MSU Extension 4-H Volunteering & Mentoring

As generations came together for Join Hands Day on May 6, Michigan State University Extension celebrated 23 volunteers who united with youth for half a century. These individuals have provided 50 or more years of service to Michigan 4-H and youth in their communities.

“Volunteers are critical to many of our MSU Extension programs,” said Quentin Tyler, director of MSU Extension. “While we owe a debt of gratitude to all our volunteers, these 23 individuals in particular have made a remarkable impact. They have given their time and talent to 4-H for five decades. We truly cannot thank them enough.”

Michigan 4-H is the flagship youth development program of MSU Extension, providing young people ages five to 19 with experiential learning opportunities that help develop critical life skills. These experiences are offered through numerous delivery models and countless program areas, thanks in large part to the generous support of thousands of volunteers.

4-H volunteers help lead young people and grow their skills in many venues, including after-school programs, summer camps, short-term special interest groups, year-long clubs, special events, fairs, mentoring programs and more. As they provide hands-on guidance and real-world experience, these volunteers also offer young people another crucially important element: a healthy adult role model who helps to grow their confidence and ignite their dreams for the future.

“Our 4-H programs simply are not possible without the support of caring volunteers,” said Julie Chapin, state leader for Michigan 4-H Youth Development and director of MSU Extension’s children and youth programs. “Throughout their half-century of service, these 23 people have made an impact beyond measure. They’ve led and supported many programs, championed numerous initiatives and changed countless lives. On behalf of Michigan 4-H, we thank them for their ongoing commitment and dedication to youth in our state.”

The Michigan 4-H 50-year volunteers being recognized in 2023 are:

• Carol Callovi, Iron County
• David Callovi, Iron County
• Nancy Ciravolo, Monroe County
• Suzanne Gillhespy, Allegan County
• Gaylord Kutzley, Lenawee County
• Linda Lefcheck, Monroe County
• Jane Lloyd, Kalamazoo County
• Catherine Martens-Nitschke, Kent County
• Charles McCarthy, Cass County
• Judith Missler, Monroe County
• Beverly Rajzer, Cass and Van Buren counties
• Karl Schaefer, Clinton County
• Margaret Schaefer, Clinton County
• Marilyn Tkaczyk, Shiawassee County
• Barbara Vagt, Monroe County
• Kenneth Vagt, Monroe County
• Cathy VanOrden, Isabella County
• Joyce Vincent, Newaygo County
• Wanda Warner, Calhoun County
• Margaret Wegner, Midland County
• Gladys Welker, Ingham County
• Linda Willman, Wayne County
• Donald Wyant, Cass County

In recognition of their service, 50-year volunteers received a gift of appreciation from MSU Extension leadership, as well as a personal note of thanks.

Tribute gifts in honor of any or all of these 4-H volunteers may be made to support 4-H at: https://mi4hfdtn.org/memorial-tribute-gifts/.  To learn more about volunteering with Michigan 4-H, visit 4h.msue.msu.edu.