NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
May 11, 2000
The Lester Liudahl International Program Endowment Fund has been established to offer financial support to North Dakota 4-H'ers traveling to countries around the world through their participation in a North Dakota 4-H International Program.
A Minot-area businessman, Liudahl became interested in the 4-H International Programs when his sister traveled to Sweden as an International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) delegate. Liudahl's latest gift to the North Dakota 4-H program highlights his years of devotion to youth development through 4-H programming, says Arleen Bunt, development director for the North Dakota 4-H Foundation.
Liudahl helped organize what is now known as the Farm and Home Improvement 4H Club, and served as director of the Western 4-H Camp Association. Liudahl is currently director of the North Dakota 4-H Foundation. Because of his dedication to North Dakota 4-H, Liudahl was the first person to be inducted into the North Dakota 4-H Hall of Fame, Bunt says. He has also received the Service to Mankind Award from the Minot Sertoma Club and the 4-H Distinguished Service Award.
North Dakota 4-H International Programs offer many opportunities for 4-H youth. For example, applicants can be chosen as an IFYE ambassador or an IFYE representative. They can also participate in a 4-H/Japanese exchange programs. These 4-H programs offer international experiences lasting anywhere from two weeks to one year, depending on the specific program.
Bunt says that only the interest from the Lester Liudahl International Program Endowment Fund will be used for travel scholarships. As the endowment grows, travel scholarships will be available to more students.
Donations to the endowment fund can be sent to the North Dakota 4-H Foundation, 323 FLC, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58105-5436. Every $2 donation will be matched at the 50-percent level ($1) by the 4-H Foundation.
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Source: Arleen Bunt (701) 231-8569
Editor: Dean Hulse (701) 231-6136