At a November 9 reception in his honor, with some 200 guests in attendance, Dr. Ken Bensen looked back at what Habitat has built. Recalling his early career, Bensen shared anecdotes and memories, along with an exciting glimpse of Habitat Michigan's future.
When Bensen started with Habitat 25 years ago, Habitat Michigan was producing just 12 houses per year and there were only six affiliates in the entire state. Today, Habitat Michigan has 77 affiliates producing nearly 300 houses per year.
The reception program highlighted guest speakers Gov. Jennifer Granholm, First Gentleman Dan Mulhern and State Sen. Mark C. Jansen, who presented Ken with a framed tribute signed by legislative leaders. Gov. Granholm presented Bensen with a signed and framed copy of The Great Seal of the State of Michigan. A special video tribute was shown that featured Habitat International CEO Jonathan Reckford offering his personal message of congratulations to Bensen.
Additional guest speakers included Rev. Gary Dawes, Clarence Harvey, Pam Doty-Nation (Executive Director of Grand Traverse Habitat), Bob Filka (Habitat Michigan board chairman) and Bishop Gary Hansen. Filka spoke warmly of Ken's leadership and presented him with a founder's plaque, given on behalf of the board of directors and staff. Doty-Nation spoke on behalf of the affiliates and presented Bensen with a gift from Habitat International.
In closing Bensen thanked the Governor and First Gentleman, the board of directors, Habitat affiliates, legislators, staff, sponsors, volunteers and his family. Although retired from his CEO role, he joked about needing a "program director" to guide him in his new roles, saying "I will not be slowing down anytime soon." Among other things, Bensen has agreed to serve on Habitat International's Speaker's Bureau. He will continue to support Habitat Michigan by serving as Senior Development Director of Fund Development. Several other organizations have also contacted him about serving in a consulting capacity.
Guests at the reception took home signed copies of Bensen's 30-page booklet, "A Historical Perspective: Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, 1985-2010."
Photos of the reception may be seen at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/48402687@N08/sets/