The Björklunden Awards: Your Nomination is Requested

This article was submitted by Cheryl Kopeckly '72

One of Björklunden’s traditions is presenting two awards, The Richard Warch Outstanding Service to Björklunden Award and The Winifred Boynton Creative Spirit Award, at the August gathering for the Friends of Björklunden. This year that presentation will be on August 22nd at the Boynton Festival. 

The Richard Warch Outstanding Service Award honors Richard Warch who served as the fourteenth president of Lawrence University from 1979 to 2004.  During his tenure, Björklunden expanded and flourished as the location for the long-standing Björklunden Seminars, as well as the groundbreaking Student Weekend Seminar Program that continues to engage Lawrence University faculty and students in various rigorous academic pursuits.  Nominees should embody the active commitment to Björklunden as demonstrated by Rik Warch.

The Winifred Boynton Creative Spirit Award pays tribute to Winifred Boynton who created the beautiful and historic Björklunden Chapel through imagination, spirit, and tenacity.  She chose to share the chapel with the world as a place "far removed from confusion and aggression.”  The award recognizes a living individual or couple who, through imagination. spirit, and tenacity has created something of significant impact and enduring value to Door County - whether through the realm of the arts, science and technology, natural world, or civic engagement.

Does someone come to your mind?  Individuals familiar with Björklunden and Door County are asked to submit nominations for either or both of these awards.  Fill out this nomination form for either or both awards by Thursday, March 26, 2026.  If you need a hard copy of the nomination form, please contact Cheryl Kopecky (ckopecky2@me.com).