Epsilon Sigma Phi Newsletter
Summer 2003

President's Message
by Ina Metzger Linville, ESP President

Celebrating Seventy-Five Years of
ENDURING OPTIMISM

Seventy-five years ago twelve extension professionals gathered one January in Montana, decided to create an agency for the good of the whole Extension organization. They envisioned an organization that promoted and nurtured professional excellence for members, colleagues and volunteers.  To achieve this purpose, Epsilon Sigma Phi provides scholarships, grants, a formal system of recognitions and awards and a host of learning opportunities.  Your local Alpha Tau chapter is working hard to bring these opportunities to you. 

Scholarships

The Extension Loan and Scholarship fund is available to ALL extension professionals to help with furthering knowledge and skills.  Read Pat Snodgrass’s article in this edition to find out how you can access and benefit from this program.

Grants

ESP members can apply for mini-grants for projects that build professionalism.  Applications are available on-line at the national ESP website at espnational.org under the Members Services Section pages 4 through 7.  Applications are accepted anytime of the year.  Recipients must file a report by the February 1 following the grant award.

Formal Recognition System

Our awards system recognizes professional excellence of for program staff and administrators at the regional and state levels.  We keep institutional wisdom by recognizing retirees.  We seek out that volunteer that believes in helping people help themselves as much as we do as our “Friend of Extension.”  Rebecca Travnichek has outlined our recognition program and submission guidelines in her article later in this newsletter.  Nominations are due September 5. 

Learning Opportunities

Barb Casady represents ESP with a group dedicated extension professionals that is planning a Missouri Galaxy.  Make sure to read her information in this newsletter.

Many people believe Extension work is a calling.  ESP is the keeper of the Extension Professional’s Creed.   In times of change and uncertainty, revisiting the creed always renews my enduring optimism.

EXTENSION PROFESSIONAL’S CREED

I BELIEVE in people and their hopes, their aspirations, and their faith; in their right to make their own plans and arrive at their own decisions; in their ability and power to enlarge their lives and plan for happiness of those they love.

I BELIEVE that education, of which Extension is an essential part, is basic in stimulating individual initiative, self-determination, and leadership; that these are the keys to democracy and that people when given facts they understand, will act not only in their self-interest, but also in the interest of society.

I BELIEVE that education is a life-long process and the greatest university is the home; that my success as a teacher is proportional to those qualities of mind and spirit that give me welcome entrance to the homes of the families I serve.

I BELIEVE in intellectual freedom to search for and present the truth without bias and with courteous tolerance toward the view of others.

I BELIEVE that Extension is a link between the people and the ever-changing discoveries in the laboratories.

I BELIEVE in the public institutions of which I am a part.

I BELIEVE in my own work and in the opportunity I have to make my life useful to humanity.

Because I BELIEVE these things, I am an EXTENSION PROFESSIONAL.

Membership Reminder
by Bob Schultheis, ESP Treasurer

Make sure you acknowledge your commitment to professional excellence by making sure you are a member of ESP.  Send your $50 dues to Bob Schultheis, ESP Treasurer, Webster County Extension Center, P.O. Box 7, Marshfield, MO 65706.  You can easily access an application/renewal form on the ESP website at http://outreach.missouri.edu/esp/archive/members/application.html   To jog your memory, a list of those who were members last year, but have not yet renewed for 2003 is posted on the ESP website at http://outreach.missouri.edu/esp/archive/members/active2003.html.    July 1 is our chapter’s cut off date for membership renewal. Make sure you renew before this to be eligible for member’s awards.

Just for Life Members
by Jim Ollar, Life Member Chair

Hi guys, I trust that the spring is going well for you and yours. For those who traveled away from winter weather and have returned for the glorious spring, welcome back. For the rest of us, is not spring quite a nice reward for dealing with the many faces of a Missouri winter.

John Parker has provided the following synopsis of the recent round of retirees meetings.

April 9, Columbia, program by historian Robert Beasley.
April 17, Jackson, folk music program by 98 yr. old retired staff member Willard James and son Marshall.
April 18, Sedalia, Missouri’s ragtime music by Dr. Lucille Salerno.
April 23, Troy, Robert Beasley on reminiscences of Harry Truman.
May 8, Lamar, Robert Beasley on reminiscences of Harry Truman.
May 9, Springfield, Robert Beasley on reminiscences of Harry Truman.
May 14, Gallatin, Ralph Duren on the influence of fur trade on western expansion.

The next series of retirees meetings will be in the fall and announced in various newsletters. Plan to attend and help spread the word about these opportunities to fellowship with former colleagues.

Below are a few names, numbers web sites, etc that come in handy. If you have other helpful names, numbers, etc. let me know and they will be in a future newsletter

University Benefits – Retirement Programs - (573) 882-9810 or 1-(800)-488-5288
Coordinator, Michael Kenny
Senior Retirement Analyst, Diana Bird
http://system.missouri.edu/hrs/staff/benstaff.htm

Outreach and Extension Benefits
Diane Dews
803 Clark Hall
Ph: 573-882-5134
dewsd@umsystem.edu

Federal Retirement
http://www.opm.gov/retire/index.asp
1 (888)767-6738

Have a great summer.  Stay in touch.

Jim Ollar, ESP life member committee chair
1251 Covered Bridge Rd
Columbia, MO   65203
jimooo@charter.net
573-442-3023

Courtesy and Memorials
by Wilma Jean Lower, Courtesy and Memorials Chair

Alpha Tau Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi has a long-standing tradition of honoring in memoriam University of Missouri Outreach and Extension faculty and staff.  Each year these names are presented to the membership at the annual meeting.  It is very difficult to insure that each appropriate person is honored.  Often information does not reach the committee chairman. 

Please notify Wilma Jean Lower, 471 Highway 32, Fair Play, MO. 65649  (fwjlower@alltel.net or telephone – 417-654-2496).  The following information is needed for the file:
                        Name and title (before retirement) of deceased person
                        Name and address of next of kin (spouse, child, etc)

’75 N’ ’75 National ESP Endowment Campaign

by Barb Casady, Annalist 

The hallmark event of the 75^th Anniversary of the National Epsilon Sigma Phi is the development of a $500,000 endowment.  The endowment will provide a steady supply of funds for scholarships, grants, professional development projects and awards.

National ESP is asking all members to consider making a financial commitment to this development campaign.  The initial goal is for each member to give a $75 contribution to the endowment during the 75^th Anniversary year.  Each contributor will receive a gold and green embossed 75^th Anniversary commemorative lapel pin.  All gifts to the Epsilon Sigma Phi Endowment are tax deductible.

We congratulate Pat Buchanan and Rebecca Travnichek for being the first Missouri contributors.

Contributions may be sent to the Epsilon Sigma Phi National Office, PO Box 357340, Gainesville, FL  32635-7340.  If you would like more information contact Barb Casady at CasadyB@missouri.edu for a brochure and pledge card.

PLANS UNDERWAY FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

Epsilon Sigma Phi is joining with UMEA and the other Extension Professional Associations to initiate plans for a professional development conference to be held in 2003.  While planning is still in it’s infancy, we promise to keep ESP members informed.  When more information is confirmed we will email ESP members.

Loan & Fellowship Monies Available
by Pat Snodgrass, Loan and Fellowship Chair

Epsilon Sigma Phi initiated a fund several years ago to assist individual university faculty and professional staff members from the University of Missouri campuses and Lincoln University in continuing their professional development.

Individual applicants must be currently employed with UOE or as a university faculty member.  The applicant must have at least two years of consecutive employment with UM or LU.  Priority is given to first time applicants.

Awards of up to $1,500 are granted for professional development activities including graduate study and professional meetings and seminars.  Applications are reviewed monthly.

Applications can be found at the following website http://outreach.missouri.edu/staff/awards/fellowship.html.

This fund has also served as a memorial to a colleague and to honor staff upon retirements from the University.

UMEA Board Update
by Rebecca Travnichek

Highlights from the UMEA Board met in Columbia on June 4^th, 2003.

The first item of business was drafting a letter to Dr. Floyd thanking him for the tuition assistance for spouses and dependents.

(Dr) Ron Turner and Rhonda Gibler shared an abundance of information.  They reported that depending on funding, the following projects are being explored:

• 2% compensation for faculty, based on market and merit.

• Field vacant positions may be opened (20 expected when ‘04 funding is secure).

• Funds for Body Walk improvements (based on ability to bring in matching funds).

• New policies to include:

• vacation buy-back policy—if faculty have one year vacation on the books they can cash in 10 days of annual leave
• internal transfers—if approved would give 10 days lead time for internal candidates to apply for open position before it goes “external”

• Dr. Turner want to know if faculty wanted an annual meeting funding. The response was YES; we need face-to-face meetings with our peers.

• Rhonda mentioned some one-time funds for new computers for regional faculty and office managers as well as faster lines for computer connections.

• Reductions will happen with Outreach & Development Funds and for the TCRCs (based on their ability to generate revenue).

Overall the tone with admin is very positive, they have asked for faculty input via the Professional Associations and have listened to our concerns.  We are in far from ideal conditions, but dialogue is open!

A UMEA special committee has been working on annual luncheon + another day of professional development.  Dates being considered are Oct. 21-22 or Nov. 18-19.  Hold these dates and let your ideas be heard about when, where, and what to include during the time together.

A sick leave bank proposal will be taken to July meeting of the Board of Curators for staff benefits.

Bottom line—our professional associations are our best tool to use for working with University administration and MECCLC.  We need your participation.  Think about what you are willing to do to be a part of the solution to our future!

Epsilon Sigma Phi Awards
by Rebecca Travnichek, Awards Chair 

Giving recognition is an important function of professional organizations like Epsilon Sigma Phi.  Such recognition is only possible if members assume their responsibilities of membership by participating in the awards process.  Please take time to nominate a fellow ESP member or colleague for an appropriate award.

For most awards the person you nominate must be a member of Epsilon Sigma Phi.  However, there are a few exceptions such as the Friends of Extension Award, Visionary Leadership Award, and State Meritorious Support Service Award.  To find out if your nominee is a current member ask the individual, or contact one of the Awards Committee members. Committee members are Roxanne Miller, David Hill, Rhonda Gibler, Janet LaFon, Kevin Allen, Georgia Stuart-Simmons, and Rebecca J. Travnichek (chairperson).   A list of past award recipients is available via the website:  outreach.missouri.edu/esp

National ESP Guidelines indicate that nominations for all awards are limited to no more than two pages.  In order to simplify the process at the state level, we are willing to accept nominations that are shorter in length as long as they outline the individual’s key professional and program accomplishments and include a short statement of support.  We don’t need a picture at this point either.   If nominations are in categories that will go on for regional and national consideration, the committee will work with recipients to develop a more complete nomination packet.  Award guidelines are also available on the website.

A set of guidelines for the Team Award is also included.  The team award was designed to recognize outstanding efforts of extension staff teams in responding to one or more of the national initiatives identified by the Cooperative Extension System.  In order to be successful at the regional and national level programs need to be on going efforts that show impact.  Explaining who benefited and how individuals or communities were changed is a critical component of the nomination.

I hope that many of you take this opportunity to recognize and honor your colleagues and friends. Completed nominations are due to me by September 5, 2003. Start the process now!  Think of one or two colleagues that you believe are deserving of recognition.  Then look at your calendar and block a few hours off to complete the nomination forms.  If you have questions, contact one of the other committee members or me.  

EPSILON SIGMA PHI AWARDS

State Certificate of Recognition

Outstanding Regional Extension Faculty (Woman)
Outstanding Regional Extension Faculty (Man)
Outstanding State Extension Faculty

Application should emphasize the nominee's success in program development, regional or campus activities, innovative methods used, use of evaluation, willingness to cooperate, and other successful activities.  Contributions may be of a general nature or may be specific to Agriculture, 4-H/Youth Development, Human Environmental Sciences, Business/Industry, Community/Public Sector or Continuing Education.  (Must be a member of Epsilon Sigma Phi)

Epsilon Sigma Phi State Friend of Extension Award - This is the highest award presented to a non-extension (lay) person and is designed to recognize truly outstanding support and personal involvement in Extension efforts over a period of time.  Contributions may be of a general nature or specific to 4-H/Youth Development, Human Environmental Sciences, Business/Industry, Agriculture, Community/Public Sector or Continuing Education. (Recipient does not have to be an Epsilon Sigma Phi member.) 

Distinguished Service Award - Recognizes experienced Extension professionals who consistently exhibit continuing leadership, initiative, and excellence in extension program planning, delivery, and evaluation in program, or in administration, on a state or regional basis, over a career of 20 or more years. Nomination submitted for national and regional consideration. (Must be a member of Epsilon Sigma Phi)

Mid-Career Service Award - Recognizes mid-career professionals who have shown outstanding competence in extension program planning, delivery, and evaluation in their subject matter or in administration, on a regional or state basis.  Nominee must have 10 to 20 years of service in Extension. Nomination submitted for national and regional consideration.  (Must be a member of Epsilon Sigma Phi.)

State Early Career Service Award - Recognizes the achievements of rising young professionals who have shown noteworthy enthusiasm, performance, and accomplishments during their early extension careers (5-10 years) in program design and delivery. (Must be a member of Epsilon Sigma Phi) 

State Retiree Service Award - Recognizes continuing contributions and outstanding service by retired Extension professionals.  Describe the nominee's contributions to their professional field or their community since retirement. (Must be a member of Epsilon Sigma Phi)

State Meritorious Support Service Award - Recognizes university or extension state or regional staff, paraprofessionals or support staff who have significantly supported extension professionals or programs for a sustained period.  (Recipient does not have to be an Epsilon Sigma Phi member.)

Team Award - Recognizes outstanding effort of extension staff teams in responding to and incorporating into a specific educational program one or more of the national initiatives identified by the Cooperative Extension System.  These initiatives focus on improved agricultural and other economic enterprises; safer, cleaner water, food, and air; enhanced stewardship and management of natural resources; healthier, more responsible and more productive individuals, families and communities; and a stable, secure, diverse and affordable national food supply. Nomination submitted for national and regional consideration. (One or more team members must be Epsilon Sigma Phi members.)

Visionary Leadership - Recognizes extension professionals whose significant accomplishments have resulted in leading extension forward in new directions.  This person’s visionary leadership should have enabled extension to anticipate a significant new opportunity and developed support to implement program organizational changes necessary to achieve success.   (Recipient does not have to be an Epsilon Sigma Phi member.) 

ESP Team Award Guidelines

In order to be successful at the regional level programs need to be on going efforts that show impact.  Explaining who benefited and how individuals or communities were changed is a critical component of the nomination.  Following are general guidelines for completing the nomination.

1.    One or more team members must be a current Epsilon Sigma Phi member.

2.      Each nomination should be a well-designed statement which makes the best possible presentation of the team's achievement, within the two page space limitation (front and back, 8 ½ x 11 paper).

3.      At the top of the first page clearly indicate the name of the state/chapter making the nomination, mention that this is a Team Award Nomination, give a title for the team's program, and list the names and staff titles of the team members. (The biographical information included in individual nominations is omitted for the Team Award nomination.)

4.    The most important part of the nomination statement is the narrative summary (200 words or less) which should clearly explain the role that the team's program has played in preparing people and/or communities to deal with critical issues which address social, economic and/or environmental concerns.  Following are the kinds of information to incorporate into the statement:

       *   The National Initiative(s) addressed;

       *   Resources involved -- team members, volunteers, agencies/cooperators and funds, supplies or equipment utilized;

       *   Methods used -- innovative or creative problem solving, educational or delivery methods, etc.; and

       *   Results -- who benefited, what were the impacts, how did lives or communities change, what are the implications for future programs, etc.?

5.       Complete the nomination with a brief statement of support outlining why this project is being nominated for the Team Award.  This is another chance to highlight impact.

The Epsilon Sigma Phi Awards Nomination form is at the end of this newsletter for those receiving it electronically or it is attached at the end of the newsletter on a separate sheet. (B.Coberly)

Test Your Extension Knowledge!
by Beverly Coberly, President-Elect
The answers to last month’s quiz are in italics.   How did you do????

This is the __75__th  Anniversary of Epsilon Sigma Phi.  The board will be discussing what we will do to celebrate in Missouri and share that information with you!   Here are a few questions to test your “Extension-ese”!!

• What year was ESP founded?  1927
• What is the name of the ESP National Newsletter?  Connection
• What is the membership option available at retirement for ESP members?  Life Membership
• What is the highest ESP honor for a non-Extension person?  Friend
• Who was the founder of ESP?   Lloyd
• What is the ESP statement about the Extension Profession and Professional?  Creed
• What is the Greek word for "veteran"?   Phi
• What is the Greek word for "system"?    Sigma
• Who is the "father of extension"?   Seaman Knapp
• What is the name of the Association that unites Land Grant Institutions and State Universities?   NASULGC
• What is the highest award an ESP member can receive?  Ruby Award
• What is the National Committee that sets Extension Policy?   ECOP
• What is the peer-reviewed publication for Extension Professionals?   Journal of Extension

Dates

ESP National Conference  at Galaxy II Conference, September 21 – 25, 2003,

Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah

ESP events, to be held during Galaxy II are as follows:
        Sunday, September 21:

• ESP First Timers and Retirees Social, 9:00 - 10:30 AM
• ESP Regional Meetings, 1:00 PM
• ESP Committee Meetings, 3:00 PM
• ESP Special Event to Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of ESP

        Tuesday, September 23:

• Building Networks to Internationalize Extension, 9:00 - 10:30 AM, Meeting will be held in the Salt Palace and is open to all participants interested in international work.

        Wednesday, September 24:

• Ruby Luncheon, Noon
• ESP Council Meeting, 3:00 PM
• Auction, 6:30 PM                

        Thursday, September 25:

• ESP Breakfast, 7:30 - 9:30 AM
• Award Photos, 3:00 - 5:00 PM
• Regional Award Banquets, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Epsilon Sigma Phi
Alpha Tau Chapter
Board Members
2002-2003 

For More Information
For newsletter items or information, contact:
Beverly Coberly
University Outreach and Extension
3003 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO  65802
Phone:  417-865-0707
Fax:  417-865-0186
Email:  CoberlyB@missouri.edu

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Web Manager:  Bob Schultheis Webster County Extension Center Email comments to: schultheisr@missouri.edu Last revised: 11/05/09