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Dick Winkler '55

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!)

Dick Winkler '55 with his fellow Habitat for Humanity volunteers

Dick Winkler (center) with his fellow Vero Beach Habitat for Humanity volunteers.

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.