Brother David Taylor of Alpha Kappa Chapter (Tennessee-Knoxville) is retiring from the United States Army after 22 years of service. During his time in the armed forces, Brother Taylor started off leading soldiers in combat for a decade, then transitioned to Army Physician Assistant. He said being in AGR gave him values that became instrumental when he joined the Army and owes a great deal of his initial development to his AGR brothers.
Brother Taylor plans to retire and settle down with his family in the Pacific Northwest. He will continue working as a Trauma and Acute Care Physician Assistant in the local area, while also supporting PA education at the University of Washington.
Brother David Beck of Alpha Omega Chapter (Murray State) was nominated for Business First’s Most Admired CEO. This recognition is a testament to his exceptional leadership and the hard work he dedicates to his business, Kentucky Venues. This award is given to CEOs who display qualities of trust, vision, commitment, transparency, resilience and inspiration. Brother Beck was recognized at the awards dinner on November 20.
Brother Van Malter of Theta Chapter (Missouri) was recently promoted to Market Development Manager, Ag Chemistry, Americas for Eastman Chemical Company. Prior to this promotion, Brother Malter was the Technical Development and Technical Services Manager, North America.
In July, Brother Zachary Simons of Iota Chapter (Wisconsin-Madison), along with several other industry leaders, completed an agricultural tour across Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa and Mozambique, which showcased how poultry production is changing the lives of locals and supporting economic development across southern Africa. Brother Simons got to see how hunger is impacting parts of Africa and how everything from poultry production to raising chickens is impacting Africans every day.
Brother Kevin Kersey of Gamma Alpha Chapter (Florida Southern) was promoted to Vice President of Business Development of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). As part of his leadership style, he is a deep believer in the power of relationships and storytelling, which he plans to use as he takes over business development efforts, focusing on sponsorships, partnerships, licensing and brand collaborations.
Prior to this position, Brother Kersey built a successful career in strategic development and marketing leadership. He worked in various industries including education, broadcast media and marketing.
Brother Alan Kawakami of Alpha Sigma Chapter (California State-Fresno) retired from Washington State University after nearly 46 years of vineyard research as an Agricultural Research Technologist.
Brother Jim Borel of Eta Chapter (Iowa State) was inducted into the 2025 4-H Hall of Fame for his leadership and commitment to the agriculture industries. Brother Borel has dedicated 40 years to agriculture and the food industry. He was the executive vice president and member of DuPont's Office of the Chief Executive until early 2016 where he had responsibility for the DuPont Pioneer, Crop Protection and Nutrition & Health businesses. When he joined DuPont in 1978, he was a sales representative and progressed through roles until he became executive vice president.
Now, Brother Borel is the chair of the board for Neogen, a member of the Board of Directors of Farmers Edge, AeroFarms and Eat Just, Inc. as well as the Board of Advisors for Sajjan India Ltd. He is a past chair of the board of trustees for National 4-H Council. He is also Vice Chair of the Alpha Gamma Rho Educational Foundation, a member of the board of trustees of the University of Delaware, the Board of Governors for Iowa State University.
Several collegian brothers from across the nation have worked hard and proven their dedication to success in their education. Join us in celebrating the following brothers in being awarded one of AGR’s national scholarships!
Brothers Noah Graham of Theta Chapter (Missouri) and Justin Paolucci of West Texas A&M Colony are this year’s recipients of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity’s Undergraduate Achievement Excellence Awards. This award recognizes two undergraduates with $1,000 scholarships who excel in all areas of involvement in the Fraternity.
Brother Henry Downing of West Texas A&M Colony received the Gene Swackhammer Ag Economics & Ag Business Scholarship for his elevated levels of excellence in pursuing a major in either agricultural economics, agribusiness, resource management or a closely related field of study. He also received the Robert L. Oehrtman Scholarship, which is given to a brother who holds leadership positions in either their community, academics or religious affiliations.
Brother Hayes Rickstrew of Gamma Beta Chapter (Fort Hays State) is this year’s recipient of the Kirby Barrick Agricultural Education Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to brothers who are studying Agriculture Education.
Brother Warren Cornell of Alpha Gamma Chapter (Florida) received the Harold Olson Scholarship for his outstanding levels of excellence in scholarship, leadership, citizenship, brotherhood, activities and service.
Brother Ethan Bode of Beta Gamma Chapter (Wisconsin-Platteville) was the recipient of this year’s J. Wayne Rehn Scholarship. This award is given to brothers in their sophomore or junior years, who are studying pre-veterinary or animal science.
Brother Zach Mefford of Pi Chapter (Oklahoma State) is this year’s recipient of the Bill Sallee Scholarship, which is awarded to brothers who exhibit traits of leadership and citizenship like Brother Bill Sallee. This scholarship is exclusive to brothers of Pi Chapter.
Brothers Cash Slezickey of Pi Chapter (Oklahoma State), Will Ellison of Epsilon Chapter (North Dakota State), Timothy Manzello of Gamma Chapter (Penn State) and Dennis Wollin of Beta Alpha Chapter (Southern Illinois) are this year’s recipients of the Schilling AGR Excellence Scholarship. This award is given to brothers who excel in scholarship, leadership, citizenship, activities and fraternal involvement.
Brother Ryan Culp of Beta Chapter (Ohio State) received the Ornamental Horticulture Scholarship, which is awarded to students pursuing a degree in horticulture or related field. This award will no longer be given on a national basis after this year.
Brother Blake Harrold of Alpha Zeta Chapter (Kansas State) received the Dale Runnion Scholarship, which is awarded to brothers who are pursuing a career in Agri-Marketing, journalism, advertising, or public relations.
Brother Michael Fenton, Jr. of Alpha Nu Chapter (Connecticut) is this year’s recipient of the Ole Meland Dairy Scholarship. This scholarship is given to one undergraduate brother who achieves elevated levels of excellence and is pursuing a major in, among others, dairy science, dairy husbandry, or animal science with a dairy option or emphasis.
Brother Jack Showalter of Eta Chapter (Iowa State) is this year’s recipient of the Lindley Finch Memorial Scholarship. Recipients display leadership and citizenship traits like those of Lindley Finch, including endeavor, resourcefulness, aggressive effort and a balanced lifestyle.
