Each year Michigan State University (MSU) Extension recognizes outstanding partners, teams and staff members for their extraordinary service toward MSU Extension programs. The 2021 Extension awards were presented during the Fall Extension Conference held virtually Sept. 27-30, 2021.

“We have the privilege of working with some of the best community partners and colleagues in Michigan,” said Quentin Tyler, director of MSU Extension. “These honorees have come together on various projects and initiatives to help their neighbors, local businesses, farmers and friends thrive.”

Individual press releases and award recipient video clips are available to watch within the individual award stories below.

Key Partner Awards

The Key Partner Award recognizes those that have made significant contributions to support and promote MSU Extension programs. The 2021 Key Partner Award recipients are:

• Jael Tombaugh and Maezie Nettleton
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)
• Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
• Huron Pines
• Americana Foundation

Epsilon Sigma Phi Friend of Extension Award

The Friend of Extension Award recognizes individuals who have been true friends of MSU Extension and supported their programs. The 2021 recipient is:

• Michael G. Hansen, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

MSU Extension Emerging Issues/Rapid Response Award

The Emerging Issues/Rapid Response Award recognizes an outstanding “emerging issue/rapid response” team contribution to MSU Extension. This award was first created in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and MSU Extension’s quick response to the N95 mask shortage. The 2021 recipients are:

• Michigan Sea Grant COVID-19 Rapid Response Team
• MSU Extension 4-H Face-to-Face Taskforce

Outstanding Service to MSU Extension Award

The Outstanding Service to Michigan State University (MSU) Extension is the highest honor given to staff members who have been with the organization for at least 20 years, and who have consistently exhibited leadership, service and excellence in programming or administration. Receiving the Outstanding Service Award is:

• Beth A. Clawson

Gordon Guyer Collaborative Programming Award

The Gordon Guyer Collaborative Programming Award is named for the late Gordon Guyer, a strong supporter of collaborative programming who at one time served as MSU Extension director and president of MSU. It recognizes collaborative teams that include members from multiple MSU Extension programming areas. The 2021 award recipient is:

• MSU Extension 4-H Virtual Showcase and Auction Taskforce

MCEA John A. Hannah Award for Program Excellence

The John A. Hannah Award recognizes superior Extension programs that are developed and carried out by MSU Extension professional staff members who are appointed by the MSU Board of Trustees. It is considered the most prestigious of the Extension awards as it recognizes the excellence of the program. The 2021 award recipient is:

• MSU Extension Emergency Response to Accidents Involving Livestock

MSU Extension Meritorious Service Awards

The Meritorious Service Award honors individuals who have supported the mission, program, and professional staff of MSU Extension in an outstanding manner. Nominees must possess the highest standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance the reputation of MSU Extension.

This state award is designed to pay tribute to the many staff members in our system who, over time, have shown support for the mission, program and professional staff of MSU Extension. This year’s Meritorious Service Award recipients are:

• Kendra Gibson
• Nicole Persing-Wethington
• Lori Warchuck
• Jacob DeDecker
• Laurie Rivetto
• Vivian Washington
• Rebecca Sova
• Mindy Tape
• Phyllis J. Higman

MSU Extension Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Impact Award

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Impact Award recognizes individuals or teams that have made exceptional efforts in supporting or fostering excellence in reaching new or underrepresented audiences, promoting inclusion in program content or delivery, working in partnership with diverse communities or constituents or carrying out other efforts that promote sustained relationship-building across differences. Receiving the award are:

• Melissa Elischer and Laurie Rivetto

MSU Extension Innovative Technology Award

The MSU Extension Innovative Award is awarded to someone who is constantly working towards bettering a project and finding new ways to adapt to a variety of challenges. This year’s recipient is:

• Norma Lundeen

MSU Extension Institute Team Awards

The MSU Extension Institute Team Awards recognize outstanding team contributions to MSU Extension. This year’s award recipients are:

• State Opioid Response Team
• Michigan Water School Team

MSU Extension helps people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge resources of MSU directly to individuals, communities and businesses. For more than 100 years, MSU Extension has helped grow Michigan’s economy by equipping Michigan residents with the information that they need to do their jobs better, raise healthy and safe families, build their communities and empower our children to dream of a successful future. Learn more about MSU Extension at: extension.msu.edu.