On May 3, 2025, the University of Arizona’s College of Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Sciences (CALES) will honor Lee Dueringer, Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ‘60, with the prestigious Eugene G. Sander Lifetime Achievement Award. Recognized as the College’s highest honor, this award is akin to a Hall of Fame induction, celebrating individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the university and the field of agriculture. For Lee, this recognition is a testament to his lifelong dedication to education, mentorship, philanthropy, and the principles of Delta Sigma Phi.
A Life of Service and Leadership
Lee’s journey with Delta Sigma Phi began in the summer of 1959 at a recruitment event for the Alpha Alpha Chapter at the University of Illinois. With his father, a Delta Sigma Phi alumnus from the class of 1930, as an early influence, he and two high school friends from Gibson City pledged and joined the Fraternity together. That decision shaped not only his undergraduate years but also his entire professional and personal life.
During his time in college, Lee took a two-and-a-half-year hiatus to work for Delta Sigma Phi’s national office in Denver, where he traveled to various chapters, helping undergraduates with operations, recruitment, and financial management. While this experience deepened his love for the Fraternity, he quickly realized that he needed to complete his degree. He returned to school, finishing at Illinois State in 1965, and launched a career that would lead him into both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
Reflecting on his time with Delta Sigma Phi, Lee shared, “The Fraternity gave me the foundation to lead, serve, and build relationships that have lasted a lifetime.”
Lee’s commitment to Delta Sigma Phi extended well beyond his undergraduate years. In 1969, he joined the Grand Council, serving in leadership roles before becoming National President. His tenure included years of dedicated service, guiding the Fraternity through transformative periods of growth and development. His involvement continued as a chapter advisor at multiple universities, including the University of Kansas and Southern Methodist University, and in professional fundraising efforts to support fraternity housing projects across the country. To this day, he remains an advocate for Delta Sigma Phi’s mission to build better men.
Professional Excellence and Impact
Over the course of a 30-year career at Eli Lilly, Lee worked in the company’s Animal Health Division, Elanco, where he developed expertise in agricultural sciences and business development. His work took him across the country, deepening his understanding of the challenges and innovations within the agricultural industry.
Following his corporate career, Lee transitioned into higher education philanthropy, bringing his fundraising acumen to the University of Arizona. His work spanned multiple roles, including Director of Development for the Arizona Cancer Center and Director of the 4-H Foundation. One of his most significant achievements was raising over $10 million to launch the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, a groundbreaking initiative addressing key agricultural challenges in the Southwest. Additionally, he was instrumental in establishing the CALES Career Center, ensuring that students not only received a degree but also secured their first job in the industry. Under his leadership, the Career Center implemented networking events, interview coaching, and etiquette dinners to better prepare students for professional success.
Lee recalls, “Helping students transition from the classroom to a meaningful career has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work. Seeing them succeed is the best reward.”
His influence extended beyond fundraising; he actively shaped the next generation of agricultural leaders. Through mentorship, strategic planning, and industry engagement, he helped bridge the gap between academic institutions and the private sector, ensuring that students entered the workforce equipped with the knowledge and connections necessary for success.
Reflecting on his career, Lee notes, “Agriculture isn’t just about growing food—it’s about innovation, sustainability, and problem-solving. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some of the best minds in the industry to make a real impact.”
Philanthropy and the Delta Sigma Phi Influence
Lee credits much of his success to the values instilled in him by Delta Sigma Phi. The Fraternity’s commitment to Culture, Harmony, and Friendship shaped his leadership style and dedication to service. His philanthropic efforts, both in agriculture and fraternity life, were inspired by the belief that building better men leads to stronger communities.
One of his most cherished memories from Delta Sigma Phi was meeting his late wife, Barbara, at a Carnation Ball in 1962. Their relationship, built on shared values and lifelong friendships, remained a defining part of his personal journey. Years later, he found love again with his wife, Jill, whom he married at Delta Sigma Phi’s National Headquarters when it was located on North Delaware Street.
Reflecting on his career and volunteerism, Lee sees his philanthropic work as a continuation of his parents’ values. Whether raising funds for university programs, mentoring students, or contributing to the Fraternity, he remains motivated by a deep sense of responsibility to give back. “Giving back isn’t just a choice—it’s a responsibility,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors, and I want to be that person for others.”
He adds, “The greatest measure of success isn’t what you accomplish for yourself, but how you help others succeed.”
A Legacy of Leadership
As Lee prepares to accept the Eugene G. Sander Lifetime Achievement Award, he does so with humility and gratitude. His legacy in both the agricultural industry and Delta Sigma Phi is one of unwavering commitment to excellence, mentorship, and service. His work has impacted countless lives, from students entering the workforce to fraternity brothers following in his footsteps.
For Delta Sigma Phi, Lee’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how the Fraternity’s values can shape a lifetime of achievement. His story is a reminder that true leadership extends beyond titles and accolades—it is about making a lasting difference in the lives of others.
On May, we celebrate Brother Dueringer, a man who has dedicated his life to building better men, a stronger agricultural industry, and a more connected and generous community. Congratulations, Lee, on this well-deserved honor!