Two individuals have been recognized as 2011 Friends of Extension for their longstanding commitment to Purdue Extension and their communities. The Indiana Extension Education Association awards were given on November 10 during a luncheon at Extension's annual conference.

This year's honorees are:

* Dennis Brubaker of Huntington County. A teacher for more than 35 years, Brubaker volunteered as a 4-H club leader for 15 years. He was a member of the Huntington County Fair Board for 16 years, serving in leadership positions several times. During his tenure, he helped plan and raise money for new buildings and fairground improvements. He coordinated the donation of nearly 300 4-H broilers to local food pantries and arranged for the poultry to be dressed and delivered to needy families. Brubaker's volunteer activities include the Swine Boosters and biannual 4-H benefit auction. He serves on the Huntington County Extension Board. Brubaker and his wife, Janell, met at the 4-H fair in the cattle barn and have been married for 36 years. The Brubakers' children - Chris and Keli - were 10-year 4-H members.

* Gary Jacobi of Floyd County. Jacobi has served in many leadership roles, including numerous terms on the Floyd County Extension Board. Jacobi has been an advocate for Purdue Extension on the Purdue Council on Agricultural Research Extension and Teaching, or PCARET. As a PCARET representative, he traveled to Washington, D.C., to promote the importance of Extension and research to Indiana's congressional delegation. Jacobi is a member of the Purdue University President's Council and the Purdue Legislative Awareness Network. He and his wife, Linda, are supporters of many county 4-H programs. Their commitment to Floyd County extends to many community service organizations. The Jacobi family has partnered with the Floyd County Sheriff's Department and the Salvation Army to host a day camp for local youth on the family farm.