On May 22, the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi hosted a luncheon during the VESA Conference in Lynchburg to honor the work of Extension agents and administrative assistants throughout the state.
Kathleen Jamison, Mid-Career Award
Kathleen Jamison, 4-H specialist, receives the VESA Mid-Career Award.
As a 4-H specialist, Kathleen Jamison has expanded the capacity of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programming in Virginia and has shown impact at the local, state, and national levels. At the national level, Kathleen contributed to the development of a conceptual framework for STEM curriculum development and is currently piloting it as part of a new national peer review system.
Kathleen provided training and coaching on the STEM curriculum model at the National 4-H Science Academy in December 2010 and to the Northeast Regional 4-H Science Academy in January 2012; it was offered to the Southern Region 4-H Science Academy this past April.
As chair of the Virginia STEM Leadership Team, Kathleen has provided training, coaching, and support in the development of the Virginia STEM programming model and a re-branding of 4-H SET to 4-H STEM, including the development of a logic model, programming model, comparison of scientific inquiry/engineering design/technological applications, to reframe STEM-ready programming guidelines. Kathleen is working to forge new partnerships and funding sources in support of the new Virginia 4-H STEM programming, including the Science Museum of Richmond, Adobe, Lockheed Martin, Cognizant, and Lemelson MIT.
Kathleen is currently finishing her term as president of ESP and has attended and presented at the Public Issues Leadership Development Conference.
— by Cynthia Rowles
J. Lawson Roberts, Friend of Extension
J. Lawson Roberts, second from left, a livestock marketing specialist, receives the VESA Friend of Extension award.
This year’s Friend of Extension Award is presented to J. Lawson Roberts, a livestock marketing specialist for Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Lawson grades livestock across Central Virginia and the Commonwealth. He willingly helps with various youth and adult events, sharing his knowledge of livestock grading system for market animals. He has done numerous presentations and hands on programs grading livestock for producers. He assists VCE programs by educating producers on how and why animals are graded and includes explanations of how the animal is today and how it will be at finish.
Lawson has worked with the state fair weighing in market animals for the various youth livestock events. He grades livestock at local events and willingly visits with the youth to explain grading and marketing to them. He volunteers to educate 4-H stockman and livestock judging teams in his home county.
Lawson has worked with the Virginia Quality Assurance feeder calf tel-o-auction program. He grades cattle for groups including Amelia Area Cattlemen’s LLC, Buckingham Cattlemen’s Association, Central Virginia Cattle Producers, Southern Virginia Beef Alliance, and more. He works with the Virginia Premium Assured Heifer Program. This is in addition to grading weekly sales in Lynchburg and Blackstone and at other markets as needed.
Lawson is a team player and willing to help livestock producers in central Virginia and other areas of the state as needed. He is respected for his knowledge and willingness to share his expertise with Extension Agents and producers.
– by Carl Stafford
Virginia Croushorn, Meritorious Support
The 2012 recipient of the Meritorious Service Recognition is Virginia Croushorn. Virginia has demonstrated nothing less than excellence in support of Extension programs. She sincerely takes interest in the educational programs Extension provides and thoroughly understands the hard work invested into each of them. Virginia Cooperative Extension has greatly benefited from the initiative, pride, and thoroughness Virginia invests in her work and service to the organization.
One of Virginia’s greatest assets is her contribution to the overall office morale. She instinctively notices if someone is having a bad or off-day and does what she can to help. Virginia’s work ethic is not only evident in her own responsibilities but through the agents and staff in the office as well. Largely assisted by Virginia’s responsiveness, thoroughness, and efficiency the nine agents and staff in the office are able to meet deadlines, create programs, and coordinate events all in timely and effective manners.
– by Kathy Alstat