Volunteer Spotlight: Lynn Hawker

By Sara Saltiel

Phipps is well-known for our beautiful gardens, seasonal flower shows, pioneering sustainability initiatives, informative educational programs and community outreach. None of our work, however, would be possible without the knowledge and dedication of our volunteers. In this series of profiles, we meet some of the people who give their time to make Phipps possible.

Lynn Hawker’s first and favorite experience as a Phipps volunteer was during the Dale Chihuly glass and flower show in 2007. “During the Chihuly show, we were stationed at certain places because it was so busy. I really liked that, and I loved the show,” Lynn says.

A former psychotherapist and clinical manager at a women’s shelter, Lynn decided to pursue certificates from Phipps’ education department after she retired. She later decided to become a volunteer, and, after she realized that leading tours was not for her, she began working with plants in the Production Greenhouse. “It is very different than my profession, which is why I did it,” she says. “I like that when I come in to work, someone tells me what to do. I don’t have to think about it or make decisions; I just do what needs to be done.”

Lynn has been a longtime visitor of Phipps, and she remembers visiting with her school when she was growing up. She has photos of her and her then-two-year-old daughter (who is now 60) at Phipps. Lynn has enjoyed her various experiences at Phipps and appreciates the sense of structure that volunteering provides for her. “I had been very busy when I was working, and to go from that to nothing was very hard,” she says. “It was very good to have this to structure my week, and I take it very seriously.”