Michael and Winifred Tate

Class Years: 2023

Michigan State University alumni Mike and Winifred Tate have seen the imagination and wonder that Michigan 4-H and the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens inspire in youth and have supported both through the Michigan 4-H Foundation since 1976.

Mike began his MSU Extension career in 1972 as a Michigan 4-H agent. In 1976, he became a statewide Michigan 4-H program leader, then became state 4-H director and assistant director for MSU Extension in 1983. He served in this dual role until 1993. Under Mike’s leadership, Michigan 4-H prospered. He recruited and supported a diverse cadre of faculty and staff. Mike developed many partnerships with nonprofits, which increased 4-H’s visibility and strengthened its relationships with policymakers, securing nearly $7 million in grants during his tenure.

After 26 years with MSU Extension, Mike became a professor and associate dean and director for Washington State University Extension. He served as WSU’s chief diversity officer from 2010 until he retired in 2014 as professor emeritus. Mike was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2014, and in 2017, he was elected as a Michigan 4-H Foundation honorary trustee.­­

The Tates have been long-time supporters of 4-H and the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens. They have sponsored two gardens: the Sundial Garden, in memory of Mike’s mother, Dorothy Willis Tate, and the African American Garden, which was sponsored with tribute gifts made in honor of Mike’s retirement.

In 2014, Mike and Winifred joined the 4-H Leadership 10, a group which served as leadership supporters and public advocates for the Campaign for Michigan 4-H’s Future. During this time, the Tates established the Michael J. and Winifred Ann Tate Endowment Fund to support garden upkeep and programming.

Sadly, Mike passed away in April 2023. This Citation Award is in celebration of the Tates’ combined commitment for 4-H. Mike and Winifred have shown their continued dedication to Michigan 4-H in so many ways, helping to ensure that Michigan 4‑H is well-positioned to continue to help Michigan’s young people learn, grow, and succeed.­

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