Atlas Twp.- A fighter for social justice, a leader in Michigan government and a tireless advocate for senior citizens ‘characteristics of a local educator whose half century of contributions will now be etched in Michigan history.
On April 22, the lifelong work of township resident Olivia (Libby) Maynard was honored as she was one of six inductees into the Genesee Regional Women’s Hall of Fame’recognizing outstanding women who have made a significant impact on the community.
‘I am very honored to receive this award,? said Maynard. ‘We all owe a lot to the individuals of the past and present that have made this community what it is today.?
The evening event was hosted by the Zonta Club of Flint.
In addition to Maynard, the inaugural inductees also included Sybyl Atwood, Dr. Gladys Beckwith, Dolores Ennis, Ladies Library Association of Flint, Margaret Eliza McLaren and Ruth Rawlings Mott.
Maynard received her bachelor’s degree in political science from George Washington University, and her master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan where her research was in gerontology. She served as president of the Michigan Prospect for Renewed Citizenship from 1991-2009, a non-profit policy institute committed to the development of a creative role for citizens and government in shaping the future of the state. She currently serves as a University of Michigan regent.
‘Lawmakers today have to consider legislation that will help the next generation,? she said. ‘There’s a great strain on resources today and people are living longer than ever. The fight today for all is social justice remains.?
From 1979-83, she was elected to two terms as chairperson of the Michigan Democratic Party, the first woman to hold that position. During Governor James Blanchard’s administration, she served as director of the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging. In 1978, she was the first woman to run for Michigan lieutenant governor with candidate William Fitzgerald. In 1990 she ran a second time with Gov. Blanchard. She has taught at the U of M School of Social Work, Michigan State University School of Social Work and Lansing Community College Center for Aging Education. She was appointed to the Federal Council on the Aging by President Bill Clinton and served as a delegate to the 1995 White House Conference on Aging.
‘Making Michigan better, we need to listen to each other. We can disagree, but be willing to give a little. There’s no question we’re at a low point in our state right now,? she said. ‘Perhaps not in my lifetime, but the jobs will come back and the economy will come back. It will not be the same, however. I spent a lot of time in Lansing, but right now it’s not a happy place anymore. The term limits are a disaster’it takes time to learn the job. Lawmakers are heading home on weekends rather than getting to know each other. They hardly get working and they’re out of office.?
Maynard is also a trustee with the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and a trustee of McLaren Regional Medical Center. She has also served on the boards of the Council of Michigan Foundations, the national Council on Foundations, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, the Nature Conservancy of Michigan, the Les Cheneaux Community Foundation, and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Michigan. She also serves on the boards of the Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning, McLaren Regional Medical Center and the Ligon Nature Center and is a member of the Flint Rotary. In 2005, she was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.
The Sloan Museum will be the permanent location for the Women’s Hall of Fame which includes two categories, historical and contemporary.
Maynard is married to attorney S. Olof Karlstrom. The couple has five children, 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.