University of Illinois Extension staff from across the state recently gathered in Urbana to strengthen collaboration and celebrate outstanding work in local communities. The Extension Annual Conference was held November 19th and 20th, bringing together staff to share ideas, learn from one another, and turn university research into real-world solutions for Illinois communities.

As part of the conference, Extension honored employees for their individual and team contributions through its annual Extension Excellence Awards. Among this year’s recipients were two staff members from the Christian County Extension Office.

Jenny Foster received the Individual Extension Excellence Award for field-based community outreach. Foster was recognized for expanding partnerships in Christian County and reaching hundreds of youth and adults through nutrition education programs as part of SNAP-Ed.

Cassie O’Connell was honored with the Individual Extension Excellence Award for field-based Extension coordinator. Since joining Extension in 2018, O’Connell has helped grow the unit’s online presence, launched a monthly community newsletter, and increased participation in Extension programs across the four-county area.

The conference also highlighted major milestones, including the 50th anniversary of the Master Gardener program, and looked ahead to the future with the construction of the Doris Kelley Christopher Illinois Extension Center.

Extension leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the university and local communities. They say Extension’s mission remains focused on providing trusted, research-based information to people in all 102 Illinois counties.