Fireside Chatter
February 2009
In This Issue... YOUR Chance to Ask Questions Page 2 Tributes Honor Loved Ones, Mentors and Contributors Page 3 Epsilon Loses Brother Simonson ‘34 Page 4 Campaign Milestones: Page 4 Naming Opportunities Still Available Page 4 Want to Make Your Pledge Or Upgrade Your Commitment? Page 5 Donor Roster Page 6
Fireside Chatter
Issue 9
Late Breaking News: $250,000 to Go! Campaign Scheduled to End on Founders’ Day “The end is clearly in sight,” says Brant Bigger ‘00, Epsilon House Corp. President. I think we can have this done on Founders’ Day – March 28th! “Speaking on behalf of the 100 volunteers who’ve invested countless hours in this project, who would have dreamed that our alumni and undergraduates would be so supportive of the 2nd Century project? With just 200 donors, we’ve reached 85% of our $1.75 million goal! Our shortfall of less than $250,000 can and will be accounted for when other alumni come to the table. After all we have over 900 brothers on our membership list. All gifts and
pledges of any size are appreciated. The important thing for all of us to remember is this must be a group effort to be successful.”
Decade and Class Chairs are in Full Swing
Led by General Campaign Chair Bill Finley ‘70, decade and class chairs have been personally reaching out to their classmates since late Fall 2008 to give each Epsilon alumnus an opportunity to ask questions concerning the project and make a gift or 5-year pledge. To date brothers in the 1960s decade are leading the pack raising a combined $482,945.68.
60’s Leads All Decades in Total Giving $600,000 $500,000
Check Out Our Website www.agrfargo.org
$400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $0 30's & 40's
50's
60's
70's
80's
90's
00's
continued on page 2
Late Breaking News...
Volunteers Doing Great Work! “This campaign is really like a phone travel log. It has been a great opportunity to get up-to-date with brothers that I haven’t seen in years. We’re revisiting about the old times, our families, mutual friends and careers. By contributing to the campaign we are revisiting and strengthening our motto… “to make better men.” We were the first fraternity on campus, and through this project we’re making sure Epsilon stays alive and well for future generations. AGR has made all of us better men in academia and in the professional world. We now have the opportunity to make sure new generations of NDSU students have as much fun and success as we have had.”
—1960’s Decade Chair Duane “Sarge” Preston ’63
“I agree with Sarge. This campaign has really been a celebration of our fraternity. It has been a great excuse to talk with my old brothers. With their support, I know we’ll be successful in making this project happen.”
—1950’s Decade Chair and 2nd Century Campaign Committee Member Bob Knudson ‘58
“This campaign is not about a hard sell. I’ve had a blast talking to guys I haven’t seen for 50 years. Talking with three brothers right before Christmas, we all agreed that we most likely wouldn’t have graduated without AGR. The camaraderie we shared in good times and when studying and tests were hard; we had friends to lean on.”
—1958 Class Chair Ken Thompson ‘58
Top Five Participating Classes 70.00% 60.00%
58.30% 50%
50.00%
45%
42.80%
40%
1972
1988
40.00% 30.00% 20.00% 10.00%
Pencil in March 28th – Founders Day for Campaign Celebration Get your pledges and campaign gifts in now!
Where Will the Money Go?
Through a special arrangement with the national fraternity at no cost to Epsilon, all 2nd Century gifts are being directed to the Educational Foundation of AGR allowing campaign donors to receive a tax benefit if desirable. With National’s support, non cash gifts can easily be accepted. One hundred percent of campaign gifts will be returned to our chapter as the project proceeds. Already neighboring property has been acquired for expanded parking. “This arrangement is a win-win for all,” says Gregg Halverson, Campaign Committee Chair. “We’ve proven that great things can be accomplished when AGR brothers come together. To date we’ve collected 25% of pledges. A portion of that money is already on its way to begin the project. With more parking accounted for, we can now push forward with drafting final specifications and extending bids in anticipation of breaking ground for construction this fall.”
0.00% 1958
1969 & 1980
1970
YOUR Chance to Ask Questions
Regional Get-Togethers Scheduled… RSVP Today
If you’re looking for the opportunity to delve deeper into project specifics and ask questions of campaign volunteers, five regional get-togethers are being scheduled this February in North Dakota and Arizona. For more information contact one of our hosts or Bill Harbeke at 701/277-9681 or [email protected]. Invitations will be mailed shortly. Grand Forks, ND – Gregg Halverson ’71, 701-775-7380 – DATE PENDING Arizona – Keith Bjerke ’61, 701-799-7553 – February 18 Fargo, ND – Bill Finley ’70, 260-350-1823, February 28 Alexandria, MN – Jim Kokett ’88, 320-763-4354 – February 28
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Tributes Honor Loved Ones, Mentors and Contributors Four of the ten tributes established to date, including the Metcalf, Ruliffson, Gorder and Federal Agency Administrators (honoring Myron Johnsrud and Keith Bjerke) -- have surpassed the minimum room naming level of $10,000! So the Tributes Committee, led by Don Schwartz ’57 is well on its way to helping to erase the $250,000
remaining of the total campaign goal of $1.75 million. Congratulations tribute captains and donors! At any time during the campaign, donors can choose to make a gift in honor of a loved one, mentor or contributor to Epsilon Chapter. Indicate on your pledge card if you would like to sup-
port one of the following established tributes or if you wish to initiate one of your own choosing. All gifts of $1,000 or more will be permanently recognized at the Chapter House. Tribute honorees will be permanently recognized at the Chapter House at the conclusion of the campaign.
Mrs. Ella Metcalf Tribute - $11,500 Co-Captains – Maynard Iverson ’61 Merrill Johnson ’56
Epsilon National Grand Presidents Tribute - $750 (S.K.Bjornson ’16, Allen Johnson ’68, Jerry Puppe) Captain – Jack Brown ’60
Epsilon Federal Agency Administrators Tribute – $14,250 (Keith Bjerke ’61, Myron Johnsrud ’57) Co-Captains – Neal Bjornson ’58, Lyle Moe ’58
Maynard Iverson Don Schwartz
Neal Bjornson Paul Brackelsberg Maynard Iverson Allyn Marifjeren Lyle Moe Don Schwartz
Darrell Ballweg Keith Bjerke Tom Gates Maynard Iverson Allyn Marifjeren Howard Schmid Don Schwartz Reg Gorder ’57 Tribute - $10,000 Captain – Howard Schmid ’58 George Bassingthwaite Greg & Val Gorder Joyce Gorder Allyn Marifjeren Howard Schmid Don Schwartz Ralph M. & Ralph R. Ruliffson Tribute - $11,000 Joe S. Ruliffson Don Schwartz
Daryl Leetun ’55 Tribute - $4,700 Co-Captains – Myron Johnsrud ’57 Jack Babinski ’53 Jack Babinski Howard Cariveau Herb French Tom Gates Myron Johnsrud Don Schwartz
Mel Maier ’55 Tribute - $2,000
Dale Anderson ’59 Tribute - $2,500 Captain – Carl Haas ’60
Allyn Marifjeren Don Schwartz
C.B. “Buck” Haas Don Schwartz Dennis L. Wold
Mike Brandvik ’60 Tribute
Allyn Marifjeren Don Schwartz Ron Brandvold ’57 Tribute - $2,000
Gerry Bender
Three New Tributes Launched Within the past week, three new tributes have been initiated by Epsilon alumni to celebrate the contributions of Madelyn Stringer, Sally Osborn and Dr. Omar Orlando Churchill. Madelyn and Sally have been cooks and de facto housemothers dating back to 1987. Dr.
Churchill is honored as the Grand Old Man of Epsilon Chapter for the help he gave in building the current chapter house as well as many other services to the fraternity. Churchill Hall on campus is named in his honor.
For more information on the Stringer and Osborn tributes contact: Travis Maddock ’93 for Madelyn Stringer Darnell Wohlk ’07 for Sally Osborn
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Epsilon Loses Brother Simonson ‘34
Noted Soils Scientist Early Campaign Supporter One hundred years old this fall and living in Oberlin since 1993, Dr. Simonson had a distinguished career in soil science working in academia and for the United States Government. Over the years, his work included field studies of soils in all parts of the United States from Point Barrow AK, southward and in parts of all continents other than Antarctica. His observations and ideas have been reported in lectures, bulletins, and books covering topics ranging from morphology, genesis, classification, usefulness of soils, to the present and potential production from soil resources of the world. In addition to writing and speaking, he provided help to other scientists as a consulting editor of Soil Science, and as an associate editor of the Soil Science Society of America Proceedings. Most recently he was an “Honorary Editor” of the Geoderma web site, after first serving as a member of the Editorial Board and later as Editor-inChief of the professional publication.
Scholarships are a major pillar of the 2nd Century Campaign. With the ability to provide up to six scholarships per semester, prospective students to NDSU as well as upperclassmen and their families will benefit. The increased visibility of Epsilon Chapter on and off campus will strengthen overall recruitment efforts.
Scholarship Fund Could Put Campaign Over the Top
Pictured here in 1941, Simonson was a faculty member at Iowa State College.
Campaign Milestones: • 2007 feasibility study conducted with 38 alumni shows overwhelming support for the “renovate and expand” building strategy. Alumni also communicate need for more scholarships. • 200 donors • 85% of $1.75 million goal raised in 12 months • 25% of pledges already collected • Neighboring property acquired in November 2008 will add up to 22 new parking spaces. • Construction specifications are being finalized and will include a 2,900 square foot addition (6 new student rooms), improved heating efficiency and air conditioning, handicapped accessibility on the main floor, expanded baths and laundry.
4
Naming Opportunities Still Available
With a gift of $100,000 or more, a donor can choose to name the Epsilon scholarship fund according to their wishes. With such a gift, this donor would most likely put the Epsilon campaign over its $1.75 million goal! Other naming opportunities are still available. For a gift of $10,000, available resident rooms are going fast. Only two of the newly created rooms are available as well as two existing rooms. In addition to the Scholarship Fund, other naming opportunities include: Gift of $50,000 to $99,999: Patio, Game Room, Second and Third Floor Study Rooms
Want to Make Your Pledge Or Upgrade Your Commitment? Complete this certificate and send to Bill Harbeke, Campaign Coordinator
A possible tax deduction, a 5-year pay-out… all good reasons to make or increase your pledge to the 2nd Century Campaign. The need is clear. Our 80-year old facility is threatening our viability on the NDSU campus. Without strong, chapter-wide support, Epsilon will not continue to provide future leaders for the agriculture and food industry. Make your pledge today, or if increasing your pledge/gift is possible, please complete the following where appropriate, and remit to Bill Harbeke, 746 14 ½ Avenue East, West Fargo, ND 58078.. Please Check Where Appropriate: ____ I/we wish to make a pledge to the 2nd Century Campaign so Epsilon is assured of reaching its goal of $1.75 million by Founders’ Day 2009. Please indicate your payment schedule for the years indicated: 2009 __________ 2010 __________ 2011 __________ 2012 __________ 2013 __________ Other: _________ Upgrade Your Pledge? I/we will increase my/our pledge to a total of ___________, payable over 5 years. Increase Your Gift? ____ Please add the enclosed to my total gift to the renovation effort. Interested in a Tribute? Please add or attribute my Epsilon contribution in recognition of: ___________________________________________________________ Signed: ____________________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________ Email: _______________________________________
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Epsilon Donor Roster AGR Centennial Campaign at NDSU Goal: $1,750,000 Amount Pledged/Gifted to date: $1,495,258.09 Amount Collected: $383,919.02 Percent Pledged: 85.4% Percent Collected: 25.7% Total Number of Contributors: 222 As of 1-9-09 $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 & Geri 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: 37
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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 Neal R. Bjornson ‘58 Jack Brown ‘60 Don & Kristi Carlson ‘97 John R., Jeffrey L., John S. Dahl ’51, ’78, ‘82 Bruce & Tom Fagerholt ’70, ‘00 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 Joe S. Ruliffson ‘56 Howard Schmid ‘58 Donald F. Schwartz ‘57 Myron Senechal ‘66 Mark Sletten ‘77 Tim & Mark Vipond ‘83 ‘88 Jason Wildung ‘96 Ryan Wingenbach ‘00 Jarvis York ‘99 Bruce Zavalney ‘77
$5,000 - $9,999 Number of Gifts Needed: 50 Number of Gifts to date: 45 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 Anonymous 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 Allyn Marifjeren ‘58 Randall A. Mauch ‘72 Lyle Moe ‘58 Wade Moser ‘79 Lyle E. Nelson ‘48 Jamie Nettum ‘99 Roy Simonson ‘34 Terry Skjerseth ‘72 James Sletten ‘71 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 Steve Wosick ‘08 $1,000 - $4,999 Number of Gifts Needed: 175 Number of Gifts to date: 79 Vince Anez ‘89 Gary Askim ‘69 Donald Bahl ‘44 Darrell Ballweg ‘61 Troy Bassingthwaite ‘98 Matthew Benz ‘80 Cliff Berg ‘67 Lannis Bergsgaard ‘64 Dixon Best ‘49 Marlo Brackelsberg ‘62 Paul Brackelsberg ‘61 Cody Chesrown ‘04 Neal Coit ‘79 Thomas W. Cotton ‘82 Leonard Dalzell ‘53 Matt Danuser ‘93 Joshua Dukart ‘03 Donavan Eck ‘63 Mark Ellison ‘83 Blaine Erovick Fred J. Flanders ‘58 Tom Gates ‘56 Greg & Val Gorder Joyce Gorder Justin Green ‘01 Harlow Grove ‘72 Allyn Hart ‘61 Curtis Hartmann ‘82 Clayton Haugse ‘53 Blaine Hopfauf ‘89 H. Frank Hughes ‘58 Maynard J. Iverson ‘61
IVY Partners Bob Knudson ‘58 Mark Lampert ‘87 Jon Lee ‘97 Leonard Leikas ‘66 Dallas Loff ‘02 Dan Lugert Darryl Lutovsky ‘68 Richard J. Lutovsky ‘66 Lee McLaughlin ‘69 Dave Mork Ron Mueller ‘81 Jerry Narum ‘68 Steven T. Neil ‘88 Curtis H. Nelson ‘58 Jerome Nipstad ‘69 Allen Odenbach ‘66 Roger Olafson ‘70 Kenneth Olson ‘73 Gerald O’Keefe ‘59 Gary Pfann ‘86 Richard L. Pfeiffer ‘69 Dan Phillips ‘99 Keith Pillatzki ‘94 Duane Preston ‘63 David Rinke ‘65 Robert Rose ‘64 Jim A. Ross ‘74 Joe & Joan Ruliffson ‘56 Ritchie Schaefer ‘10 Harley Schlichting ‘61 Al Scholes ‘66 Rick Seim ‘64 Greg Seims ‘08 Paul Skorheim ‘77 Henry N. Solberg ‘56 Erik Sorensen ‘00 Larry Spong ‘64 Earl Stegman ‘59 Reed Tinkham ‘75 Mike Tokach ‘86 Donald Uglem ‘68 Trent Velure ‘88 Matthew Williams ‘95 Nick Westman ‘54 Darnell Wohlk ‘07 Dennis L. Wold ‘60 $500 - $999 Number of Gifts Needed: 100 Number of Gifts to date: 27 Craig A. Askim ‘94 George Bassingthwaite ‘59 Howard & Margie Cariveau ‘58 John Cunningham ‘64 Joel Erickson ‘90
Richard Faught ‘60 Mike Farrell ‘63 Dale Ferebee ‘67 Herb French ‘57 Gene Funseth ‘71 C.B. “Buck” Haas ‘60 Donald Hart ‘54 Glenn Haugen ‘53 Dennis Hjelle ‘70 Dennis G. Johnson ‘62 Kirk L. Johnson ‘94 Martin L. Kraninger ‘54 Ron Kofoid ‘67 Michael Malo ‘59 Robert Mountain ‘58 James Ostlie ‘69 Robert Pile ‘43 Edward S. Saugstad ‘63 Orlan Swenson ‘64 Richard Tetrault ‘54 Robert Tetrault ‘58 Gerry Uglem ‘70
“I encourage you to support the renovation and expansion of the AGR house at NDSU. The current brothers are doing a wonderful job carrying on the traditions you and others have developed while preparing today’s young men for an excitD.C. Coston ing future. AGR provided the grounding to help you be successful as a student and is an important contributor to the success you have had after college.”
—D.C. Coston, VP Agriculture and University Extension
Up to $499 John D. Babinski ‘53 Gerry Bender ‘57 Robert Bishop ‘61 Orvin C. Burnside ‘54 Dale Carpentier ‘70 John L. Haas ‘57 Larry Johnson ‘62 Vance Jury ‘67 Ronnie Krueger ‘63 John L. Landman ‘55 Paul Myrdal ‘85 Ronald Nelsen ‘57 Rick Quam ‘75 John Richards ‘52 Morris Roningen ‘57 Patrick Stallman Anonymous Corporate Gifts AdFarm Matching Gifts BASF Bobcat Caterpillar John Deere Pfizer Sherwin-Williams 3M Wells Fargo
7
Alpha Gamma Rho Bill & Geri Harbeke – Campaign Coordinators 746 14½ Avenue East West Fargo, North Dakota 58078 Phone: 701-277-9681 Email: [email protected]
$250,000 to Beat Our Goa l!
A Question for House Corp. President – Brant Bigger ‘00 Won’t This Project Put Us in Debt? Let me assure alumni and our undergraduates that our volunteer leaders have thought long and hard on this project. But the time is ripe for action with the student population at NDSU exploding and the demand for quality student housing booming around us. If we want to remain Brant Bigger – House Corp. President relevant on campus and off we need to move now to protect our future. At House Corp. we’ve been making plans and crunching numbers for over a decade. And before establishing our final goal of $1.75 million for house construction, parking and scholarships, we built in contingencies for cost overruns and considered house
operating budgets with less than full occupancy. We took these measures to make the project rock solid and to protect the house from assuming an insurmountable debt load. Our alumni have responded better than we could have anticipated to our planning. To date we have over 85% of our goal accounted for and we’re already drawing on campaign gifts to defray our expenses now. As we move forward with the bulk of the project we may have to take on some minor debt, but we fully anticipate that campaign funds will service our financial commitments. If you have any additional questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me or any member of House Corp. or the 2nd Century Campaign Committee led by Gregg Halverson ’71.
In This Issue... YOUR Chance to Ask Questions Page 2 Tributes Honor Loved Ones, Mentors and Contributors Page 3 Epsilon Loses Brother Simonson ‘34 Page 4 Campaign Milestones: Page 4 Naming Opportunities Still Available Page 4 Want to Make Your Pledge Or Upgrade Your Commitment? Page 5 Donor Roster Page 6
Fireside Chatter
Issue 9
Late Breaking News: $250,000 to Go! Campaign Scheduled to End on Founders’ Day “The end is clearly in sight,” says Brant Bigger ‘00, Epsilon House Corp. President. I think we can have this done on Founders’ Day – March 28th! “Speaking on behalf of the 100 volunteers who’ve invested countless hours in this project, who would have dreamed that our alumni and undergraduates would be so supportive of the 2nd Century project? With just 200 donors, we’ve reached 85% of our $1.75 million goal! Our shortfall of less than $250,000 can and will be accounted for when other alumni come to the table. After all we have over 900 brothers on our membership list. All gifts and
pledges of any size are appreciated. The important thing for all of us to remember is this must be a group effort to be successful.”
Decade and Class Chairs are in Full Swing
Led by General Campaign Chair Bill Finley ‘70, decade and class chairs have been personally reaching out to their classmates since late Fall 2008 to give each Epsilon alumnus an opportunity to ask questions concerning the project and make a gift or 5-year pledge. To date brothers in the 1960s decade are leading the pack raising a combined $482,945.68.
60’s Leads All Decades in Total Giving $600,000 $500,000
Check Out Our Website www.agrfargo.org
$400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $0 30's & 40's
50's
60's
70's
80's
90's
00's
continued on page 2
Late Breaking News...
Volunteers Doing Great Work! “This campaign is really like a phone travel log. It has been a great opportunity to get up-to-date with brothers that I haven’t seen in years. We’re revisiting about the old times, our families, mutual friends and careers. By contributing to the campaign we are revisiting and strengthening our motto… “to make better men.” We were the first fraternity on campus, and through this project we’re making sure Epsilon stays alive and well for future generations. AGR has made all of us better men in academia and in the professional world. We now have the opportunity to make sure new generations of NDSU students have as much fun and success as we have had.”
—1960’s Decade Chair Duane “Sarge” Preston ’63
“I agree with Sarge. This campaign has really been a celebration of our fraternity. It has been a great excuse to talk with my old brothers. With their support, I know we’ll be successful in making this project happen.”
—1950’s Decade Chair and 2nd Century Campaign Committee Member Bob Knudson ‘58
“This campaign is not about a hard sell. I’ve had a blast talking to guys I haven’t seen for 50 years. Talking with three brothers right before Christmas, we all agreed that we most likely wouldn’t have graduated without AGR. The camaraderie we shared in good times and when studying and tests were hard; we had friends to lean on.”
—1958 Class Chair Ken Thompson ‘58
Top Five Participating Classes 70.00% 60.00%
58.30% 50%
50.00%
45%
42.80%
40%
1972
1988
40.00% 30.00% 20.00% 10.00%
Pencil in March 28th – Founders Day for Campaign Celebration Get your pledges and campaign gifts in now!
Where Will the Money Go?
Through a special arrangement with the national fraternity at no cost to Epsilon, all 2nd Century gifts are being directed to the Educational Foundation of AGR allowing campaign donors to receive a tax benefit if desirable. With National’s support, non cash gifts can easily be accepted. One hundred percent of campaign gifts will be returned to our chapter as the project proceeds. Already neighboring property has been acquired for expanded parking. “This arrangement is a win-win for all,” says Gregg Halverson, Campaign Committee Chair. “We’ve proven that great things can be accomplished when AGR brothers come together. To date we’ve collected 25% of pledges. A portion of that money is already on its way to begin the project. With more parking accounted for, we can now push forward with drafting final specifications and extending bids in anticipation of breaking ground for construction this fall.”
0.00% 1958
1969 & 1980
1970
YOUR Chance to Ask Questions
Regional Get-Togethers Scheduled… RSVP Today
If you’re looking for the opportunity to delve deeper into project specifics and ask questions of campaign volunteers, five regional get-togethers are being scheduled this February in North Dakota and Arizona. For more information contact one of our hosts or Bill Harbeke at 701/277-9681 or [email protected]. Invitations will be mailed shortly. Grand Forks, ND – Gregg Halverson ’71, 701-775-7380 – DATE PENDING Arizona – Keith Bjerke ’61, 701-799-7553 – February 18 Fargo, ND – Bill Finley ’70, 260-350-1823, February 28 Alexandria, MN – Jim Kokett ’88, 320-763-4354 – February 28
2
Tributes Honor Loved Ones, Mentors and Contributors Four of the ten tributes established to date, including the Metcalf, Ruliffson, Gorder and Federal Agency Administrators (honoring Myron Johnsrud and Keith Bjerke) -- have surpassed the minimum room naming level of $10,000! So the Tributes Committee, led by Don Schwartz ’57 is well on its way to helping to erase the $250,000
remaining of the total campaign goal of $1.75 million. Congratulations tribute captains and donors! At any time during the campaign, donors can choose to make a gift in honor of a loved one, mentor or contributor to Epsilon Chapter. Indicate on your pledge card if you would like to sup-
port one of the following established tributes or if you wish to initiate one of your own choosing. All gifts of $1,000 or more will be permanently recognized at the Chapter House. Tribute honorees will be permanently recognized at the Chapter House at the conclusion of the campaign.
Mrs. Ella Metcalf Tribute - $11,500 Co-Captains – Maynard Iverson ’61 Merrill Johnson ’56
Epsilon National Grand Presidents Tribute - $750 (S.K.Bjornson ’16, Allen Johnson ’68, Jerry Puppe) Captain – Jack Brown ’60
Epsilon Federal Agency Administrators Tribute – $14,250 (Keith Bjerke ’61, Myron Johnsrud ’57) Co-Captains – Neal Bjornson ’58, Lyle Moe ’58
Maynard Iverson Don Schwartz
Neal Bjornson Paul Brackelsberg Maynard Iverson Allyn Marifjeren Lyle Moe Don Schwartz
Darrell Ballweg Keith Bjerke Tom Gates Maynard Iverson Allyn Marifjeren Howard Schmid Don Schwartz Reg Gorder ’57 Tribute - $10,000 Captain – Howard Schmid ’58 George Bassingthwaite Greg & Val Gorder Joyce Gorder Allyn Marifjeren Howard Schmid Don Schwartz Ralph M. & Ralph R. Ruliffson Tribute - $11,000 Joe S. Ruliffson Don Schwartz
Daryl Leetun ’55 Tribute - $4,700 Co-Captains – Myron Johnsrud ’57 Jack Babinski ’53 Jack Babinski Howard Cariveau Herb French Tom Gates Myron Johnsrud Don Schwartz
Mel Maier ’55 Tribute - $2,000
Dale Anderson ’59 Tribute - $2,500 Captain – Carl Haas ’60
Allyn Marifjeren Don Schwartz
C.B. “Buck” Haas Don Schwartz Dennis L. Wold
Mike Brandvik ’60 Tribute
Allyn Marifjeren Don Schwartz Ron Brandvold ’57 Tribute - $2,000
Gerry Bender
Three New Tributes Launched Within the past week, three new tributes have been initiated by Epsilon alumni to celebrate the contributions of Madelyn Stringer, Sally Osborn and Dr. Omar Orlando Churchill. Madelyn and Sally have been cooks and de facto housemothers dating back to 1987. Dr.
Churchill is honored as the Grand Old Man of Epsilon Chapter for the help he gave in building the current chapter house as well as many other services to the fraternity. Churchill Hall on campus is named in his honor.
For more information on the Stringer and Osborn tributes contact: Travis Maddock ’93 for Madelyn Stringer Darnell Wohlk ’07 for Sally Osborn
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Epsilon Loses Brother Simonson ‘34
Noted Soils Scientist Early Campaign Supporter One hundred years old this fall and living in Oberlin since 1993, Dr. Simonson had a distinguished career in soil science working in academia and for the United States Government. Over the years, his work included field studies of soils in all parts of the United States from Point Barrow AK, southward and in parts of all continents other than Antarctica. His observations and ideas have been reported in lectures, bulletins, and books covering topics ranging from morphology, genesis, classification, usefulness of soils, to the present and potential production from soil resources of the world. In addition to writing and speaking, he provided help to other scientists as a consulting editor of Soil Science, and as an associate editor of the Soil Science Society of America Proceedings. Most recently he was an “Honorary Editor” of the Geoderma web site, after first serving as a member of the Editorial Board and later as Editor-inChief of the professional publication.
Scholarships are a major pillar of the 2nd Century Campaign. With the ability to provide up to six scholarships per semester, prospective students to NDSU as well as upperclassmen and their families will benefit. The increased visibility of Epsilon Chapter on and off campus will strengthen overall recruitment efforts.
Scholarship Fund Could Put Campaign Over the Top
Pictured here in 1941, Simonson was a faculty member at Iowa State College.
Campaign Milestones: • 2007 feasibility study conducted with 38 alumni shows overwhelming support for the “renovate and expand” building strategy. Alumni also communicate need for more scholarships. • 200 donors • 85% of $1.75 million goal raised in 12 months • 25% of pledges already collected • Neighboring property acquired in November 2008 will add up to 22 new parking spaces. • Construction specifications are being finalized and will include a 2,900 square foot addition (6 new student rooms), improved heating efficiency and air conditioning, handicapped accessibility on the main floor, expanded baths and laundry.
4
Naming Opportunities Still Available
With a gift of $100,000 or more, a donor can choose to name the Epsilon scholarship fund according to their wishes. With such a gift, this donor would most likely put the Epsilon campaign over its $1.75 million goal! Other naming opportunities are still available. For a gift of $10,000, available resident rooms are going fast. Only two of the newly created rooms are available as well as two existing rooms. In addition to the Scholarship Fund, other naming opportunities include: Gift of $50,000 to $99,999: Patio, Game Room, Second and Third Floor Study Rooms
Want to Make Your Pledge Or Upgrade Your Commitment? Complete this certificate and send to Bill Harbeke, Campaign Coordinator
A possible tax deduction, a 5-year pay-out… all good reasons to make or increase your pledge to the 2nd Century Campaign. The need is clear. Our 80-year old facility is threatening our viability on the NDSU campus. Without strong, chapter-wide support, Epsilon will not continue to provide future leaders for the agriculture and food industry. Make your pledge today, or if increasing your pledge/gift is possible, please complete the following where appropriate, and remit to Bill Harbeke, 746 14 ½ Avenue East, West Fargo, ND 58078.. Please Check Where Appropriate: ____ I/we wish to make a pledge to the 2nd Century Campaign so Epsilon is assured of reaching its goal of $1.75 million by Founders’ Day 2009. Please indicate your payment schedule for the years indicated: 2009 __________ 2010 __________ 2011 __________ 2012 __________ 2013 __________ Other: _________ Upgrade Your Pledge? I/we will increase my/our pledge to a total of ___________, payable over 5 years. Increase Your Gift? ____ Please add the enclosed to my total gift to the renovation effort. Interested in a Tribute? Please add or attribute my Epsilon contribution in recognition of: ___________________________________________________________ Signed: ____________________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________ Email: _______________________________________
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Epsilon Donor Roster AGR Centennial Campaign at NDSU Goal: $1,750,000 Amount Pledged/Gifted to date: $1,495,258.09 Amount Collected: $383,919.02 Percent Pledged: 85.4% Percent Collected: 25.7% Total Number of Contributors: 222 As of 1-9-09 $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 & Geri 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: 37
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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 Neal R. Bjornson ‘58 Jack Brown ‘60 Don & Kristi Carlson ‘97 John R., Jeffrey L., John S. Dahl ’51, ’78, ‘82 Bruce & Tom Fagerholt ’70, ‘00 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 Joe S. Ruliffson ‘56 Howard Schmid ‘58 Donald F. Schwartz ‘57 Myron Senechal ‘66 Mark Sletten ‘77 Tim & Mark Vipond ‘83 ‘88 Jason Wildung ‘96 Ryan Wingenbach ‘00 Jarvis York ‘99 Bruce Zavalney ‘77
$5,000 - $9,999 Number of Gifts Needed: 50 Number of Gifts to date: 45 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 Anonymous 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 Allyn Marifjeren ‘58 Randall A. Mauch ‘72 Lyle Moe ‘58 Wade Moser ‘79 Lyle E. Nelson ‘48 Jamie Nettum ‘99 Roy Simonson ‘34 Terry Skjerseth ‘72 James Sletten ‘71 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 Steve Wosick ‘08 $1,000 - $4,999 Number of Gifts Needed: 175 Number of Gifts to date: 79 Vince Anez ‘89 Gary Askim ‘69 Donald Bahl ‘44 Darrell Ballweg ‘61 Troy Bassingthwaite ‘98 Matthew Benz ‘80 Cliff Berg ‘67 Lannis Bergsgaard ‘64 Dixon Best ‘49 Marlo Brackelsberg ‘62 Paul Brackelsberg ‘61 Cody Chesrown ‘04 Neal Coit ‘79 Thomas W. Cotton ‘82 Leonard Dalzell ‘53 Matt Danuser ‘93 Joshua Dukart ‘03 Donavan Eck ‘63 Mark Ellison ‘83 Blaine Erovick Fred J. Flanders ‘58 Tom Gates ‘56 Greg & Val Gorder Joyce Gorder Justin Green ‘01 Harlow Grove ‘72 Allyn Hart ‘61 Curtis Hartmann ‘82 Clayton Haugse ‘53 Blaine Hopfauf ‘89 H. Frank Hughes ‘58 Maynard J. Iverson ‘61
IVY Partners Bob Knudson ‘58 Mark Lampert ‘87 Jon Lee ‘97 Leonard Leikas ‘66 Dallas Loff ‘02 Dan Lugert Darryl Lutovsky ‘68 Richard J. Lutovsky ‘66 Lee McLaughlin ‘69 Dave Mork Ron Mueller ‘81 Jerry Narum ‘68 Steven T. Neil ‘88 Curtis H. Nelson ‘58 Jerome Nipstad ‘69 Allen Odenbach ‘66 Roger Olafson ‘70 Kenneth Olson ‘73 Gerald O’Keefe ‘59 Gary Pfann ‘86 Richard L. Pfeiffer ‘69 Dan Phillips ‘99 Keith Pillatzki ‘94 Duane Preston ‘63 David Rinke ‘65 Robert Rose ‘64 Jim A. Ross ‘74 Joe & Joan Ruliffson ‘56 Ritchie Schaefer ‘10 Harley Schlichting ‘61 Al Scholes ‘66 Rick Seim ‘64 Greg Seims ‘08 Paul Skorheim ‘77 Henry N. Solberg ‘56 Erik Sorensen ‘00 Larry Spong ‘64 Earl Stegman ‘59 Reed Tinkham ‘75 Mike Tokach ‘86 Donald Uglem ‘68 Trent Velure ‘88 Matthew Williams ‘95 Nick Westman ‘54 Darnell Wohlk ‘07 Dennis L. Wold ‘60 $500 - $999 Number of Gifts Needed: 100 Number of Gifts to date: 27 Craig A. Askim ‘94 George Bassingthwaite ‘59 Howard & Margie Cariveau ‘58 John Cunningham ‘64 Joel Erickson ‘90
Richard Faught ‘60 Mike Farrell ‘63 Dale Ferebee ‘67 Herb French ‘57 Gene Funseth ‘71 C.B. “Buck” Haas ‘60 Donald Hart ‘54 Glenn Haugen ‘53 Dennis Hjelle ‘70 Dennis G. Johnson ‘62 Kirk L. Johnson ‘94 Martin L. Kraninger ‘54 Ron Kofoid ‘67 Michael Malo ‘59 Robert Mountain ‘58 James Ostlie ‘69 Robert Pile ‘43 Edward S. Saugstad ‘63 Orlan Swenson ‘64 Richard Tetrault ‘54 Robert Tetrault ‘58 Gerry Uglem ‘70
“I encourage you to support the renovation and expansion of the AGR house at NDSU. The current brothers are doing a wonderful job carrying on the traditions you and others have developed while preparing today’s young men for an excitD.C. Coston ing future. AGR provided the grounding to help you be successful as a student and is an important contributor to the success you have had after college.”
—D.C. Coston, VP Agriculture and University Extension
Up to $499 John D. Babinski ‘53 Gerry Bender ‘57 Robert Bishop ‘61 Orvin C. Burnside ‘54 Dale Carpentier ‘70 John L. Haas ‘57 Larry Johnson ‘62 Vance Jury ‘67 Ronnie Krueger ‘63 John L. Landman ‘55 Paul Myrdal ‘85 Ronald Nelsen ‘57 Rick Quam ‘75 John Richards ‘52 Morris Roningen ‘57 Patrick Stallman Anonymous Corporate Gifts AdFarm Matching Gifts BASF Bobcat Caterpillar John Deere Pfizer Sherwin-Williams 3M Wells Fargo
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Alpha Gamma Rho Bill & Geri Harbeke – Campaign Coordinators 746 14½ Avenue East West Fargo, North Dakota 58078 Phone: 701-277-9681 Email: [email protected]
$250,000 to Beat Our Goa l!
A Question for House Corp. President – Brant Bigger ‘00 Won’t This Project Put Us in Debt? Let me assure alumni and our undergraduates that our volunteer leaders have thought long and hard on this project. But the time is ripe for action with the student population at NDSU exploding and the demand for quality student housing booming around us. If we want to remain Brant Bigger – House Corp. President relevant on campus and off we need to move now to protect our future. At House Corp. we’ve been making plans and crunching numbers for over a decade. And before establishing our final goal of $1.75 million for house construction, parking and scholarships, we built in contingencies for cost overruns and considered house
operating budgets with less than full occupancy. We took these measures to make the project rock solid and to protect the house from assuming an insurmountable debt load. Our alumni have responded better than we could have anticipated to our planning. To date we have over 85% of our goal accounted for and we’re already drawing on campaign gifts to defray our expenses now. As we move forward with the bulk of the project we may have to take on some minor debt, but we fully anticipate that campaign funds will service our financial commitments. If you have any additional questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me or any member of House Corp. or the 2nd Century Campaign Committee led by Gregg Halverson ’71.
