Pamala R. Babbitt retired from the Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees Oct. 1, 2021 after nearly four decades of service to Michigan 4-H.

“We will truly miss Pam’s voice and presence, as well as her historical perspective and guidance on the board,” said Sara Stuby, Michigan 4-H Foundation immediate past president. “On behalf of the entire board of trustees, we thank you, Pam, for giving nearly four decades of service to the Michigan 4-H Foundation and over 50 years of service as a 4-H volunteer in Muskegon County.”

Babbitt served as a Michigan 4-H Foundation trustee since 1984-85. She served the board in numerous roles including treasurer, president and immediate past president.

Babbitt chaired the Michigan 4-H Foundation’s Facilities Committee for a number of years and later chaired the Personnel Committee ensuring that foundation staff members, including those at Kettunen Center, were well-compensated and received proper benefits for their employment. She co-chaired the Michigan 4-H Centennial Celebration committee, celebrating 100 years of 4-H with a variety of events held throughout the year in 2002. She and her husband, Ed, were the auction winners of the Garfield comic strip print commemorating 4-H’s centennial.

Babbitt is also a generous donor to 4-H, the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens and Kettunen Center. As such, she has been honored as a member of the Cornerstone Society and also with a rock on the wall at Kettunen Center.

An accountant by training, she is retired from Babbitt’s Sports Center in Muskegon and has been an active 4-H volunteer leader in her community since 1969, where she served as both president and treasurer of the Muskegon County 4-H Council.

In honor of Babbitt’s longtime service, the Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees is providing a special recognition in her honor at the Heritage Memorial Gardens in her hometown of Muskegon, a beautiful garden built, and donated by Babbitt, in memory of her late husband Ed.

Tribute gifts honoring Babbitt’s longtime service to 4-H may be made at https://mi4hfdtn.org/memorialtributedonation.

Additional Trustee Service Recognition

In addition, youth trustee Shawn McNamara’s term expired and was recognized for his service at the Oct. 1 Michigan 4-H Foundation Annual Membership Meeting . A St. Joseph County 4-H’er, McNamara graduated from Centreville High School, where he was dual enrolled with Glen Oaks Community College. Midland County 4-H alumna, parent and volunteer, Mary Draves was also recognized for her service as a trustee for the past 10 years. Draves resigned from the board in April 2021 and chaired the foundation’s Personnel Committee. She serves as Global Director of Environmental Remediation and Restoration & Environmental Technology Center for Dow.