When Luke Schruben was a boy in Kansas 4-H had’ yet come to his area. He received an Agricultural Economics degree from Kansas State in 1933 and was hired as Riley County Agricultural Agent. He served as Kansas Farm Management Specialist 1935-1942 and received his Master’ Degree in Agricultural Administration. Schruben joined the Federal Extension Service as Senior Farm Management Specialist from 1943-1949. He held several federal positions, finishing as Assistant Administrator, Federal Extension Service from 1954 until retirement in 1968. Schruben became a recognized expert in Extension Administrative Management who impacted federal employees and state Extension Services.
Schruben served as Epsilon Sigma Phi national treasurer from 1952-68. After retiring, he became ESP Secretary-Treasurer. In 1960 Schruben began his association with the National 4-H Foundation on the board of trustees. After retirement, he was a foundation consultant and volunteer. He was instrumental in securing over $3 million for expansion of the National 4-H Center and was active in the $50 million “Campaign for 4-H,” contributing $500,000 himself. He worked with 4-H state and national retirees to explore ways they could continue to support 4-H. The Schruben Board Room at the National 4-H Center is named in his honor. The Luke M. Schruben Memorial Fund was established at National 4-H Council in 1996.
