Joseph Baar Topinka was invited by the Army Nurse Corps Association to make a presentation about his Mother, Judy Baar Topinka, and his book about her entitled Just Judy, A Citizen and Leader for Illinois on June 12, 2021. The Army Nurse Corps Association has agreed for this recording to be posted here.
News & Events
Letter From Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot
We received a wonderful letter from Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office recognizing Judy’s efforts for the LGBTQ community.
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR: CITY OF CHICAGO
LORI E. LIGHTFOOT: MAYOR
March 17, 2021
Mr. Joseph Baar Topinka
Dear Mr. Topinka:
On behalf of the City of Chicago, I extend heartfelt gratitude to you for accepting this award on behalf of Judy Baar Topinka. It is an honor to welcome her into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame.
Judy Baar Topinka was a true friend to the LGBT community. During her time in the Illinois House of Representatives, the Illinois Senate, and as Illinois State Treasurer she fought for gay rights, supported the Illinois Marriage Equality Bill, opened her office to the Equality Illinois’ delegation during the group’s lobby days, and much more. She broke down barriers for generations and her legacy will always live on.
I am proud to welcome Judy Baar Topinka into this year’s distinguished Hall of Fame class.
Meaghan Hart | CAHME Awards Program
The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) is proud to announce the winners of the 6th Annual CAHME Awards Program.
Meaghan Hart, MHA Candidate (Johns Hopkins University) is the recipient of the 2021CAHME/Judy Baar Topinka Foundation Scholarship.
To learn more about the CAHME Awards, join us at our virtual booth during the ACHE Congress from March 22-25, 2021, or visit us at CAHME.ORG.
100 Years of Newspapering
Most people do not know that Judy was an award winning journalist who graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in journalism.
Joseph Baar Topinka to speak at the Constitutional Democracy Project
On Friday, October 23, 2020, Judy Baar Topinka’s son, Joseph Baar Topinka, will be a speaker at the Constitutional Democracy Project from IIT Chicago Kent College of Law.
Joseph will be speaking from 2:30 pm until 3:45 pm on the following topic: What Makes a Good Leader? Lessons from Judy Baar Topinka’s life.
This whole event is an incredible opportunity for teachers, students, parents, and librarians. Of great interest to Joseph is the special presentation on Remembering Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Judy Baar Topinka was a great fan of Justice Ginsberg.
The event is free and goes from 8:30 am until 3:45 pm Central.
More information at https://constitutionaldemocracyproject.org/whatwedo/professional-development/conference-for-teachers/2020-workshops.html
Joseph Baar Topinka preserves legacy of mother: Pro-gay Republican Judy
The Windy City Times posted a wonderful article about Judy’s unwavering support of the LGBTQ community.
“Jeepers, gay people are people,” Judy told Windy City Times just prior to her 2014 re-election. “There’s rights under the constitution—everybody’s supposed to have them—and it bugs me when folks pick on gays or anybody else. I have a lot of gay people working in my office; they’re wonderful employees. We don’t single them out, or anything; they’re just part of the family.”