Marvin grew up in NJ and was a 10 year 4-H’ focusing on leadership, public speaking, entomology, and horticulture. He received his B.S. degree from Delaware College (University) in horticulture and his M.Ed. from Lehigh University in elementary education. As a 4-H’, then in his early career as an Agent in NJ and NY, he knew the value of 4-H and the lifelong impact it makes on a child. After working for both Cornell and Rutgers Extension, he became a director of the New York Botanical Gardens. When he moved to Ohio in 1980, he started as Director of Cox Arboretum in Dayton, and then became CEO of Five Rivers MetroParks (FRMP). As CEO, Marvin dreamed of developing a facility targeted to urban youth in a limited income neighborhood.
Marvin’ biggest contribution to Ohio 4-H was his commitment to disadvantaged youth in Dayton. The highlight of his career was envisioning and developing Adventure Central, a three-way partnership with FRMP, Ohio State University Extension, and 4-H Youth Development that has existed for 15 years. This nature-oriented education center in Dayton serves youth ages 5-18. Focus includes after-school programs, activity nights, day and overnight camps, plus parent/family programs. Participants connect with nature in a positive context with a goal of creating caring, capable, and contributing citizens of the future, incorporating the 8 Key Elements to Positive Youth Development. He was inducted into the Presidents Club Citizen Legion of Honor.
