BENTON TOWNSHIP — Lake Michigan College will present its annual Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service Award to Al Pscholka, of Lincoln Township, during the College’s 70th annual commencement exercise at the LMC Mendel Center at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 7.

Pscholka is a long-time champion for Lake Michigan College who has spearheaded revitalization of statewide education and economic development initiatives throughout his public service career.

“The board is thrilled to honor Al with this award.” said LMC Board of Trustees Chair Michael Lindley. “His tireless efforts over several years helped secure $9.5 million dollars for the renovation of LMC’s Benton Harbor campus and the Wine and Viticulture Technology facility.”

Before joining Gov. Rick Snyder’s cabinet in January 2017 as state budget director, Pscholka spent six years in the Michigan State House of Representatives, where he served as chair of the House Appropriations and Fiscal Agency governing committees. Pscholka was recognized as “Legislator of the Year” by more than a half-dozen organizations, named “Freshman Legislator of the Year” by Michigan Information and Research Service in 2011, and “Most Effective House Member” in 2015.

In his six years in the Michigan House, he authored and passed 64 public acts, more than any other member of the House during that time.

Bringing resources to southwest Michigan was a big motivation in Pscholka’s run for the legislature.

“I wanted to make sure the folks in Lansing understood that Michigan doesn’t stop at Exit 75, off I-94, so I worked to bring home some dollars to expand the college. It wasn’t easy and it took almost five years to get that bill passed, but it was important to make sure the college had up-to-date technology and that we’re taking care of this resource,” he said.

Education played a profound personal role in Pscholka’s experience growing up. Raised by a single mother who received no child support, he watched as she returned to community college for retraining and became the first in their family to earn a college degree. He followed her lead by attending Delta College after high school before transferring to Western Michigan University for his bachelor’s degree.

“I was what you might describe as an academic late-bloomer, and I got better grades in college than in high school,” Pscholka said. “The time I spent at Delta College helped me to mature, learn new skills and build a foundation. It was a great place for me to start.”

His words of wisdom for LMC’s class of 2017 are to “never, ever, let anyone say that you can’t accomplish something, because you’ve just proven it. You’re on your way. Don’t ever stop learning, and stay in Michigan, why don’t you?”

The Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service Award is named in honor of the late Dr. Bernard C. Radde, who served as a member of the Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees for 25 years. It is presented annually by the LMC Board of Trustees to an individual or individuals who have advanced the cause of LMC and higher education.