Staff FYI News

As we enter this season of thankfulness, I reflect on the last two months and am reminded of the remarkable people in Illinois Extension. Frankly, you are the reason we continue to make a positive impact across the state. It feels especially fitting that we gather next week at Annual Conference to celebrate the work we do each day. 

As we look back on 2025, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges we faced as an organization. With a grateful heart, I thank you for continuing to show up for your communities, stakeholders, and one another. Your dedication to Extension and the land-grant mission fills me with great hope for our future.

We must also celebrate our successes. Thank you for your flexibility and perseverance, because there is much to be proud of. Whether it’s the growth of 4-H Teen Teachers, a record number of national 4-H awards, inching closer to nutrient loss reduction goals, leadership by volunteer Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners, real-time positive feedback from the Stormwater Leadership Summit in Region 1, or watching our nutrition team in action during the government shutdown, your work was seen, heard, and felt throughout the state. I’m thankful to work alongside such extraordinary people. 

As the work pace hastens to wrap up projects, I encourage everyone to slow down for a moment. Consider grabbing lunch or a cup of coffee with a friend, spending a little more time with family, extending kindness, and saying thank you to those in your circle.