Alumni Spotlight: Eric Hanson

Award winning KCCI 8 News morning anchor, Eric Hanson is our November Alum of the Month. Hanson graduated from Roland-Story High School. He grew up on a farm with his parents and his three siblings, who were all involved in 4-H in Story County. “4-H is important to me because it strengthen my communications skills,” said Hanson. Hanson also says the 4-H taught him confidence, leadership and communication.

He was an eight year member of the Howard Rockets and participated in swine, dog, rabbit, woodworking, rocketry, photography, communication, leadership and much more. Hanson’s favorite 4-H memory was during dog obedience class. “Dog obedience class was every Tuesday night in Ames,” said Hanson. “My 4-H leader picked me and my dog up, drove us to class with 100-ish others and we’d always go to Burger King afterwards, bonding as a group.” Hanson also met First Lady Barbara Bush in 1991 at Living History Farms and gave her a one on one presentation about tractor safety.

After high school, Hanson attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa where he double majored in Electronic Media and Public Relations. Hanson has been a reporter since 2000 at KCCI-TV. In August 2014, he was named morning anchor. Through his work, Hanson has visited England, Haiti and South Africa to write stories.

Perhaps best known for his weekly “This is Iowa” segments, Hanson has received three national Edward R. Murrow awards, two national Society of Professional Journalists awards, five Emmy’s and numerous local and regional awards.

Hanson is married and has a seven year old daughter and a five year old son. Hanson has completed his quest to visit every Major League Baseball stadium in the nation. He is also active at the Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, singing in a gospel quintet. “I continue to stay in touch with my 4-H friends, my club leaders and my county extension leaders,” said Hanson. “The opportunities you get from the 4-H program are invaluable.”

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Alumni Spotlight: Julie (Wolterman) Burroughs

From State Fair Queen to baby food producer, our December Alum of the Month has used the skills gained from her 4-H experience to propel herself to success. Julie (Wolterman) Burroughs was a member of the Garfield All-Stars 4-H Club for nine years in Ida County. Some of her projects included; showing cattle, quilting, knitting, woodworking, child development and much more. She also participated in Clothing Selection, Fashion Revue and 4-H Council. Julie’s favorite 4-H memory was when she was crowned the 1993 Iowa State Fair Queen. “The competition was such a valuable experience and my year as Queen, representing Iowa, was phenomenal,” said Burroughs. “The opportunity was such an honor and defined my 4-H experience.” Burroughs went on to coordinate the Iowa State Fair Queen Competition of 14 years. Another fond 4-H memory Burroughs has is showing livestock. “I loved the energy and sense of community on livestock show day. The entire Club worked together to get the...

A Special Week - Just for Volunteers!

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Story County Milford Hustlers 4-H History

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Iowa 4-H Alumni & Friends

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