SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Five outstanding Illinois 4-H alumni were honored during the Illinois State Fair for their individual achievements, contributions to their industry or profession, service to the community, and loyalty to the Illinois 4-H program.
The Illinois 4-H Alumni Award, established in 1981, is the highest honor bestowed upon a 4-H alumnus by the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association and Illinois 4-H program on behalf of the University of Illinois. This award recognizes an elite group of Illinois 4-H alumni for their outstanding career accomplishments and leadership in civic, community, and professional activities.
Congratulations to the 2026 Illinois 4-H Alumni Award winners:
- Lee Denzer is a lifelong educator, mentor, and proud Illinois 4-H alumnus. His 4-H journey began in McLean County, where livestock projects and judging contests sparked a passion for agriculture and teaching. Denzer went on to earn degrees in animal science from the University of Illinois and spent more than 30 years as an animal science professor at Black Hawk College East Campus, mentoring students and coaching nationally recognized judging teams. A lifelong ambassador for 4-H, Denzer has inspired generations of young people through mentorship, agricultural education, and a commitment to helping others succeed. His influence continues to be felt through the many students and leaders whose lives he has shaped.
- Dr. Raymond Dieter is a pioneering surgeon, dedicated community leader, and proud 4-H alumnus. His 4-H journey began in Kankakee County, where he developed leadership skills and a love for service that inspired a distinguished career in medicine. Dieter practiced cardiovascular and thoracic surgery for more than 40 years, taught physicians around the world, and continues to serve his community through leadership and volunteerism. A lifelong ambassador for 4-H, Dieter raised six children in the program, served as an assistant leader and rabbit superintendent, and continues to share his passion for agriculture, learning, and service with future generations.
- Pam Utterback is a dedicated educator, poultry expert, and proud 4-H alum. Her 4-H journey began in Douglas County, where a poultry project sparked a lifelong passion. Today, Utterback serves as a senior research specialist in the University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences and shares her expertise with students and youth across Illinois. A lifelong ambassador for 4-H, she has mentored young people, led poultry workshops, coached national judging teams, and inspired generations of 4-H members through her love of learning and service.
The Illinois 4-H Young Alumni Award, established in 2023,recognizes young alumni who have demonstrated significant accomplishments and are emerging leaders in their professional or civic contributions to their community. They have proven to be ambassadors for the Illinois 4-H program and the 4-H young alumni community. The award is bestowed upon alumni by the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association and Illinois 4-H program on behalf of the University of Illinois.
Congratulations to the 2026 Illinois 4-H Young Alumni Award winners:
- Mark Corrigan is a skilled agricultural technician, dedicated community leader, and proud 4-H alum. His 4-H journey began with the Graymont Achievers 4-H Club in Livingston County, where leadership projects and hands-on experiences sparked his passion for agriculture and service. Today, Corrigan serves as a service technician with Heritage Tractor, mentors new technicians, and shares safety knowledge with youth. A lifelong ambassador for 4-H, Corrigan serves as president of the Pontiac Kiwanis Club, volunteers with the Knights of Columbus, and continues to support local 4-H programs. Through his leadership and commitment to helping others, Corrigan exemplifies the 4-H pledge to use his hands for larger service.
- Rhiannon Stroud is an agricultural communicator, dedicated volunteer, and proud 4-H alumna. Her 4-H journey began in Marion County, where livestock judging, leadership, and communications projects helped develop the skills that shaped her career. Today, Stroud serves as commodities editor for Illinois Farm Bureau and continues to tell the story of agriculture across Illinois. A lifelong ambassador for 4-H, she serves as a club leader, supports local programs, and encourages youth to pursue their passions and discover new opportunities. Through her leadership and service, she truly lives the 4-H motto, “To Make the Best Better.”
“One of the most meaningful parts of honoring our 4-H alumni and volunteers at the Illinois State Fair is hearing their stories and seeing firsthand the difference 4-H has made in their lives,” said Tina Veal, Illinois 4-H alumni and constituent engagement manager. “Their experiences remind us that 4-H is so much more than a program—it helps shape confidence, leadership, resilience, and a commitment to serving others. Seeing where their 4-H journey has taken them is a powerful example of what it truly means to be Beyond Ready.”
Nominations for the 2027 Illinois 4-H Alumni Award and Young Alumni Award will be open October 1, 2026, through March 15, 2027. More information can be found at 4h.extension.illinois.edu/alumni/alumni-awards-and-recognition.
Source: Tina Veal, Illinois 4-H Alumni and Constituent Engagement Manager, vealt@illinois.edu
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.