Bob Funk honored with VIP Citation Award by National FFA Organization at 92nd National Convention
The National FFA is honoring Oklahoma businessman and rancher Bob Funk Sr. with its VIP Citation Award at the organization’s annual convention in Indianapolis. The award is being given to Funk in recognition of his significant support for the FFA and agricultural education.
National FFA Chief Executive Officer Mark Poeschl said Funk and 12 other recipients from across the nation are being recognized for supporting the organization’s mission to help students succeed through hard work and cooperation.
“Without such strong and outstanding commitment, FFA would not be able to help build strong character in its members, who in turn become strong leaders in their families, communities and businesses.”
At the Convention in Indianapolis, Funk talked with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network's Ron Hays about the recognition and had the opportunity to visit with Oklahoma State FFA Officer team. (the team is pictured with Mr. Funk) Listen to Hays and Funk talk about his lifetime of generosity to FFA by clicking on the LISTEN BAR below.
Funk is president and chief executive officer of Oklahoma City-based Express Employment Professionals - Oklahoma, and he also is owner of Express Ranches in Yukon, an industry-leading cattle breeding operation and home of the world champion Express Clydesdales.
He is a longtime supporter of youth, education and agriculture, and he has a history of commitment to the state’s FFA organization as well as the Oklahoma Youth Expo.
Funk has made many contributions to support education in agriculture over the years, and in 2019, he made major gifts to both organizations. This spring, he contributed $60,000 to the Oklahoma FFA for scholarships, and he donated a new headquarters building in State Fair Park to the Oklahoma Youth Expo. He also committed to match up to $5 million in donations to the Youth Expo’s OYE Onward endowment campaign.
“I’m grateful for the FFA’s kind recognition,” Funk said. “This award means a lot to me, but the thousands of young people the FFA supports and helps to educate mean so much more.”
“Youth, education and agriculture are my passions. There is no school room like the lessons learned on the milkin’ end of a cow at three in the morning,” he said. “Hard work, leadership, faith and dependability are the lessons kids learn every day as members of the FFA. I love this 90-year-old organization, and I love its mission to forge a pathway of leadership, growth and career success for rural students.”
As we cover the 2019 Convention- we are taking pictures in and around the 2019 National FFA Convention- click or tap here to check out the National Convention Album on FLICKR. By the way- we continue a tradition as several state officers of the Oklahoma FFA will be taking pictures for us during the course of the meeting.
Our exclusive coverage of the 2019 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis October 30- November 2 is a service of ITC Great Plains, Your Energy Superhighway- learn more about this high voltage, transmission only utility and their commitment to the communities they serve which is the cornerstone of their business -
