Dale and Sara (“Sally”) Stuby have built a strong partnership of philanthropy to support Michigan 4-H Youth Development programs that has lasted several decades. As 4-H alumni, parents and leaders, Dale and Sally have experienced the benefits of 4-H firsthand many times over.
In 2014, Dale and Sally joined nine other couples who as leadership supporters agreed to also serve as public advocates for the Campaign for Michigan 4-H’s Future. As members of the 4-H Leadership 10, they personally helped grow and engage others in contributing to build the county 4-H endowment match pool. They helped lead the St. Joseph County 4-H Endowment campaign, garnering local support to help build this perpetual fund and have been recognized as Cornerstone Society members for their lifetime giving to 4-H. Additionally, they have also served as advocates that have opened new doors of support for Michigan 4-H statewide programs.
Sally retired from Michigan State University (MSU) Extension in 2008 as the southwest regional director and is the incoming Michigan 4-H Foundation president, serving as a foundation trustee since 2009. Together with her husband, Dale, they co-own and operate a 1,000-acre crop farm in Constantine.
Dale began his lifetime farming career in 1969 in partnership with his 4-H leader Harry Oxender, eventually expanding with Dale Stuby Farms and then Legacy Land Inc, which he now owns with their son-in-law, Walter Hekter Jr. Dale is known for cooperative on-farm research with MSU and for providing internships and mentoring young agricultural students. His service includes the Constantine Cooperative Board of Directors, the Michiana Irrigation Association, the Centreville Public Schools Alumni Association and the FFA Alumni Association. He is a 25-year supporter of the St. Joseph County 4-H Livestock Auction.
Sally is a St. Joseph County 4-H alumnus, a 4-H Emerald Clover Society member and a longtime 4-H volunteer. Her service includes 14 years as the Rolling Clovers 4-H Club leader, eight years on the State 4-H International Exchange Committee, 15 years of co-leadership in the St. Joseph County 4-H Veterinary and Animal Science program and 10 years as the St. Joseph County Fair 4-H sheep superintendent. She is also vice president of the Centreville FFA Alumni Association and serves on various advisory councils. She coaches 4-H/FFA Livestock and Meat Evaluation teams for state and national competitions.
This Citation Award Nomination is in celebration of their combined commitment of support for 4-H and the work 4-H does for and with Michigan’s young people. In these and so many other ways, they show that Michigan 4-H is a priority for both their advocacy and their personal support. Sally and Dale Stuby have invested personal time, wealth and resources to ensuring that Michigan 4‑H is well-positioned to continue to help Michigan’s young people learn, grow and succeed.
