20 Years of Magic & Joy: Thank You Kim!

Ringing in The Holidays & Celebrating Kim

An annual tradition at Bjorklunden, our volunteers gather shortly after Thanksgiving and lavish the halls of the lodge with holly, ribbons, lights, trees, santas and all sorts of Joy. So we figured this year, why not multiply the Joy with a SURPRISE celebration of Kim Eckstein's magical career and end of the year retirement. The turnout was great, the luncheon filled with yummy treats, and a magical time was had by all. The gratitude runs deep, and the legacy of Kim will endure for decades to come. Thank you, Kim, for all of the magic you've bestowed on Lawrentians for all of these years. You are the star on top of the Björklunden forest.

A Job Well-done!

By Mark Breseman

For all of her twenty years working at Björklunden, Kim Eckstein has been a warm and dynamic presence at Lawrence’s Northern Campus. She was the one who greeted all of our guests with a smile and made everyone feel as if they were walking into their own home. She would give countless tours and be responsible for many first-time visitors returning and becoming lifelong Björklunden aficionados. And while she was being the perfect hostess, she also made sure that everything was working flawlessly behind the scenes. A few examples included training the summer student staff workers, fixing AV/technology glitches, helping out in the kitchen when needed, and making sure all chapel tours were covered. Kim also performed magic every term in juggling all the requests for Lawrence students spending the weekend at Björklunden. Kim will be missed greatly when she retires this fall, and we very much appreciate the high hospitality standards she has set. Björklunden is a better place for having had Kim take such good care of it!

Here's a little video of Kim saying goodbye.

When it comes to describing someone you admire so deeply, where do you begin? 

By Samantha Szynskie ‘09

I had the sincere pleasure and privilege of working directly with Kim when I was the Assistant Director of Björklunden from 2010 to 2016. Those six years were by far the most impactful on my identity as a working professional and instilled in me many important values, ethics, and lessons that I have successfully carried with me into a variety of positions since then. That is largely in part due to working with and learning from Kim.

In his book The Prophet, author and poet Khalil Gibran writes a wonderful passage about the concept of work and includes what has become one of my favorite lines: “Work is love made visible.” When I think of that line, I think of Kim.

For Kim, working at Björklunden was not just a job but a meaningful way of showing love to every single person who walked through those doors. Through her selfless dedication, thoughtfulness, commitment, attention to detail, creativity, proactivity, and incredible work ethic, Kim made visible her love and deep care for what Björklunden represents and what it means to people. She used to say that every person who spends time at the lodge leaves a little piece of their soul behind—and I think she knew that at the foundation of her role was the opportunity to be a caring steward of those souls.

Kim taught me how to infuse love into every aspect of my work, to maintain awareness of the privilege of being in service to others, and to demonstrate true care for every patron through the quality of my work and interactions. She taught me how much the little things matter and of the powerful effect that being fully present with someone can have on them.

To Kim: I could not be more elated for you as you transition to this new stage of life! And yet, it is bittersweet, as Björklunden and Lawrence University will suffer a profound loss. You have touched thousands of lives over the past 20 years, and the ripple effects of your kindness and generosity will last long after this lifetime. I have yet to work with anyone like you since leaving Björklunden in 2016 and venture to guess I never will; simply put, you are one of a kind and beyond special. I wish you every happiness this life has to offer; you deserve them all! Thank you for being an incredible coworker, wise mentor, and dear friend.

Dear Kim

By Anne & Philip Baruth

Philip and I met you - not sure how very many years ago, but we took to you from the start. Your friendliness and candid conversation style coupled with your willingness to serve the guests made you a memorable and wonderful hostess: a treasure. That you enjoyed my art and our music - and knew my very long term friend, Francha Barnard, well, bonuses indeed!

Thank you for taking such good care of us through the years. Thank you for your animated friendliness, clear headed and intelligent focus, openess, warmth and sincere, best effort care for each visitor, student worker, and guest. 

Here is a link to a talent show evening back when Sam was acting director onsite. Sam took the film and Francha was there to cheer us on. Hoping you remember these good times.

All the best to you and yours in the days to come. 

God bless you! 

Anne & Philip Baruth

Dear Kim

By Charlie and Karen Schudson

Dear Kim,