4-H Alumni Spotlight – George & Ruth Duncan

By:  Paige Hart

January’s Alumni Spotlight is a couple that are no strangers to the 4-H world, George and Ruth Duncan.  Both George and Ruth have made a lasting impact on Kentucky 4-H.   George served 38 years with the Cooperative Extension Service and Ruth was just recently inducted to the HES Hall of Fame. Meeting in college at the University of Kentucky, they have had long ties to UK and Extension.

Ruth Duncan as the beef runner-up in 1953.

Ruth was an active Washington County 4-H’er that first became involved with dairy projects. She went on to win a state competition in dairy and was a runner-up for beef. Ruth has fond memories from attending camp and participating in cooking projects. She gained leadership with teaching sewing to both high school youth and camp students.  She was also selected as the Kentucky representative to attend Tennessee 4-H Week.

“It’s an organization worth all the energy you put into it,” Ruth explains of the 4-H program.  “You gain so many different skills that you use later in life.  4-H also keeps you going and advancing to different levels.”

Ruth is most proud of the connections she has made throughout her involvement with Extension.  She has had the opportunity to teach both youth and adults. She developed her talent of sewing into the benefit of teaching others and philanthropic endeavors.

George Duncan, in 1982, teaching 4-H youth to use a computer.

George was a 4-H’er from Logan County where he was a member of the square dance team. When he came to the University of Kentucky, he became more involved with 4-H as part of his annual work as an Extension Specialist in Agricultural Engineering.  He played an instrumental role in introducing computers to Kentucky 4-H.  George helped develop computer projects and instruction manual literature, along with implementing a 4-H Computer Event at the National 4-H Engineering Event. George also performed a pivotal role developing a national project book for electrical projects, serving on a team of specialists that revised and enhanced literature on 4-H Electric. George also worked with co-workers to mentor state winners in electric, computers, and other related events; and accompany them to national events.  He has truly left a lasting impact.

Some awards that are a testament to George’s work for Extension can be seen through his team’s recognition by the USDA Superior Service Award for the computer project. He was the Interim Assistant 4-H Director for 4-H Youth Development in 2002 through 2003.  Lastly, he received the 4-H Youth Development Distinguished Leadership Award in 2004.

Ruth Duncan, in 1957, with her Style Review garment.

For any parent considering enrolling their child in 4-H, George advises, “Go for it! Best way to develop life skills, a positive personality, responsibility and the ability to work with others that will lead you to success.”

“When you have the opportunity – use it,” the Duncan’s say about giving to the 4-H program. The Duncan’s are Leadership Circle donors to the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, along with being donors to the Kentucky Volunteer Forum. From leading sewing projects to revising literature and ushering in technology, 4-H would not have been the same without George and Ruth Duncan’s contributions. Through their various ways of giving back to Kentucky 4-H, they truly embody To Make the Best Better.