Newer member Alicia Cosky, first ward alderperson for Sycamore, gave her Classification Speech at this week’s Rotary meeting. Cosky hails from Detroit and comes from a family of five children. Her grandparents emigrated to the U.S. from Poland. Her father taught high school English, and Latin, and was his school’s debate coach while her mother remained busy raising their family. She said both her parents instilled the values of faith and education in their children as they grew up. Alicia’s spouse is Sandy and they have been together for 28 years.
Alicia attended Dominican High School in Detroit where her interest in politics took hold (she held various class offices eventually becoming class president). She worked her way through college earning a degree in health and physical education from Wayne State University. After three years of teaching Junior High, she got a graduate assistant job at Northern Illinois University allowing her to pursue her master’s degree. This was followed by 14 years employment with campus recreation during which time she earned her doctorate. An opportunity to join Aurora University opened up and Alicia was Chair of their Physical Education Program, Director of the School of Health, and then Dean of Faculty Development, retiring in 2020 after 28 years of service.
Cosky has a lengthy list of volunteer activities. She was Director of DeKalb Corn Fest Races for 25 years, regional coordinator for Northern Illinois Senior Olympics for 15 years, a CPR site director and member of the County CPR coordinating committee, a national coordinator and trainer in the Fitness Program for Older Adults, exercise instructor at Oak Crest Retirement Center, a volunteer with DeKalb County Hospice, a Hope Haven meal preparer, and a volunteer with DeKalb County Community Gardens food distribution through Westminster Presbyterian Church. She is a firm believer in health and fitness awareness as one ages. She has run in five marathons, the first back in 1975, and continues a program of walking, biking, strength training, and balance and core workouts. Her hobbies include growing hybrid Tea Roses and doing family photography.
Sycamore Rotary is happy you’ve joined us as part of your retirement plans.