Lodi Hall of Fame

Bert Bulkin honored for his contributions in government

When Bert Bulkin went to dinner with a friend on a recent Thursday, he had no idea about the news he was about to hear. His friend told him that he was one of the Hall of Fame nominees.

Bert Bulkin

"I was flabbergasted. I had no idea," he said. "It was kind of interesting."

A retired director of scientific space programs at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, Bulkin was responsible for organizing and managing many pieces of space research including the Hubble Space Telescope.

For his contributions in government, Bulkin was named to the Lodi Community Hall of Fame.

Other inductees this year include Jerry Fry, manager of Mohr-Fry Ranches, Inc., for contributions in agriculture; Carol Marvel, retired librarian who has served in various community organizations, for community service; Barbara McWilliams, former owner of Poser's TV and Radio, for community service; Richard Jones, president and CEO of the Lodi Boys and Girls Club, for community service; and Guy Wakefield, a former high school teacher, who was chosen posthumously for his contributions in education.

Robert Smith first met Bulkin when he sold his home in Woodbridge to Bulkin in 1988. Both employed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the two had never met until the realtor had introduced them.

"I was amazed to find out his knowledge of the space industry," said Smith, who nominated him.

Between 1982 and 1990, Bulkin organized a global task force of 10,000 scientists and technicians, who were instrumental in developing the Hubble Space Telescope, which Smith said has helped to expand knowledge of the universe.

"Its spin-off benefits are still resounding throughout the world in the fields of medicine with new diagnostic imaging technologies, optics with improved camera sensitivity and new remote sensing capabilities with homeland security devices," he said.

In addition to the telescope, Bulkin was responsible for the Lockheed efforts of Mission to Planet Earth environmental research, which were studies of the earth's resources and the weather.

"Thanks to Bert Bulkin's administrative skills, the scientific community's knowledge of the planet's delicate ecosystem has been greatly enhanced," said Smith.

Following his retirement, Bulkin continued to work as a consultant to future space telescope projects for Lockheed and NASA. He also worked as a volunteer for Lodi Unified School District, where he visited classrooms to share his knowledge and experiences with the students. The goal was to get students interested in math and science. It is rewarding to him for the students to get involved.

"The more you learn, the better off you are. The more research you do, the more knowledge you gain," he said.

Bulkin was raised in New Jersey. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical engineering. He has lived in Woodbridge since 1988, and has six children and eight grandchildren.

For the future of the space industry, Bulkin hopes a moon base is set up.

"That is the most important thing. From there, we can go anywhere," he said.

The Hall of Fame is sponsored by the Lodi Boys and Girls Club. Inductees will be honored at a dinner and program scheduled for Oct. 11 at the Boys and Girls Club, 1050 S. Stockton St. Tickets are $45 and maybe purchased by calling the club at 334-2697.