SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A Kankakee County 4-H alumnus was among five outstanding Illinois 4-H alumni honored during the Illinois State Fair last month for their individual achievements, contributions to their industry or profession, service to the community, and dedication to the University of Illinois Extension 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 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.
Dr. Raymond Dieter, a pioneering surgeon, dedicated community leader, and proud Kankakee County 4-H alumnus, was one of five recipients honored statewide. 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.
“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.
WRITER: Amy Zepp, regional media communications coordinator.
EDITOR: Anthony Warmack, communications and marketing program coordinator.
MEDIA ACCESS: Image is available to download for media use. For interviews, contact Anthony Warmack at warmacka@illinois.edu or 217-244-5813.
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.