MSU Extension 4-H

Allegan County 4-H alumna Dian M. Liepe, of Pullman, is among 12 4-H alumni inducted into the 2022 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society. Liepe was recognized on Sept. 30, during the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration hosted by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation in East Lansing. 

The Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society honors former Michigan 4-H members whose professional leadership and community service reflect the ultimate outcome of 4-H membership – extraordinary use of an individual’s head, heart, hands and health to make communities, the country and the world better places in which to live. This recognition is provided by Michigan 4-H Youth Development with support from the Michigan 4-H Foundation. 

Liepe has devoted her life to the Michigan 4-H program, participating as a 4-H member, volunteer leader, and employee. Since 2012, she has been the 4-H program coordinator for MSU Extension in Allegan County, the county in which she had once been a 4-H’er herself. Before becoming the Allegan County 4-H program coordinator, Liepe served as a 4-H program assistant in the county for 27 years and as a Cheboygan County 4-H program assistant for six years. 

Over the years, Liepe has generously lent her expertise to the Michigan Association of Extension 4-H Youth Staff, serving as regional vice chair and chair of the north and west central regions, and as association vice president, president, and past president. Liepe recently completed two terms as the association treasurer. Liepe also served two years as secretary/treasurer of the Michigan Council of Extension Agents and as a member of many statewide 4-H staff committees. She has received the MAE4-HYS Presidential Citation and Distinguished Staff awards, as well as the National Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents.  

“My 4-H experience gave me confidence to try new things, to keep trying, and do my best in everything,” said Liepe. “My first experience at MSU was with 4-H Exploration Days—I was hooked! As a Spartan, I wanted to share my 4-H experience and became a 4-H staff person. Now with 45 years of experience, I have made an impact on the lives of 4,500 youth who are making this world better!” 

Since 2005 Liepe has served as the volunteer secretary of the Allegan County 4-H Clubs Board, which owns 4-H Camp Kidwell. She has co-chaired the board’s golf scramble and been instrumental in making its Festival of Trees fundraiser successful. Liepe is an annual donor to the Michigan 4-H Foundation, to the 4-H Camp Kidwell Campaign, and to other 4-H Camp Kidwell events. 

Liepe is the junior choir director and junior high Sunday school teacher at her church. She has served as the board president of the Casco Community Hall and as a member of the Casco Township Planning Commission and the Casco Zoning Board of Appeals.  

The Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration was hosted and emceed by MSU Extension Associate Director Matt Shane, a Kent County 4-H alumnus and 2014 4-H Emerald Clover Society inductee. Also inducted into the 4-H Emerald Clover Society Class of 2022 were: Gail R. Frahm, Saginaw; Larry J. Gould, Morenci; Jon D. Hausserman, Fenwick; L. Janel Horrocks-Boehmer, Williamston; Alice A. Kempf, Holton; Karen Kolberg Kietzer, Stevensville; Sarah J. Pion, Cassopolis; Rachael N. Ramirez, Birch Run; Melissa A. Souva, Bronson; Schawna M. Thoma, Anchorage, Alaska; and Mary J. Yeomans, Midland.

Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society members are inducted every two years. The inaugural class of 62 members was inducted in 2002 to coincide with the national 4-H centennial. For more information on the 4 H Emerald Clover Society and its members, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org/ecs. 

The Michigan 4-H Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that supports Michigan 4-H Youth Development. For more information about the Michigan 4-H Foundation, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org. Michigan 4-H Youth Development is the youth-serving program of MSU Extension. Nearly 100,000 youth are involved in 4-H with the support of 9,000 adult volunteers. For more information about Michigan 4-H, visit www.4h.msue.msu.edu.