Judy Baar Topinka’s legacy is one of good government, ethics, compromise, and love of heritage. Her life demonstrates how anyone with passion, drive, and hard work can succeed in face of great odds. Judy took on the establishment and the status quo and succeeded as no other woman had done in Illinois. She did not always win, but she never gave up in life, whether as a child, mother, student, newspaper reporter, legislator, or state level leader. Her life has solid lessons for future generations; she is a true role model.
Process
The Judy Baar Topinka Charitable Foundation has developed this award to be presented annually. The awardee will be selected through a selection committee appointed by the Directors of The Judy Baar Topinka Charitable Foundation. Candidates can apply or be submitted by anyone, but the selection committee can consider anyone that meets the criteria below.
Criteria
Individuals will be considered based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the following characteristics:
- Academic achievement;
- Demonstration of commitment to public service through volunteer activities and work experience;
- Strong commitment to integrity;
- “Tell it like it is” honesty and straightforward attitude;
- Commitment to speaking truth to power;
- Bipartisan collaboration; and
- First in something as was demonstrated by the conduct of the award’s namesake.
The Foundation will publicize this award in a variety of ways, including but not limited to on the judybaartopinka.org website, through news releases, and at activities associated with Judy Baar Topinka.
It is the Foundation’s hope that “THE JUDY AWARD” will inspire other like-minded friends of Judy Baar Topinka and her legacy to make additional contributions to The Judy Baar Topinka Foundation; and to help young people in their pursuits of public service to their communities, state, and their country.