Lori (MacGirr) Wells - Class of 1983

WELCOME TO BENZIE COUNTY CENTRAL SCHOOLS FEATURED FRIDAY ALUMNI. Today, we would like to recognize Lori “MacGirr” Wells – Class of 1983.

Lori attended Benzie Central schools from Kindergarten at Betsie Valley to Middle School at Platte River then graduating from Benzie Central High School in 1983.  Lori went on to study Health Administration at Eastern Michigan University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1987.  While at Eastern, Lori pursued her love of leadership becoming a Residential Hall President and Resident Advisor.  Her role as Student Council President and Cheerleader while at Benzie Central prepared her for these post high school experiences.  Upon graduation from Eastern, Lori’s first job was an Admissions Coordinator at Bortz Nursing Home in Traverse City.  Soon after taking the position, she sat for the Nursing Home Administrator’s licensing exam and was then given the role of Administrator at the same home.   Lori married local boy, Tom Wells, from Copemish, also a graduate from Benzie in 1988.  They have 3 children.  Kevin is 25 and has a Bachelor’s degree from Ferris in Business Administration.  Their daughter, Kendra, is 24 and has a Master’s degree in Social Work.  Their youngest daughter, Claire, is a sophomore at Traverse City West Senior High School, is an avid softball player and has aspirations of being a pediatric nurse. 

In 1990, Lori was hired to be the Director at the Traverse City Senior Center, where she is still employed today.  Her role at the Senior Center is a perfect fit for all things she has a passion for.  As Director, she has enjoyed managing a building along with four off-site locations, a staff of 7 including over 100 volunteers, writing grants, making community presentations, showing compassion and empathy to seniors in need, connecting families with valuable resources and serving on many community groups that focus on services for seniors.  From 1997-1998, Lori left the Senior Center to pursue a once in a lifetime opportunity to be involved with the new construction of what is now the Grand Traverse Pavilions.  Lori was hired to create the Intergenerational Community Center which would become an add on service for the Pavilions.  This experience allowed her to be a part of a project from the ground up, with program development, infrastructure and staff development.  It was a great experience.  Once the program was in place, she went back to the Senior Center, where she is now in her 25^th year of employment.  She has been involved with the National Cherry Festival, Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging, and the Bay Area Senior Advocates most recently.   The future is an exciting time for Lori as she and her staff work to build a new Senior Center in Traverse City to accommodate to ever growing senior population – of which she is quickly approaching.  To the Class of 1983 – this is our 35^th Reunion year – let’s celebrate!

Wow Lori, we what a path you’ve chosen and embraced.  We could not be more #OneBENZIE proud.  Continued success and happiness to you and your family.

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