October 20, 2004
Six new 'Friends of Extension' named
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service honored six individuals for their commitment to Extension. The group was recognized as Friends of Extension by the Indiana Extension Educators Association on Tuesday (Oct. 19) at the annual Purdue Extension professional development conference.
Dave Petritz, director of Purdue Extension, said those who win this award are integral to Extension.
"These individuals and couples are role models within Purdue Extension," he said. "They are extremely involved in Extension at the local, state and even national level, and they play a key role in getting others involved."
The honorees were:
• Linda Bassett, Auburn, Ind. Bassett is active in local, state and international Extension homemaker activities. She traveled to South Africa as an Extension exchange homemaker and was host to several foreign homemakers visiting the United States. She was a member of the state Extension Homemaker Logo and Marketing Committee and a state Extension homemaker delegate at the Associated Country World Meeting in Canada. Bassett participates in Sew for Riley days, a benefit for Riley Children's Hospital of Indianapolis, and is an active 4-H volunteer. She has judged mini 4-H, assisted with summer 4-H judging, and helped with fund raising and promotion events for the local 4-H program. She served on the local Extension board for six years, serving as secretary for two years, and was a Purdue Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching (PCARET) member.
• Steve Jordan, Rensselaer, Ind. Jordan has been a longtime Extension supporter at the county and state level. During his tenure as Extension board president, he was instrumental in securing support to fund a local Extension educator position. He chaired the Extension board budget committee and testified at county council budget hearings on behalf of Extension. Jordan also is active on the local county 4-H council, serving on the nomination committee, and chairing the grievance committee. He is a member of the Jasper County Fair Association and played an important role in securing grants to build a new exhibit hall, horse arena and multipurpose livestock pavilion. He served two terms as Indiana State Fair director and was superintendent of the llama and horse projects. Jordan also serves as the county's swine superintendent and led the push for all swine members to achieve pork quality assurance level three status. Currently he's the Area IX PCARET representative and the state PCARET vice president.
• Max and Lois Fitzpatrick, Whiteland, Ind. The Fitzpatricks have a history of helping Purdue Extension. Lois was a member of the Johnson County Extension Board and was involved in hiring two Extension educators and developing a plan of work. She also served as a facilitator for Extension programs. Max has been a volunteer 4-H leader for 50 years. He recently founded the fair management project club which introduces 4-H members to the ins and outs of putting on a county fair. The Fitzpatricks are heavily involved in the county fair. Lois volunteers in the office and leads the photography project. Max volunteers at the 4-H tractor driving contest and emcees fair events. He's served as president of the county fair association and as president and executive secretary of the Indiana Association of County and District Fairs. The Fitzpatricks also financially supported construction of Centennial Park at the fairgrounds and an exhibit hall for 4-H and open class exhibits. They also provide funding for various Extension programs.
• David and Judy Smith, Madison, Ind. Judy has been a 4-H leader for 34 years and served on the Jefferson County Extension board several times. During her tenure on the Extension board, she helped set up a scholarship for 4-H members and participated in the inaugural funding drive. Because of her efforts, two 4-H members receive a scholarship every year. Judy also is acting sheep superintendent at the county fair. Under her leadership, the sheep project has grown from one exhibitor to 119 exhibitors. She also is a link between Purdue Extension and county organizations. David has served on the county fair board and developed a plan to rewire the fairgrounds. He also helped plan construction of a new sheep barn and acts as superintendent of the merchants' area at the fairgrounds.
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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