Board Member Spotlights

The Martha Davis* Award for Outstanding Service is given to an individual who embodies Martha’s spirit of volunteerism, her dedication to LVSC’s mission and her support of all aspects of our organization.  This year, the award was presented to LVSC’s outgoing board secretary, Yvonne Selander.  Yvonne’s generous spirit and commitment to helping others is truly inspiring.

Upon receiving the award, Yvonne spoke fondly of Martha:

It is an honor to receive an award named for Martha Davis. Martha was an amazing person who lit up any room she walked into. Her legacy truly lives on in this fantastic organization. 

Yvonne is a librarian with the Somerset County Library System, where she is a collection development supervisor -- i.e., she buys the books! Yvonne joined the LVSC board in 2016 and quickly agreed to the position of recording secretary, a role which she held for eight straight years. Since she joined the board, Yvonne has been a solid presence at board meetings and has done an excellent and thorough job keeping minutes -- a somewhat tedious, but important job.

Yvonne, right, with Executive Director Aimee Lam at an LVSC fundraising event at the Bridgewater library.

Throughout her tenure, Yvonne has served as LVSC's liaison to the Somerset County Library System, connecting us with leadership and helping to advance our partnership. In addition, she has procured student books and learning materials for the LVSC Student Success Center.

At the Annual Meeting & Recognition Night, Yvonne shared the inspiration she derives from the LVSC community:

As a librarian I love a good story. And LVSC creates stories, heartwarming ones, true ones, every single day. I have to thank all the tutors here tonight and every tutor of LVSC who takes the wishes and dreams of their students and through hard work and dedication weaves these inspirational tales.

Yvonne at the Golf Fore Literacy beginner clinic.

Yvonne has furthered LVSC’s mission through generous financial support every single year, monthly in fact, and she never misses an event. She advocates on LVSC’s behalf by bringing in sponsorships and prizes and bringing colleagues and friends to events. Says Executive Director, Aimee Lam:

Yvonne’s positive attitude is infectious and her willingness to lend a helping hand is greatly appreciated.  We can always count on Yvonne, a quality that Martha exemplified and valued.

 

*Martha Davis was LVSC’s board president when she passed away unexpectedly in 2018. For 16 years, Martha dedicated herself to LVSC: she was a tutor, conversation group leader, event committee member, board member, and 10-year board president.