Retired Luverne Community Education director Karen Willers is still reaping rewards from programs she set in motion more than three decades ago.
Colleagues honored Willers with the 2021 Minnesota Community Education Association lifetime achievement award during the organization’s in-person Leadership Days Feb. 17-18 in St. Cloud.
The award wasn’t given out in 2020, the year Willers retired after 41 years with the Luverne School District.
Willers became the local community education director in 1999 and has been instrumental in expanding the youth and adult enrichment classes to what they are now.
Willers told those attending the leadership conference she spent a lot of time writing grants and developing programming for the school district’s early childhood family education, school readiness and early learning scholarship programs.
“Being a part of developing these programs not only made a better community to live in, but they made me a better person — certainly a better parent and grandparent. And I believe I’m a better community member because of these programs,” she said.
She frequently worked with surrounding community education directors, and Anne Foley with District 518 in Worthington nominated Willers for the recognition.
“Karen has developed active and vibrant connections with a wide variety of stakeholders,” Foley wrote.
“She has a fantastic and enviable reputation for getting things done that many people just think happen.”
Lisa J. Nath succeeded Willers as the Luverne Community Education and ECFE director after working with her for several years.
“I have learned that no two days are the same in Community Education — it’s challenging at times, but there are days that bring joy,” Nath said.
“It’s exciting to work with families and advocate for what services we can provide to them and their children. Every day I come to work I want to make a difference.”