2002 4-H Centennial Alumni-The Inaugural Class of the 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

William A. Rowley William A. Rowley, Macomb County 4-H'er

Proprietor and Manager, Sunnyside Farm

“It has been extremely important to me because 4-H taught me leadership abilities
and how to get along with others.”

William A. Rowley is proprietor and manager of Sunnyside Farm in Richmond, which includes dairy, crop and milk hauling operations. He was a 20-year member of the Farmer’s Elevator of Richmond board of directors and served for 30 years as a member of the board of directors for Federal Land Bank. He was the Richmond Township Supervisor for 15 years, where he chaired the County Library Board and the County Agriculture Committee. This committee laid the foundation for what became the Macomb County Soil Conservation Committee.

Rowley is involved in a number of agricultural and community organizations, including the Michigan Milk Producers Association, Farm Bureau, the Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce, the Masons and the Shriners, and has been a member of the Richmond Lions Club since 1940. His community involvement has been recognized with numerous awards including Farm Bureau’s Farmer of the Year Award and the Richmond Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. In 1959 he was recognized by the State of Michigan for his work in helping to establish Oakland University. He is a life member of the Richmond Historical Society and a strong advocate for farmland preservation.

In memorium June 2005.