09-18-07

Media Release

Retired Oregon 4-H Leader Installed in National 4-H Hall of Fame

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Duane Johnson, a long-time Oregon 4-H youth development program leader and Oregon State University professor emeritus, has been inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame.

Johnson was recognized for his contributions to 4-H during more than 40 years of service to the Oregon 4-H program, and his volunteer service to 4-H and the OSU Extension Service following retirement in 1999.

The National 4-H Hall of Fame was created in 2002 as a 4-H Centennial project, to recognize and celebrate those people who have made a significant impact on 4-H and its millions of members. A new class of 4-H volunteers, supporters, and professional staff is inducted annually.

Johnson began working for the Oregon 4-H Program in 1959 – just a week after graduating from Iowa State University. He was a 4-H youth educator in Multnomah County in the 1960s and went on to be a state 4-H youth specialist at OSU in Corvallis. In 1987 he became state leader of the 4-H program and continued in that role for 13 years.

In retirement, Johnson continued serving Oregon 4-H, contributing to program development, 4-H scholarships and Oregon 4-H Foundation fundraising efforts.

Over his career, Johnson authored or co-authored more than 120 publications. He provided leadership for the Oregon 4-H Ambassador Program, served on numerous committees and helped further global education through the 4-H Japanese and Korean Exchange Program.

In addition, Johnson was noted for his work in empowering volunteer 4-H leaders to take a more active role in the design and conduct of community 4-H projects and for his leadership in 4-H fair activities at both the county and state levels.

Prior to his selection for the National 4-H Hall of Fame, Johnson was inducted into the Oregon 4-H Hall of Fame in 2004. He also received the American Spirit Award from the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents in 1991, the group’s highest recognition. The National 4-H Hall of Fame can be viewed online at http://www.nae4ha.org/hof/