When Jo Hinkel graduated from Wittenberg, she became the first in her family to earn a four-year college degree. In 1986, she added an M.A. in teaching museum education from George Washington University, which resulted in a 20-year career with the National Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian Institution. Following two years of retirement, Hinkel began as a contract worker for the museum. Her desire to serve, however, has never retired.

From co-authoring A Children's Guide to the Smithsonian to ensure that all young visitors leave with an understanding and appreciation for what they learned to being a tutor with Experience Corps Literacy in the D.C. public schools to reading to the blind in New York City, Hinkel has taken Wittenberg's call to serve to heart.

No wonder she caught the attention of Wittenberg's Office of Alumni Relations, which recently bestowed on her an Alumni Citation Award, given in recognition of those who have brought honor to Wittenberg by their exceptional accomplishments in which service to humanity is placed ahead of personal gain or recognition. Hinkel received the award during Homecoming this fall.

Looking back on her journey, Hinkel said one of her most satisfying accomplishments was the expansion of the museum’s internship program.

"I love working with youth," she said. "I believe internships are so important for trying out a profession. The program had 50 interns a year at its peak, and each received a stipend for living expense. Only one intern, Mary Jane Taylor '88, came from Wittenberg in the 12 years I was education office intern coordinator."

Hinkel also served as visitor advocate during development of the museum's first-ever hands-on science gallery, "How Things Fly," 10 years ago.

The gallery houses 70 exhibits and welcomed 4,000 visitors the first year, a number that has grown steadily every year.

Yet, even now, Hinkel still credits Wittenberg for the directions her life has taken.

"Wittenberg changed my life," she says. "The faculty was nurturing and provided strength in its mentoring. I was flabbergasted at the honor given to me."

—Phyllis Eberts ’00