FarmHouse International Fraternity is pleased to announce the winner of the 2008 Ruby Cup is the Troy Chapter. In making the announcement, following a vote of the International Board of Directors, Bryce Freeman (IA '93), International president, stated, "Year after year the Men of FarmHouse on the Troy campus lead the pack-on campus, among their peers, within the Gold chapter division and now, this year, at the top of International Fraternity." Freeman continued, "The Ruby Cup represents the chapter which emulates and models best our Fraternity's mission of being Builders of Men. There is no doubt, the Men of Troy work to achieve this every day by bettering themselves, their brothers and those around them. Congratulations!"

FarmHouse chapters annually submit the Award of Excellence assessment, which combined with the Chapter Programming Award submissions determine the top five placing standings for the Green and Gold divisions of the Fraternity's chapters. Placing first in the Gold division was Troy, followed by South Dakota State and Texas Tech (tie for 2nd), Texas A&M (4th) and Alberta and Western Kentucky (tied for 5th). Nebraska retained its 2007 standing as the first place chapter in the Green division, followed by Auburn (2nd), Kansas State (3rd), Oklahoma State (4th) and Iowa State (5th).

Chapter Programming Award materials are reviewed independently by a panel of alumni volunteers who assess each chapter's goals, objectives, outcomes and learning experiences in 12-programmatic areas. Troy placed first in nine of 12 categories, finishing in the top three in the remaining categories. Nebraska was first in six of 12 areas, with Auburn, Iowa State, Kansas State and Oklahoma State placing first in areas not won by Nebraska. The Chapter Programming Award and Award of Excellence materials of the Green and Gold division-winning chapters are forwarded to the International Board for review and Ruby Cup selection.

Garry Weston (KY '97), International vice president and Chad Harris, CAE (IA '97), executive director, will officially present the Ruby Cup to the Men of Troy during an in-person ceremony on Sunday, October 18, in Troy, Alabama. Alumni and friends of the Fraternity are invited to attend and congratulate the chapter on their achievement.