Published April 28, 2022.
At the LPIE Gala on April 23, the LPIE Board of Directors was very excited to announce the Tom Mulvaney Legacy Award. It was the initiative and vision of a small but determined group of Lafayette parents that first brought our education foundation to life in 1980. The dedication to ensuring exceptional educational opportunities in our Lafayette public schools has flourished for decades. The Tom Mulvaney Legacy Award is a way in which to honor those individuals, families, or businesses who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the LPIE mission. LPIE is honored to name this award after a person who for decades has made significant contributions to our school community through his time, actions, talents, and dedication.
With four children and seven beautiful grandchildren, growing up in Lafayette, Tom recognizes that a truly phenomenal public school system requires partnership with the local community and he was among the trailblazers who committed to the LPIE mission early on.
If there is one word that describes Tom Mulvaney, it is community. The goal of being of service to the community is one that Tom, who is the longest serving member on our LPIE board - going on 16 years, shares with his wife Karen.
Since retiring from a successful career in business, Tom served as a board member of the Acalanes Union High School District for eight years, chaired or co-chaired six successful parcel tax and bond campaigns, and has given countless hours of his time, treasure, and talent to our schools. He and his family choose to remain actively involved because of his connection to the community, to the neighborhood where he and Karen raised their family, and to Lafayette, the town he calls his forever home. Tom is a doer and believes that our schools are the fundamental cornerstone of our great community, and works tirelessly to ensure an exceptional education for generations to come.
It is with great appreciation and gratitude that we honor Tom Mulvaney for his leadership and generosity in LPIE’s efforts to strengthen our public schools.
The first recipient of this annual award is Myrna Kimmelman, LPIE’s Executive Director from 1999 to 2020. During her tenure, Myrna raised more than $36 million in support of Lafayette’s public schools, growing the annual budget from $400,000 to $4.2 million. We honor her dedication, her leadership, and the heart and soul that she poured into her role at LPIE. Myrna - and Tom - have made LPIE what it is today!