10 Broadcaster Press April 23, 2019 www.broadcasteronline.com SATURDAY - APRIL 27 11AM TO 2PM BOMGAARS 2210 BROADWAY AVE YANKTON, SD TH TAKE AD EMPLOY VANTAGE OF EE PRIC ING!!! & TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! 10% OFF RIDE Any Pow er Equip me nt or Sp rayer Get a Chance to Test Drive your NEW Power Equipment BEFORE You Buy it! Celebrate David Graper’s Contributions to South Dakota Horticulture & Master Gardeners April 26, 2019 BROOKINGS, S.D. – For nearly 30 years, David Graper, SDSU Extension Horticulture Specialist & Extension Master Gardener Program Coordinator, has shared his horticulture knowledge and enthusiasm with South Dakotans. On April 26, 2019, all are invited to celebrate his contributions during a retirement event held on the campus of South Dakota State University at the McCrory Gardens Education & Visitors Center (631 22nd Ave.). The event runs from 3 to 5:30 p.m. with a program beginning at 3:30. “Truly an example of the land grant mission, throughout his career, Dave has actively served South Dakotans through outreach, education and research,” said Karla Trautman, SDSU Extension Interim Director. “Under his leadership, South Dakota’s Master Gardener program has blossomed. The more than 500 active, trained volunteers sharing horticulture knowledge with their communities across the state are a great testament to his efforts and passion for advancement of horticulture throughout the state.” When Graper began his career at SDSU in 1990, one of his focuses was rejuvenating the state’s Master Gardener program. Graper brought the program into compliance with national standards and built it into the high-caliber, educational, training program it is today. To become a Master Gardener, participants must complete an eight-week, intensive class course, and then volunteer at least 50 hours to sharing their knowledge with their community over the following two years. In any given year, South Dakota Master Gardeners volunteer up to 14,000 hours. If a dollar amount were to be placed on these hours, Graper said it would be more than $287,000 in service to South Dakotans. “Master Gardeners is a great example of the multiplier effect. Each volunteer shares their knowledge with tens, hundreds, even thousands of South Dakotans,” said Graper of volunteers who share information through radio shows, news columns, workshops and answering lawn and gardening questions at their local SDSU Extension Regional Center or County Office. “I’m proud that we have taken a modest program and turned into something that does so much more.” In an effort to maximize the spread of horticulture information, along with hands-on workshops and classroom instruction, Graper shared research-based, tried-and-true information through news columns, and for more than 18 years, he answered horticulture questions on the television show, GardenLine. More about David Graper Reflecting on what motivated his passion for horticulture, Graper credits his mom, Beverly. Graper received his bachelor’s in plant science with an emphasis horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He received a master’s in horticulture from Colorado State University and began working at SDSU following the completion of a PhD in horticulture from the University of Maryland. He says it was the campus size and community of Brookings that wooed him, and the working relationships with colleagues, students and gardeners across the state that held his attention. “I really enjoy working with plants and the people involved with plants… Gardeners around here have to try harder because of our climate,” Graper explains. “When I see those living in northwestern part of the state, dealing with challenging soil, challenging weather and still have gardens, it says a lot to the dedication they have to gardening and horticulture. It’s fun to work with those kinds of people.” Graper enjoys sharing his passion for horticulture, “watching those green light bulbs go off when people hear how plants work and learn about their diversity. It’s always fun to see others enjoy the beauty, fragrance and appreciate the fact that plants also produce food for us.” And, Graper found many opportunities to educate, whether it was as a professor, through his work with SDSU Extension, Master Gardeners and McCrory Gardens. He has been instrumental in the design, development and programming of the McCrory Gardeners Educational & Visitors Center, botanical gardens on the campus of SDSU. Today, he remains in contact with SDSU graduates who are working in the industry of horticulture throughout the U.S. and across the globe. “Many have done extremely well. It makes me so proud. Especially since I don’t have any children of my own. I feel like they are my kids, and they are continuing the process of making an impact for horticulture.” Throughout his tenure, Graper also worked with colleagues and stakeholders to increase the quality of horticulture facilities on campus. In addition to McCrory Gardens, SDSU is home to several greenhouses and the Local Foods Education Center. “Horticulture touches our lives in so many ways – everyday. I’ve enjoyed getting to be a part of that and enlighten people’s views on horticulture has been a real joy for me over the years,” said Graper, who explains he is retiring early due to his need to focus his energy on his on-going battle with cancer. Retirement Event On April 26, 2019, all are invited to celebrate his contributions during a retirement event held on the campus of South Dakota State University at the McCrory Gardens Education & Visitors Center (631 22nd Ave.). The event runs from 3 to 5:30 p.m. with a program beginning at 3:30. Suzanne Stluka Recognized as 2019 Dr. April Brooks Women of Distinction Award BROOKINGS, S.D. – SDSU Extension Food & Families Program Director Suzanne Stluka is a recipient of the 2019 Dr. April Brooks Women of Distinction Award, recognizing her for leadership and service to South Dakotans throughout the state. “Suzanne’s dedication to her profession, staff, SDSU and the people of South Dakota is unparalleled,” read a nomination letter. “Her passion for listening to and supporting traditionally marginalized populations and communities in South Dakota is perpetuated by her vision, diligence and desire to make a difference.” Since 2011, Stluka has worked to build a strong, service-focused team. “I get to lead a wonderful team who is not afraid of change. They are flexible and willing to do what it takes to best serve South Dakotans and keep what we do relevant,” Stluka said. The SDSU Extension Food & Families team has a diverse outreach focus, serving South Dakota’s families with research-based information on finance, nutri- Athlete Spotlight tion, mental health, fitness and more. They work collaboratively with several stakeholders including South Dakota Department of Health and South Dakota Department of Social Services to leverage resources and expand program outreach. “Suzanne demonstrates a commitment to professionalism that is appreciated by her fellow administrators, including characteristics of inclusion, attention to detail and teamwork,” said Karla Trautman, SDSU Extension Interim Director More about Suzanne Stluka A native of Lake Andes, Stluka credits her mom, Mary Jo Parker, with instilling in her a heart for service. “My mom was always out in the community volunteering – always • Farm Filters • Hydraulic Hoses • Bearings & Seals trying to make her 1007 Broadway Ave community a Yankton, SD 605•665•4494 better place to live. And, she always took me and my brother along with her,” Stluka said. A high school job working at the Lake Andes nursing home, as well as Mary Grain Bin Dealer Jo’s 35-year career as a Family and Consumer Science teacher, also influenced Stluka’s decision to major in family and IRRIGATION SALES & SERVICE consumer Irrigation PVC, Wire Installed, Well Drilling sciences Domestic & Irrigation Pump Installation WATERLINE & ELECTRIC TRENCHING education and dietetTree & Concrete Removal, Site Clearing, ics at South & Ditch Trenching Dakota State ALL TYPES OF DIRT WORK - FREE ESTIMATES UniverBobcats • Crane • Dozers • Excavators • Grader sity. “I really Grain Trailer • Scrapers • Side Dumps • Trenchers wanted to be Vermillion, SD (605)670-9567 a classroom teacher, but Hartington, NE (402)254-2568 then, while Licensed in SD, NE & IA Let Our Family Business Keep Yours In The Go With: Cox Auto Rylan Craig Rylan Craig is a senior on the Vermillion baseball team. His favorite thing about the sport is that there is never the same scenario. “Every time I’m at the plate, in the field, or on the base path, there’s always a different situation and new challenge to overcome,” said Craig. He is also in football, show choir, student council, National Honor Society, and is a Peer Helper. “I like to sing in my free time,” said Craig. Craig also works for the Parks and Rec and at The Bluffs golf course. I was working at the nursing home, I fell in love with cooking and health and working with the residents. I also shadowed the dietitian and loved that part too,” Stluka said. When Stluka began her career with SDSU Extension in 2006, she said it was the right fit because her work combined all her interests and passion for service. “Every day takes me to a different nook in South Dakota. I love that I get to serve South Dakotans in so many different ways because our program area is multidisciplinary. On any given day, our team may be working on food safety, developing a community garden, public health outreach or planning a farm stress workshop,” Stluka said. “I also appreciate the way we get to work with communities. We do not tell a community what we will do for them. We listen to their needs, help them identify the challenges and evaluate how we can use our resources to best serve them.” Dr. April Brooks Woman of Distinction Award Dr. April Brooks instituted the annual Women of Distinction Awards to recognize women leaders at SDSU. She was honored by her peers with this award herself in 2011. In 1993, Brooks accepted a position as an assistant professor of History at SDSU, where she earned tenure and promotions to associate and full professor of History. From 2001-2009, she also served as coordinator of Women’s Studies, where she was responsible for curriculum and chairing the Women’s Studies Advisory Committee. From 2008-2014, Brooks was head of the newly formed Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy and Religion, where she was instrumental in guiding new faculty, reshaping the curriculum, and mentoring countless students. A consummate teacher, her friends liked to tease her that they could not go anywhere with her in South Dakota without former students coming up and telling her how she had impacted their lives. For several years, she was a reader for Advanced Placement Tests in English History. She taught her final class in English Renaissance History, her specialty, in fall semester of 2014. At the time of her death, Brooks was assistant to the dean for experiential learning and in anticipation of her pending retirement, the South Dakota Board of Regents honored Brooks with the distinction and title of Faculty Emerita of History. Brooks was a member of the Brookings Master Gardeners and was a lay minister at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.