December 12, 2005

Lechtenberg receives Hovde Award for service to Hoosiers

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Vic Lechtenberg, vice provost for engagement and former dean of Purdue agriculture, was honored for his service to residents of rural Indiana at the Indiana Farm Bureau Convention Saturday (Dec. 10).

Lechtenberg received the Frederick L. Hovde Award for Excellence in Educational Service to the Rural People of Indiana for his efforts to increase economic development opportunities for the state and to increase funding for research and Extension programs.

"Indiana Farm Bureau and Purdue have a long history of working together for the benefit of Indiana agriculture," said Don Villwock, president of Indiana Farm Bureau. "We are proud to sponsor this award to recognize one of Indiana's outstanding educators."

During his 37 years with Purdue, Lechtenberg has participated in education and research at many levels.

He was instrumental in creating the Purdue Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Training (PCARET), a network of community leaders who advocate for agricultural research, Extension and training with local, state and national officials. He also nurtured the creation of the Purdue Extension New Ventures Team and the Agricultural Innovation and Commercialization Center, two programs that foster economic development in Indiana.

Lechtenberg is known nationally for his work with Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., on the United States Department of Agriculture's Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems.

"Vic is a proponent of economic development and giving people the tools they need to improve their lives," said Randy Woodson, Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture. "He frequently talks about the need for Hoosiers to make jobs rather than take jobs, and his work emulates that philosophy."

Lechtenberg began his Purdue career as a doctoral student researching forage crops and teaching undergraduate and graduate students. He joined the faculty in 1971 and progressed through the academic ranks to administrative and leadership positions - serving as dean of agriculture for 10 years and currently as vice provost.

The Hovde Award, which is sponsored by the Indiana Farm Bureau, honors President Hovde's demand for excellence in research, teaching and service and has been presented annually since 1972. Hovde served as Purdue president from 1946 until his retirement in 1971.

Writer: Kay Hagen, (765) 494-6682, kjh@purdue.edu

Source: Randy Woodson, (765) 494-8391

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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