Richard H Bernstein

He is an adjunct professor in the Political Science Department of the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor.

Public service is an important part of Richard’s life. He won a state-wide election to the Wayne State University Board of Governors, and now serves as vice-chair of the Board. Richard created and hosts “Making a Difference,” a television program on CBS - Detroit, to highlight community volunteer initiatives. He also is a frequent contributing columnist to the Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press.

In addition, Richard has received the following community service awards: 2000 Volunteer of the Year - Jewish Home and Aging Services, Special Recognition Award - Macomb Intermediate School District, National Council of Jewish Women – Great Detroit Section “Advocate for Children” award, and the Detroit City Council’s “Spirit of Detroit” award.

He also received the Michigan Bar Association’s Regeana Myrick Most Outstanding Young Lawyer award and the Jewish Community Council of Detroit’s 2007 “Activist of the Year” award.

In 2005, the Detroit News selected Richard as a “Michiganian of the Year.” In 2006, Crain’s Detroit named him to its list of “40 under 40” leaders.

Richard was voted the 2006 CNN Anderson Cooper 360 “Keeping Them Honest” award winner for work on behalf of disability issues. In 2007, the Detroit Jewish News recognized him as a “Young Leader to Watch.”

He has been inducted into the Michigan Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame. Richard already competed in 6 marathons and now is training to be among the first blind individuals to complete an “Ironman” competition.