Center for Sustainable Systems Program Coordinator Helaine Hunscher retires
After a remarkable 21-year career with the Center for Sustainable Systems (CSS) at the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), Helaine Hunscher retires from her position as Program Coordinator on June 3.
“Helaine has played a vital role in advancing the research, education, and outreach activities of the center,” said CSS Co-Founder and Director Gregory Keoleian.
Keoleian noted that CSS has a lean, productive core staff, and Hunscher held a wide range of responsibilities—including the center’s office operations, the coordination of seminars, the management of the CSS website, and the publishing of CSS reports and the Sustainability Factsheet Collection.
“Helaine managed all of these functions with great skill, attention to detail, and was steady and calm even during the busy cycles of the semester,” said Keoleian.
Hunscher was also deeply involved in the coordination of the Peter M. Wege Lecture Series, a premiere annual event presented by SEAS.
“Helaine has been a joy to work with over so many years on the annual Wege Lecture and many other initiatives,” said Mark Van Putten (JD ’82), President and CEO of The Wege Foundation. “All of us at the foundation thank her for her service and wish her all the best in the future.”
Terry Cullum (BS ’79), Director of the Greenleaf Commission of Sustainability and former Chair of the CSS External Advisory Board (EAB), shared his appreciation. “Helaine was the rock that you could always count on and her willingness to go ‘above and beyond’ was greatly appreciated by all the EAB members,” said Cullum.
In her note of appreciation to Hunscher, Lana Pollack—who formerly served as Chair of the U.S. Section at the International Joint Commission and President of the Michigan Environmental Council—remarked: “Great programs don't just happen. They are created and nurtured by remarkably capable and committed people. Thanks, Helaine, for being that person.”
Keoleian noted that Hunscher, who has a deep understanding of sustainability sciences and systems analysis, is an accomplished technical writer and editor, and is also known for asking interesting and provocative questions at doctoral defenses.
“Helaine not only understands sustainability, but she also practices sustainability in her daily life,” said Keoleian. “Not many ride their bicycles to work in the rain and snow.”
As an example of Hunscher’s dedication to the CSS mission and its seamless management, she delayed her retirement by six months to help coordinate the updating and launch of the center’s website. She also was on hand to help with the onboarding and orientation of the new CSS administrative specialist, Mary Braun.
Keoleian recalls that when Hunscher first joined the school, there were only two faculty at CSS—including himself and co-founder Jonathan Bulkley. In 2022, there are now nine core faculty at the center, and throughout the intervening years, Hunscher has coached hundreds of students.
“Helaine brought tremendous positive energy to her work and always greeted everyone with a warm smile,” said Keoleian. “She was a joy to work with and treated all the students, research staff, and core faculty with special kindness.”
Shoshannah Lenski (MS ’11), Director of Strategy and Planning at DTE Energy and current Chair of the CSS EAB, reflected on her student experience and expressed these words for Hunscher: “Most of all I want to thank you for making the space and group such a welcoming environment for us students who were lucky enough to spend time there,” said Lenski. “It was a real treat for me to get to work at a desk there with my newborn baby sleeping in her stroller next to me. You helped make CSS the kind of environment where I could be a new parent and a student researcher at once!”
Jarod Kelly (MSE ’05, PhD ’08) served as a research fellow and assistant research scientist at CSS and is now the Principal Energy Systems Analyst at Argonne National Laboratory. He remembers “feeling so welcomed” by Hunscher when he started his role as a postdoc in September 2008. He also recalls that for years after, she was helpful and supportive as he sought grants, conference funds, etc. But, most of all, he said, he remembers the “warmth that she shared so freely with all CSS members.”
Keoleian said that he credits much of the success of the center and its many accomplishments to Hunscher’s skill, ability to handle multiple complex tasks and problems, and her steadfast dedication to the students, the center staff, and to the broader University community and its many external partners.
“I am so grateful to Helaine for her long career at CSS and am thankful for her many contributions and our many collaborations on projects throughout the years,” said Keoleian. “Her creativity, excellent judgment, hard work, and thoughtfulness have always been greatly appreciated. She will be greatly missed. We are happy for her as she begins her well-deserved retirement and know she will continue to be a genuine champion of sustainability.”
HELAINE HUNSCHER: PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
What have been the most fulfilling aspects of your career at CSS?
The mission and values of the center is the most fulfilling aspect of my 21-year career at CSS. Systems thinking—respect and clear communication—and understanding our ties to the natural systems that all life relies upon align with my personal commitment to living lightly on this earth. Watching nearly 700 eager young minds learn that they can have huge impacts on the real world was always an inspiration, and their passion for doing complex research on buildings, cars, food, energy, and water gives hope for a more just and sustainable future.
What are some highlights of your experience at CSS?
Highlights include:
—hosting 600 attendees over four days at the second International Society for Industrial Ecology conference
—bringing prominent leaders to campus for the Peter M. Wege Lecture on Sustainability, including Gro Brundtland, Al Gore, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama
—working collaboratively with Jonathan Bulkley and Greg Keoleian on strategic planning for the center
—working with board members from industry who are passionate about sustainability and putting it into practice at a corporate level
What will you miss most?
I will miss regular contact with the community of bright and diverse people connected with the center—colleagues, students, board members, and the general public. Ironically, the COVID pandemic forced an early separation from this community, and so will cushion any shock of retirement.
How do you envision the next chapter of your life?
I have several pressing projects at our 76-acre farm on the west side of Michigan, which is located just four miles from my childhood home. These include a 30-acre prairie restoration, plans to build a modest straw-bale timber-frame house, and repairs on a dairy barn that was built in 1911. Then there's learning to weave on a couple of looms inherited from my mother, tending a huge garden that supplies a quarter of our food, and spending more time with my three grandsons. I'm sure you'll still see me at some of the public functions and events!
NOTES OF APPRECIATION FOR HELAINE:
“Thank you for all you have done for CSS, SEAS, and the University. I really can't imagine the place without you. Your presence and impact have been felt.”
—Andy Hoffman
“Thank you, Helaine, for being so welcoming at CSS! I wish I had more of an opportunity to work with you (darn pandemic!) I hope you enjoy your retirement after all your hard work!”
—Erica Gardner
“Helaine! Always a grounding force for students in otherwise uncertain times. Your care for those who needed help was generous and abundant. I wish you the very best in your retirement!”
—Joe Malcoun
“Helaine, I am not sure what one can say about such a remarkable individual. I will always remember, first and foremost, your friendship and collaboration in my time with CSS. But when I think of you, I also think of an individual deeply dedicated to sustainability with a commitment to excellence in CSS. I think of you as a loving mother and grandmother to your incredible family. Lastly, I think how lucky I was to have the opportunity to work with and learn from you. I am confident that you have left CSS a better place for your involvement. All the best as you take the opportunity to enjoy a retirement so richly deserved.”
—David Spitzley
“Congratulations, Helaine, on your retirement! Your dedication to the Center for Sustainable Systems program was outstanding! Good luck on your future endeavors.”
—Dale Copedge
“Thank you for always creating a motivating atmosphere all around SEAS. I will always miss your presence here. I hope you get to experience all the adventures you wanted to after retirement.”
—Li Yong
“Helaine, it was a real pleasure to be your office neighbor. Thanks for all the good times we spent together and best wishes on your new life.”
—Sara Adlerstein
“Helaine, you were an awesome supervisor during my work-study. Patient, professional, flexible, gave me plenty of opportunity and a very supportive work environment. I was only there for a relatively short time of your career, but I have very fond memories, thanks to you, of working in CSS!!”
—Amber Simco
“Helaine, it's always been a pleasure to work on Earthfest with you! Thanks for your support in that and so many other efforts over the years to advance sustainability on campus.”
—Alex Bryan
“Helaine! Congratulations on your retirement. I know the ‘Michigan at a Climate Crossroads’ team (summer of ’06) couldn't have been what we were without your help and support. I loved my time at SNRE and CSS—you were such a big piece of making it an overwhelmingly positive part of my grad school life! Good luck and enjoy your retirement!”
—Mike Edison
“Helaine! You’re retiring? We haven’t seen each other for so many years, but I want you to know how much I appreciate all of your work. My time involved with CSS was joyous, and you’re a big reason for that. You left an impression! I wish you happiness, health, and good fortune, and, I hope, I can take from your example to be as kind, friendly, and organized.”
—Scott Chubbs
“From my time at SNRE and CSS, Helaine was such a grounding, content, and helpful force for good! I wish her a hearty thanks for supporting our master's project and the best for a lovely retirement.”
—Jill Carlson Groendyk
“Helaine—thank you for your unwavering support and hard work for CSS!”
—Erik Petrovskis
“It's not often that you see extraordinary kindness and extraordinary competence in one person. Helaine embodies both those qualities, and I am grateful I got to work with her.”
—Parth Vaishnav
“When I started at SEAS, a lot of information was thrown at me in a brief period of time. I promptly forgot most of it. It was only thanks to Helaine's patience and incredible knowledge that I was finally able to learn the ropes. I am also incredibly grateful for her work helping to run CSS. I think the center is invaluable for students, faculty, and the public. Thank you, Helaine! I hope your retirement brings you bountiful harvests.”
—A friend
“Helaine, many thanks for all of your help through the years. You’ve been a cornerstone to the CSS program, and we will miss you. Best of luck and enjoy your retirement!”
—Richard Chandler
“From the moment I first visited U-M and CSS, Helaine was a friendly face that made the place special. She helped me so many times throughout the year and was truly one of those people that made CSS feel like home!! We are going to miss you!”
—Jose Alfaro
“Helaine, thank you for everything you have done to make student life at CSS a breeze. I wish you a happy retirement and good health! Take care.”
—Nalin Deshpande
“Beyond being the heart of CSS, I will forever be grateful that Helaine introduced me to Washtenaw Dairy donuts. She was a bright light every morning coming into CSS, and I looked forward to running into her, knowing my day would be better for it. Thank you for everything!”
—Claire Boland
“Congratulations on your retirement, Helaine. It has been an honor and pleasure to have known and worked with you all these years. Your efforts on behalf of the center have truly made a difference and you leave a legacy to be proud of. I hope that your retirement is as full and rewarding as your years at the center. Best wishes to you. P.S. I highly recommend retirement.”
—David Rinard
“I joined CSS in 2010. I still remember the warm welcome I received from Helaine on my first day. Ever since then, Helaine is my go-to person on almost any issues related to CSS, SEAS/SNRE, University of Michigan, and even Ann Arbor. She never said no to me or to anybody as far as I know. She is always able to figure out how to get something done. All of us in CSS and SEAS/SNRE are so fortunate to have Helaine to take care of us. CSS will miss you.”
—Ming Xu
“Helaine came on board during my tenure as co-chair of the CSS EAB. We were still in the late stages of transitioning the NPPC to the CSS and Helaine played a key role in the process. Helaine was the rock that you could always count on and her willingness to go above and beyond was greatly appreciated by all the External Advisory Board members. She will be missed, and I wish her well as she ‘changes gears.' All the best, Helaine!”
—Terry Cullum
“Helaine, many thanks for your service and friendship for two decades. Best wishes!”
—Chul Kim
“Helaine, your support during my time in grad school was invaluable to my success. I enjoyed the many conversations that we had; seeing you in CSS always made my day better. Thank you for all that you've done for me and for all of us who have come through SEAS/SNRE and CSS. Enjoy your retirement, and I hope that you get to spend untold hours up north this summer!”
—Nick Kemp
“I always enjoyed working on the Wege Lecture with you! I will miss visiting you in your office with the warm sunshine. I hope you enjoy your time on Lake Michigan!”
—Amy Novak
“Helaine, I should have mentioned in my first note how grateful we at Steelcase are for your help and support with the Wege Foundation Internship program. We have had some amazing young people go through the program and help us with our programs. They’ve gone on to some very influential positions where they are truly making a difference in the world. Thank you for everything you’ve done over these many years to make that happen.”
—David Rinard
“Helaine, you have been so helpful to Steelcase over the years. Not only have you kept all of us organized on the CSS external advisory board, but you helped us hire the most amazing interns through our partnership with SEAS and the Wege Foundation. Those interns have grown to be influential leaders in the environmental field and are making a positive impact on the world. Thank you for your support and best wishes for the coming years.”
—Mary Ellen Mika
“I know Helaine almost exclusively from the hallways of SEAS, but I've always felt her warmth, appreciated her smile, and enjoyed catching up with her. Helaine, I wish you the absolute best, fullest life in retirement!”
—Sam Stolper
“Helaine, thank you for your help and guidance over the years. It was a privilege, and it was fun to work with you. Please keep in touch.”
—Tim Wallington
“Helaine, what an amazing person you are and what a legacy you leave at the CSS! I remember feeling so welcomed by you when I started my role as a postdoc in September 2008. And then, for years after, you were always so helpful and supportive as I sought grants, conference funds, etc. But, most of all, I remember the warmth that you shared so freely with all CSS members. I know that the center will be left in capable hands because you have built such a remarkable foundation. Wishing you all the best of health and happiness!”
—Jarod Kelly
“Helaine has been a joy to work with over so many years on the annual Wege Lecture and many other initiatives. All of us at The Wege Foundation thank her for her service and wish her all the best in the future.”
—Mark Van Putten
“Helaine—congratulations on your retirement! You were not only a wonderful supervisor but a wonderful example of kindness and thoughtfulness. Thank you so much for connecting me with my first job. That job gave me the grounding to continue a joyous and fulfilling life here in Ann Arbor. I could never thank you enough. I hope you enjoy a joyous and restful retirement.”
—Gabbie Buendia
“Hi Helaine. I have very much enjoyed working with you over the years. You have made many great contributions to SEAS-CSS, and I have also appreciated your calm approach to sorting out challenges. Best wishes for a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement!”
—Jeff Keeler
“Helaine, thanks for all your efforts to support students and partner with OAP. Best wishes.”
—Kim Elliott
“Congrats, Helaine! You are a fixture of the Ann Arbor sustainability community, and I look forward to working with you in the years to come to make our local world a better place to live. Thank you for being so welcoming when I arrived in the fall. I appreciate you so much!”
—Claire McKenna
“Helaine! I believe we first met in 2003 when you were a member of my CSA farm in Chelsea, Turtle Spring CSA. What a delight it was to return to CSS years later to find you skillfully managing the ship! Thank you for your attention, care, and generosity throughout the years of working together at CSS. Even though most of this time was remote for me, checking in with you, receiving a warm smile and hug, swapping stories of sustainability delights or gardening forays, was always a highlight of my visits to campus. Here's to future opportunities for warm hugs and gardening stories—cheers! All the best.”
—Marty Heller
“Helaine has had a huge impact during her 21 years at CSS! She has been an incredibly important member of the team. Thank you, Helaine, for your support, especially during our master's project, Sustainability Assessment and Reporting for UM‘s Ann Arbor campus. Kudos to you on all of your good work over the past 20 years! We will miss your smiling face, cheerful attitude, and welcoming presence! We wish you all the best in retirement! Have fun on the farm!”
—Elizabeth Terry
“Great programs don‘t just happen. They are created and nurtured by remarkably capable and committed people. Thanks, Helaine, for being that person.”
—Lana Pollack
“Helaine—congratulations on a terrific career, and I wish you all the best in your time away from CSS! Thank you for everything you have done for us over the years, not least of which was making my time at SEAS the best of my life. Hope to stay connected!”
—Akshat Kasliwal
“Congrats on your retirement, Helaine! I appreciated working with you when I interned at CSS!”
—Brett Simon
“Thank you, Helaine, for your many years of wonderful work at CSS! I've always appreciated your commitment to the school, persistent positive attitude, and friendly demeanor. I will miss you in Dana! I hope your new adventures are enjoyable and rewarding. All the best.”
—Michael Moore
“It was truly wonderful to be welcomed to the space by you from the very beginning. I always appreciated the conversation in off moments— the community you created really enriched the experience of being at CSS. Best of luck with all your future endeavors!”
—A friend
“Helaine, wishing you the very best on your retirement! I was a CSS student around the time Helaine joined. She was great to work with then and also 20 years later when I joined the CSS External Advisory Board. She really has been an instrumental part of helping build the success of CSS!”
—Jenny Oorbeck
“Throughout my tenure at the Center for Sustainable Systems, Helaine has been our rock, our center, and our ‘go-to’ person in times of need! I have truly appreciated Helaine’s can-do attitude and devotion to the overall program. Thank you, Helaine! And best wishes on your future path!”
—Scott Noesen
“Helaine, wishing you much happiness as you enter this next phase of your life. You have such a gift for food, food systems, agriculture, and care of the planet and your fellow humans. It will be fun to see what your spirit, dedication, and sense of adventure will conjure up next!”
—Laurie Lachance
“Thank you for all of your support when I was working on my master's team thesis project at CSS back in 2004-05. The CSS office always felt welcoming. You supported our work in so many ways. I hope that you are able to enjoy some well-earned R&R and take on whatever pursuit you wish to do for your next chapter.”
—Pierre Bull
“In successful organizations, there are often key individuals working behind the scenes allowing everyone to do their best work. For most of CSS history, that person was Helaine. She not only handled so many of the mundane details like financial administration, event planning, and proofreading, but she also continuously engaged in technical discussions and posed thoughtful questions during the research process. Her knowledge of CSS research and activities made her a great ambassador for the center. I will remember that whatever the challenge, whether it be trouble-shooting incorrect wiring with the old CSS quiz board, or technical challenges at CSS board meetings, or Greg's hospitalization right before the Wege Lecture, Helaine's calm demeanor allowed her to take any challenge in stride. I wish her the best in her retirement and her many adventures in the years to come.”
—Robb De Kleine
“For two decades CSS has benefited from Helaine's capable leadership and good common sense. But more importantly, she has shared with this community her kindness, authenticity, and gentle spirit. Thank you and best wishes, Helaine!”
—A friend
“Your caring spirit and can-do attitude are inspirational and have made CSS a wonderful place to be. Always happy to help and never angry - it's been a pleasure working with you! Thanks for being the connection that led me back to my current position at CSS and for your above-and-beyond help moving timber frame parts! Looking forward to more conversations as we both pursue our building projects...”
—Geoff Lewis
“Thank you, Helaine, for everything that you did for CSS. You were always there and ready to help. Thank you and many congrats on your retirement.”
—Sarah Popp
“Helaine, you have made many contributions to the CSS over the years, and I know others will be able to talk about your expertise and knowledge and for keeping the program running smoothly. Most of all I want to thank you for making the space and group such a welcoming environment for us students who were lucky enough to spend time there. You were always a friendly and welcoming and helpful face. It was a real treat for me to get to work at a desk there with newborn baby Ilana sleeping in her stroller next to me, and you helped make CSS the kind of environment where I could be a new parent and a student researcher at once! Thanks for being you! We will miss you but wish you all the very best on your fun new adventures. Big hugs.”
—Shoshannah Lenski
“Dear Helaine, thank you very much for everything you have done for us at CSS! It was great to have you around as a person who we could always rely on and seek help whenever needed! I really miss you and hope to see you soon when I visit Ann Arbor! Wish you all the best in this new chapter of your life!”
—Maryam Arbabzadeh
“I can't believe we've worked together for 12 years! That's just not possible. CSS will not be the same without you. Thank you for all that you have done to create a great overall culture at the center and for keeping everything running without a hitch. You have left a permanent mark on the center with your kindness and welcoming spirit, your thoughtful contributions to the intellectual and operational aspects of the organization, and your unfailingly positive attitude. I consider myself very fortunate to have you as a friend and colleague. I wish you the absolute best in a very well-deserved retirement!”
—Shelie Miller