Alpha Gamma Rho- Theta Chapter Alumni

Reminder- There is a celebration honoring Brother Stephen (Steve) Ellis at the Chapter House, Saturday June 6, 2026 from 1:00-3:00. Steak sandwiches and beverages are being provided. All are welcome to celebrate an extraordinary champion of our fraternity. RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985335809851?aff=oddtdtcreator

Questions can be sent to Doug Thomas at 573-253-0544

It is with a heavy heart we share Brother Paul Steele (Initiated 1959) passed away last week. We celebrate a life that fully represented servant leadership.

Paul Wesley Steele, 86, of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on May 22, 2026, leaving a legacy rooted in faith, family, agriculture, and service. A proud fifth-generation farmer, Paul was also a devoted leader at the University of Missouri, where he was an active member and supporter of Alpha Gamma Rho and later served on the University of Missouri Board of Curators from 1997 to 2003. Known for his humility, integrity, and ability to bring people together, he was deeply committed to fostering the next generation—quietly investing in young leaders through mentorship, scholarships, and initiatives like the STELLAR Awards. Paul’s lifelong passion for recognizing and encouraging emerging leaders stands as a defining trait and an example for all AGR members to uphold.

Services are schedule for Wednesday, May 27, 2026 in Chillicothe Missouri.

Paul Wesley Steele Obituary May 22, 2026 - Lindley Funeral Home View Paul Wesley Steele's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Last week, during a celebration at the Missouri Capitol, Pat Thomas was recognized by the Mizzou College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Alumni Association with the 2026 Citation of Merit. Pat is the wife of Brother Douglas Thomas (1979 Initiate), a loyal CAFNR alum, and a generous supporter of Alpha Gamma Rho.

The Citation of Merit honors exceptional professional achievement by graduates of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. Pat is a 1997 CAFNR graduate in Agriculture and has built an impressive career in public service.

Pat currently serves as Chief of Staff to Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, where she manages relationships with employees and peers while prioritizing mentorship and the development of future leaders. Her tenure at the Missouri Capitol has also included service as Chief of Staff to Sen. Lincoln Hough, a cattle producer, during which she worked to advance policies supporting Missouri farmers and the agriculture industry.

“There are few who fight harder for the people and causes they care about,” said nominator and fellow CAFNR graduate Hannah Embry. “Pat’s career excellence at the Capitol has given her a powerful platform to create meaningful change for Missouri’s agricultural industry-a responsibility she does not take lightly.”

Beyond her professional work, Pat serves on the Jefferson City Parks Board, is a state committee member for the Missouri GOP, and remains a dedicated supporter of the University of Missouri and its athletic programs.

We are proud to celebrate Pat’s achievements and her continued impact on agriculture, leadership, and service. Thank you for everything you do on a daily basis for Mizzou CAFNR and AGR- Pat Thomas!

Pictured below with Pat Thomas (sporting Wilson from Home Improvement Vibes) is Brother Caleb Jones (2010 AGR Theta Initiate), Mike Deering (2002 AGR Initiate), Robin Wenneker (Former Chair of MU Curators), and Tony Benz (2023 AGR Initiate).

Dr. Jim Spain (2003 AGR Theta Initiate) was recently recognized with the Dana Brown Haynes Distinguished Service Award by the Mizzou College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Mizzou Alumni Association.

The Dana Brown Haynes Distinguished Service Award is given in recognition and appreciation for outstanding dedication and service to the students and alumni of the University of Missouri. If you've ever interacted with Dr. Spain- you can understand why he was a perfect selection for this award.

Dr. Spain serves as the vice provost for undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri and as a professor of animal sciences in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

Since joining the university in 1990 as an assistant professor and state extension dairy scientist, Dr. Spain has spent more than three decades advancing the mission of both CAFNR and the University of Missouri. After serving as assistant dean for academic programs in CAFNR, he was named vice provost in 2007. In this role, he chairs the Undergraduate Deans’ Council and oversees the university’s general education curriculum while continuing to serve as a faculty advisor for students in animal sciences.

Throughout his career, Spain has been recognized for his extraordinary commitment to student success. He is a recipient of MU’s prestigious Kemper Teaching Fellowship, the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in Higher Education and the 2024 Michael C. Holen Pacesetter Award from NACADA, a global community for academic advising.

“Dr. Spain does not simply teach course material; he challenges students to think critically, encourages them to grow and takes a personal interest in their success,” said nominator and former student Maggie Pfaff. “His passion and excitement are contagious, inspiring students to push themselves and become better scholars, professionals and individuals.”

During his acceptance speech, he never said a single word about himself. It was completely about remembering Dana Brown Haynes, the University of Missouri Students, and his children. As he spoke it was hard not to be inspired to be the best person one can possibly be- that's why we are so incredibly proud to call him an AGR brother!

Pictured with Dr. Spain is Samantha Davis (CAFNR Alumni Association) and Dr. Brian Garton (CAFNR Senior Association Dean of Academic Programs)

Congratulations Dr. Spain and thank you for your decades of service to CAFNR and AGR Students!

Renee Fordyce was recently recognized by the Mizzou College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Mizzou Alumni Association with an honorary membership to the CAFNR Alumni Association! Renee is the wife of Brother Richard Fordyce (2016 Initiate), mother of Brother Ethan Fordyce (2014 Initiate), strong champion for Missouri Agriculture and an all around good human.

Honorary Membership to the CAFNR Alumni Association is awarded to a person who is not a former CAFNR student, but is recognized as such because of an exemplary interest in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

Renee, a producer and rural advocate from Bethany, Missouri, is the chief financial officer for her family's fourth generation farming operation in Harrison County. She has dedicated years of service to the Missouri Soybeans Association, currently serving as board president. In this capacity, and as a member of the American Soybean Association board of directors, she represents Missouri producers on a national state, focusing on grower engagement and industry collaboration.

Renee's connections to CAFNR are deeply person, as both of her children are graduates of the college. During her acceptance speech, to applause, she said- "after Richard received this award a few years ago, and our children graduated, the whole Fordyce Family is now CAFNR Alumni!"

Through her leadership and advocacy, Fordyce continues to foster the vital connections between the university and the farming community that will support the next generation of Missouri producers and AGRs!

Pictured below in the first photo is Richard Fordyce (2016 Initiate), Renee, and daughter Emma. In the second photo from left to right is staunch AGR ally Robin Wenneker, Loyd Wilson (1984 Initiate), Carol Wilson, Renee Fordyce, and Richard Fordyce.

Please help us congratulate Renee Fordyce on this wonderful achievement and welcome her as a fellow CAFNR Alumni!

One of the Four Pillars of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity is to enthusiastically recognize and reward achievement.

Over the next five days, we are excited to highlight individuals connected to Alpha Gamma Rho-Theta Chapter who were recently honored by the University of Missouri's Mizzou College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Alumni Association.

We are especially proud that five of the nine award recipients have connections to Theta Chapter. Their accomplishments reflect the values of AGR, and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate with each of them. Stay tuned as we share more about each recipient's achievements in the days to come.

More to come, but for now- please help us congratulate all the 2026 CAFNR Alumni Association Award Honorees!