The Washtenaw Contractors Association presented the 2012 W. Nelson Vander Hyden Award to Jerry Schulte of the University of Michigan.

The Vander Hyden Award is presented to someone who is a leader in both the construction industry and the community, the only award the WCA presents to an individual.

The award is named after Nelson Vander Hyden, who was active in the construction industry in the Washtenaw County area during the 1960s and 1970s, According to the WCA, the award is meant to "commemorate the high standards of moral character, ethics and professionalism that Mr. Vander Hyden demonstrated during his years as a part of the construction industry in our area."

Nominations for the W. Nelson Vander Hyden Award are solicited each year from throughout the construction industry, with the selection being made by a committee composed of past recipients.

Schulte, the 2012 recipient of the award, received his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Michigan and currently holds the position of associate director of design and construction for the university's architecture, engineering and construction department.

Schulte resides with his wife and children in Ann Arbor, where he has been active in church and neighborhood organizations.

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