October 20, 2004

Extension director's award honors Indiana State Fair

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Indiana State Fair was recognized by the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service on Tuesday (Oct. 19) for the renovation of the 4-H Education Complex at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and longtime support of the state's 4-H program.

Receiving the Purdue Extension Director's Award for the Indiana State Fair were William H. Stinson, Gene Sease and Terry Hoffman. Renee McKee and Carl Broady of the Purdue Department of Youth Development and Agricultural Education also were honored for working on the renovation project. The presentation was made during the annual Purdue Extension conference.

The $7.5 million facelift of the 4-H complex in the northwest corner of the fairgrounds began in 2003 and was completed this past summer. The 4-H Exhibit Hall and 4-H Centennial Hall, formerly the boys' dormitory, house exhibits and interactive centers during the Indiana State Fair. The project was funded by donations from 4-H alumni and friends, the Indiana State Fair and the Indiana 4-H Foundation.

"I can't say thank you enough," said David Petritz, Purdue Extension director. "We couldn't carry on 4-H without what the Indiana State Fair has provided for us. The renovated buildings are the envy of the nation."

Stinson, of Indianapolis, is executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission. Sease, of Indianapolis, is chairman of the Indiana State Fair Commission. Cindy Hoye, Indiana State Fair director of marketing and communications, accepted the award on Sease's behalf. Hoffman, of Jasper, Ind., is president of the Indiana State Fair Board. McKee, of Attica Ind., is program leader for 4-H youth and development. Broady, of West Lafayette, is a 4-H program coordinator.

The Director's Award is based on criteria such as contribution to Extension, worthiness of honor, significant programming, or loyalty and service to Extension. The Director's Award has been given since 1984 to teams, individuals and projects.

Writer: Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722; forbes@purdue.edu

Source: David Petritz, (765) 494-8489

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

Note to Journalists: Photos will be available online by 5 p.m. today (Wednesday, Oct. 20)

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