InTucker Magazine
November 2024
Citizen of the Month – Dr. Michael Huerkamp
There seems to always be something great happening in Tucker! Whether it’s a fun run, a street festival, community theatre, music in the park, Tucker High School sports, City Council meetings, or dining on Main Street. Tucker is indeed a great place to live and work. One of the greatest things about Tucker is its people. Tucker is no stranger to great people, creating amazing impacts for the greater good of our community.
Among the greatest people of Tucker is Dr. Michael Huerkamp. Dr. Huerkamp has been a proud resident of Tucker for years. He earned his veterinary doctoral degree from The Ohio State University (1984) and completed residency training at the University of Michigan in 1987. Upon completion of his residency training, Michael has since been employed by Emory University, first leading the veterinary clinical services program and then, since 2002, directing the entire Division of Animal Resources (DAR). He has recently retired from Emory and continues to actively engage in the Tucker community through volunteerism and servant leadership.
Michael eagerly serves and supports Tucker and he continues to do so consistently with humility, heart and purpose. This is one of the many reasons why Dr. Huerkamp is most worthy of being recognized as Tucker’s Citizen of the Month. He has faithfully and successfully served Smoke Rise Community Association (SRCA) for 18 years. He has served as President for 12 years and continues in this role. During his leadership, the organization has been successful in achieving powerful impacts for the benefit of the Tucker community, including the following:
- SRCA’s 501c3 status
- Annual fundraisers for our Tucker Schools
- Community Shred Day
- Neighborhood Gardens on Hugh Howell Road
- Little Libraries throughout our community – Bring a Book/Get a Book
- Beautification & maintenance around the Smoke Rise Chimneys within our neighborhoods
Michael understands the power of community and lending a helping hand. From yard signs to helping a family in need, we can always count on Michael’s tireless and selfless support. He operates with integrity, respect and transparency. He is mentally tough, yet kind. He is comfortable engaging with people across all cultures, backgrounds, experiences and age groups. He has been quite resourceful in bringing his friends and neighbors together. For example, he has hosted meet- and-greets at his home, around his fire pit and pool, as an effective way to build relationships and engage directly with the people of Tucker. Dr. Michael Huerkamp is focused, fun and committed to the continued success of the Tucker Community. He consistently provides excellent work without concern for who gets the credit.
It is an honor to nominate him for this special recognition. Dr. Michael Huerkamp is a value add to our community and he is so worthy of Tucker’s Citizen of the Month.
Nomination by Anna Ogletree