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Alumni Award for Extension Excellence

Rod Youngman and Jim Orband are the recipients of the 2008 Virginia Tech Alumni Award for Extension Excellence. Each year, one agent and one specialist are recognized for their outstanding contributions to the land-grant mission of the university. Nominees are evaluated on their innovation, creativity, program results, and other impacts of their efforts.

Youngman, professor of entomology and Extension specialist, was recognized for his contributions in developing and delivering integrated pest-management programs for field and forage crops, as well as for the commercial turf grass industry. He works closely with Extension agents to develop tailored educational programs best suited for their clientele.

Youngman has made numerous grower presentations and workshops and provided in-service training for agents and agribusiness professionals. During his nearly 20-year tenure at Virginia Tech, he has authored or co-authored more than 210 Extension publications, given 230 presentations, and garnered nearly $530,000 in program funding.

Orband, unit coordinator and agriculture and natural resources Extension agent in York County, has served Extension for 32 years and was recognized for his efforts and support for 4-H programs as well as his work with the Master Gardener program. His work with the Master Gardeners has supplied York County with a tremendous pool of trained, knowledgeable volunteers who have provided hundreds of thousands of hours of instruction, education, and program support.

Orband is well recognized for his expertise in horticulture locally, regionally, and statewide. For the past 11 years, he has appeared monthly as the horticulture guest expert on a live gardening radio broadcast.

Alumni Award for Excellence in International Outreach

Glenda M. Snyder received the 2008 Virginia Tech Alumni Award for Excellence in International Outreach. The award is presented annually to a faculty or staff member who has had a significant impact on international outreach and research at Virginia Tech. Selection is based on contributions
to the internationalization of Virginia Tech, global impact, and significance
and sustainability of the project.

Snyder, 4-H youth development Extension agent, was recognized for her leadership in delivering CHARACTER COUNTS!® training to teachers, administrators, and community representatives from Santa Catarina and Minas Gerais, Brazil. The program promotes the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Since 1999, Snyder has provided character education leadership and training to schools and communities in Botetourt County and the surrounding region, as well as in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alaska.