Fellows » Distinguished Fellows Award
LGC established the Distinguished Fellow Award to honor a Fellow who has made a significant leadership contribution to the community.
For the first four years, the Chicago Community Trust provided a $25,000 award that the Distinguished Fellow could designate to the
organization of his or her choice. Today, the Distinguished Fellow has the opportunity to name an organization of his/her choice as
LGC’s Annual Holiday Party Beneficiary. Donations made at this annual event typically range from $4,000 to $7,000. LGC alumni are
eligible to nominate their peers for the award, which is awarded at the annual dinner.
Frank M. Clark, 1986
Frank Clark began work in ComEd’s mailroom in 1966. He is now its Chairman and CEO. A lot has happened in the intervening years – both to Frank and ComEd – and the Chicago community is the great beneficiary. Tonight, we honor him for the leadership he has given this community.
The litany of organizations he has helped is probably as long as his leadership positions at ComEd. He currently chairs the Adler Planetarium and Metropolitan Family Services and serves on the Boards of DePaul University, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The University of Chicago Hospitals, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Governors State University Foundation, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, Big Shoulders Fund, and United Way.
Frank is also leading an initiative on behalf of the Chicago Community Trust – LGC’s founding organization. He chairs the African-American Legacy Fund to dramatically increase the level of African-American leadership philanthropy in the Chicago area.
The Selection Committee for the Distinguished Fellow Award was in full agreement with Frank’s nominators – John Costello, Sonny Gary, and Ruth Ann Gillis – who wrote, “Frank represents the very best of what Leadership Greater Chicago can expect from its Fellows, and he serves as an inspiration, mentor, and friend to many, including us.”
Finally, Frank’s commitment to LGC encompasses his participation in the 1986 Fellows class, his leadership in recommending outstanding ComEd Fellows over