In The News: 4-H Day at the University of Illinois

4-H Hall of Fame Award

Orion Samuelson was recognized for his leadership and service to the nation's youth at a state 4-H recognition reception on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on Saturday, November 18. Samuelson is known to many as the "Voice of Agriculture." He is vice president and agriculture director at Chicago's WGN Radio. Samuelson's daily National Farm Report and his weekly U.S. Farm Report can be heard on the Agri-Voice network.

Samuelson was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame during ceremonies held in conjunction with the 2002 National 4-H Conference at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland in April. He was one of one hundred persons to receive this recognition that salutes those individuals who have played key roles in the development of 4-H. The honor was established to coincide with the centennial anniversary year of the national 4-H movement.

Samuelson's life-long commitment to youth and agriculture has been recognized by several organizations. Last year, he was named the Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois and received the Lincoln Medal from Governor George Ryan - the highest award bestowed by the state of Illinois. He holds an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of Illinois and was presented with the International Communicator of the Year Award from the President of the Republic of China. At the 1997 Illinois State Fair, Governor Jim Edgar changed the name of the State Fair Junior Livestock Building to the Orion Samuelson Junior Livestock Building, as a tribute to his four decades of service to youth and agriculture in Illinois. He has received the National 4-H Alumni Award, National 4-H Partner Award, and the Honorary FFA American Farmer Degree. He is Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation and co-chair of Extension Partners, a group that seeks increased financial support for University of Illinois Extension.