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Henry C. Okraski of Winter Park, Fla., a consultant for the simulation industry, has received the Golden Knight Award from his alma mater, Clarkson University. Presented each year during Reunion Weekend, Clarkson’s most prestigious alumni award is given to alumni who have distinguished themselves either by service to Clarkson through Alumni Association activities or have demonstrated outstanding career achievement, bringing distinction to themselves and to Clarkson.
Okraski of Winter Park Receives Clarkson University’s Top Alumni Honor
Potsdam, N.Y. — Henry C. Okraski of Winter Park, Fla., a consultant for the simulation industry, has received the Golden Knight Award from his alma mater, Clarkson University. Presented each year during Reunion Weekend, Clarkson’s most prestigious alumni award is given to alumni who have distinguished themselves either by service to Clarkson through Alumni Association activities or have demonstrated outstanding career achievement, bringing distinction to themselves and to Clarkson.
Okraski received his bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Clarkson in 1958. In 1972, he received his master of engineering from the University of Florida.
For five decades, Okraski has worked in simulation and training research, acquisition and logistic support for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, non-DoD agencies and foreign governments. He is recognized nationally and internationally as an expert in training simulation.
He was a member of the Federal Government Senior Executive Service for 10 years and led the way in Navy simulation and training research. Okraski was a major participant in technology transfer and in the creation of the Center of Excellence for Simulation and Training in the Central Florida area.
Okraski retired from federal service in 1994 and remains active in his profession and volunteer activities. He is a consultant for the simulation industry with interests in defense, homeland security, medical simulation, simulation for handicapped individuals and economic development. He lectured to high school students on 9/11 and has testified before a Congressional Committee on the use of modeling and simulation to prepare for and respond to terrorist actions.
He is one of the founders of the National Center for Simulation, serving as chairman of the board for 10 years, and now as a board member chairing the education committee.
A licensed professional engineer, Okraski has been an adjunct faculty member at Rollins College and the University of Central Florida, a fellow member of the Florida Engineering Society and eminent engineer of Tau Beta Pi. He has received many awards, such as the Navy Civilian Meritorious and Superior Service Medals, National Society of Professional Engineers Federal Engineer of the Year and the Florida Engineering Society’s Outstanding Technical Achievement award.
He lives in Winter Park, Fla., with his wife, Judy. They have six children and 12 grandchildren.
Clarkson University crosses the boundaries of disciplines, nations and cultures in order for discovery, engineering innovation and enterprise to come together. As a result, faculty and graduates grasp the full impact of their calling, direct their research to the world’s pressing issues and lead with confidence and distinction. One in seven alumni is already a CEO or other senior executive. Located in Potsdam, N.Y., just outside the six-million-acre Adirondack Park, Clarkson is home to 3, 000 students preparing for rewarding careers through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, science, and health sciences, as well as unparalleled outdoor recreation and life experiences beyond the classroom.
[News directors and editors: For more information, contact Michael P. Griffin, director of News & Digital Content Services, at 315-268-6716 or mgriffin@clarkson.edu .]
