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

2002 Illinois Friend of 4-H Award

George Daigh of Urbana, IL was honored during the annual 4-H Day, Saturday, November 16 at the Krannert Center for Production Arts on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. Daigh received the 2002 Friend of 4-H Award for his outstanding leadership and support for the Illinois 4-H Program.

During his twenty-five year career with University of Illinois Extension, Daigh was involved with state and national livestock judging contests for which he introduced computer assisted rankings and results. He also designed unique 4-H volunteer training packages that incorporated the concept of home-based learning.

Daigh is probably best known for his work as Director of the Illinois 4-H Foundation, a position he held for more than twenty years. Daigh initiated the "4 Million for 4-H" and intensive direct mail campaigns that greatly increased and expanded funding for the program.

Daigh was instrumental in establishing 4-H Day on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus twenty-two years ago. Each year, thousands of 4-H youth and their volunteer leaders attend this event to celebrate 4-H and be recognized for their contributions to communities throughout Illinois.

First Lady of Illinois Lura Lynn Ryan was named a 2001 Friend of Illinois 4-H for her efforts and support as honorary chair of the 4-H CAN Make a Difference Food Drive.

Ryan was recognized during the 4-H Day award reception, Nov. 10, on the University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana campus.

In her third year of service in support of the food drive to help feed the hungry in Illinois, Ryan’s involvement raised the level of support 4-H received from Illinois organizations and businesses.

Under Ryan’s direction, 4-H members, leaders and volunteers collected more than 150 tons of food to distribute to food banks and shelters across the state.

Each summer at the Illinois State Fair, 4-H members build a "house" out of donated canned goods to raise awareness for the effort. The house symbolizes 4-H members’ hopes that pantry shelves in all Illinois homes are stocked with food.

Besides her participation in 4-H food drive efforts, Ryan and her husband, Illinois Governor George H. Ryan, have worked to fight alcohol and drug abuse, advance adult literacy, encourage organ donation, promote Illinois arts and crafts, and preserve the state’s history and culture.

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