Dick Winkler '55
Dick Winkler (center) with his fellow Vero Beach Habitat for Humanity volunteers.
Home: Beautiful Vero Beach, FL
Occupation: Retired
Major at Otterbein: BA in Economics
Family: My wife, Ginger, our four children and our first grandchild is on the way (finally!)
What have you been doing since your graduation from Otterbein?
I worked 10 years for Liberty Mutual in Syracuse, Cleveland, and Rochester. Then I went to work for Reliance Insurance Co. in Philadelphia where I was responsible for hiring and training Claims Department personnel nationwide. After 5 years in Philly I transferred to their Albany office. Eventually I became the Upstate New York Regional Manger where I remained until I retired in 1977. After retiring, I bought a couple of small businesses and worked for another 5 years. In 2004 I retired for good and we moved to Florida.
What interest and/or hobbies do you have?
My wife and I play tennis and golf almost daily. I'm an active volunteer at Habitat for Humanity - building houses, fundraising and serving on various committees. To date our Habitat group has built and paid for 24 of the 144 Habitat houses built in the county. Last year I was the chairman of the Moorings Club's (my club) annual Golf Classic for the benefit of Habitat. We raised a record amount of $75,000 for which I received a special award at Habitat's annual Volunteer's Dinner.This year I'm in charge of our Club's annual Habitat Fundraiser. Our goal is to raise $200,000, which would be enough money to build 5 new homes.
What is a special Otterbein memory?
My close relationships with the members of Country Club. The fun activities- pledging, sweetheart serenades, Jump Week ,and Sunday afternoons watching the Browns play on TV. These bonds still exist today. Every September, 20 - 30 Clubbers have a reunion somewhere around the country. I also think fondly of the small class size and professors who really took an interest in developing their students. That is why I never hesitate to brag about where I went to college.
I would like to invite current Otterbein students and alumni to plan a vacation at Indian River Habitat location in beautiful Vero Beach, Fl. Our Habitat facility in Vero Beach has excellent facilities for housing caravaners and it is located only 2 miles from the beach. The Indian River Habitat has a great program. It has been rated as the best suburban affiliate in the country 2 years in a row. I am sure the students would enjoy the trip, although I must admit the night life is not like Ft. Lauderdale which was the "hot spot" when I was in school. To schedule a trip contact Carrie Rossman at crossman@fdn.com to make arrangements.