Susan D. Schlosser Shenk ’71 and Kristen Karle ’01 Honored with Public Service Awards

Two distinguished University of Oregon alumni were recognized May 27 for their work promoting affordable housing and community improvements on the West Coast. Susan D. Schlosser Shenk and Kristen Karle were honored with the 2011 annual PPPM-CSPA awards sponsored by the Department of Planning, Public Policy and Management and the former School of Community Service and Public Affairs.

Shenk received the Distinguished Alumna Award for her career in positions as executive director of the Napa Valley Community Housing Agency, Napa City Councilor and planning commissioner. She graduated from the University of Oregon in 1971 with a degree in Community Service and Public Affairs and has worked since on affordable housing, Latino community needs, worksite childcare and teen alcohol abuse.

“I am very honored to receive this award from the Department of Planning, Public Policy and Management,” says Shenk. “The quality, depth and breadth of courses and I took and the inspiration of the professors helped me in my lifelong quest to contribute to the betterment of my community.”

Karle was honored as a Distinguished Recent Alumna Award for her work as the Housing Development Director of St. Vincent De Paul of Lane County. She graduated in 2001 from the University of Oregon in Community and Regional Planning and has since worked to provide quality affordable housing while emphasizing investment in sustainable multiuse structures.

The Outstanding Service to Oregon award was also bestowed upon Noel Klein. Klein has worked almost fifty years as an Oregon professional, including positions as city manager, finance director, urban renewal administrator, public works operations director and executive director of City County Insurance Services.