Eve of the Eve - Junior League of Minneapolis

Members
85 LEAGUERS: 1993-1994 JLM BOARD
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE BUILDS LASTING FRIENDSHIPS
Front: Jo Damhof, Barb Beard, Jo Ellen Saylor,
Becky Odland, Anne Wight; Back: Pat Spencer,
Bette Englund, Patty Murphy, Carol Smith, Betsy Nimmo,
Tricia Davis, Linda Westenberg; Missing - Cynthia Jurgensen
By Gail Ballantyne, New Transfer
The 1993-1994 JLM Board’s list of accomplishments is
impressive: participation in eight community projects, more
than $322,000 in funds raised, and collaborative development of a
vision statement “touching lives, one by one” and identification of
League core values. While these twelve women have shaped the
League for years to come, they’ve also developed a close bond that
continues to this day.
President Jo Ellen Saylor says that her board formed an incredible
collective. “They all lead differently,” she explains. “Some are more
forceful, some are more quiet reflective leaders, but they’re all
amazing.” Jo Ellen is especially proud of the League’s involvement
in Success by 6, a program started in Minneapolis and then
replicated nationwide.
VP of Membership Barbara Beard adds that you can’t
underestimate the power of women empowering other women to
make an impact. “If you consider the 85 years we have been in this
community and the number of projects we have authored, it’s a
pretty big footprint!” she says.
15 years after their last official meeting, the 93-94 Board continues to meet regularly to catch up, travel and celebrate birthdays in
a group they call Book Club, though group discussions often stray from the assigned reading.
“It’s made up of talented, thoughtful, generous, giving and supporting women.” says Becky Odland, who served as VP of
Communications and is now Sustainer President. “I am lucky to call them my friends.”
“We are there for each other at all times and have shared many a laugh, cry, and lots of fun together,” says Pat Spencer, who
served as League President the following year. “These women are a special gift in my life.”
They are all still very active in community service, both working and volunteering at more than 40 different school, church and
nonprofit organizations.
Advice for new members:
“Advocate for yourself. Don’t wait for others to ask - you will definitely get out of the League what you put into it,” says Jo
Damhof, Recording Secretary.
“The benefits of volunteering are much better than any salary,” says Tricia Davis, VP of Finance. “Do it for yourself, for your
family, for the community.”
“Don’t forget to have fun,” says Carol Smith, VP of Fundraisers. “The old saying: the more you give the more you receive
certainly holds true with the JLM.”
“Keep an open mind as much as possible,” says Anne Wight, VP of Projects. “One of my favorite committees was one that I
never even signed up for. But the fabulous chair (Cynthia Jurgensen, now a member of Book Club) taught me a great deal, united
the committee and made the work fun.”
“Stretch yourself, think big and take risks,” says Patty Murphy, VP of Administration. “I promise that your long hours, hard
work and dedication will result in a wealth of education and friendships that will last a lifetime.”
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