Gerald “Gerry” Gast

    NAE4-HA / NAE4-HYDP
    2012

    County 4-H Youth Agent, WI & Extension Specialist, 4-H/Youth, IL

    Pardeeville, WI

    Gerald Gast was a 4-H Youth Development professional who fostered the evolution and expansion of NAE4-HA and the profession. Gerry started his career as a County 4-H Youth Agent in Wisconsin in Green Lake and Kenosha from 1962-1979. In 1971 he served on the Chancellor’ Committee to create the academic department of Youth Development, and in 1977 he was one of the first faculty members to be granted the academic rank of Full Professor of Youth Development at the University of Wisconsin. He became an Illinois Extension Specialist for 4-H Youth Development in 1979 and remained in that position until he served as interim State 4-H Program Leader in 1991 prior to his retirement that year.

    Gerry’ dedication to professional development and the youth development profession led to various state and national leadership roles. In 1975 he chaired the first NAE4-HA Urban Sub-Committee. He chaired the North Central 4-H Parent and Family Education Task Force from 1988-1990. He was elected North Central Regional Director in 1976, Vice President in 1979, President-Elect in 1980 and NAE4-HA President in 1981. A major accomplishment was initiating and guiding the &quotDefinition of the 4-H Professional&quot which was adopted by ECOP. Gerry served on the National ECOP Agent Associations Committee when they developed the &quotReport To America&quot that was used with stakeholders, including state and federal legislators.

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    Many people have difficulty answering the question. &quotWhat’ life all about?&quot To me, it’ been easy to answer that question because my life has included: a) faith in the triune God, b) being surrounded by family and c) the opportunity to be involved in 4-H as a member and as a career (job). It’ easy to love your job (4-H) because it involves helping people to ‘.’ I’ been surrounded by wonderful colleagues, both professionally and as true friends. And my job (4-H) always challenged me to continue learning from others. Thanks to those who nominated me to the National 4-H Hall of Fame, my professional family, my wife Betty, my children and thanks be to God.

    My 4-H Story