The Iowa Alpha Mu Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s honor society recognized three Friends of Extension during Epsilon Sigma Phi’s annual awards ceremony March 8 at Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames.

Wallaces Farmer: Wallaces Farmer magazine and its dedicated staff are true Friends of Extension. They won Iowa’s state Friends of Extension Award for 2016, which has been forwarded to the national ESP awards committee for national consideration.

FRIENDS OF EXTENSION: The staff of Wallaces Farmer magazine recently received the 2016 Friends of Extension Award from Iowa State University. From left are Sandra McKinnon of ISU Extension, Frank Holdmeyer (retired Wallaces Farmer staff), Kellie Grolmus (Wallaces Farmer editorial assistant), John Otte (retired Wallaces Farmer staff), Rod Swoboda (editor of Wallaces Farmer) and Cathann Kress, ISU vice president for Extension and Outreach.

Wallaces Farmer has been the leading source of information for Iowa’s farm families and related businesses for over a century. It has had a long collaborative relationship with Extension specialists from Iowa and other states, and relies heavily on Extension specialists for guest articles and interviews. It allows ISU Extension and Outreach specialists to disseminate timely information throughout the state and beyond both quickly and accurately while effectively leveraging university resources.

Colleen Sattler: Colleen Sattler radiates an energetic passion for volunteerism; in fact, she often jokes that volunteering is her full-time job. Colleen’s enthusiasm, helpful attitude, and focus on research serve as great examples for other Iowa Master Gardener volunteers and those who are served by community gardens. Colleen’s positive energy, flexibility, and focus on youth leadership serve as great examples for other Iowa 4-H volunteers and those who are served by K-12 youth development. An ultimate go-getter, Sattler has dedicated hundreds of hours to Polk County Extension, and those she serves are truly grateful.

Iowa Library Services: Three years ago, a collaboration was begun between Iowa Library Services and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Human Sciences to offer “Smart Investing @ Your Library” to rural libraries across the state of Iowa. The collaboration supported a shared goal of increasing Iowans’ access to investment education resources and tools to make wise financial decisions, and was funded by grant funds provided by FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Libraries selected by Iowa Library Services, provided locations for workshops, marketing and promotion of the class, and computer access and technical support for participants. Extension provided the library clients with a six-week investment education course that was designed for three audiences: Generation X, baby boomers and retirees. The collaboration resulted in delivery of investor education at 43 rural libraries with 847 participants. Libraries not included in the original grant agreement continue to request delivery of the course. Family Finance specialists have found other opportunities to partner with the participating libraries, resulting in enhanced marketing of Extension programs and use of their facilities to reach audiences for other priority programs.

Five ISU Extension staff and faculty members honored
In addition to the Friends of Extension for 2016, ESP also honored five ISU Extension and Outreach staff and faculty members from across the state, rewarding their service. The awards recognized some of its most accomplished members and most distinguished partners that have helped promote Extension work in their community and across Iowa.

Kelvin Leibold: Kelvin Leibold won the Continued Excellence Award. Leibold, an agriculture field specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, has impacted thousands of clients with group meetings, web based education and through individual consultations. He has dedicated over 28 years to helping others find answers to questions that have made an impact on their life. He has a wide range of knowledge and experience providing him with skills to help clients find answers and solve problems.

Joe Sellers: Joe Sellers won the Distinguished Service Award. Sellers is an outstanding Extension and Outreach agriculture field specialist who is dedicated to his clientele, committed to supporting his community, and willing to share his time and talents in both his professional and personal lives. He has the ability to foresee concerns and plan programs to address them. Joe also is outstanding at developing and nurturing relationships which lead to programs and grant projects.

Kapil Arora: Kapil Arora won the Mid-Career Award. Arora, an Extension and Outreach agriculture field specialist, is a great example of an individual’s efforts in creative engagement and educational programs accomplishment. He has strengthened Extension’s image through grant writing, program delivery, and entrepreneurial efforts. He has built consensus among groups and developed partnerships to effectively engage Iowans, in addition to providing institutional service. His exemplary ability to educate by developing and delivering research based information has made Kapil an effective field agricultural engineer.

Barb Fuller: Barb Fuller won the Early Career Award. Fuller has been an active member of ESP, Alpha Mu chapter since her initiation in 2009, including awards committee chair. In her early career, the Human Sciences Extension and Outreach field specialist has had an impact on programs delivered by ISU Extension especially in food safety education. As a member of the Nutrition and Wellness team, she has contributed in other programming areas like child care provider education and home food preservation.

Andrea Nelson: Andrea Nelson won the Administrative Leadership Award. Nelson builds partnerships with community organizations to recruit and co-facilitate programs that provide bigger impact than what could be attained on our own. The executive director of ISU Extension’s Polk County office is proud of the new direction the office has taken to be a positive, productive and effective partner in the community and with our campus based colleagues. A recent highlight includes leadership of the development of a Community Alliance for the ISU 4U Promise so students in Des Moines can find a pathway to college.

Epsilon Sigma Phi’s Alpha Mu Chapter has served as an honor society representing Extension professionals at Iowa State University since 1928. Its goals are to maintain high professional standards, foster professional relationships and sustain morale and prestige of the Extension Service. At the core of its service is providing professional development opportunities for its members and recognizing Extension professionals for their meritorious service.