Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
7/8/03
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Chuck Morris, Interim Director of 4-H, (515)-294-1611, cmorris@iastate.edu
Mitchell Hoyer, program coordinator, (515)294-1531, mhoyer@iastate.edu
Carol Ouverson, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515)-294-9640,
couverso@iastate.edu
Former Iowa 4-H Director Receives State 4-H Alumni Award
AMES, Iowa--Joe Kurth, former director of Iowa 4-H and youth development programs, was awarded the Iowa 4-H Alumni Award during the recent 2003 Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.
The state 4-H alumni award is the highest recognition given to adults by the state 4-H program.
"The award is to honor former 4-H'ers whose achievements exemplify effective citizenship, leadership, community and public service, and success in a chosen career," said Mitchell Hoyer, Iowa 4-H program coordinator.
Kurth, who left his position at the end of June 2003, has spent the past 17 years serving as state 4-H leader in the states of Idaho, Washington and Iowa. The last 10 years were spent in Iowa serving as director of 4-H.
During his time with Iowa 4-H, Kurth helped provide a safe and caring environment for Iowa 4-H'ers by starting the Child Protection and Safety Program, he initiated plans that led to creating the Clover Kids program and he also helped complete a $2.5 million capital campaign in conjunction with the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
Chuck Morris, interim director of 4-H and youth development programs,
said Kurth was always a strong advocate for hiring and preserving quality
staff.
"He is a firm believer in encouraging staff to do their very best,"
Morris said.
Morris said he has learned many valuable lessons while working under Kurth, such as doing what is best for the youth of Iowa, listening to others and being fair and compassionate. He said he also learned that sometimes you do have to make tough decisions.
"Joe [has] made a significant difference in the growth and quality of Iowa's 4-H Youth Development Program on its continuing journey in becoming an even greater masterpiece," Morris said.
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