Elgin Image Awards honor those making a positive impact
Individuals, businesses and organizations that have made a positive impact in the community were honored Tuesday during the annual Elgin Image Awards at The Centre of Elgin’s Heritage Ballroom.
The awards, first given in 1992, are presented by the Enhancing Elgin Committee and organized by the Elgin Development Group and the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce.
Marc Thayer and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra took home one of two “Excellence in DEI or Building Equity” awards. Thayer was named executive director in 2021 and has revitalized the organization, growing the audience by 80%.
“I’m glad we’re still allowed to talk about DEI here in Elgin,” he said. “Because, to me, that means this is everybody’s orchestra. Everybody should feel welcome and invited, and that’s been our goal for the past four years.”
Dr. Suzanne Johnson, superintendent of School District U-46, was one of two “Professional Rockstar” winners. Johnson acknowledged the award was a surprise to her two fifth grade sons in the audience
“They can’t believe their mom’s winning any award that’s titled rock star,” she said.
The 2025 winners are:
Excellence in DEI or Building Equity
• Open Door Health Center of IL, an organization that provides comprehensive, patient-centered health care to the community with a focus on sexual health and wellness for those at risk for or living with STIs and HIV/AIDS, while also serving the greater LGBTQ+ community.
• Marc Thayer and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, honored for their commitment to building community through music via performance and education. Thayer’s leadership was lauded for revitalizing the ESO and transforming it into a beacon for excellence in DEI.
Creating a Difference Groups
• Gail Borden Public Library Enrichment Services, which connects with over 25 senior and developmental care communities monthly, bringing engaging presentations, stories, crafts and music to residents.
Game-changer Projects
• Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Elgin Community College, for their effort to establish a sustainable, campuswide financial literacy program.
• Habitat for Humanity Art Sculptural Trail, for innovatively blending public art, environmental stewardship and community fundraising.
Professional Rockstar
• Dr. Suzanne Johnson, superintendent of School District U-46, nominated for her inclusive leadership that set the district’s guiding principal to be “all means all.”
• Bill Angelo, head baseball coach at Elgin Community College. In his nearly three-decade career, Angelo, also an ECC alumnus, has amassed over 850 wins.
Volunteer Extraordinaire
• Michael McKay, a financial adviser with Edward Jones Investments who has served on boards and committees for over a dozen organizations for the past 25 years, including the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, The Gail Borden Library and local Rotary Clubs.
• Karen Fox, a community volunteer who has worked with myriad local causes, including education, social services and the arts, for over 35 years.