Honorees

2022-True-Friend-Honoree-Photo-Bill-Fleck

John and Liz Rudy, 2025 True Friend Honorees

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is proud to honor John and Liz Rudy for their commitment and support of LSSI and other nonprofit organizations, in addition to creating awareness for the groups’ good works. The Rudys will receive the “True Friend” Award at the 44th Annual True Friend Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Click here to learn more about John and Liz Rudy.

True Friend Award Past Recipients

LSSI presents its annual True Friend Award to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the human community.

  • 2024  Lee Selander
  • 2023  The Rev. Wayne and Pam Miller
  • 2022  Bill Fleck, WWII Veteran
  • 2021  Beverly Moody and the Life of Richard Moody
  • 2020  The Rev. Mark and Kathy Helge
  • 2019  Eric and Jodie Draut
  • 2018  Ginger Zee, Chief Meteorologist, ABC News
  • 2017  Walter Wangerin, Jr., Author
  • 2016  Gerald A. and Karen A. Kolschowsky Foundation
  • 2015  John and Mary Satter, Former LSSI General Counsel and Founding Member of The Women’s Network
  • 2014  Mr. Rich Miller, Publisher of Capitol Fax
  • 2013  The Christopher Family Foundation, Benefactors of Lifebooks
  • 2012  Mr. Kent P. Dauten, Managing Director and Founder, Keystone Capital, Inc.
  • 2011  The Rev. Dr. G. Frederick Aigner, President Emeritus of LSSI
  • 2010  Sara Feigenholtz, Illinois State Representative, 12th District
  • 2009  The Founding Members of the Women’s Network of LSSI
  • 2008  The Honorable Janet Reno, Former U.S. Attorney General
  • 2007  Dr. Peter Benson, President, Search Institute
  • 2006  Mr. Bruce Weber, University of Illinois, Men’s Basketball Coach, Mr. Homer Drew, Valparaiso University Men’s Basketball Coach
  • 2005  Rotary International
  • 2004  Ms. Mary Nelson, Founder, Bethel New Life, The Rev. Dr. Charles Infelt, Co-founder, Holy Family Ministries
  • 2003  Mr. Jess McDonald, Former Director of Illinois DCFS
  • 2002  Dr. Timothy Johnson, ABC News, Medical Authority & Adoptive Parent
  • 2001  The Rev. Dr. Donald M. Hallberg, President Emeritus of LSSI
  • 2000  The Rev. Dr. Martin E. Marty, Scholar & Theologian
  • 1999  Lutheran Brotherhood, Fraternal Insurance Organization
  • 1998  The Rev. Dr. Granger E. Westberg, Holistic Health Care Pioneer
  • 1997  The Honorable Paul Simon, Former United States Senator
  • 1996  Dr. Conrad Bergendoff, President Emeritus, Augustana College, Orion Samuelson, Vice President of WGN Radio
  • 1995  Ms. Anne M. Burke, Founder of The Chicago Special Olympics & Illinois Appellate Court Justice
  • 1994  Dr. C Everett Koop, Former Surgeon General of the United States
  • 1993  The Erickson Institute, Leadership & Advocacy for Children
  • 1992  The Child Welfare League of America
  • 1991  Mr. Millard Fuller, Founder of Habitat for Humanity
  • 1990  Ms. Jane E. Higgins, Prison Reform Leader, Mr. Irving B. Harris, Founder of Ounce of Prevention Fund
  • 1989  Mr. Philip Danforth Armour, Philanthropist & Civic Leader
  • 1988  Dr. Rowine Hayes Brown, Leadership & Advocacy for Children, Mr. Harry Tankus, Philanthropist and Civic Leader
  • 1987  The Allstate Companies, Chicago Sun-Times, WLS-TV Channel 7, Drug Abuse Education & Prevention
  • 1986  Mr. James J. Brice, Philanthropist & Civic Leader, Mr. & Mrs. Martin Staunt, Philanthropists & Civic Leaders
  • 1985  Dr. Naurice M. Nesset, Founder of Lutheran General Hospital and Mr. Norman Ross, Journalist & Civic Leader
  • 1984  Mr. Robert (Tom) Brooker, Civic Leader and Mr. E. Stanley Enlund, Philanthropist & Civic Leader
  • 1983  Mr. John Carpenter, Services for The Disabled; The Wheat Ridge Foundation, Services to Church-Related Ministries
  • 1982  The Retirement Research Foundation