Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service Award: Al Pscholka

The Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service Award was presented to Al Pscholka in 2017.

Al Pscholka is a long-time champion for Lake Michigan College who has spearheaded revitalizing, state-wide education and economic development initiatives throughout his public service career.

Before joining Governor 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; he was 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, and during his tenure, he helped secure $9.5 million dollars for the renovation of LMC’s Benton Harbor campus and Wine and Viticulture Technology facility. 

“I was what you might describe as an academic late-bloomer, and I got better grades in college than in high school. 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.”

In addition to “College Graduate,” Pscholka’s titles have included District Director for Congressman Fred Upton, Vice President of Cornerstone Alliance, and Lincoln Township Board Trustee. Pscholka first connected with Lake Michigan College working in radio in the 1980s.