On October 17, the Advisory Committee of the Women's Fund hosted a reception for Lu Ann Hurd-Lof at the Bella Caffé in Park Rapids. Nearly 60 guests of the recipient, Women's Fund supporters, Founders' Society members, Visionary Partners, and community leaders attended the gathering.

Jan Fredell, who nominated Hurd-Lof for the award, spoke about her extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to the community. Fredell commented on the numerous letters of support that people willingly wrote for submission with the nomination, from which she read several passages. The Women's Fund advisory members then presented Hurd-Lof with an engraved commemorative pendant award.

Hurd-Lof was born and raised in Iowa, graduated from Iowa State University, and now lives in rural Akeley with her family, where she enjoys gardening and cooking. She began working as a reporter for the Park Rapids Enterprise newspaper in 1973. She advanced to the editor position by 1982, and then had a short hiatus, returning full-time as editor in 1987.

Hurd-Lof is a leader who provides encouragement, collaboration and community service. One way she does this is by providing internships for students under her professional supervision. She helped to establish "Rotoract," a program designed to help young professionals in the Park Rapids area find ways to connect with people and activities, in an effort to keep them from leaving the area. Other interests Hurd-Lof supports are the League of Women Voters, culture and activities on the White Earth Reservation, the Hubbard County Art Museum and Minnesota Public Radio's regional development.