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Milliken Distinguished Service Award

The Helen & William Milliken Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who show outstanding leadership, enduring commitment and extraordinary public service in protecting natural resources at the local, state and national levels. It is named after First Lady Helen Milliken and Gov. William Milliken, whose environmental ethics changed the landscape of Michigan conservation and waste reduction for the better.

Honorees: Milliken Distinguished Service Award

John Erb, 2024 Recipient

Transformational philanthropist

Donele Wilkins, 2023 Recipient

Environmental justice pioneer

Anne & Tom Woiwode, 2022 Recipients

Environmental nonprofit leaders

Frank Ettawageshik, 2021 Recipient

International water rights leader

Bill Rustem, 2020 Recipient

Recycling and conservation champion

Rhonda Anderson, 2019 Recipient

Industrial pollution fighter

Joan Rose, 2018 Recipient

Clean water scientist

Matt Cullen, 2017 Recipient

Urbanist in action

Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, 2016 Recipient

Flint Water Crisis physician

Andy Buchsbaum, 2015 Recipient

Great Lakes advocate

Rich VanderVeen, 2014 Recipient

Clean energy entrepreneur

Dave Dempsey, 2013 Recipient

Environmental author and expert

Rosina M. Bierbaum, 2012 Recipient

Activist scientist

Becky Humphries, 2011 Recipient

Michigan DNR leader

Faye Alexander Nelson, 2010 Recipient

City-nature connector

Lana Pollack, 2009 Recipient

Environmentalist senator

Bunyan Bryant, PhD, 2008 Recipient

Environmental justice pioneer

Mary C. Brown, 2007 Recipient

Environmental representative

Congressman Vernon Ehlers, 2006 Recipient

Conservative conservationist

Congressman John D. Dingell, 2005 Recipient

Longtime environmental champion

Peter Karamos Jr., 2004 recipient

Urban revitalizer

Marty Fluharty, 2003 Recipient

Land preservation philanthropist

Peter M. Wege, 2002 Recipient

Environmental philanthropist

Peter W. Stroh, 2001 Recipient

Conservation visionary

Steve Hamp, 2000 Recipient

Strong city champion

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