October 22, 2004

Two from Purdue agriculture honored by USDA

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Victor Lechtenberg, vice provost for engagement and former dean of agriculture at Purdue University, and Eldon Ortman, a national program leader at the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES) and former head of Purdue's Department of Entomology, on Thursday (Oct. 21) were inducted into the CSREES Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame is a newly created honor that recognizes individuals for outstanding support of research, education and Extension by advancing knowledge for agriculture, environment, human health and well-being, and communities, said David Petritz, director of Purdue Extension. The Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The award committee selected Lechtenberg for his work with the Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems program and his efforts to integrate research and Extension missions. He also chaired the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and Economics Advisory Board for six years.

"Vic was instrumental in crafting legislation that authorized the Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems program as part of the Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Reform Act of 1998," Petritz said. "This competitive grant program has helped a number of researchers further our knowledge about critical agricultural issues."

Ortman was selected for his efforts in integrated pest management (IPM) and his work as a USDA/ARS center director, a department head, adviser to regional research committees, president of his scientific society and chair of the North Central Experiment State Directors.

"Eldon has spent three decades promoting U.S. agriculture, and his efforts in IPM have broad ranging significance," Petritz said.

The CSREES Hall of Fame was created in 2004 to recognize the agency's 10th anniversary. The inductees are nominated by their peers. CSREES was created in 1994 when the former Cooperative State Research Service and former Extension Service were combined. It is one of four USDA agencies in the research, education and economics mission area.

Eight others were inducted in the hall, including: Jane Coulter of Virginia, Dan Dooley of California, Rodney Foil of Mississippi, Martin Massengale of Nebraska, Madelin Mellinger of Florida, Rubie Mize of Maryland, Leodrey Williams of Louisiana and Edward M. "Ted" Wilson of Florida.

Writer: Kay Hagen, (765) 494-6682, kjh@purdue.edu

Source: Dave Petritz, (765) 494-8489, dpetritz@purdue.edu

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