By LANCE STOCKHAUS

lstockhaus@dailynews.net

It started with a small group of agricultural students and the motto "Building Better Men."

And it culminated in August, when the men of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity at Fort Hays State University received national status at the organization's convention in Chicago.

AGR, which has about 20 members, started at FHSU as an interest group in 2005, said Mitchell Hall, alumni adviser.

The group grew into a colony and began working on a petition to the AGR committee for full chapter status. Its goal was to have the petition ready for this fall's national convention in Chicago.

"It was a great opportunity to be awarded national status in the city where the organization began," said Hall, an Anthony native who now works for the office of Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan.

Other than Kansas State University, FHSU has the only other agricultural fraternity in the state. Men who wish to become members must have either an agricultural background or show an interest in pursuing a career in the field.

"We are trying to add the professional element," Hall said, "teaching them to communicate well, being well mannered, and well dressed."

And community service always has been key to AGR's mission.

"They help with neighborhood cleanup in the communities around the college," Hall said.

AGR also has a bingo and casino night and is involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County.

The national status is a high honor, Hall said.

"They have concreted themselves as part of the FHSU community," he said.

It also allows another option for students to get involved and provides strong leadership opportunities.

Hall said AGR is now apart of Greek life, which already has a meaningful effect on campus.

FHSU was the only chapter of AGR to receive the national status at the convention.

"It was one of the biggest highlights of my life," said Heath Klein, AGR president.

Since AGR just received the national ranking, past members and FHSU alumni now will be initiated officially into the fraternity.

"We just want to honor all of the members for all of their hard work," Klein said. "I'm very proud to be a part of AGR, this is a great accomplishment," Klein said