INSIDE FH #22

An insider's view into the latest happenings in FarmHouse Fraternity

Volume 11, Issue 22

263. Men of Virginia Tech off to a Fast Start

The FarmHouse interest group at Virginia Tech University continues to make progress towards colonization. Two staff members, Seth Zilverberg and Andy Gigstad, recently returned from visiting the group and had nothing but positive things to say about its progress. Since its formation in January, the group has gained 23 members, an outstanding start! Under the direction of President Josh Stephens and a dedicated membership, the men are poised to succeed. They led four leadership workshops and hosted a booth at last week’s Virginia State FFA Convention. Their hard work at the booth and their solid delivery during the workshops generated a great deal of buzz within the FFA community. The group was able to market the fraternity’s values with great success and impressed many with their professionalism and gentleman-like conduct.

Seth Zilverberg, director of expansion for the national fraternity, has been with the group since its start and has been amazed with their progress. “I attribute the successes of our Virginia Tech group to the superior leadership skills demonstrated by the older members,” said Zilverberg.  “We graduated five members this spring, and although their graduation represents a loss to the group, the foundations they laid will continue to support the group.”

The group’s success is also a tribute to the values and ideals of FarmHouse Fraternity. Their progress shows that many college students are looking for the kind of experience that FarmHouse has to offer, one that is rooted in leadership, scholarship, and brotherhood.

Colonization remains the goal for the men of Virginia Tech.  They need 20 members with 75% below senior standing, in addition to meeting other criteria, to gain colony status.

Congratulations men of Virginia Tech and keep up the good work!

If you would like to learn more about the Virginia Tech interest group, contact president Josh Stephens or Seth Zilverberg.

264. Moore Joins Staff as Educational Leadership Consultant
Jordan Moore (OK ’05) is the newest addition to FarmHouse Headquarters Staff. Originally from Midwest City, Okla., Jordan will serve as an Educational Leadership Consultant. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in May 2008, earning a degree in marketing. Jordan served the Oklahoma State Chapter of FarmHouse as a vice president of recruitment, director of new member education and social chair. He was selected as the chapter’s Doane Award recipient for the 2007-2008 school year.  
 
On campus, Jordan served as the Interfraternity Council’s external vice president and was a member of Blue Key Honor Society, Order of Omega and President’s Leadership Council, serving as a small group facilitator for the organization.  He enjoys being active, traveling, watching OSU sports and playing with his two Labrador dogs. His e-mail is Jordan@FarmHouse.org – please help welcome Jordan to the International staff!

265. Chapters demonstrate outstanding academic achievement

The Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Idaho chapters exemplified the FarmHouse ideal of scholarship during this past spring semester. Both Kansas State and Oklahoma State led their respective campus communities as they each achieved the highest fraternity GPA for the spring semester. The Idaho chapter also made great strides in improving chapter academic performance.

The men of the Kansas State Chapter wrapped up a successful academic semester that saw them record a collective GPA of 3.466, the highest fraternity GPA in school history. Four years ago, the chapter set the previous best with a 3.42.

Andrew Harris, scholarship chairman, attributes the chapter’s record achievement to great balance. “The number of men achieving 4.0’s declined by 6-7, but what amazed me was the number of men who earned all A's and one B. In other words, instead of a few bringing up the House GPA as in years past, the whole House increased their academic performance,” said Harris. He was also pleased to announce that every member achieved the ‘good standing’ requirement of a 2.4 GPA, something that hasn’t happened in years.

On the heels of the K-State chapter’s remarkable GPA, was the Oklahoma State chapter. The men earned a spring semester grade point of 3.44 – allowing them to be first among fraternities once again.

Additional academic performance that is to be commended is the Idaho chapter. After recording a discouraging 2.57 in fall 2007, the chapter earned a 2.97 this spring. The impressive improvement earned them Most Improved GPA on campus in the Greek Community and moved them from a 15 of 16 ranking in the fall to 7th in the spring semester. There is still room for improvement for the chapter, but their efforts and attention on scholarship this spring paid off in improving their commitment to the classroom. 

Great job men!

Have a similar scholastic, philanthropic, or campus leadership success story? Let us know and we will try to feature your chapter’s achievement!

266. Builder of Men Affirmation Initiative

Also referred to as the fraternity’s Ritual, the Builder of Men Affirmation Initiative was developed by Shawn Eagleburger (IA ‘01) in 2006 while he was staff member for the International Fraternity.

Introduced at Conclave two years ago, this important piece of legislation seeks to unite the fraternity as a whole under the common bonds of ritual. Chapter delegates will vote on the initiative on during the business meeting of this year’s Conclave. The document can be found under the resources section of the FarmHouse website. Please review it and provide your input and feedback to Executive Director, Chad Harris.

267. Visit the Conclave Website

The Conclave website is your official one-stop shop for all the information you need to register, prepare, and get excited for Conclave! The site is filled with event details, an updated schedule, and much more. Go to (http://www.farmhouse.org/conclave2008.htm) and see what all the buzz is about

268. 45 REASONS AND MORE TO ATTEND CONCLAVE

 With over 100 years of history, and 45 biennial gatherings, here are just a few of the reasons you should attend!

Reason #51: Everything is bigger in Texas! So prepare for a weekend filled with Texas-sized fun, food, and fellowship.

Reason #36: How often do you get to spend a weekend relishing in the history of our organization while planning for it’s future at the same time?
 
Reason #18: To enjoy a weekend of activities that highlight FarmHouse ideals: Worship with brothers at a Vespers service, get competitive in the Golf Tournament, challenge your self intellectually during one of the developmental sessions, and socialize with FHer’s at every opportunity.
 
Reason #27: The chance to get away for a weekend before school starts again.
 
Reason #9: You might be able to attend for FREE! Check with your chapter’s Foundation Council to see if they will cover all or part of your registration and travel expenses.

To learn more about Conclave, visit FarmHouse.org and download the Conclave brochure for event, travel, schedule and registration information.

269. Join the official facebook group for Conclave 2008!

Excitement is building and FarmHouse brothers from all over the country are joining the facebook group ‘I am Attending FarmHouse Conclave 2008!’ Use the group to view the latest updates on why you should attend and what to expect when you get to Lubbock. Also, you will be able to see who else is attending and make sure all of your friends are planning to attend. You don’t have to be registered for Conclave to join to the group. Join, see what all the buzz is about, and then make sure to register with FarmHouse International. Click to join: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15770828189&ref=share

270. TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO REGISTER AND SAVE!
The Conclave Early Registration Deadline is fast approaching! Don’t miss out on your chance to save $50 on your registration fee by registering before July 1, next Tuesday. Download a registration form from FarmHouse.org or you’ll find it in the Winter and Spring editions of Pearls & Rubies.

271. Candidates for International Board
Seven brothers of FarmHouse Fraternity are candidates for the four open seats on the International Board of Directors. They include: Brent S. Bible (PU ’93), Lance A. Burditt (MO ’94), R. Heath Cheek (TT ’00), Shawn G. Eagleburger (IA ’02), Brian H. Hogue (TAM ’05), Dale W. Pracht (KS ’92) and Mark E. Reiman (SD ’02).   
 
The International Board of Directors is the governing body of the International Fraternity and its executive director. Through the Board’s governance it provides oversight and guidance on the strategic initiatives of FarmHouse. Election of board members occurs at the Fraternity business meeting held during Conclave. Board terms are four years and members may serve two consecutive terms.
 
All voting delegates will receive a copy of the nominee’s supporting materials. Information about each candidate is also available for review on-line at http://www.farmhouse.org/.

272. CONCLAVE DELEGATE VOTING FORMS – PAST DUE!
In early April, all chapter and association presidents were mailed a Conclave delegate voting form. We have received very few of these forms back nor have we been informed of chapter/association delegates. In order to provide delegates with additional information, allow time for travel planning, we requested that the names of these delegates be submitted immediately!
 
If you have not done so, select this delegate and submit the name, chapter/association and contact information of the delegate to the International Office as soon as possible. Send the Delegate Voting Form by mail to:
           FarmHouse International Fraternity
           7306 NW Tiffany Springs Parkway, Suite 210
           Kansas City, MO 64153
By fax:
           (816) 891-0838
Or e-mail:
           FHHQ@FarmHouse.org

Your prompt attention to this important Conclave business matter is appreciated.
 

273. CONCLAVE REGISTRATION & TRAVEL FUNDING SUPPORT
To encourage broad participation and attendance from undergraduates, chapter leadership and local advisors are encouraged to discuss funding support available to off-set registration and travel costs through the local Association or through the local Foundation Council – many of which have resources available for educational and leadership programs.
 
Conclave is considered an educational event and is therefore an event eligible for Foundation funding. Chapters can make requests of their local Foundation Councils to help pay for Conclave registration fees, hotel sleeping rooms and mileage/air travel. Please contact your local Foundation Council chairman or Allison Rickels (Allison@FarmHouse.org) for more information.

274. Staff Travels

As mentioned earlier Seth Zilverberg and Andy Gigstad traveled to Blacksburg, Virginia to meet with the Virginia Tech interest group and assist them in recruitment efforts at the Virginia State FFA convention. They helped present leadership workshops and discussed the upcoming year with the interest group

New educational leadership consultant, Jordan Moore, along with Zilverberg, and executive director, Chad Harris recently attended the FRMT Risk Management College in Indianapolis. The three-day event, gave the staff important insight and information on current risk management issues and applicable solutions to them.

Chad Harris is currently in Omaha, Nebraska attending a Strengths Quest conference.

Foundation executive director, Allison Rickels will be out of the office next week on vacation.

275. SUMMER EVENT INFORMATION
Chapters and associations hosting summer gatherings are encouraged to submit this information to the International Office for promotion in future editions of Inside FH, the web site and Pearls & Rubies. Send updates and event information to: Chad@FarmHouse.org.
 
Below is information on events being hosted we are aware of to date…

** IOWA STATE
7:00 p.m., Saturday, August 23
Blue Moon Dueling Pianos
West Glen Town Center
West Des Moines, IA
 
Plans for a golf outing and other activities are in the works to be held earlier in the day. To RSVP or for more information contact Rich Rainforth, rrrainforth@ft.newyorklife.com, or Andy Lashier, alashier@laserllc.com.

** KANSAS CITY
5:30 p.m., Thursday, July 31
Kansas City T-Bones Tailgate and Baseball Game
Community America Park
1800 Village West Parkway
Kansas City, KS 66111
 
All FarmHouse brothers, family and friends are invited to a night at the ballpark on Thursday, July 31. For just $20/person enjoy a pre-game tailgate party in the Center Field Party Area (meal includes 3 entrees, 2 sides and 2 drink tickets). Following the pre-game warm-up, join your fellow FarmHouse brothers in the stands, as the Kansas City T-Bones take the mound against the Fargo RedHawks. Save the date and sign-up today by calling Lorie at (816) 891-9445 or e-mail her at Lorie@FarmHouse.org. Registration deadline is Wednesday, July 16

** MINNESOTA
Sunday, June 29
Alumni vs. Active Softball Game
St. Peter, Minn.

10:00 a.m., Friday, July 18
3rd Annual Mark Eidahl Memorial Golf Tournament
Terrace View Golf Course
Mankato, MN
 
Cost to register is $50. Hole sponsorships available for $100. Please register by June 30. Proceeds benefit the Mark Eidahl Memorial Scholarship Fund. Send registrations to: Gary Schmiesing, 1017 Mills Place, Faribault, MN 55021. For additional information and tournament details contact Gary Schmeising at 507-330-3418.
 
This event was erroneously listed as being on Saturday, July 19, in previous edition’s of Inside FH – we regret this mistake and appreciate the input allowing us to correct it.
 
** OKLAHOMA STATE
Saturday, July 26
Summer Picnic and Annual Meeting
Stillwater, OK
 
For more information contact Yancy Wright, manrunning@yahoo.com

276. FH INTERNATIONAL OFFICE SCHEDULE
The FarmHouse International will observe summer office hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. The office will be closed next Friday, July 4 for observance of the Independence Day holiday.

277. FH CALENDAR
June 29 – Minnesota Chapter’s Active vs. Alumni Softball Game, St. Peter, Minn.
July 1 – Early Conclave registration due – save $50
July 16 – Deadline for hotel Conclave reservations
July 18 – 3rd Annual Mark Eidahl Memorial Golf Tournament
July 26 – Oklahoma State Summer Picnic and Association Meeting, Stillwater, Okla.
July 31 -  Kansas City-area Alumni Summer Event – T-Bones Tailgate and Baseball Game, Kansas City, Kan.
August 13-17 – Conclave 2008: Deep in the Heart of FarmHouse, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
August 18-20 – Consortium of Collegiate Agricultural Organizations Annual Meeting, Moline, Ill.
August 23 – Iowa State Alumni Gathering and Golf Outing, West Des Moines, Iowa