Photo: Barbara Hartsfield
Citizen of Edina: Carolyn Schroeder
Carolyn Schroeder is a gifted fundraiser, who exceeds expectations and goals. Throughout her life, she’s used her talents and dedication to improve our city in the areas of nursing, children and community.
Nursing
Schroeder graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Nursing in 1955 and was a staff nurse at the university’s hospitals. Schroeder and her late husband, Clint, are lifelong supporters of the organization. The School of Nursing Foundation gave her the outstanding achievement award in 2001 for her service as chair of capital campaigns for the Katharine J. Densford International Center for Nursing Leadership and School of Nursing Campaign Minnesota.
Children
The mother of five served as board chair and was a founding member of the Minneapolis Children’s Health Center (now Children’s Minnesota). She volunteered in Edina Public Schools and was PTO president several times. Her family hosted 14 foreign exchange students through the Experiment In International Living.
Community
Elsewhere in the community, Schroeder helped secure the initial funding for a music series at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. She is also an active member of the Edina Federated Women’s Club, serving as president from 2011–2012.
While on the board of directors for the Edina Community Foundation (ECF), she melded her passion for fundraising and community by creating the Legacy Society. The program is for charitable bequests to the ECF.
Reflecting on her history of volunteerism, service and chairmanships, she says it is a privilege to create positive and new services in her local community.
Schroeder served on the ECF Board from 2004–2013 and was its president from 2010–2013. She was honored with a Director Emerita designation in 2013.
Contributed by Tina Bohrer on behalf of the Edina Community Foundation
