After 26 years, Steve Wolter has retired as Director of the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands. Wolter spent his tenure at Indiana University leading Eppley and its many programs including the National Center on Accessibility, Great Lakes Park Training Institute, Playground Maintenance Technician training, World Parks Academy, and proValens and Expand online learning systems. During his time at Eppley, the Center flourished by building important collaborations with various park and public land management agencies including the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), state and local park agencies, and non-profit organizations, as well as some international projects with the American Battle Monuments Commission, National Park and Recreation Association of Mexico, and World Urban Parks.
On October 23rd, many current and former Eppley staff, colleagues, and friends came together to honor Steve and his achievements, with tributes from leaders, staff, and Steve’s family highlighting his unwavering dedication to Eppley. In his farewell address, Steve expressed gratitude for countless relationships built over more than two decades and the remarkable journey shared with the staff.
Steve’s leadership will be missed on campus, but if you see him out flyfishing, say “hi” from us!