Molly Munger named female Citizen of the Year

Molly Munger

Molly Munger, who gives countless hours of her attention to the Flagstaff community, is now receiving attention for her 30-plus years of making a difference.

Munger, NAU’s director of Community Relations, was voted the 2007 Arizona Daily Sun female Citizen of the Year.

“It’s amazing to be included with the past honorees, many of whom I know and admire for their commitment and work in the community,” Munger said. “An honor like this doesn’t come in isolation. It represents a collaborative environment both at NAU and in the community.”

Carl Taylor, a member of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, nominated Munger, and past honorees sealed the deal by voting Munger in for the honor, citing her “range and depth of her Flagstaff community service.”

Local dentist Richard Haag was named male Citizen of the Year for his “volunteer work in and out of dentistry.” The Citizen of the Year award is a tradition that began at the Arizona Daily Sun in the 1960s.

“I am just one of many people from NAU who is involved in the community,” Munger noted. “I am always pleased to see colleagues at community events.”

Munger’s community involvement includes serving on the board of directors for Flagstaff Medical Center, Northern Arizona Healthcare, Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy and Coconino Community College. She was president of the Big Sisters’ board for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff and was a member of Soroptimist International of Flagstaff for 11 years.

She worked for 20 years in NAU’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions, and in 2003 was appointed to the community relations office, reporting to President John Haeger, where she has worked to strengthen a “One Community – Flagstaff & NAU” theme.

“My biggest supporters are my family,” Munger added. “Now that my children are grown, they are following in my footsteps and are volunteering in their own communities, and that is rewarding in itself.”

Munger and Haag, along with the 2007 Arizona Daily Sun Organization of the Year, the Flagstaff Community Foundation—on which President Haeger’s wife, Cecily, serves on its board of directors—also will be honored during the half-time ceremony at NAU’s men’s basketball vs. Montana State game that begins at 6:35 p.m. Jan. 10.