The Rotary Club of Joliet has named Ed Dollinger the recipient of the 2026 Frank J. Turk Sr. Spirit of Rotary Award, the club's highest honor. The award recognizes Rotarians whose lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and community impact embodies Rotary's motto,"Service Above Self." Named for Frank J. Turk Sr., a respected civic and Rotary leader whose contributions helped strengthen both the club and the broader community, the award is reserved for individuals whose service leaves a lasting legacy.
For those who know Ed Dollinger, the honor comes as no surprise.
A member of the Rotary Club of Joliet since 1987, Dollinger has spent nearly four decades serving as a leader, mentor, historian, fundraiser, and ambassador for Rotary. Sponsored into the club by longtime Rotarian George Buck, Dollinger quickly became immersed in Rotary's mission and has since dedicated countless hours to advancing its impact throughout Joliet and Will County.
Among his many contributions, Dollinger is perhaps best known as the club's longtime historian. He has devoted years to preserving and documenting the history of one of Rotary International's oldest clubs. His knowledge of the club's origins, traditions, and achievements has helped generations of Rotarians appreciate the legacy they inherited and the responsibility they share in carrying it forward.
That passion for preserving Rotary history was especially evident during the Rotary Club of Joliet's 100th Anniversary Centennial Celebration. Alongside fellow Rotarian Mike Rittof, Dollinger served as Centennial Co-Chair and led nearly two years of planning for the club's once-in-a-century celebration. The effort included historical exhibits, publications, public relations campaigns, sponsorship development, fundraising initiatives, and a gala featuring Rotary International President Ron Burton.
Through the centennial project, Dollinger helped educate members and the community about the club's remarkable history. Founded in 1913, the Rotary Club of Joliet became the first Rotary club chartered in a city with a population of fewer than 75,000 residents, a distinction that remains an important part of the club's identity today.
His commitment to preserving Rotary's story continues today. As a member of the planning committee for A Night at the Museum held May 7, Dollinger helped spearhead updates to the Rotary Club of Joliet's exhibit wall at the Joliet Area Historical Museum. The renovated display highlights more than a century of Rotary service and ensures that future generations can learn about the club's contributions to the community.
Dollinger's service extends far beyond historical preservation. As Co-Chair of New Membership Orientation, he has helped recruit, mentor, and educate new members, ensuring that the club remains strong for years to come. His leadership has helped cultivate the next generation of Rotarians and reinforce the values that have defined the organization for more than a century.
One of the most meaningful examples of that commitment can be found within his own family. Ed sponsored his wife, Gloria Dollinger, his son Matt Dollinger, and his son-in-law Scott Segobiano into Rotary. All three have become active Rotarians, creating a multi-generational legacy of service and community involvement. Their participation reflects Ed's belief that Rotary's principles should be shared across generations and lived through action.
Professionally, Dollinger is equally respected. A fourth-generation member of a Will County farming family, he opened the first Edward Jones office in Joliet in 1986 and built a distinguished career helping families and business owners achieve their financial goals. Over the years, he has also served in leadership roles with numerous organizations, including the University of St. Francis, the Diocese of Joliet Finance Council, the Will County Center for Economic Development, the Community Foundation of Will County, St. Joseph Medical Center, and Joliet Catholic Academy.
In recognition of their extraordinary civic and philanthropic contributions, Ed and Gloria Dollinger were inducted into Project Acclaim's Hall of Pride in 2022. The honor highlighted their enduring commitment to improving the quality of life throughout Joliet and Will County.
The Spirit of Rotary Award honors individuals who have demonstrated long-standing leadership within Rotary, meaningful community involvement, professional excellence, and an unwavering dedication to service. Throughout his Rotary career, Ed Dollinger has exemplified each of those qualities. Whether preserving the club's history, leading major initiatives, mentoring new members, supporting community organizations, or inspiring others through his example, he has consistently embodied the values that define Rotary.
As a past president, historian, Centennial Celebration co-chair, membership mentor, community leader, and advocate for service, Ed Dollinger has helped shape both the Rotary Club of Joliet's future and its understanding of its past. His impact can be seen not only in the projects he has led, but in the people he has inspired.
For his decades of leadership, service, and commitment to Service Above Self, Ed Dollinger is a most deserving recipient of the 2026 Frank J. Turk Sr. Spirit of Rotary Award.