Bosserd named outstanding 4-H alumnus
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EmailCalhoun County 4-H alumnus Thomas L. Bosserd, of Plymouth, was among ten 4-H alumni inducted into the 2024 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society at a ceremony on Sept. 21.
Calhoun County 4-H alumnus Thomas L. Bosserd, of Plymouth, is among ten 4-H alumni inducted into the 2024 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society. Bosserd was recognized on Sept. 21 during the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration hosted by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation in East Lansing.
The Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society honors former Michigan 4-H members whose professional leadership and community service reflect the ultimate outcome of 4-H membership – extraordinary use of an individual’s head, heart, hands and health to make communities, the country and the world better places in which to live. This recognition is provided by Michigan 4-H Youth Development with support from the Michigan 4-H Foundation.
For more than 40 years, Bosserd has been a leader in farm and rural land property appraisal and acquisition. He began his own rural property appraisal business in 2001 and retired from it in 2021. He also represented Halderman Farm Management and Real Estate Services in Michigan from 2001 to 2022 as a farm manager and farm real estate agent. Before 2001, Bosserd had a 20-year career with Greenstone Farm Credit Services, becoming a Michigan certified general appraiser in 1994 and a licensed real estate salesperson in 2002.
Bosserd’s experience with farm and land properties began as a child, growing up on a dairy farm in Calhoun County, where he was actively involved with the local 4-H dairy program. In 2016, Bosserd joined the Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees. He has served on the foundation’s finance and facilities committees, providing critical leadership in the sale of Kettunen Center. In 2022, after serving two years as vice president, Bosserd became president of the Michigan 4-H Foundation board of trustees. In this role, Bosserd has helped to strengthen relationships with the university and improve staff structures.
“Through 4-H, I was meeting kids that I didn’t grow up with or know in school. I learned about interesting new things that I was not exposed to in school or at home,” said Bosserd. “Those experiences took me out of my comfort zone in ways that encouraged me to learn about new skills and interests, meet new people, and go to new places. Those opportunities to grow and learn have served me well in my career and adult life.”
Bosserd is a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, twice serving as president of the Michigan chapter. He is an active volunteer at the Manna Meals Soup Kitchen in Detroit and in his church. In addition, he serves on his local homeowner’s association board. Bosserd has a bachelor’s degree from MSU and master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, both in business administration.
Also inducted into the 4-H Emerald Clover Society Class of 2024 were: Sarah A. Black, Eagle; Mary F. Draves, Midland; Katie M. Eisenberger, Shepherd; Maurice J. Kaercher, Kalamazoo; State Sen. Edward W. McBroom, Vulcan; former State Rep. Joel Sheltrown, West Branch; Nancy L. Victorson, Newberry; Shaun T. Wade, Norton Shores; and Dr. Dave D. Weatherspoon, East Lansing. Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society members are inducted every two years. The inaugural class of 62 members was inducted in 2002. For more information on the 4 H Emerald Clover Society and its members, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org/ecs.
Other honorees recognized at the 2024 Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration included partners receiving the Michigan 4-H Citation Award, volunteers awarded the Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards, volunteers awarded the Michigan Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Awards, 50-year 4-H volunteers, winners of the MSU 4-H Scholarship, and retiring 4-H staff.
