2018 State Recognition: Lois Warme

Lois Warme was a nine year 4-H’er from Calhoun County belonging to the Garfield Gleam Girls and Garfield Go-Getters 4-H Clubs.  She served in several club officer positions as well as a County 4-H Girls Officer.  Accomplishments included selection to attend the Home Improvement Award trip to Chicago, the State Forestry Camp, and State 4-H Conference at ISU.  A special 4-H honor for Lois was having her redecorated bedroom selected for display at the Iowa State Fair in the 4-H exhibit area (under the grandstand then) by Emelda Kunau, State Home Improvement Specialist, who became a life-long mentor for Lois as she pursued her career. 

Lois’ participation in the IFYE (International Farm Youth Exchange) program to Australia in 1969-70 was another highlight which followed Lois’s active 4-H career.  After receiving her Applied Art/Interior Design degree from ISU, and working on her graduate degree in Interior Design, Stan Davidson, Director of the IFYE program, encouraged Lois to apply for the State Extension Applied Art position.  Which she did!!

During her 39 year Extension career Lois became an Associate Professor in the College of Design teaching students in the interior design degree program, as well as facilitating the adult Extension program in Families and Communities.   She also provided support for the 4-H Home Improvement project.  Development of 4-H project materials included the series, Discovering Design, Accessory Accents, Furniture Facts, Fabric Furnishing, and Survival Skills.  She trained staff in seven states using these materials, as well as, training to staff and volunteers throughout Iowa in different settings and methods. 

To provide opportunities for 4-H youth to have meaningful learning experiences, Lois worked with others to evaluate the SMA (Science, Mechanics and Arts) project area.  This effort later became the basis for the development of the 4-H Visual Art Division. 

Lois has shared her expertise with others via a variety of learning opportunities by organizing and presenting workshops on Aesthetic Responsibility, First Home Away from Home, Universal Design, as well as wood finishes and faux painting techniques.  In addition she developed study tours for youth on furniture styles at Living History Farms and visits with designers in their workplace, all efforts utilizing creative ways to share information with youth and adults.

Lois maintained connection with 4-H serving as a leader for the Washington A.M.E.S. 4-H Club for 11 years.  She helped the club organize and enjoy their annual weekend ski trip to Alton Alps and helped at the Story County Fair.

Highlights Lois noted were meeting 4-H’ers, parents and leaders around the state in various settings and learning opportunities.   Her greatest satisfaction comes by hearing from those she has met and worked with, what they learned and found beneficial in their lives and for their families.

Lois’s final comment was:  4-H has given me so much.