Nancy Olson Award for Lifelong Volunteerism

When Nancy Olson entered college, her father told her being involved in worthwhile community projects was just as important as getting good grades. Nancy embraced her father’s words, charting a course as a lifelong volunteer. In each season of her life, Nancy worked the front lines, volunteering for a myriad of organizations, from school and church groups to high profile community boards. Nancy spearheaded development of the Senior Activity Center sponsored by Rockford Women’s Club. She led fund drives that raised mega dollars for local charities. For her efforts, she earned in 1994 the YWCA’s Marcella Harris Award for Community Service. But, the work closest to Nancy’s heart was visiting one to one with the elderly and infirm. Nancy continued this mission even after she herself was elderly and residing in a long term care facility. Often Nancy, who touched so many lives, could be found smiling and gently holding a fellow resident’s hand and murmuring comforting words. “It’s fulfilled my life, visiting these wonderful people,” she once said.
 

2008 Winner

Jane is now retired from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and the residents of our community should be grateful. Her volunteer work has an incredible impact because she doesn’t just volunteer. She sees a need and seeks out a solution. Jane helped to found Bright Side Adult Day Care. Understanding the struggles families face when a loved one develops Alzheimer’s after experiencing it first-hand with her husband she created a Alzheimer’s Support Group in 1980. Her commitment through volunteerism has touched so many through her work at the YWCA, Klehm Arboretum. Lifescape Services, League of Women Voters and so many more.

Past Award Winners

2007 Mildred Peterson