South Dakota Hall of Fame Legacy Podcast

Legacy Interview: Lynn Seppala

October 27, 2022 South Dakota Hall of Fame Season 1 Episode 41
Legacy Interview: Lynn Seppala
South Dakota Hall of Fame Legacy Podcast
More Info
South Dakota Hall of Fame Legacy Podcast
Legacy Interview: Lynn Seppala
Oct 27, 2022 Season 1 Episode 41
South Dakota Hall of Fame

2011 Inductee Lynn Seppala has exhibited what it means to overcome great adversity to continue to pursue one’s dreams. Mid-career as a world-leading designer of state-of-the-art optics for pure and applied science, Lynn suffered a massive stroke, which paralyzed his right side and seriously affected his speech and cognitive abilities. A month into his rehabilitation, still wheelchair bound, he realized with surprise that he could not add or subtract. The doctor in charge of his rehabilitation suggested a career change to a job that would not involve numbers. He chose not to heed that advice.

In this episode you will hear:

  • Lynn’s early life that led him to a career in science,
  • his recovery from his stroke,
  • and his lessons for never giving up, no matter the hand you are dealt in life.


“You aren’t doing good for yourself, your family, or the world, if you don’t love what you are doing.” - Lynn Seppala

With uncommon courage and determination, Lynn overcame or compensated for the physical and mental losses and was able to return to his position as chief optical designer, performing at even higher levels than before.

Follow us for more stories of Dream Chasers at:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDhalloffame

Instagram: @sdhalloffame

Website: www.sdhalloffame.org

Follow us for more stories of Dream Chasers at:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDhalloffame

Instagram: @sdhalloffame

Website: www.sdhalloffame.org

Show Notes

2011 Inductee Lynn Seppala has exhibited what it means to overcome great adversity to continue to pursue one’s dreams. Mid-career as a world-leading designer of state-of-the-art optics for pure and applied science, Lynn suffered a massive stroke, which paralyzed his right side and seriously affected his speech and cognitive abilities. A month into his rehabilitation, still wheelchair bound, he realized with surprise that he could not add or subtract. The doctor in charge of his rehabilitation suggested a career change to a job that would not involve numbers. He chose not to heed that advice.

In this episode you will hear:

  • Lynn’s early life that led him to a career in science,
  • his recovery from his stroke,
  • and his lessons for never giving up, no matter the hand you are dealt in life.


“You aren’t doing good for yourself, your family, or the world, if you don’t love what you are doing.” - Lynn Seppala

With uncommon courage and determination, Lynn overcame or compensated for the physical and mental losses and was able to return to his position as chief optical designer, performing at even higher levels than before.

Follow us for more stories of Dream Chasers at:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDhalloffame

Instagram: @sdhalloffame

Website: www.sdhalloffame.org

Follow us for more stories of Dream Chasers at:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDhalloffame

Instagram: @sdhalloffame

Website: www.sdhalloffame.org