June 26, 2018
Congratulations to Chuck Otte and Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena
K-State Research and Extension has two Epsilon Sigma Phi national award winners in our midst – congratulations to Chuck Otte (Distinguished Service) and Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena (Visionary Leadership)!
Chuck Otte, Geary County Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent and famed birding extraordinaire, was awarded the Epsilon Sigma Phi Distinguished Service Recognition for the outstanding work he has contributed to Extension and his community for over 36 years. Chuck is a nationally recognized expert whose programs are widely requested. His nomination materials state, “Chuck exemplifies a great Extension professional. He truly cares about the issues of the people, takes time to listen, and is proud to provide a reliable, research-based answer.” Chuck has also exemplified extraordinary leadership to K-State Research and Extension, Epsilon Sigma Phi, the National Association of County Agriculture Agents, and various other entities. Congratulations, Chuck!
Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, Sedgwick County Family Life and Resource Management Extension Agent, was awarded the Epsilon Sigma Phi Visionary Leadership Award for her unwavering commitment to serving Sedgwick County’s Hispanic audiences for the last 8 years. Elizabeth’s vision to provide family-strengthening resources is evident in Sedgwick County, and K-State Research and Extension has become a primary, trusted, and reliable resource for the Hispanic community. As a bilingual educator, Elizabeth is frequently featured on KDCU Univision Kansas News, KQQY Radio Lobo, and in El Sol de Wichita. Her work and dedication to her community have been widely recognized; she was appointed to serve on the Executive Committee of the Kansas Governor’s Council on Early Childhood Developmental Services and has received numerous other awards from national, regional, and state entities for her outstanding contributions. Congratulations, Elizabeth!
Chuck and Elizabeth will be recognized at the 2018 Epsilon Sigma Phi National Conference that will be held October 1-4 in Manhattan. To learn more about the conference and to register, please click here.