Doris Winkler of Marion was recognized as Kansas State University Research and Extension Service’s Local Unit Office Professional of the Year for 2012 at an awards luncheon Oct. 17 in Manhattan.

Winkler began her career as the office professional in the Marion County extension office in 1961. Agent Rickey Roberts nominated her for the honor.

“The most unique thing is that in today’s ‘microwave society,’ we’ve lost some persistence, but Doris has been with this office over 50 years,” Roberts said. “That dedication is unique in society today.”

Roberts wrote in his nomination of Winkler that he was almost overwhelmed when he began working in extension, but Winkler helped him navigate those rough waters early in his career with her vast knowledge and experience.