Elgin Image Awards 2025 ceremony, held at the Centre of Elgin Heritage Ballroom, was a powerful celebration of the people, projects, and organizations that are truly making the City of Elgin, Illinois, a better place to live, work, and thrive. Coordinated by the Elgin Development Group and the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, these annual awards highlight the outstanding community contributors who embody the spirit of service and innovation.

If you're looking for proof of Elgin's dedication to positive change, look no further than these 2025 award recipients!

2025 Elgin Image Award Winners & Key Achievements

These honorees represent the excellence and commitment found throughout the Elgin, IL community.

Excellence in DEI or Building Equity

Open Door Health Center of Illinois: Honored for providing comprehensive, patient-centered health care, specifically focused on sexual health and wellness for the LGBTQ+ community and those at risk for STIs/HIV.

Marc Thayer and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO): Recognized for transforming the ESO into a beacon of DEI commitment, building community through inclusive music performance and education.

Creating a Difference

Gail Borden Public Library Life Enrichment Services: Celebrated for their impactful outreach programs, bringing engaging presentations, stories, and activities to over 25 senior and developmental care communities monthly.

Game Changer

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Elgin Community College (ECC): Recognized for establishing a sustainable, campus-wide financial literacy program that benefits ECC students.

Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley – Art Sculpture Trail: Honored for innovatively blending public art, environmental stewardship, and critical community fundraising.

Professional Rockstar

Dr. Suzanne Johnson (U-46 School District Superintendent): Lauded for her inclusive leadership, setting the district's guiding principle: "all means all."

Bill Angelo (Elgin Community College Head Baseball Coach): Recognized for his nearly three-decade career, amassing over 850 wins and serving as a key mentor in Elgin, IL education.

Volunteer Extraordinaire

Michael McKay (Edward Jones Investments): Honored for his remarkable 25 years of service on boards and committees for over a dozen Elgin area organizations.

Karen Fox (Community Volunteer): Celebrated for 35+ years of dedicated volunteer work across education, social services, and the arts in the Elgin community.

The Elgin Image Awards serve as an essential reminder that our community's strength lies in the dedication of its residents and organizations. Congratulations once again to all the 2025 honorees for promoting the positives of why Elgin is a fantastic place to live!

Want to dive deeper into the amazing work of these Elgin community leaders? Watch the full 2025 Elgin Image Awards Ceremony on the City of Elgin's Video Center