2002 4-H Centennial Alumni-The Inaugural Class of the Emerald Clover Society

4-H Emerald Clover Society

Recognized by
Michigan 4-H Youth Development

With support from
Michigan 4-H Foundation

Last updated: June 30, 2006

The Emerald Clover Society reflects the ultimate outcome of 4-H membership—extraordinary use of an individual's head, heart, hands and health to make our communities, our country and our world a better place in which to live.

2002 4-H Centennial Alumni: The Inaugural Class of the Emerald Clover Society

Donald R. Jost Donald R. Jost, Kent County 4-H'er

Executive Director Emeritus,
Michigan 4-H Foundation

“[My] 4-H projects helped me realize that I could accomplish things which required applying knowledge to practical activities in life. I gained self-esteem, communication and organizational skills.”

Donald R. Jost, a member of the Alpine Eagles 4-H Club in Kent County for five years, served as executive director of the Michigan 4-H Foundation from 1977 to 2002. He led the nonprofit organization to become one of the largest state 4-H foundations in the nation with assets surpassing $8.5 million and an annual programming and operating budget of $3 million. Jost served as special advisor to the Polish 4-H Foundation for its initial ten years. He was the foundation's executive director during the creation of the Michigan 4-H Children's Garden and during the exansion and modernization of Kettunen Center. Jost was also a charter trustee of the National 4-H Leadership Trust. As Ingham County 4-H agent in the mid-1970s, he managed a program of 14,000 members and helped introduce the 4-H Proud Equestrians Program (PEP).

In retirement, Jost has been a volunteer literacy intructor and MSU Retirees Assocation president. Additionally, he serves as consultant to several nonprofit organizations. He has been a volunteer youth baseball coach for Delhi Township Parks and Recreation Department for 11 years, and a member of the Holt Public Schools Parent Advisory Committee. In 2004, Jost was elected as a Michigan 4-H Foundation honorary trustee. He is also a patron of the Michigan 4-H Foundation.