“This year’s Order of Lincoln recipients are an outstanding group
of individuals and exemplify President Lincoln’s relentless and
passionate spirit for public service,” Governor Rauner said. “They
have positively impacted their communities in numerous ways, and
their contributions will leave a lasting impression on Illinois and
the world. It is my honor to award them the Order of Lincoln.”
This year’s recipients are:
Frank Clark
Born and raised in Chicago and a graduate of DePaul University. The
first African-American Chairman and CEO of Commonwealth Edison
(ComEd) and worked for the company for 46 years. Current president
of the Chicago Board of Education. Chairman of the Board of
Directors at BMO Financial Corporation. Board Member of Aetna Inc.
and Waste Management Inc. Involvement with the Chicago Symphony
Orchestra, DePaul University, the Museum of Science and Industry and
Big Shoulders Fund.
Richard Driehaus
Born and raised in Chicago and a graduate of DePaul University.
Founder of the Driehaus Capital Management, LLC. Established the
Richard H. Driehaus Foundation in 1992, and has donated more than
$90 million since 1984. Founded the Richard H. Driehaus Museum to
preserve and promote the architecture of the past. Promotes
education through a multitude of endowed initiatives and
scholarships.
The Honorable James Holderman
Received his J.D. from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Was appointed to serve on the United States District Court. Served
as Chief Judge from 2006 to 2013. Initiated innovations to improve
the jury trial system. Expanded the Settlement Assistance Program
and renovated the Dirksen Federal Courthouse. Earned the U.S.
Department of Justice Aware for Distinguished Service and the
American Inns Court Award for Professionalism and Ethics.
R. Eden Martin
Born in Sullivan, Il and a graduate of University of Illinois. Civic
leader and longtime attorney whose bold vision helped Chicago become
a global city. Led the effort to expand O’Hare International
Airport. Helped created the Renaissance Schools Fund to bring
charter schools to impoverished areas. Retired partner at Sidley
Austin LLP. Currently serves as a Life Trustee of the Chicago
Symphony Orchestra, Northwestern University and Chicago Historical
Society.
Ryne Sandberg
Played 16 seasons and more than 2,100 games with the Chicago Cubs.
Considered the best second basemen of his era. Held all-time record
of 123 consecutive errorless games by a second basemen. Helped
propel the 1984 Cubs to the post-season for the first time since
1945. Awarded numerous honors including an MVP and Golden Glove and
was inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. Known
for his dedication to the Cubs organization and currently serves as
a Cubs ambassador.
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Samuel Knox Skinner
Born in Chicago and raised in Wheaton. Graduated from University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign and received his J.D. from DePaul College of Law. Served as the
Secretary of Transportation and Chief of Staff under President George H.W. Bush.
As Secretary of Transportation, guided the Intermodal Surface Transportation
Efficiency Act into law, creating a new structure for the country’s
transportation planning and funding. Was the President of Commonwealth Edison
(ComEd). Retired Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of USF
Corporation, a leading transportation and logistics company.
Harrison Steans
Legendary Chicago banker. Devoted community philanthropist. Served as Chariman
of NBD Illinois, Inc. and LaSalle National Bank. Current Chair of the Executive
Committee of Financial Investments Corporations (FIC) and President and CEO of
the Steans Family Foundation. Serves on the boards of Civic Committee of the
Commercial Club, Chicago Humanities Festival, Chicago Botanic Garden and The
Ounce of Prevention Fund.
The Order of Lincoln will be presented at the 53nd Annual Convocation and
Investiture of Laureates in Chicago on Saturday, May 6, 2017. The Order of
Lincoln was established by the Governor of Illinois in 1965, and the Lincoln
Academy of Illinois -- an independent, non-partisan organization -- was created
to administer the award and to choose the annual award recipients.
Following the award presentation on May 6, 2017, a gala reception and dinner in
honor of the 2017 recipients will be held at the Chicago History Museum. Funds
raised at the dinner will provide Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Awards to one
student from each of the 57 four-year degree granting, accredited colleges and
universities in Illinois and one student representing the state’s community
colleges. College presidents select the students on the basis of academic
achievement and community service.
For further information, visit the Lincoln Academy website at
www.thelincolnacademyofillinois.org.
[Governor Rauner's Press Office] |