Lynn Haglin honored with Light a Candle Award

There is no denying that Lynn Haglin is passionate about the well-being of children and young people. In speaking with her, one quickly discovers that Lynn is both genuine and knowledgeable, compassionate and pragmatic. Her caring for children steered her toward becoming first a Kindergarten teacher, then an early childhood and family educator. In 1992, she took a leap of faith and became the Director of the newly established KIDS PLUS Program. Lynn’s name has become synonomous with high-quality programming, innovation and collaboration in community, and providing a clear voice for Greater Minnesota at the state and national levels. Just recently, Lynn’s work was recognized with a special honor as she became the ninth recipient of the McEvoy Light a Candle Award.

Lynn was presented with the Light a Candle Award by the University of Minnesota Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) during CEED’s 40th anniversary celebration. The ceremony was held in Minneapolis on November 7th.

“Lynn has not only represented the Northland Foundation on every significant statewide committee, task force, and initiative over the past dozen years, she has more often than not been the strong rural voice in those settings,” said Northland Foundation’s President, Tom Renier. “She is most deserving of this prestigious award.”

“Lynn is deeply admired and respected by her colleagues and sets a model for others in the field to emulate.” —Amy Susman-Stillman, CEED co-director

According to CEED, this award is “presented to an individual or group that successfully promotes ties between research, policy, and practice to improve the lives of young children in Minnesota and throughout the world.” It was established in honor of Mary McEvoy and her work in creating new programs, services, and supports for children in Minnesota and throughout the country. A highly respected scholar, McEvoy served as the Director of CEED from 1992 to 1999, and chaired the Department of Educational Psychology from 1999 to 2002. She was killed in the plane crash that took the life of Senator Paul Wellstone.

Lynn’s experience spans 30 years in education, administration, community development, and philanthropy. Under her guidance, KIDS PLUS has grown into an array of children, youth, and intergenerational initiatives encompassing 52 community coalitions in the region. She graduated from Bemidji State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and later earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from Western Michigan University. She has served on too many boards and committees to list but currently is part of the Start Early Funders Coalition, Parent Aware for School Readiness, and the Minnesota Afterschool Network Strategic Leadership Team and Policy Committee, among others.

“CEED is thrilled to present our ‘Light a Candle Award’ to Lynn. She has worked tirelessly, passionately, and effectively to improve the lives of young children and families in Minnesota. Lynn is deeply admired and respected by her colleagues and sets a model for others in the field to emulate,” said Amy Susman-Stillman, Ph.D., CEED’s co-director.