Alumni, we would like you to have the opportunity to share your story with fellow Alpha brothers. If you recently you or a fellow alumn were part of a major event, received an award, or you would like to report any deaths, marriages, or births this is the place to do so. Please email the VNR- Alumni Relations, Drake Robards, at drakerobards@gmail.com or the webmaster, Ryan Giertz, at giertz1@gmail.com to report any information.
Brother J. Wayne Rehn Passes
Alpha Alum Dr. J. Wayne Rehn, Alpha,IL, has passed away on October 9th at the age 74. Brother Rehn received is B.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. After graduation he served in the U.S. Air Force and then practiced veterinary medicine for 30 years in Geneseo and Alpha, IL. Brother Rehn went on to serve Alpha gamma Rho on a national level as the Vice Grand President. His family has established a scholarship for Alpha chapter in his name. Donations can be made to AGR Headquarters with a note stating it is for the Alpha Chapter scholarship fund in memory of Wayne Rehn. More information a full obituary for Brother Rehn can be found online at http://fippinger.frontrunnerpro.com/runtime/53889/runtime.php?SiteId=53889&NavigatorId=221962&op=tributeMemorialCandles&viewOpt=dpaneOnly&ItemId=1004132
Alumni in Springfield
At a recent lobby day in Springfield, 3 Alpha alumni gathered. Left to right in the photo are Dave Reis, Kent Redfern and Bob Pritchard (missing is Adam Brown).
Kent Redfern is the current chairman of the Illinois Bankers Association and is from Bank & Trust Company in Litchfield, Illinois
David Reis, State Representative, Olney. Farmer; born September 15, 1964; A.S. in Agriculture, Lake Land College, B.S. in Agriculture, University of Illinois; Member of the Illinois Pork Producers Association, the Jasper Co. Farm Bureau, the Jasper & Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, the Sons of the American Legion, and St. Thomas Catholic Church; married (wife, Maria); two Children (Nicholas, Adriana).
Bob Pritchard, State Representative, Hinckley. Agriculture businessman; born Feb. 2, 1945, in Aurora; B.S. and Masters in Communication, University of Illinois; farmer and former Executive Director of Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation, seed marketer and specialist in public affairs, University Extension Communicator and County Ag Advisor, and Radio - TV reporter; served as County Board member and Chair, School Board member and a leader in community groups; married (wife, Mary) has two sons.
Another AGR brother state Legislator is Adam Brown, Decatur. Fifth-generation family farmer from Macon County; graduate of Richland Community College and the University of Illinois. Served as Decatur City Councilman (2009-2010). Served in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's APHIS division in Champaign and the Foreign Agricultural Service in Washington D.C. Member of the Macon County Farm Bureau. Earned recognition as one of the Central Illinois Business Journal's Top 20 Under 40. Engaged to fiancée Stephanie.
Brother Paul Bates Passes
Alpha Alum Paul Bates, Normal, has passed away on February 8th at the age 81. After farming for many years, he worked as a grain and livestock broker. He then owned and managed Bates Commodities until he retired in 2004. He was also involved in many organizations and activities such as Bloomington Producers Livestock, director of the McLean County Fair, charter member of the McLean County Pork Producers, and the First United Methodist Church in Normal. A full obituary for Brother Bates can be found online at http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/obituaries/article_3c007b26-35a1-11e0-ac35-001cc4c002e0.html