After 61 years, the First Citizen award program is getting a reboot. Applications are now open through Oct. 15, and the winner will be announced at a public event on Nov. 13.
The award, which recognizes individuals whose service has significantly contributed to the betterment of the Springfield area, was created in 1963 by Springfield's Copley-owned newspapers. The award has been associated with the State Journal-Register until this year.
Seven past recipients of the First Citizen award, led by Butch Elzea, met with representatives from the State Journal-Register earlier this year to express concerns that the newspaper was no longer able to give the First Citizen program the priority it deserves, Elzea told Illinois Times. The newspaper is now owned by Gannett with its management positions based outside of Springfield. Elzea said that in recent years, the number of nominations has declined, and there was no public ceremony to honor the recipient.
Elzea and his colleagues believed that an independent, nonprofit organization could restore the vitality of the First Citizen award program and make it a higher priority than was possible through the State Journal-Register. In July 2024, First Citizen Award was incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Elzea, a retired business owner who was instrumental in the creation of Southwind Park, serves as president of the new nonprofit. The board of directors currently includes John Eck Sr., a retired partner from Eck, Schafer & Punke LLP; Tom Fitch, vice president of facilities, real estate and construction at Springfield Clinic; Mike Pence, president of Bank of Springfield and Pat Phalen, president and CEO of Illinois National Bancorp and executive vice president of INB.
A citizens committee will review nominations and select the recipient. In addition to the five board members, the committee includes Desiree Logsdon, senior vice president of BUNN; Jackie Newman, executive director of the Springfield Housing Authority; and Mark Selvaggio, president of Selvaggio Steel.
The award is intended to honor people who have worked, outside of a paid position, to make Springfield a better place.Elzea, who has served on the First Citizen selection committee multiple times, said they are looking to honor people who are doing things for humanity and don't expect anything in return.
More than two dozen businesses and organizations have signed up as sponsors to help with publicizing nominations and covering the costs of the event.
Nominations are being accepted online through Oct. 15 at firstcitizenaward.org. Harriet Knudson, the driving force behind creating Lincoln Memorial Garden, was Springfield's inaugural First Citizen in 1963. A complete list of former First Citizen recipients is available online.
Winner to be revealed at Nov. 13 public event
The 2024 First Citizen Award will be presented at an evening reception Nov. 13 at Erin's Pavilion at Southwind Park. Tickets are required, but the event is free thanks to significant contributions from many local entities. To date, donations total $26,000. Sponsors include Springfield-area banks, medical institutions, small and large businesses, the city of Springfield and Sangamon County. More details and ticket information will be posted on the First Citizen Facebook page and firstcitizenaward.org.