Former MSU President Peter McPherson inducted into 4-H Luminaries
Print
EmailMcPherson joins an exclusive group of accomplished and influential 4 H alumni who will help raise awareness of the life-changing impact of 4-H.
On March 21, former Michigan State University President M. Peter McPherson was inducted into an elite group of former 4-H’ers: 4-H Luminaries. Created by the National 4‑H Council, this exclusive group of accomplished and influential 4‑H alumni will help raise awareness of the life-changing impact of 4-H and generate support for bringing the program to more youth.
“We are thrilled that Peter McPherson has been named a part of the 4-H Luminaries group,” said Jeff Dwyer, director of Michigan State University Extension, which operates Michigan’s 4-H program. “4-H is an important part of MSU and Extension and to have one of our university’s former presidents elected to this elite group is not only a testament to the impact of 4-H on a young person’s life but also a testament to this important relationship.”
McPherson, currently president of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, served as president of MSU from 1993 to 2004. Prior to serving as MSU president, he held other prestigious titles including deputy secretary of the U.S. Treasury and special assistant to President Gerald Ford.
During his youth, McPherson was a Michigan 4-H’er in Kent County.
“4-H helped build my confidence in my ability to succeed and to make the best better,” said McPherson, when inducted into the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society in 2002. “It was a significant part of my growing up.”
The prestigious 4-H Luminaries group to which McPherson was inducted is part of 25 million 4‑H alumni from across the nation that share a common bond in 4‑H – an experience that helped teach invaluable life skills such as responsibility, compassion and the value of hard work. The 40 members recognized in the 2017 Class of 4‑H Luminaries are charged with helping fuel the growth of 4‑H by committing to serve as 4‑H spokespeople sharing the personal impact of 4‑H; offering their expertise and access to experiences for 4‑H youth, alumni and professionals; and connecting their network to help grow the mission of 4‑H.
“Whether they are running Fortune 100 companies and performing to sold-out crowds or leading community programs and volunteering to empower local youth, 4‑H alumni represent the epitome of true leadership,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4‑H Council. “These remarkable alumni are committed to paying it forward and ensuring the next generation has the opportunity to benefit from the 4‑H experience.”
4‑H Luminaries was announced in conjunction with the launch of 4‑H’s Raise Your Hand campaign in which 4‑H alumni across the nation are asked to raise their hands to support the next generation of true leaders. If you are an alumni of Michigan 4-H or a 4-H program in another state, visit http://www.4-H.org/raiseyourhandto show your 4-H pride and help provide hands-on learning that empowers kids across America.
