Alpha Gamma Rho: Beta Epsilon Chapter

History of the Arkansas State University Alpha Gamma Rho Colony

The beginning of Alpha Gamma Rho at A.S.U. came from many different roots. In the spring of 1969 many Agriculture students were looking around for some type of collegiate involvement. Paul Mayfield and Bob Montgomery, two graduating seniors, were writing letters to different Agriculture fraternities to obtain information on how to start an Ag. Fraternity. At the same time another group of students were starting to come together with the same idea. A general meeting was called for and held in the Ag. Building. At this meeting Dale Poag acted as chairman. It was decided that a club should be formed as the foundation of an Ag. Fraternity.

Officers were then elected:

President: Dale Poag
Vice President: Bill Aslin
Secretary: Tommy Hayes
Treasurer: Bob Chatman

The following weekend a delegation of members composed of Dale Poag, Tommy Hayes, Bob McFarlin and Kenneth Spencer visited Alpha Gamma Rho and Farm House at the University of Arkansas. When the delegation returned and a report was given, it was decided to contact Alpha Gamma Rho.
A summer retreat was held at which plans were made and members talked with Brother Larson, A National officer of AGR. Lewis Larson explained to them what they must do to colonize and finally obtain a charter.
When the fall semester of 1969 arrived, a strong Foundation had been laid out, but getting advisers had been a serious holdback. A general faculty meeting was called at which the AGR's explained their plans and purposes. A vote was taken and the faculty gave them their full support. Dr. Alvin Langlois and Dr. Claude Irby came to our rescue and the AGR's were on their way.
Several social activities were planned for the year the first of which was a Halloween party at the school pavilion. Good news came at the next social, a Christmas party, when Dean Robert Moore announced that, "Thanks to Tommy Hayes, who has been camping on my doorstep every morning before breakfast, you have a suite in the bottom of State Hall."
During the Spring of 1970 the AGR Club became more active. On March 5th, it petitioned and was granted a colony status. Now that they had a suite to meet in and hold group functions, their work was more effective. They became stronger on campus, not only in student government, leadership, and sports, but with all the faculty and staff.

The Fall of 1970 started with a big idea...a fraternity house. At the first meeting of the semester plans were made for a house. The Architects that designed it were Little and Maddox of Jonesboro. Bids were taken for the construction and BB Vance and Son received the contract. But not all of their efforts were used in the plans. Also during that year there was a large pledge class, a Halloween party, intramural with other fraternities, and an increased interest with the student government.
In the Spring of 1971 the house was almost a reality. Ground breaking ceremonies were held in April. The construction would take about 5 months. Plans were made to remodel an existing house and add a new structure to it.
At the beginning of the Fall semester of 1971, the house was not finished. It was not until Oct. 1 that members, pledges, and Mrs. Lynn Stewart, our housemother, moved in. Since then the "house" has become a "home" for all of the men who have lived in it.
The next major event that took place was the fraternity house dedication on November 6. Maynard Coe, the National Secretary, arrived Friday to assist us in the dedication of the first fraternity house at A.S.U.
Despite driving rain and near freezing temperatures, the house was officially dedicated Saturday. Governor Dale Bumpers and Congressman Bill Alexander were two of the many dignitaries on hand. The year continued with the AGR's placing third in the float division of the Homecoming weekend, and ended with a wonderful Christmas party.
The spring of 1972 found the AGR's of A.S.U. making another first. They were the first student organization to announce its support for the New Era Fund, the drive for a new football stadium on campus. They pledged $3,000 over the coming 3 years. They were thanked not only by the faculty members, but also by the coaches and players of the number 1 Indian team.
Alpha Gamma Rho intends to be the "NUMBER ONE" organization at Arkansas State University. This will be accomplished through brotherhood, leadership, scholarship, and organization. All of these traits our members have...and use.

Today, that same tradition of building better men continues. Many things have changed since our beginnings; but, one thing remains constant —high caliber, dedicated, loyal members ready to defend the aims and purposes of our beloved fraternity and her interests. All of them Brothers in the bond of Alpha Gamma Rho.