Dan Hoge, ag professor and livestock judging coach at Black Hawk College East Campus, will be inducted into the Black Hawk College East Foundation's Wall of Fame at a special ceremony on April 4, 2014, at Jumer's Casino and Hotel in Rock Island.

Hoge's commitment to developing future leaders in the livestock industry is immeasurable. As a nationally known livestock judge, coach and educator, his experience and devotion to teaching, as well as his dedication to the livestock industry, make him one of the most respected leaders in his field.

Dan Hoge Will Be Honored at Black Hawk College's East Campus For Livestock Judging

For more than 43 years, Hoge has developed and positively influenced more than 4,000 animal science students, including more than 700 young people who have participated on Black Hawk College livestock judging teams. His students have gone on to become leaders in the industry as judges, producers, and educators; some serving as directors of national livestock associations and publications.

The winning record at Black Hawk College East Campus attracts many students to look at the program today. However, it's Hoge's personality, devotion to his students, and commitment to building future leaders of agriculture that causes students to accept their admittance letters and make Black Hawk College East Campus their "home."

Steve Spivey, chairman of the Black Hawk College East Foundation and a member of the 1975 team, says, "Hoge has grown and nurtured the livestock programs at Black Hawk East into the preeminent community college program in the nation."

Spivey adds that Hoge's coaching and teaching style is to take a positive approach with students, emphasizing what a student is doing right before explaining what needs to be done better or needs improvement.

"But even with his easy style and manner, he can be firm and demanding in his low key, matter-of-fact approach," Spivey notes. "He constantly gets students to perform not just at their best, but often beyond their capabilities."

To recognize his impact on the livestock judging program, the Foundation is establishing an endowed scholarship in his name which will provide financial assistance to livestock judging students for many years to come. The Dan Hoge Livestock Judging Scholarship will be invested with only the interest earnings to be used to fund scholarships for livestock judging team students for generations to come.

"As the cost of tuition and fees continues to increase, the level of state, federal, and local support of education has remained stagnant or declined," Spivey says. "Providing financial assistance through merit and need-based scholarships will allow the livestock judging program to continue to attract the very best students and carry on the tradition of excellence."

Mark Gordon, owner of Rockin G Land and Cattle and manager of Croft Fertilizer Service Inc., said he admires Hoge's professionalism and passion for education.

"There is not a day that goes by either at the ranch or at the fertilizer plant, where decisions need to be made or action taken that affect the well-being of these businesses," Gordon says. "Thanks to Hoge's guidance, I feel confident I'm making the right decisions."

If you are interested in learning more about the Dan Hoge Livestock Judging Scholarship and how you can help make a difference in the lives of future livestock judges, please contact Liz Breedlove, Executive Director of the Black Hawk College East Foundation, at [email protected] or 309-854-1715. For information about Hoge's recognition ceremony, please contact Jimalee Driscoll, Foundation Assistant at [email protected] or 309-854-1718.