Award Information
The Spirit of Rotary Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Rotary Club of Joliet, recognizing outstanding service and dedication to Rotary and the community. This distinguished award celebrates individuals who exemplify Rotary’s enduring motto: Service Above Self.
The Spirit of Rotary Award in the Joliet Rotary Club is named in honor of Frank J. Turk, Sr., recognizing his exceptional commitment to Rotary and to the Joliet community. Frank Turk, Sr.’s lifelong service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to Rotary ideals serve as the foundation for this award.
Frank Turk, Sr. made significant contributions to the Joliet area and Will County, including playing an important role in the economic turnaround of Will County in the early 1980s. Through his professional leadership and civic involvement, he helped strengthen the local economy while promoting community growth and stability. Within the Joliet Rotary Club, he was a model of service, leadership, and reliability, setting a standard that continues to inspire Rotarians today.
The Spirit of Rotary Award is presented to individuals who have made meaningful and lasting contributions to the community, often through long‑standing service and leadership roles in Rotary and other civic organizations. Recipients are those whose efforts positively impact the Joliet area while supporting a broad range of local and international causes consistent with Rotary’s mission.
This award is not necessarily presented annually. Rather, it is reserved for those whose sustained commitment, integrity, and leadership reflect the same values of service and dedication exemplified by Frank J. Turk, Sr.
Criteria
Recipients of the Frank J. Turk Sr. Spirit of Rotary Award typically demonstrate many of the following qualities:
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Is a current member of the Joliet Rotary Club
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Exemplifies the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self
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Has been a longtime member of Rotary
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Has held multiple leadership roles within Rotary
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Has demonstrated significant involvement and leadership within the community
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Has made significant contributions to their profession
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Reflects dedication, ethical leadership, and service in all aspects of life
Meeting all criteria is not required; recipients are selected based on the overall spirit, impact, and legacy of their service.
To nominate a member of the Rotary Club of Joliet, contact Rotarian Diane Cepela.