘91 Jack & Ken Berg ‘00, ‘04 Don & Kristi Carlson ‘97 Gary Gibbons ‘55 Bernie Goodman ‘68 Jared Hagert ‘98 John & Eric Halverson ‘99, ‘99 Craig Hanson ‘90 Robert Knorr ‘65 Andy Moquist ‘04 Howard Schmid ‘58 Myron Senechal ‘66 Mark Sletten ‘77 Tim & Mark Vipond ‘83, ‘88 Pledges Increased by $5,000 or More Earl Marifjeren ‘54 Roger Kenner ‘71 Merrill Johnson ‘56 John Giese ‘80
How Can I Make a Gift or Pledge to the 2nd Century Campaign? Contact Bill ’69 and Geri Harbeke at 701/277-9681, email at [email protected], or any campaign volunteer. To assure that you receive proper credit for your gift, please complete a campaign pledge card available from any member of the volunteer team. Please indicate on the pledge card how you (and/or your family or business) should be acknowledged on the Donor Roster.
7
Bill & Geri Harbeke – Campaign Coordinators 746 14½ Avenue East West Fargo, North Dakota 58078 Phone: 701-277-9681 Email: [email protected]
Campaig n Reache s 80% of G oal!
Campaign News: • The 2nd Century Campaign exceeded 77% of the $1.75 million goal by Homecoming 2008. The current total is $1,370,522.75 with 136 donors contributing. • 31 donors contributed $352,582.50 to exceed the David & Marlys Sunderland ’68 Challenge. 34 donors contributed an additional $100,000 in non-qualifying gifts. Total dollars raised as a result of the Sunderland Challenge was $700,382.50! • Decade and Class Chairs are being recruited now to reach out to all brothers. • 100 brothers and their spouses attended the Public Campaign Kick-Off Homecoming weekend. • Naming opportunities are still available. • Tribute gifts can recognize special individuals, and will be permanently displayed at the chapter house at the conclusion of the campaign. • For more information on the campaign, check out the Epsilon website at www.agrfargo.org
Over 100 brothers and their wives attended the kick-off celebration at Seasons at Rose Creek. The event officially launched the public phase of the 2nd Century Campaign. Close to 80% of the campaign goal has been raised!
