Brothers of the Century Awarded at the 2004 Alpha Gamma Rho Page 1 of 59 National Convention Charles A. Stewart BOC ID#: 10013 University of Illinois 1906 Charles A. Stewart was initiated into Delta Rho Sigma in 1906. He represented the fraternity at the “marriage” between Delta Rho Sigma and Alpha Gamma Rho. Afterward he served as the first Grand President of Alpha Gamma Rho at the first National Convention held on November 30, 1908 at the Hofbrau Hotel in Chicago. Albert B. Sawyer, Jr. BOC ID#: 10039 University of Illinois 1908 Albert B. Sawyer was initiated into Delta Rho Sigma in 1906. He was the moderator at the “marriage” of Alpha Gamma Rho and Delta Rho Sigma. He kept the minutes of the first meetings. According to Brother Sawyer, the minutes were on two paper place mats bearing the name of Hofbrau (Chicago). At the first national convention held November 30, 1908, Brother Sawyer served as the Grand Secretary and Treasurer. Nathan L. Rice BOC ID#: 10186 University of Illinois 1916 Nathan L. Rice is a long time supporter of Alpha Gamma Rho. He grew up on the family farm in Philo, Illinois. In 1915 Nathan became a member of Alpha Gamma Rho at the University of Illinois. In April of 1918 he was enlisted in World War I. He returned to the University of Illinois in September of 1919. After graduation, Brother Rice returned to the farm and in 1924 accepted the position as President of the Philo Exchange Bank. In 1923 Sleeter Bull asked Brother Rice to write the history of Alpha Gamma Rho. The book was completed in 1925. He was married in 1928 to Alda. Nathan served as Grand Treasurer, Grand Vice President, and also as Grand President from 1952 – 1954. D. F. Lafuze BOC ID#: 10233 University of Illinois 1919 Donald F. Lafuze was one of five blood brothers to join Alpha Gamma Rho. Don was initiated into Alpha Gamma Rho at the University of Illinois in 1919. At the University he was editor of the Daily Illini. After graduation Brother Lafuze studied law and served as Legal Council for the National Fraternity. He composed several AGR songs including the Razz song and “Hail to Alpha Gamma Rho”. Paul K. Bresee BOC ID#: 10239 University of Illinois 1920 Paul J. Bresee served continuously at the National level for 31 years as Educational Foundation Director, HRT Chairman, S&S Trustee and as Grand President from 1972-1974. In addition, he wrote the words and composed the music of three Alpha Gamma Rho songs! He was also a recipient of AGR’s Hall of Fame Award as well as being a significant donor to Alpha Gamma Rho over the years. He had a successful entrepreneur career in insurance, finance and accounting. As an experienced broadcaster, Paul was the public address announcer for all University of Illinois home football and basketball games for 46 years. F. Vern Wright BOC ID#: 10448 University of Illinois 1934 Following graduation, Vern worked for DeKalb Seed Corn Company and became the first manager of the Tuscola plant from 1938-1944. He served in the United States Army from 1944-1945. Vern owned and operated Wright Farm Management and Real Estate in Tuscola along with his wife Sally. He was a member of the American and Illinois Society of Farm Management and Rural Appraisers and Douglas County Farm Bureau, Douglas County Museum and Rotary International. He was also a member of the Tuscola United Methodist Church. At the University of Illinois, Vern joined his brother, Harold Wright, as an AGR and Vern's son, Jim, was a member of the class of '69. Vern and Sally also have three daughters. Lee L. Morgan BOC ID#: 10509 University of Illinois 1939 Lee Morgan is retired as CEO of Caterpillar where he began employment in 1946 following separation from the U.S. Army with the rank of Major. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois where he served as Noble Ruler of Alpha Chapter as well as being active in IFC, Phalanx military honorary and the agriculture economics club. His past accomplishments include an honorary doctor of laws degree by Monmouth College and Bradley University, an honorary doctor of humane letters degree by Lincoln College and Western Illinois University, and the University of Illinois Alumni Association's Illini Achievement Award. James R. Davies BOC ID#: 10516 University of Illinois 1940 James R Davies, loved his Alma Mater and Alpha Gamma Rho. Following graduation, he served three years in the European Theater, WWII. Jim served as President of the Ag Alumni Association, board member U of Illinois Alumni Association and was recognized with the University’s Loyalty Award. In 1982, he became a member of the President’s Council, the University’s highest donor recognition organization. A member of the Chicago Alumni Chapter of AGR, Jim was instrumental in organizing/promoting the annual Chicago Career Days. Jim retired after 31 years from Amoco Oil Company’s Agricultural Products Division as a sales and marketing executive. Jim is survived by his wife Helen, sons James R., II and John H. (Alpha alumni) and three grandsons. Hubert J. Wetzel BOC ID#: 10572 University of Illinois 1943 Initiated into Alpha Chapter in the spring of 1943, Hubert Wetzel served three years in the Army Air Corps. Graduating in 1948, he entered the Cooperative Extension Service – first in Whiteside County, Illinois for three years and on the state 4-H staff for 32 years. As Chairman of the 4-H International Programs he guided a learning, living, and sharing experience for hundreds of 16-25 year old young people abroad. Both outbound and inbound exchanges lived with several families for two to six months – a great cultural experience for the exchangees, host families, and entire communities. Hugh kept in close contact with Alpha Chapter where he served seventeen years on the board and as secretary and president. Frank H. Rolf BOC ID#: 10593 University of Illinois 1947 Frank Rolf was a 1949 graduate from the University of Illinois. He is the proud father of four children. Frank joined the staff of First National Bank of Decatur as an Assistant Farm Manager upon graduation from the University of Illinois. In February, 1990, he was named Senior Vice President of the Agricultural Affairs at First National Bank. Frank was active in many public service and professional organizations including Decatur Chamber of Commerce, Macon County Fair Association, Decatur Noon Lions Club, and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. As a member of Alpha Gamma Rho, Frank served on the Alumni Board for a number of years, as well Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Fraternity Chapter House Loan Fund. James E. Ross BOC ID#: 10632 University of Illinois 1949 James E. "Jim" Ross, has had a varied career, as an agricultural journalist with a farm magazine, an economist with a Washington special interest group, a professor with the University of Florida, and as a foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Jim served as agricultural counselor at the American Embassies in Caracas, Cairo, and Seoul, and as the USDA Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture in Rome. He also carried out overseas assignments for the University of Florida in Costa Rica and Ghana. Jim, a member of Alpha Chapter, earned four degrees at the University of Illinois. He retired from the Army Reserves with the rank of Colonel. Leonard Gardner BOC ID#: 10675 University of Illinois 1952 Leonard Gardner is retired from Illinois Farm Bureau. He was a lobbyist for thirty-six years. As Director of Government Affairs he had an office staff in Springfield, Illinois, and Washington, D. C. He received both a Bachelors Degree and a Masters Degree from the University of Illinois where he was active in Alpha Chapter. As an alumnus, he is proud of his contribution to Alpha chapter in their many fundraising efforts. He served as Noble Ruler and chapter Secretary as an undergraduate. He and his wife have a daughter Kathy and two grandchildren. Richard E. Bell BOC ID#: 10722 University of Illinois 1955 Richard E. Bell is president and chief executive officer of Riceland Foods, Inc. He graduated with honors from the University of Illinois. His early career was with the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. He later served as Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for International Affairs and Commodity Programs. He also served as president of the USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation. He was awarded the USDA’s Distinguished Service. Bell is a member of the Chicago Board of Trade, has served as a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and as chairman of the board of trustees of Arkansas State University.He is married to Marie Christina Mendoza Bell. They are parents of two sons and have three grandchildren. Page 2 of 59 J. Wayne Rehn BOC ID#: 10749 University of Illinois 1956 Wayne Rehn is a member of the National and Housing Trusts Boards. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Veterinary Medicine. He was a member of Alpha as were his son, brother and son-in-law. He has two children; practiced veterinary medicine for thirty years and the last eleven years has been the CEO of the AVMA- PLIT. He is past Chairman of the State Veterinary Association, Illinois Veterinary Licensing Board, local bank and past President of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. His honors include the Service and Presidents Awards from the ISVMA and the Alumni Merit and Achievement Awards from the University of Illinois.