Briefs: Benedictine seeks input
Benedictine University leaders are seeking comments about their school in preparation for a quality checkup visit from a regional accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of College and Schools. Comments must be received by Jan. 15 and should address substantive matters related to the quality of the Lisle-based university and its academic programs. They may be submitted to: Public Comment on Benedictine University, The Higher Learning Commission, 30 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 2400, Chicago, IL 60602. Comments should be signed and include the name, address and phone number of the person providing them.
Award nominations open
Aurora's Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board is taking nominations for the Peter J. Perez Award to recognize a member of the city's Hispanic population who exemplifies leadership and community commitment. The award memorializes Perez, who was born in a boxcar community of Mexican railroad workers just outside Aurora and went on to play football for the Chicago Bears, join the Aurora Police Department and serve as Kane County's undersheriff. Nominations must be submitted by Dec. 17 to the Mayor's Office of Special Events, 5 E. Downer Place, Suite A, Aurora, IL 60507 or faxed to (630) 844-4797. The name and phone number of the person submitting the nomination should be included. The award will be presented at a community breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 30 at Long Island Sound Banquets. For details, call Liz DeLeon at (630) 844-4731.
Carol Stream honors chamber
The Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce earned the 2008 Business Recognition Award for its outstanding contributions to the Carol Stream community. During the award presentation last week, Mayor Frank Saverino praised the leadership of Luanne Triolo, the chamber's executive director, in organizing the group's disaster relief for the September floods. Water damaged roughly 40 houses in Carol Stream, as well as many garden-level rental units of the Village Green apartment complex.
Fire district honors heroes
Elmhurst police Detective Paul Carney and Carol Stream residents Patrick and Jonathan Heideman have earned the Medal of Merit and Lifesaver Award from the Carol Stream Fire Protection District. All three helped save a man from drowning in a flooded retention area at Armstrong Park during the heavy rains and flooding on Sept. 14. They will be honored at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10 during the fire district's board of trustees meeting at district headquarters, 365 N. Kuhn Road, Carol Stream. For details, call Don Lay at (630) 260-2582.