Tom Marcinkowski has been a tireless volunteer for NAAEE since the 1980s. He is most widely known within the EE profession for contributions in research, assessment and evaluation, helping to infuse EE into colleges of education, and the development of a professional certification program. Marcinkowski’s influence has been felt not only the undergraduate and graduate students in his courses, but also by students of other professors across the nation who have been the beneficiaries of his work. His professional life has been devoted to the advancement of environmental education as he conducts and shares his research, assists others with their research (including graduate students from across the U.S.), and assumes leadership roles. He tackles all of these tasks with a positive attitude and precision, with an eye for detail as well as the big picture. 

Marcinkowski was presented with the award by the 2009 Jeske winner, Brenda Weiser of the University of Houston, who serves as Chair of NAAEE’s Certification Advisory Council, on which Tom is the recording secretary and a key advisor on assessment and evaluation for the growing list of professional recognition (EE Certification) programs around the U.S. 

“Tom is so deserving of this award. He works quietly behind the scenes promoting and implementing EE with his students and colleagues,” said Weiser. “Tom is the type of person that has contributed thousands of hours over his career to the EE profession and never expects anything in return. If you look up the definition of “volunteer,” Tom’s picture is next to it. I am proud to know and work with Tom.”

Marcinkowski’s early years in the EE field were as an instructor/counselor in summer programs in New Hampshire, Illinois, and Florida. He attended his first NAAEE conference in 1980 and has been giving his time and talent to the organization ever since. His service to NAAEE included a term on the NAAEE Board of Directors while serving as Chair of NAAEE’s Research Commission (1988-1993) as well as numerous committees and projects. His expertise in assessment and evaluation have been critical to a national Environmental Literacy Assessment project for which he has developed the Secondary School Environmental Literacy Instrument. 

In addition to his FIT position and volunteer role in NAAEE, Marcinkowski serves as an outside evaluation consultant/advisor to numerous organizations such as the Missouri Botanical Garden, Project Learning Tree, Project Wild, World Wildlife Fund, USFWS, Pine Jog EE Center, Warren Wilson College, PEEC Network, Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, Islandwood, and many others.

“Thanks to tight lips, I did not know this was coming; this award came as a bit of a shock, as was apparent to many attending the NAAEE Awards Luncheon,” said Marcinkowski. “Having met or known Walt and all previous recipients, I was and remain acutely aware of the tradition of leadership, service, and professionalism embodied in this Award and its past recipients, so I am both deeply humbled and honored to be recognized in this manner.”