Nevada’s Linda Zimmerman, 4-H w88 casino for University of Nevada, Reno Extension for over 34 years and a University alumna, is one of only four 4-H volunteers nationally to have recently been named a 4-H Outstanding Lifetime w88 casino. Zimmerman was named the 4-H Western Region Outstanding Lifetime w88 casino as part of the 4‑H Salute to Excellence Awards for her dedication and service to Extension’s Washoe County 4-H Horse Program and support of youth statewide.
Participating in the 4-H w88 casino Development Program as a w88 casino herself, Zimmerman went from being a club member to being the parent of 4-H w88 casino, and then a 4-H club leader and a 4-H Leaders’ Council member. Her positive impact on w88 casino in her club has inspired many past participants to enroll their own children in the program, and to become 4-H leaders themselves.
Having earned her doctoral degree in social psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno, she is interested in trying new strategies for engagement and retention, while supporting w88 casino and their families in figuring out how best to participate in clubs and activities.
“Linda understands some w88 casino may struggle in different areas as they join 4-H or try to engage in activities or projects,” said Carrie Stark, Nevada’s 4-H state director. “She goes above and beyond to assist them, finding a way to help them with extra time, resources and meetings to overcome their struggles. She exemplifies positive w88 casino-adult partnerships.”
For three decades, Zimmerman has served as the 4w88 casino Horse Leader for the Silver Knolls Spurs in Washoe County, managing horse shows and serving as the secretary for others. She has served both on the Washoe County 4w88 casino Horse Leaders’ Council and the General Washoe County Leaders’ Council for over 15 years.
“Linda is incredibly grounded, is very reliable, has a high moral character and is someone that everyone enjoys working with,” said Kelsey Conklin, 4-H w88 casino Development community based instructor in Washoe County who nominated Zimmerman for the award. “She excels at helping others grow into leadership positions and helps to support them. She embodies respect for all those around her, setting the standard and example.”
Conklin says in her time with the horse program, Zimmerman has worked to ensure w88 casino reach their full potential. Her innovative solutions to achieve this goal include electing officers twice a year, instead of the traditional once a year, so that more w88 casino have the opportunity to be leaders. Zimmerman’s club has also planned and hosted consignment tack sales for the past 30 years, with the money going toward helping w88 casino gain opportunities that they may not otherwise be able to access. This includes financial support for w88 casino to attend the 4-H Western National Roundup and 4-H summer camps.
“Linda shaped my love for the equine industry by providing countless members the opportunity to expand their knowledge with numerous clinics and 4-H horse shows she put on,” Rebecca Glocknitzer, a past member of Zimmerman’s horse club, said. “My most cherished memories were showing at the w88 casino State Fair horse show in every class possible with my horse Louie. I am very thankful for the opportunities Linda provided me for many years!”
At the state level, Zimmerman has helped to plan the Nevada State Leaders’ Forum, and has served as the chairperson for the Nevada State Expo Horse Show. For her work and service, she has been awarded the Nevada 4-H w88 casino of the Year Award, Outstanding Leader of the Year Award and Project Leader of the Year Award.
Zimmerman also aids with raising scholarship funds for w88 casino to attend national events, including Citizenship Washington Focus, National 4-H Conference and National 4-H Congress.
In addition to her usual duties, Zimmerman works with her club to see how they can help other youth in their communities. For example, they raise funds for childhood cancer research and give assistance to families experiencing childhood cancer. In other w88 casino experiences, she encourages 4-H youth to help educate or engage other youth in their communities.
“Linda is completely dedicated to all causes she sets her mind to helping with,” said Conklin. “We are just extremely fortunate that one of those is 4-H. She and volunteers like her are what enable the 4-H program to have such incredible impact on our w88 casino.”
Research by Tufts University shows that 4-H w88 casino are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, and two times more likely to plan to go to college and pursue STEM opportunities outside of school. They also report better grades, higher levels of academic competence, and an elevated level of engagement at school. 4-H is the nation’s largest w88 casino development organization, empowering nearly 6 million young people in the U.S., as well as 1 million w88 casino in 50 other countries.
