It is our pleasure to present Jeff Burbrink with the 2007 Purdue Master Gardener Coordinator of the Year Award!
New this year, nominations were sought from Master Gardeners around the state to recognize their local county coordinator. The criteria for nomination included communication skills, enthusiasm, leadership, ability to delegate, sensitivity to diverse needs, and encouragement of growth and continued participation.
Though we received many worthy nominations, we were particularly touched by the well organized packed submitted by the Elkhart County MGs.
Here’s what Jeff’s fan club had to say.
“When Jeff established the early guidelines for the Elkhart Program, he did so with careful thought to what it would mean to class participants, the local extension office, and the region as a whole to have a group of trained volunteers sharing their love and knowledge of gardening with the community.”
“Leading by example, his enthusiasm and high standards have made the Michiana Master Gardener Association respected within the county and throughout the state.”
“Class members know they are earning the right to be a part of a wide-reaching, well-respected organization and Jeff provides them with the tools and encouragement to become the best educators they can be.”
“Whether it’s the Garden Tour, the graduating class seminars, or the tree sales program, Jeff is in the background helping others make everything work”.
Although quite capable of teaching the classes himself, Jeff enriches the program by bringing in a variety of community experts as speakers in order to expose students to a variety of methods and perspectives.
Jeff helps them to understand that the correct answer is more important than appearing to know all the answers. Jeff himself says: “It is really more knowing which questions to ask and where to look for answers!”
Jeff is an excellent facilitator and mentor of the Michiana Master Gardeners. He welcomes students to the program from a variety of backgrounds and interests, provides them with the opportunity to be self-sufficient, yet maintains the structure and consistency necessary to be affiliated with the Purdue Master Gardener Program.
One last quote from one of the Elkhart Co. MGs – “Jeff is the real McCoy. He is a model representative, devoted to the program. He has the ability to adjust, even under difficult circumstances. He is open minded and understanding. Jeff is a true friend.”
Jeff Burbrink is a native of Bartholomew County, Indiana. Born and raised on a grain and beef farm near Columbus, he was a 10 year 4-H member. Jeff joined the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service in 1982 and is now the County Extension Director and Economic and Community Development Educator for Elkhart County.
Congratulations Jeff, on a job well done!