An accomplished pianist, Lilya Vinglas Wagner graduated from Atlantic Union College in 1962. She subsequently completed a M.Mus. at Andrews University (1968), an M.A. in journalism at the University of Nebraska (1988), and a Ed.D. at the University of Florida in 1982.

She has taught high-school English, music, and Spanish, and worked in publications and as a photographer at Florida Hospital in Orlando. She was a graduate assistant and instructor in Florida and an Associate Professor in humanities at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. She also served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at UC. Wagner served as Vice President for Development at the National Association for Community Leadership in Indianapolis (1993-96), while also working for the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, beginning in 1991. She became associate director of the center at IU in 1997.

Wagner has made contributions in research, writing, and in conducting seminars - all activities that have required extensive travel. She has published on varied topics, including a book on World War II women war correspondents. She is also active as a performing musician, most recently performing a Handel organ concerto with orchestra.

Wagner has received numerous awards for teaching and fund-raising, including top honors from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education in 1988 and 1990; Alumna of the Year, Atlantic Union College in 2002; and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Skystone Ryan book prize in 2002, for Careers in Fundraising. She is most gratified by having worked in her native Estonia with NGOS, which in turn has helped her family, friends, and country.

ds/2003

The above is based on, and includes excerpts from, a 2002 AU publication honoring its Women graduates.