Alpha Gamma Rho, a social and professional fraternity here at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is home to many LSC students. The organization provides members leadership and networking opportunities in the field of agriculture.
AGR strives to give members the chance to succeed and become the next leaders in the agriculture industry. Their goal is to teach others in non-traditional agriculture majors to appreciate agriculture and understand the importance of agriculture for our future.
During the course of the year AGR gives back to the community in a variety of ways.
“Every year we hold philanthropy in the fall—a Hawaiian themed hog roast—to raise money for Alzheimer’s research,” said Peter Gerhetzke, LSC senior and AGR member. “We also provide 10 hours of community service each semester such as ringing bells for the Salvation Army, working at the First Harvest soup kitchen, and Students Today Leaders Tomorrow, a student run alternative spring break group.”
The fraternity also keeps a close relationship with CALS by inviting professors to speak at their spring scholarship banquet for incoming freshmen and at their weekly meetings. This helps member to keep up with current news in CALS and stay connected to the University.
Since many members are majoring in LSC, they find that what they learn through classes helps them communicate agriculture to others.
“The biggest problem facing agriculture today is the lack of communication with the public,” explained Gerhetzke. “LSC helps people learn how to communicate through different channels and how to market and brand products and ideas.”
“To me, the best part of AGR is the professional and networking experiences that would not have happened without AGR as well as the friendships forged will last a lifetime,” concluded Gerhetzke.
If you are interested in joining AGR, or leaning more, you can visit their website at www.wisconsinagr.com.
Article written by Lauren Etter, Undergraduate Digital Marketing Strategist. Photos taken by Matt Olsen and edited by Jill Peters, Undergraduate Photographer.