Edina Education Coordinator Earns Lifetime Achievement Award

Marsha Buchok, adult coordinator with Edina Community Education, lives her life by a quote from New York Times columnist and author Anna Quindlen: "I show up. I listen. I laugh."

Buchok's passion for learning and 20 years of work in community education helped earn her a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Learning Resources Network (LERN). It was one of only two lifetime achievement awards given out by LERN this year. The organization includes more than 5,000 members throughout the U.S. and Canada.

"Marsha received the award for her lifetime of contributions to community education and schools both for Edina and at the national level, where she has served as a leader in the Learning Resources Network," said William A. Draves, LERN president. "This is a critical time for our society, when we need to understand that community education is both the primary lifelong learning for most people in the community, and a critical support for public schools."

Buchok has spearheaded a number of community events over the years, including the Tour de Edina, Edina's Institute for Positive Aging, the Look Who's Talking Speaker Series and the award-winning Out-of-Work Camp for adults. In 2000, Minneapolis and St. Paul City Business named her one of the "Most Innovative Women in Education."

"This award really exemplifies Marsha’s commitment to truly serving all learners in Edina," said Valerie Burke, director of Edina Community Education Services. "She is innovative, connected and a pure joy to work with. This award is a win for Marsha and for Edina Community Education Services."

Buchok started her career as Director of Marketing and Communications for the University of St. Thomas' MBA program, then served as the Youth Enrichment Manager for Edina Community Education before taking on the role of Adult Coordinator in 1994. She coordinates more than 300 classes, activities and special events, working with 150 instructors and serving more than 3,000 participants annually.

Outside of her professional recognitions, Buchok said she is proudest of being "a good mother to my three good adult children, a good friend to my husband, and a good friend to my friends."

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