April 13, 2004

 

Dear Brothers:

 

     I hope you are enjoying the new website and getting plenty of good information about Alpha Upsilon and all the activities occurring at 225 University Street.  If you made it to Founders Day on April 3, you received a blessing.  If you missed the day, brotherhood was at an all time high.  Maybe next year. 

 

     Here are some highlights of the 2004 Founders Day.  The early arrivers got coffee, doughnuts, conversation, and brotherhood at the house.  It was a perfect day to be outside and walk to the university for the awards program and the active-alumni meeting.  If you have not heard, both meetings were held in the newly renovated "Old Gym".  The building is beautiful, comfortable, and brings back fond memories of P.E. and maybe some dances.  Decade Brothers from the initiation years of 1964, 1974, 1984, and 1994 were presented to the group.  Next year will be 1965 etc.  The highlight of the awards program was the keynote address by Chancellor Nick Dunagan.  I would like to share with you the 10 reasons he gave for being an AGR.  Would you agree?

#10

You have given back to Alpha Gamma Rho. I know of no other Greek organization that has a tighter network of alumni. 

 

#09

You have a nationally recognized and honored chapter. 

 

#08

You have a great potential of growth because of the University's investment in our Ag program.

 

#07

The Agriculture Teaching Center in providing more hands-on experiences than ever before. 

 

#06

Through the Ag Teaching Center, we are reaching out to other groups such as 4-H, FFA, cattle sales, horse shows, etc. to showcase agriculture. 

 

#05

UT Martin will host the first Governor's School for Agriculture this summer.  The best agriculture students will be here for four weeks this summer. 

 

#04

If you are in a field where a Master's Degree in Agriculture is beneficial, you can get that degree online from UT Martin. 

 

#03

You have in Alice Toon a house mother who continues the tradition of outstanding housemothers.

 

#02

You have an organization that is well respected by administration and faculty. 

And the No. 1 reason:

You are good and getting better. 

     How about them reasons brothers?  I believe the chancellor is right on target.

     One item for your input.  There is discussion to moving Founders Day to the third weekend in March.  It is believed more alumni will attend due to cooler weather and less of a chance of being in the field.  Also, we will not have to compete with turkey opening day and the start of ball season for all us parents and grandparents.  Let us know your feelings. 

 

     May life treat you well.  Keep the faith.  Lastly, make yourself attend an alumni function soon.  Your brothers are waiting to see you.

 

Fraternally,

 

Thomas Raines

Alumni President