Skip to main content

Terry Tobin: Multiple Roles and Multiple Success through 4-H


4-H leads to multiple paths of success; just ask Terrence (Terry) Tobin. Tobin has an extensive background with 4-H and is still making use of the skills he learned as a 4-H'er in his current position as director of Principal Enterprise Capital in Des Moines.

“Joining 4-H was just what you did in our family,” said Tobin. “My parents even met through 4-H.”

Tobin, from New Market, Iowa, was a 4-H member throughout his youth. He served as a state 4-H officer during that time. Tobin credits leadership and citizenship skills that he learned through 4-H for his successes in life.

What Tobin gained from 4-H still stands today. In a 2008 study by Iowa State University Extension, it was found that after youth had participated in 4-H, 73 percent improved their communication skills. Additionally, 67 percent increased their leadership skills. Of the same 4-H members, 80 percent improved their citizenship skills as well through 4-H involvement.

“4-H provides knowledge and experiences in a manifold of areas,” said Tobin.

Tobin remains a strong believer in giving back to his community, a value instilled through his 4-H involvement. Tobin is not alone; a recent study by the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University found 4-H’ers are 25 percent more likely to contribute to their communities than other youth.

Tobin has served on a variety of boards including the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors and Department of ISU Political Science Alumni Advisory Committee.

Tobin says a highlight of his adult 4-H career was serving on the Iowa 4-H Foundation Trustees board for six years. He served as president of the board during his term and led the Imagine Together Capital Campaign, raising nearly $2.5 million to support 4-H.

“It was a way to give back to all 4-H has given me personally and my family,” said Tobin of his time with the Iowa 4-H Foundation.

“I was lucky to work with a very talented group of people on the Foundation Board,” said Tobin.

“4-H is many things to many people. It helps our young people to build community leaders for tomorrow,” said Tobin. The research agrees with his statement; Iowa 4-H’ers' survey responses show solid evidence that youth involved in 4-H develop the characteristics of competent, caring, contributing, confident, connected and capable individuals.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

ISU Women's Basketball Game a Big Hit!

4-H Night at the Iowa State Women's Basketball Game was a huge success Saturday. It was great to see everyone out and supporting the Cyclone's. We hope everyone had wonderful time. A recap of the night.... Over 1000 4-H guests were in attendance Glen and Mary Jo Mente were recognized on the court for all the great things they do the Iowa 4-H Program One lucky fan won a basketball autographed by Bill Fennelley and the women's basketball team 4-H alum interview with Anna Grimley was broadcasted on Cyclone Sports Radio Network AND..... Chris Clover, famous 4-H mascot, made his appearance at the game throughout the night Overall, everyone had a great time. We have some fun pictures that were taken during the game, and we invite you to check them out at our facebook fan page located at: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Iowa-4-H-Foundation/59560467951?v=posts&viewas=16926868

Alumni Spotlight: Lindsay Mickelson

When one thinks of 4-H, they might not jump to music. However, 4-H allows youth to develop skills that help in areas of creativity and performance. Lindsay Mickelson was a Dayton Tiger 4-H’er from Webster County. Involved in several project areas, she loved to show pigs at county and State Fair, cattle for a couple years, photography, baking and Share the Fun. “I have so many great memories from 4-H. From playing cards in the cattle barns with friends to earning trophies for raising a fine-looking pig,” says Mickelson. “Fair time was always my favorite time of year because it combined my two favorite things: hanging out with friends and tending to the animals. I can remember the first year when I started 4-H, we had our calves so tame we would lay on them in the barn, just because they would let us. Half the time the calves couldn’t care less, as long as they had food and water, they were happy.” Mickelson identifies 4-H as a steppingstone growing up, teaching her how t

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 cattle w