JANE ADDAMS MEDAL FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

HONORING NGOZI O. EZIKE, MD, FOR RESILIENCE AND LEADERSHIP

On November 19, 2021, Rockford University presented Ngozi O. Ezike, MD, who led the Illinois Department of Public Health’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Jane Addams Medal

for Distinguished Service. It is the university’s highest public recognition. The award honors the legacy of Jane Addams by recognizing extraordinary women who

have taken a stand in their life that required critical thinking and courageous action. These women, in the tradition of Jane Addams, are pioneers in their professions, outstanding in character, Dr. Ezike has shown incredible resilience in the face of the many “ and recognized for their contributions to society. The medal ceremony — held on campus — was attended challenges presented by the ongoing by Dr. Ezike and her family, COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, local government Dr. Ezike has proved to be an officials, the Rockford empathetic, consistent, and guiding University Board of Trustees, and other special guests. force for the state of Illinois. ” In presenting the award, Rockford University President Eric Fulcomer said: “Dr. Ezike has shown incredible resilience in the face of the many challenges presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Through

The Jane Addams Medal is held in great esteem. The award was established in 1944 by George Frazer, a Rockford College trustee, and the actual medal was designed by Chicago artist Andrene Kauffman.

The Jane Addams Medal has been awarded to 39 of the world’s most outstanding women in science, education, humanities, arts, law, literature, and other fields of endeavor. The first recipient was Dr. Florence Sabin. She was one of the first women physicians to build a career as a research scientist and the first woman on the faculty at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Sabin received the award during Rockford University’s Centennial Celebration on May 3, 1947.

honoring our Jane addams medal receipients over the years

Dr. Florence Rena Sabin, 1947 Katherine Cornell, 1950 Lea Demarest Taylor, 1953 Vera Micheles Dean, 1954 Bernice Taber van der Vries, 1956 Elizabeth Wallace, 1957 Ada Comstock Notestein, 1958 Dr. Sara M. Jordan, 1958 Maria Martinez, 1959 Alice Koller Leopold, 1960 Helen Rogers Reid, 1961 Edith Hamilton, 1962 Dr. Helen Constance White, 1963 Dr. Connie Guion, 1963 Queen Frederika of Greece, 1964 Blanche Ebert Seaver, 1964 Juanita Kidd Stout, 1966 Carol Fox, 1967 Maria Tallchief, 1973 Dr. Marina von Neumann-Whitman, 1976 Corrie Ten Boom, 1978 Helen Hayes, 1981 Commodore Grace Murray Hopper, 1984 Leontyne Price, 1985 Mary Leakey, 1986 Sandra Day O’Connor, 1987 Dr. Mary Ashby Cheek, 1987 Hanna Holborn Grey, 1988 Gwendolyn Brooks, 1991 Georgie Anne Geyer, 1992 Lynn Morley Martin, 1996 Beverly Sills, 2002 Jane Alexander, 2004 Anne Sofie von Otter, 2004 Jean Bethke Elshtain, 2005 Twyla Tharp, 2006 Mary Robinson, 2007 Tammy Duckworth, 2020 Dr. Ngozi O. Ezike, 2021