Bonnie Styles highlighted Rachael's tireless work to develop the Kidzeum of Health and Science in downtown Springfield's historic district. Rachael is the Board President of the Kidzeum and in fact, her name is synonymous with the Kidzeum. She has been the primary advocate for the development of this children's museum and has dedicated inordinate amounts of time spearheading the Museum's capital campaign. In part because of her extraordinary efforts and leadership, they are close to reaching their goal, and the Kidzeum is slated to open this coming June. Rachel has a B.S. in biology from Culver Stockton College. She is a former senior staff member at Trinity College, where she specialized in adult play programming for the intellectually challenged. She also served as the Residential Program Director for The Hope Institute. She has served the community in numerous volunteer capacities, including work with the Junior League, Springfield Public Schools, Christ the King School, the Springfield Art Association, and the Chamber of Commerce's Business Education Partnership. As a young adult, we expect her leadership in the community to continue long into the future.
Robert Moore highlighted Richard Bowen's passion for serving others. He is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and Purdue University. He was employed by Lincoln Land Community College for 31 years. While at Lincoln Land, Richard assisted in the formation of various clubs to assist black students with their academic success. He founded the Association of Black Collegiate Scholars. In 2010, he retired from his position as Dean of Business and Public Service at Lincoln Land. He is active in District 186, where he serves as a tutor for Washington Middle School's Avid Program. He tutors third through fifth grade students at Concordia Lutheran School. He works with the Springfield Positive Youth Development Group under the direction of the Springfield Frontiers International. He is a member of the Citizen's Club, Springfield Frontiers International, Springfield Dominican Anti-Racism Team, Springfield's Optimist Club, and the Illinois Educators Credit Union, where he serves as past president and a current board member. His volunteer activities extend to his home community of Colp, Illinois, where he is a member of the Williamson County Coal Miner's Monument Committee. He is a member of the the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and has served as a Sunday school teachers, a trustee, and the church financial secretary. He has chaired Frontiers International's Dr. Martin Luther King Bformer reakfast for the last 10 years and has contributed greatly to the quality of speakers and the diversity of the attendance.
Naomi Lynn's citation for Delinda Chapman recognized her educational leadership on behalf of children, families, and students. Delinda has an Ed.D. from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a M.A. in Educational Administration from UIS. She served as the Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and worked in state government fro 21 years in agencies that provide services for children and families. Her professional career has been devoted to education and she has worked a a teacher, principal, and elementary supervisor. She is now a volunteer leader working on educational issues. She has served on the UIS Campus Alumni Advisory Board, the National Commission on the Future of UIS, and the UIS Education Advisory Board. She is also active in other community areas, having served on the Symphony Guild, the World Affairs Council and is the past president and regional director of the Springfield Branch of the American Association of University Women. She has received the Illinois College Alumni Distinguished Service Award, the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Award, Community Leadership Award, and Agent of Change Award.
We thank these leaders for all that they do for the community.
