TIFTON — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) fraternity has created the Jarad Plair AGR Leadership Endowment to provide support for training and other professional experiences for students actively involved in the organization.
The endowment, presented during ABAC’s Founder’s Day Ceremony on March 2, was created in honor of Plair, an ABAC alumnus, in recognition of his leadership in the fraternity.
The endowment, established by Bernie and Elaine Lester, aims to recognize Plair’s accomplishments and strengthen the value of AGR. Bernie Lester, a distinguished figure in the agricultural industry, has been inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame and the Florida Ag Hall of Fame. His wife Elaine shares his passion for supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Plair, who was initiated into AGR in the fall of 2013, earned a bachelor’s degree from ABAC and a master’s degree in business administration from Warner University. Currently working for US Sugar, he remains actively involved in state and local agriculture organizations.
“This has been incredibly humbling and an incredible honor to be able to do something like this for this chapter. But none of it would be possible without Dr. Lester,” said Plair. “He’s been a role model and mentor to me my entire life, both personally and professionally. I know that without a doubt I would not be the person I am today without having him be that shining light in my life. The same is true for this chapter, I know that I wouldn’t be the man I am today without having been a brother of this chapter. I really hope this endowment helps us get out there and helps us perpetuate the purpose of this fraternity to make better men and future leaders of the agricultural industry. There are really no words to describe the feeling of being able to do something like this for an organization that has meant so much to me.”
“I’m pleased to announce this gift that honors two AGR men who have accomplished much,” said Paul Willis, former AGR Chapter Advisor. “One of those through a long, distinguished career of service to the ag industry and one who is just beginning to make his mark in our industry. One who has been a mentor for the other and one who is emulating his mentor in his career steps. Both of whom represent the purpose of AGR of making better men.”
This marks the second endowment to support ABAC’s AGR members and leaders, bringing the total support to over $70,000. The funds will provide opportunities for the chapter to thrive and develop future leaders in the agricultural industry.
