Cal Willemssen was recently voted national Grand President of the Fraternity. He was elected and sworn into the position at the Fraternity’s 63rd National Convention in Indianapolis, Ind.
Willemssen was raised on a farm in Clear Lake, S.D. He attended South Dakota State University and was initiated into the Alpha Phi Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho in 1966. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanized agriculture from SDSU in 1968 and a master’s degree in speech and journalism in 1973. Willemssen is also a graduate of Stonier Graduate School of Banking.
The Alpha Phi Chapter was one year into chartering when Willemssen joined during his sophomore year of college. AGR was the first social fraternity at SDSU, so the brothers found themselves under the University’s microscope. During this critical time, the Chapter was under the leadership of two excellent advisers and a housemother who served as a mentor to the members. This made all the difference — both for the Alpha Phi Chapter and for Willemssen.
The expectations associated with being in a Greek organization also made an impact. Willemssen was surprised by the strong emphasis on scholastic performance, but instead of deterring him, the high expectations acted as encouragement.
Through AGR, Willemssen was also encouraged to pursue additional collegiate, campus and community involvements. He credits the Fraternity with bolstering his social development, which had a great impact on his life since college — especially in his career.
Early in his career, Willemssen did television and radio work for the South Dakota Agriculture Extension Service. He made a move to the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce before taking a position with The First National Bank in Sioux Falls where he stayed for the rest of his career. After 30 years, Willemssen retired as the executive vice president of The First National Bank in Sioux Falls. He continues to serve on the bank's board of directors.
Willemssen describes himself as exceedingly social, which is evidenced in his track record of volunteer work and community engagements. Throughout his career, Willemssen worked in a volunteer capacity many times, including serving as the 100th chair of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and as chairman of the Dakota Wesleyan University Board of Trustees. He says that volunteering is valuable because everyone has something to contribute to the betterment of their community.
“It’s twofold because society can gain from your involvement, and you’ll certainly gain something as well,” he said.
Willemssen’s past service to Alpha Gamma Rho includes holding positions on the Alpha Gamma Rho Housing Resources Trust Board and the Fraternity’s National Board of Directors. He was recognized as a Brother of the Century in 2004, which he describes as a highlight of his Fraternity experience.
Another fond memory of Willemssen’s AGR involvement is, of course, meeting his wife of 46 years, Lynne. They were both dating other people when they met at Pink Rose the spring of his junior year. The couple began dating during senior year, and married the following summer.
The Willemssens are looking forward Cal’s service as AGR’s Grand President. With the great vision of Fraternity leaders and the momentum from a successful 2014 Convention, he is sure it will be a productive time for AGR.
“My intention is that we continue to develop AGR chapters that are strong both in quantity and quality of members,” Willemssen said. “Also, ensuring that all brothers develop a deep understanding and sincere interest in the heritage and values of the Fraternity.”
In addition to his position with Alpha Gamma Rho and The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, Willemssen currently serves on the South Dakota State University Foundation Board of Trustees.
Willemssen and his wife split their time between Arizona and Sioux Falls, S.D. They have two children and two grandchildren. In his free time, Willemssen enjoys spending time with family, playing golf and speaking at community and Fraternity events.
