From Tech Today, June 1, 2017 by Mark Wilcox
Richelle Winkler’s efforts to better her community have been recognized by Michigan Tech.
Richelle Winkler, an associate professor in the Department of Social Sciences, is the recipient of the 2017 Faculty Distinguished Service Award.
The award is intended to complement the Distinguished Teaching and the Distinguished Research Awards already established at the University. It recognizes service to the University community that has significantly improved the quality of some aspect of campus life.
University Provost Jacqueline Huntoon says, “The faculty Distinguished Service Award Committee maintains very high standards and are only willing to make awards to individuals whose actions are particularly meritorious. Dr. Winkler exemplifies the characteristics that the award is intended to honor. She is an outstanding scholar whose efforts benefit the University and our community.”
Active in the Community
Winkler was recognized for her work with the Houghton Energy Efficiency Team (HEET), Main Street Calumet, the International Association for Society and Natural Resources, Copper Country Recycling Initiative, Keweenaw Land Trust and the new Keweenaw Climate Community. These activities have helped unify Michigan Tech and the local community as they work toward solutions to environmental sustainability problems.
A nominator for the award describes Winkler as “a catalyst in the community through her leadership and coordination of activities that connect members of the campus and local community in ways that also benefit her students.”
“I am thrilled and honored to receive this award.”Richelle Winkler
Over the past five years Winkler has partnered with Main Street Calumet on three projects with the aim of empowering community members to better understand opportunities and challenges for community development and to envision strategies for future improvement.
She was one of the founders of HEET and was on the organizing team that submitted Houghton County’s entry into the Georgetown University Energy Prize competition.
About receiving the faculty service award, Winkler says: “I am thrilled and honored to receive this award. Being recognized for supporting community-based efforts and building campus-community partnerships says a lot about Michigan Tech-s commitment to civic engagement in our local community and supporting sustainable community development. I have been only one of many partners on all of these projects. Dozens of community members, students, and other faculty and staff equally deserve recognition as they continue to energize our work.”
Winker will receive a cash prize of $2,500 and will be honored at a dinner this fall.