DuPage County in 60 seconds

Aurora honors preservation

Aurora residents have until April 7 to submit nominations for the Mayor's Awards for Historic Preservation. The awards recognize property owners who make significant improvements while maintaining the historic character of a building. Nominated properties should be at least 50 years old or designated as historic by the city. Nomination forms are available at aurora-il.org or by calling the Aurora Preservation Commission at (630) 844-3648.

St. Francis picks president:

A Villa Park man with 20 years experience in education-related management has been named president of St. Francis High School in Wheaton. Thomas Bednar replaces Sister Sheila Megley who resigned to fill a leadership role with the Sisters of Mercy in Nebraska. Bednar has managed organizational operations including human resources, budget preparation and execution, board relations, media and community relations, marketing and fundraising. As president, he will help drive the school's campaign to build a new science wing and learning center at the 52-year-old facility at 2130 W. Roosevelt Road.

Student is Intel finalist

Eric Shyu of Naperville, a senior at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, is one of two students in Illinois and 40 in the nation to be named an Intel Science Talent Search finalist. Often considered the "junior Nobel Prize," Intel is the oldest high school science competition in the United States. Shyu will compete for $530,000 in scholarships.

Chamber installs officers

The Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently installed its 2009 board of directors. The executive board features President Marguerite Micken, President-Elect Tom Parkinson, Vice President Paul Guagenti, Treasurer Linda Nayder and Past President Ron Mensching. The board of directors features Dr. Daniel Coffey, Bill Kohnke, Mary Beth Lynch, Peter Nolan, Susan Pagnoni and Steve Zeidler.