Senator Heckaman receives "Friend of Extension" award at NDSU ceremony

People who have given of their time and talents to North Dakota State University Extension and the NDSU Research Extension Centers were recognized at this year's fall conference held Nov. 1-3 in Fargo.

 NDSU Extension honored Jim Sailer and Senator Joan Heckaman with the Friend of Extension award. The Alzheimer's Association of Minnesota and North Dakota received the Friend of the North Dakota Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences award.

 The Friend of Extension award is the highest recognition presented to honor individuals, businesses or organizations for their support and involvement in Extension efforts. The Friend of the North Dakota Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences honors and individual or organization for significant contributions and support of family and consumer sciences programs.

Senator Joan Heckaman of New Rockford has served in the North Dakota State Senate from District 23 since 2007. She has been the senate minority leader since 2016 and has held the position of assistant minority leader. She has been a primary sponsor of multiple bills, a member of multiple legislative committees and has served on the Senate appropriations committee and the appropriations subcommittee that worked on the details of the Extension and Agricultural Experiment Station bills. Senator Heckaman is a retired special education teacher. She has been involved in the East Central Educational Association, where she served as president, the Eagles Auxiliary, Eastern Star and the First Lutheran Church.

 "Senator Heckaman serves as an example of a consummate servant leader and shows us the positive impacts that dedicated, engaged citizens can make in their state and community," says Flage. "Her unwavering support of NDSU Extension as a legislator have made her a true friend of Extension."

 Jim Sailer has been a dedicated supporter of NDSU Extension and 4-H youth development. He has been a 4-H volunteer for 4-H Achievement Days for decades in Oliver, Morton, Mercer, Grant, Burleigh and other counties across central and western North Dakota. Each summer, he returns to the North Dakota 4-H camp to help with the camp facilities. He helped with the very first 4-H horse camp in 1968 and volunteered to help deliver the popular "I Wish I Had a Horse Camp" for over 20 years. He was inducted to the North Dakota 4-H Hall of Fame in 2008. He is a past member of the board of directors for the North Dakota 4-H Foundation and has served on the Clover Classic Golf Tournament Committee.

 "Jim Sailer serves as an example of the wonderful 4-H youth development programming that can be delivered by talented, dedicated 4-H volunteers," says Lynette Flage, associate director for NDSU Extension. "His many years of service to the 4-H program and his support of NDSU Extension make him a deserving recipient of the Friend of Extension award."

 The Alzheimer's Association of Minnesota and North Dakota has formed relationships with NDSU Extension family and community wellness agents to bring Alzheimer's curriculum to all communities in North Dakota. The association provides services, support groups and educational services to communities in Minnesota and North Dakota.

 "NDSU Extension and the Alzheimer's Association have been working collaboratively to help both organizations' missions move forward," says Erin Berentson, Extension agent and president of the North Dakota Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. "This alliance brings another tool to the family and community wellness educator's toolbox to help them meet the needs of North Dakota citizens."