Alumni Board Members
President
Tyler Peterson #990
Tyler was born and Raised in Alpena, South Dakota. Before attending South Dakota State University, Tyler graduated from Wessington Springs High School. He is now an Agronomist with Kelsey Seed and Ag Services, a Pioneer Hi-Bred Affiliate, where he concentrates on Crop Consulting and Soil Management. Tyler was very active in South Dakota FFA and was able to serve as his Chapters president his senior year of High School. Tyler Rushed AGR in the Spring of 2011 with Cameron Pewe as his big brother. While he was in the House Tyler was able to serve as VNR- Membership Development and then transitioned into the Office of Noble Ruler. Also while at SDSU Tyler was able to compete on the Crops Judging team for two consecutive years.
Secretary
Michael Sukalski #963
Michael was born and raised on a farm near Fairmont, MN. He studied Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at SDSU where he graduated in 2013. After graduation he went to work for AGCO as a design engineer on the Challenger tractors and still helps out on the family farm. He joined AGR in the spring of 2010 and served as Computer Chair, VNR-Scholastics, and VNR-Planning during his time there. While on campus he was an active member of several other organizations as well as being a Physics Learning Assistant, teaching Introduction to Precision Agriculture Labs, and tutoring many AGR members in various subjects.
Treasurer
Keith Goehring #131
Keith Goehring graduated from high school in Selby, SD, and was initiated into AGR in the fall of 1969, with Clyde Fuehrer as his Big Brother. He graduated from SDSU in January of 1971. He began working for Wells Fargo Bank in 2-6-1972 and after a 36 year career as an Ag Lender, retired on 11-30-2011. He now lives on a 180 acre farm 16 miles southwest of Brookings. He and his wife Irene celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in October of 2014. They have 5 children, and 16 grandchildren. He is currently serving as Secretary-Treasurer, of the SDSU Alumni Association, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Citizens State Bank in Arlington, SD. Both he and Irene are very active in the 1stUnited Methodist Church of Brookings. Hobbies include restoring IHC tractors, going to SDSU men’s and woman’s basketball games, and reading non-fiction books. He also served on the AGR alumni board in the 1980’s helping with a remodeling project in the house.
Don Jacobson #199
Gary Overgaard #201
Gary Overgaard was born and raised near Luverne, MN. He graduated from high school in 1970. Gary enrolled at SDSU in the fall of 1970 and graduated in the spring of 1974 with a B.S. in Animal Science. Gary initiated AGR in spring of 1971. He started farming in 1975 and moved near Magnolia, MN, from 1979 to present. He raised registered sheep until 1992 and was a wean to finish hog feeder till 2014. Gary currently crop farms and is a Monsanto seed dealer. Gary has been married to his wife, Emily, for 20 years.
Pat Hennen #338
Pat was born and raised on a farm near Ghent, MN. He graduated from SDSU in the Spring of 1983 with a BS in Animal Science. Pat was a member of SDSU meats and General Livestock judging teams. He was honored to serve as Noble Ruler and upon graduation, served as Chapter Services Manager on the National Staff for a year doing annual visits to chapters and colonies as well as assisting with recruitment when needed. After that term, Pat returned to the farm and married Sharon (Simmons) and have three boys all in their own careers with two grandsons. He continue to farm near Ghent with one son and 2 brothers, feeding cattle and is also am a Channel Seedsman.
Chris Opdahl #953
Chris grew up on the farm near Slayton, MN he graduated from Murray County Central high school in 2009. In High School he was very active in both FFA (received American Degree) and 4-H. He was initiated into AGR in the fall of 2009 with Trent Kubik as his big brother. While in AGR he served 2 terms as Co-Steward. On campus Chris was an active member of the Agronomy Club, member of the Crops Judging team and on Little I staff. He graduated in the fall of 2013 with a bachelor degree in Agronomy. Currently he is employed at Dekam Seed and Fertilizer in Edgerton, MN as an Agronomist. Chris lives in between Slayton and Avoca and is still actively involved in 4-H as a club leader. He is also a Member of the Murray County Fair Board. Chris also serves the community as trained severe weather spotter. When not at his day job, he is also involved on his family farm near Avoca. In his spare time he likes to attend sporting events.
Chapter Advisor
Kyle Gustafson #870
Kyle grew up on a farm near Madelia, MN and graduated from Madelia High School in 2005. Kyle was initiated in AGR in the fall of 2005 and his big brother is Ryan Brace. During Kyle’s time at SDSU he was actively involved as VNR-Membership Development, VNR – Alumni Relations, and Historian. On campus Kyle was involved in Agronomy Club, Crop Judging, Little International, Greek Life, collegiate 4-H, Farmer’s Union, and a study abroad trip to Argentina. Kyle obtained both a B.S. in agronomy, as well as a M.S. in Plant Sciences from SDSU. Kyle is a Regional Agronomist with Winfield United, a Land O’ Lakes company, and lives in Brookings with his wife Kim who teaches at SDSU, and his son Colton.
On-Campus Chapter Advisor
Brad Blaha #971
Brad has served as the advisor for AGR since Fall 2011, although he was not a Collegiate member of AGR he was always a strong supporter and friend of AGR at SDSU. Upon his return to campus to serve in the Ag-Bio Academic Programs office, he was initiated into membership and began serving as chapter adviser shortly after. Brad’s favorite part of advising the men of Alpha Phi is to watch the members grow both in their leadership and scholastic abilities.
Board member terms
