COLUMBIA, Mo. – Future generations will have the opportunity to attend State 4-H Congress thanks to the generosity of Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog and his late wife, Betty Hertzog, who passed away Oct. 14, 2019.

Bud Hertzog recently established the Betty Hertzog Memorial 4-H Endowment fund to honor the memory of his wife, who was a friend and supporter of Missouri 4-H for many years. The fund will provide trip scholarships for 4-H members to attend State 4-H Congress, the top leadership event for Missouri 4-H teens. This three-day event on the University of Missouri campus is the platform upon which delegates set priorities for their State 4-H Council representatives. Delegates are also introduced to college life while meeting new friends and exploring careers.

“We are so grateful to Bud for honoring Betty’s memory in this meaningful way,” said Rachel Augustine, director of the Missouri 4-H Foundation. “This gift will help us provide countless young people in Missouri with leadership opportunities that will help them build confidence and grow skills.”

Bud Hertzog has been involved with 4-H for most of his life, and his experiences as a youth helped shape his career as a nationally recognized veterinarian, community leader and public servant. From 1995 to 2019, he served on the Missouri 4-H Foundation board of trustees. He continues to serve as an emeritus trustee.

Betty Hertzog was dedicated to her family, attending many 4-H events with her husband and their five children, 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

“As a 4-H parent and volunteer, Betty saw firsthand the incredible power 4-H has to change lives and help young people develop the life skills they will need throughout their adult years,” said Joyce Taylor, MU Extension 4-H youth program associate. “Through their generosity, Bud and Betty are leaving a legacy that will benefit generations of 4-H members.”

Additional contributions may be made to the Missouri 4-H Foundation to further the impact of the Betty Hertzog Memorial 4-H Endowment. For more information, call 573-882-2680 or visit 4h.missouri.edu/foundation.

About 4-H

More than 55,000 members strong, Missouri 4-H is an active, dynamic organization of young people who are learning, growing and preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow while making a real difference in their community, country and world. 4-H is the youth development program of the University of Missouri and the nation’s Cooperative Extension System. For more information on Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.

About the Missouri 4-H Foundation

The Missouri 4-H Foundation is the private resource partner of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development. For 70 years, the foundation has secured and managed funds for Missouri 4-H, providing higher education scholarships, recognizing 4-H volunteers and supporting the work of MU Extension 4-H. Learn more at 4h.missouri.edu/foundation.