Colleagues honor Turner at reception

Colleagues and friends paid tribute to Ron Turner, UM executive vice president and director of extension, at a reception Dec. 9 in Columbia. The event honored Turner's 10 years as director of extension.

Tony DeLong, chair of the Missouri Extension County Council Leadership Council, served as emcee. Shelley Bush, representing UMEA, presented Turner with a book of letters, cards, photos and greetings from UO/E faculty and staff across the state.

Representing the regional directors, Bud Reber, EC Region director, said: "He has led us through times both tranquil and anxious." Reber quoted the late U.S. President John F. Kennedy: "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

Reber went on to say: "Dr. Turner, you have given us many words, but more importantly, you have given us actions to live by. You have set the course to help improve people's lives here in Missouri, and thus we truly acknowledge and appreciate your leadership."

Representing the campus program leaders, Mary Leuci, community development program leader, outlined the many program accomplishments UO/E has attained due to Turner's support. She cited launch of the Community Emergency Management Program, "even prior to 9-11." She spoke of the importance of the Outreach Development Fund, which Turner established to provide funding for innovative programs and flexibility to move in new directions. She also cited the international linkages for extension in Thailand, Costa Rica, Ireland and South Africa, established by Turner to foster integration among research, extension and teaching.

Recounting Turner's collaborative work with the other higher education institutions in the state for a unified voice to the Missouri Legislature and governor, she said: "As we reach this milestone in our journey, we thank you that we are in a journey-worthy vessel that has weathered storms and enjoyed the sunshine. We face challenges, but we are prepared to stay the course."

Associate Vice President Pat Sobrero presented a list of the Top 10 "most powerful and most repeated messages" from past e-mail messages to her and extension colleagues, including: "Please proceed to work out the details and include those who can add value to this effort," "I believe we have the potential to secure this type of funding" and "This sounds fine to me. I will be interested in the results." Number 1 on the list, said Sobrero, was a message never voiced but always modeled: "Trash no one, no matter what accusations, actions or stories you hear. Every person must be responsible for the choices they make. Every person should be respected."

A Resolution of Appreciation from the Missouri House of Representatives was presented on behalf of Rep. Vicky Riback Wilson and her colleagues in the General Assembly. The resolution said Turner is "universally hailed as a model of professionalism and open communication," and it pointed to his leadership in establishing the Missouri TeleCenter Network.

Spontaneous remarks by Gordon Warren of Richland, commending Turner for establishment of the Ratchford Fellowship and his dedication to the land-grant mission, and by Mable Grimes, retired EEO/diversity coordinator, rounded out the program.

The capstone of the event was a performance by storyteller Annette Harrison of St. Louis. Turner is a founder of the St. Louis Storytelling Festival, and Harrison has been involved with the project since its inception 25 years ago. She told a story, "White Wave," from China, reflecting on the legacy one can leave.

Tongue-in-cheek, Turner thanked the well-wishers for their words of praise: "I wish my mother and father could have been here. My father would have enjoyed it, and my mother would have believed it."


		Eileen Yager, yagere@umsystem.edu Weekly News Editor Last modified: January 08, 2007
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