a*M i. truvU's**
AlB—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, February 4,1984
BY SALLY BAIR
Staff Correspondent
UNIVERSITY PARK - Milk
and cheese, two of the dairy in
dustry’s finest products, were in
abundance last Friday afternoon
when friends and associates of
Donald L. Ace gathered for a
reception in honor of his
retirement from Penn State’s
Cooperative Extension Service.
For Ace it was the conclusion of
a career that began on a dairy
farm in Susquehanna County and
spanned 30 years in ,the dairy in
dustry, almost all of which was in
the dairy extension program
For his friends it was the op
portunity to express their
gratitude for Ace’s professional
contributions to the dairy industry
and for his personal friendship.
In his “Ode to Don Ace,” P J.
Wangsness, head of the depart
ment of dairy and animal science,
correctly summed up the feelings
of those at the reception He said,
in part, “His friendship to us is the
best gift...”
Friends gather to honor Don Ace
It was his friendship that was
cited by every speaker as they
wished Ace and his wife, Lil well on
their retirement.
Bob Hetrick, speaking as
president of the Pennsylvania
County Agents Association, said.
“He has left a mark on all of us
with his wit, wisdom, knowledge
and insight.” And he remarked
that though Don will be replaced,
“We will not fill those shoes so
admirably.”
Danny Harter, president of the
Pennsylvania Goat Association,
spoke on behalf of the dairy goat
owners who appreciated the advice
and assistance Ace provided to
them throughout the years.
Speaking for both the industry
and the dairymen of the state, N
Alan Bair, Atlantic Breeders
Cooperative, thanked Don for his
immeasurable contribution in
raising the standard of living for
Pennsylvania’s dairymen, and for
his friendship which was extended
to and valued by all he met
Les Burdette, president of the
Extension Professors Association,
presented Ace with a certificate,
and Wayne Hinitsch, associate
dean and director of extension,
added his good wishes and thanks
Ace became a professor of Dairy
Science at the University in 1971,
was named acting chairman of
dairy extension in 1974 and was
appointed coordinator of dairy
extension programs in 1976. In 1979
he was named Interim Head of the
Department of Dairy and Animal
Science, returning to his extension
duties when the new head was
appointed
Acting as toastmaster for the
event, Bill Folwell said, “We are
here to honor Don Ace - Super
star.” There was much joking
about his other deep interest -
winemaking.
Having the last word at the
reception, Ace said, “It’s been fun
The most striking thing that
remains with you is the people Lil
and I deeply appreciate all the
things Penn State has done for us I
would cast my lot with the Ex- factor in the successful dairy in
tension Service at Penn State dustry in Pennsylvania today, and
again ” the success of the industry is a
Ace’s contributions remain a tribute to his dedication.
Don Ace and his wife, Lil, listed to many tributes upon his
retirement from Penn State Dairy Extension.
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