Celebrating Lynn Walker’s Impact
In July 2014, Lynn joined the BCS team, working alongside then-executive director Joleen Eeson Ruffin and took on the role of providing support for our scholars. She has always been a ferocious advocate for our scholars. Whether it’s a call for help in selecting courses, deciding on majors, navigating relationships with professors, roommates, or friends, she has been there for them.
When there were challenging moments, Lynn always went well above the call of duty. At the end of each year, when we ask the scholars to share their perspectives on the program, Lynn is the first name that surfaces. The alums often affectionately call her the “mother” of the program. Not in a smothering or hovering sense, but from the deep feeling of knowing that she has unconditional love for those she serves.
As she was thinking about her departure the other day, she said, “I am really going to miss these young people. They bring me so much joy and fulfillment. I will have to work hard to find my next chapter to have a similar feeling and impact.” She has carefully noted each special and unique quality of all her current scholars to make sure that they will have all their needs met going forward.
Lynn wants the community to know she is not going to disappear — give her a few months to rest and rejuvenate, and we will see her volunteer in several of our programs. She will truly be missed. Her shoes will most likely have to be filled by two or three people! And yet we are excited that she is taking the time to appreciate some dedicated family time and decide intentionally where else she can share her love, appreciation, patience, and kindness to make the world a more equitable and positive place.
— Sherry A. Smith, Executive Director