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Fellows » Distinguished Fellows Award

LGC established the Distinguished Fellow Award to honor a Fellow who has made a significant leadership contribution to the community. For the first four years, the Chicago Community Trust provided a $25,000 award that the Distinguished Fellow could designate to the organization of his or her choice. Today, the Distinguished Fellow has the opportunity to name an organization of his/her choice as LGC’s Annual Holiday Party Beneficiary. Donations made at this annual event typically range from $4,000 to $7,000. LGC alumni are eligible to nominate their peers for the award, which is awarded at the annual dinner.

Bruce Rauner, 1995

Bruce Rauner provides a powerful example of using business acumen and success to improve civic life. A support of educational quality in Chicago, Mr. Rauner helped build the Chicago Public Education Fund and has supported local educational initiatives such as the Academy for Urban School Leadership, the Teacher’s Academy of Math and Science and the Rauner College Prep Charter School. Among his many partnerships to improve community life in the Chicago area, Mr. Rauner worked with YMCA to build the Rauner-Pilsen YMCA and supported the building of the American Red Cross Rauner Center. We are proud to honor Mr. Rauner with the 2010 Distinguished Fellow Award.

Raul Raymundo, 1996

For 20 years, Raul Raymundo has guided The Resurrection Project from a tiny grassroots group to a major force for community empowerment in Pilsen, Little Village, Back of the Yards, Melrose Park and Stone Park. Under Mr. Raymundo’s visionary leadership, The Resurrection Project has promoted the revitalization of communities through affordable housing, child care facilities, workforce development, financial education, youth education, women’s health programs and more. Mr. Raymundo is committed to empowering rising community leaders and, through mentorship and training, has created a vast network of activists committed to civic good. We are proud to honor Mr. Raymundo with the 2010 Distinguished Fellow Award.