Honorees

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.

  • 2025 John and Liz Rudy
  • 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