Carol Raymond Receives New Hampshire Association of Volunteer Administrators Award

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is proud to announce that Volunteer Coordinator Carol Raymond has received the 2013 Judith Lonergan Award from the New Hampshire Association of Volunteer Administrators.

Established by NHAVA in 2000, the Judith Lonergan Award is given annually to honor outstanding achievement in volunteer administration. It is named in honor of Judith Lonergan who retired in 1998 after spending 25 years as a leading professional in the field of volunteer administration at the state, national, and international levels. NHAVA is a professional organization, which is dedicated to supporting and strengthening the profession of volunteer administration through education, networking, and recognition.

Carol has managed volunteers at the Science Center since she joined the Science Center in 2007. At her post, she is required to oversee all of the volunteers who support the work of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. On a daily basis, she coordinators the efforts of docents, animal caretakers, gardeners, office aides, educational assistants, and maintenance volunteers. In addition, Carol arranges training days, monthly volunteer luncheons, roundtable discussions, and other special events. Carol is a dedicated employee who works very hard to help the Science Center run smoothly.

From Carol’s first day at the Science Center, she knew she wanted to initiate a program at the center for teens and youth. She persevered with her campaign and received grant funding from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation to initiate the First Guides program, a program for teen volunteers.

As Volunteer Coordinator for Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Carol has added numerous tools for volunteers ranging from animal kits to species “lunch boxes” to information cards that assist volunteers and better equip them to do their tasks well. Carol has also worked hard to include non-traditional groups and volunteers with disabilities to make the program as welcoming and accessible as possible. Carol is known to listen to and respond to the needs and requests of volunteers with her thoughtful approach.

Carol consistently goes above and beyond what is required. She works to improve the volunteer program at the Science Center through constant evaluations and gives back to the community by meeting with other professionals to share her expertise. Carol embodies the spirit of the Judith Lonergan Award and NHAVA and Squam Lakes Natural Science Center are proud to honor her for her exceptional work in the field of Volunteer Administration.