The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences celebrated the signing of six new endowments at the Sept. 15 joint luncheon of the three foundations that support the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service: the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service Foundation, the North Carolina 4-H Development Fund and the new North Carolina Family and Consumer Sciences Foundation.

The endowments totaled more than $400,000.

The event also highlighted the unveiling of the International Journal of Volunteer Administration, to be published by the Department of 4-H Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences. The Web-based journal will provide an exchange of ideas, knowledge and insights about volunteerism and volunteer management and administration.

"The journal will connect practitioners, academicians, and consultants in greater service to the global volunteer community and the professionals who lead it," Wynne said.

Funding for the journal's 2006-07 publication year is being provided by the Volunteer IMPACT Fund, through a gift to the North Carolina 4-H Development Fund. At the luncheon Wynne led the signing of the agreement that made the journal's funding official.

Dr. Joe Zublena, Extension associate director, recognized several special guests in attendance, including Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, an active member of the 4-H Development Fund board of directors. Extension director Dr. Jon Ort brought greetings on behalf of Extension, and Dr. James Zuiches, N.C. State vice chancellor for extension, engagement and economic development, delivered brief remarks on behalf of the university.

The six new endowments are:

• "Making Magic: An Alliance for Kids" Enhancement and Trust Fund

This fund is a partnership between the Wake County Human Services Successful Children's Board subcommittee, Wake County 4-H, and the N.C. 4-H Development Fund. It will provide support to help address the needs of children and youth who are participating in initiatives developed by the Successful Children's Board.

• Durwood Baggett Horticulture Program Endowment for New Hanover County

Baggett's friends and family established this endowment in the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service Foundation to provide support for Master Gardeners and other horticultural programs of the Extension center in New Hanover County.

• William S. and Sue Nichols Lefes 4-H Endowment for International Programs

Bill and Sue Lefes have been involved in global understanding since they were international 4-H youth exchange students as college students. Their gift of property to the N.C. 4-H Development Fund will fund a charitable trust and, upon their deaths, will establish an endowment to support international programs.

• Stanly County 4-H Program Endowment

Stanly County staff, volunteers and youths worked together to raise funds to create this endowment in support of 4-H programs.

• Jane S. McKimmon, Estelle T. Smith, and Dazelle P. Lowe Educational Scholarship Endowment

The North Carolina Extension and Community Association established this endowment in 1977 to pay tribute to three pioneers in home economics Extension work. At the luncheon, this fund was invested in the N.C. Family and Consumer Sciences Foundation. Scholarships from the endowment support students in any field of study, with priority given to a degree in family and consumer sciences.

• Burke County 4-H Program Endowment

The Burke County 4-H Foundation Inc. invested funds in an enhancement account in the N.C. 4-H Development Fund in 2002. After growing the fund, their board has requested that the funds be moved into a program endowment that benefits youths who participate in Burke County 4-H. This change creates a fund in perpetuity and will return higher investment income to the Burke program.

-Suzanne Stanard