Wilfred Pierick recognized in Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development Hall of Fame

Published on by jackie.askins

Wilfred PierickThe University of Wisconsin-Extension 4-H Youth Development Program inducted 100 laureates into the brand-new Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame Saturday, November 15. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony was the last statewide event celebrating 100 years of 4-H in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame was established to recognize 4-H volunteers, financial supporters, staff and pioneers who made major contributions to 4-H at the local, state and national levels. The honorees represent 4-H in the broadest sense, according to Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development State Program Director Dale Leidheiser.

“We are inducting volunteers, supporters and UW-Extension employees who had an impact on the lives of children, their community or state through significant contributions of time, energy, or financial resource to 4-H and its members,” Leidheiser says.

Wisconsin 4-H is proud to be represented by Wilfred Pierick in the 4-H Hall of Fame. Pierick began his UW-Extension career as the Rock County 4-H and Youth Agent, and later moved to Lancaster in Grant County, serving there for nine years.

In 1964, Pierick moved to Madison as a UW-Extension 4-H Youth Development specialist. His position was responsible for the production and distribution of statewide agricultural, home economics, and other 4-H Youth Development literature. During this time he edited and authored numerous publications. In 1982, he retired as professor emeritus of UW-Extension.

He was past president of the Wisconsin 4-H Youth Agent’s Association. Recognitions included Distinguished Service Awards

Pierick Family

Maureen and Norbert Radle and Michael Pierick accept the Hall of Fame award on behalf of Wilfred Pierick, with Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development Associate Program Director Kandi O’Neil and Wisconsin 4-H Youth Leader Council Vice President Debbie Heth

from the State and National 4-H Youth Agent’s Associations, and the Wisconsin chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, the National Cooperative Extension Fraternity. In 1981, Wisconsin Future Farmers of America association awarded him as Honorary Wisconsin State Farmer.

Since 1914, Wisconsin 4-H has helped youth grow the leadership, critical thinking and communications skills necessary to be successful in a constantly changing world. Visit the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame website to learn more about the individuals who supported 100 years of growing Wisconsin leaders.