Whether called to service for behind-the-scenes tasks or thrust into facilitating grand projects, John and Anne Foltz personify giving and advocacy.

The Foltzes are from a family tradition that has produced four generations of Ohio State alumni. Their service to the university began in earnest at graduation and has continued over the last 55 years.

They are tireless advocates for Ohio State, the 4-H Extension program, and Ohio’s agriculture industry. Currently, John is a member and former chair of the advisory committee for the Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center, and Anne serves on the state Extension advisory committee.

Together, they were instrumental in the planning, fund-raising, and completion of the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, where thousands of youth from across the state can be involved in 4-H development programs. The center is the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) certified building on campus.

In one example of their efforts, Anne initiated a plan to obtain flags representing countries that have hosted Ohio International 4-H Youth Exchange participants. The Foltzes helped install the flags in the A.B. Graham Great Hall at the 4-H Center, along with smaller flags in the International Room.

For another project, they arranged for two large crystal 4-H clovers to be mounted in end windows of the Great Hall. They also have sponsored the center’s photo gallery, which displays state 4-H photography award winners.

Among his notable contributions, John was chair of the Alumni Advisory Board for Ohio State and an ex officio member of the Alumni Association’s board of directors. He has served on advisory committees for the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and for 4-H and the Agricultural Technical Institute.

Professionally, John served in high positions in the U.S. Department of Agriculture under three presidents.

Anne, a Certified Home Economist, was president of the Ohio 4-H Foundation, a trustee of the National Mortar Board Foundation, and an academic adviser in the former University College at Ohio State, as well as president of the College of Home Economics Alumni Society.

John and Anne are longtime members of the President’s Club and continue to work closely with members of Congress, the Ohio General Assembly, and county officials to advocate and win support for Ohio State’s programs.

Their dedication has been described by colleagues as “unsurpassed.”

“They lend a consistency, a vision, an eye on the mission and willingness to give footwork, brainpower, financial support and inspiration to others,” said one supporter.