On September 24, 2023, Alpha Gamma Rho enthusiastically created a new link in the Fraternal bonds of brotherhood by establishing its newest colony at West Texas A&M University.
As a Fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho strives to make a continuous effort to analyze which new campuses will best benefit from the presence and Purpose of Alpha Gamma Rho. Fall 2023, the social-professional Fraternity found a new home in Canyon, Texas, where 30 individuals all raised their hands and committed to Values & Principles Alpha Gamma Rho instills in all of its members.
While this is not the first time a colony has been established at this institution, the Fraternity has no doubt that this group of driven leaders will successfully transition into a flourishing chapter within the next couple of years. These men are engaged in a broad range of studies from agribusiness and economics, equine industry studies, plant and soil sciences, animal sciences, pre-veterinary medicine, and several other majors across the university. Together, these new colony members have a combined 3.39, GPA, two serve as Texas State FFA Officers, and each one of them participates in other organizations on campus.
The journey of developing the colony began during the spring of 2022 with initial conversations among interested Paul Engler College of Agriculture & Natural Resources students and the Alpha Gamma Rho Home Office.
From there, Alpha Gamma Rho Southwest Regional Vice President Cody Lane took the lead and pushed hard to collect data on the campus, gather names of potential new members, and further cultivate the relationship with the university. An interest group was later formed and ongoing communication with the interested students was maintained
throughout the 2022–23 academic year.
From the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources to the broader campus community, West Texas A&M University faculty and staff are excited to have Alpha Gamma Rho on campus.
Finally, as a sunny Sunday in late September came to bring West Texas A&M Colony into existence. Brothers from the Beta Xi Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho at Texas Tech University traveled hundreds of miles to install the colony. Among those initiated was Brother Tommy Perkins, associate professor of animal sciences. Brother Perkins is one of two Advisers who stepped up to guide the colony.
“This is a day for celebration and commitment to the future successes of an Alpha Gamma Rho presence at West Texas A&M,” Alpha Gamma Rho Senior Director of Operations Grant Bargfrede said at the installation. “The real work begins today to ensure what you have created will be around for future generations of student leaders who come after you.”
