The legacy of the past often is an inspiration to those entering a profession. Leaders who have set a high standard of professionalism, coupled with fairness and compassion, encourage those following to do the same.

Past leaders in Illinois Woman's Press Association have been such an example to others. In 1995, IWPA established an education fund to honor the memory of two prominent members who were active in IWPA at the time of their deaths:

Lynn Bermont -- a multi-talented 37-year IWPA member and resident of Chicago who was an artist, feature writer for newspapers, including the Chicago Sun Times, and public relations professional at Quaker Oats.

Dr. Eugene Vickery -- a highly esteemed physician in Lena, Illinois, an award-winning book author, poet, and community leader, and a 9-year IWPA member.

Late in 1995, we lost another active 23-year member, a favorite of all who knew her for her humor and lively editing of the IWPA newsletter:

Joanna R. Cook -- writer,editor, and desktop publisher in Evanston.. Her career included newspaper reporting, public relations, and magazine editing, including the award-winning magazine for Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Business.

Donations to the IWPA Education Fund are used to encourage and support students and advisors in the pursuit of journalism careers and for continuing education for IWPA members.

Your gift can put a young person well on his or her way to becoming a responsible member of the media -- one that honors the memory of all journalists and communicators who recognized their responsibilities to the public's right to know.  In January 1999, the IWPA Education Fund donated $500 in support of the continued publication of Shades of Light, the Crete-Monee High School newsletter for the 1998-1999 school year.

Your gift can also encourage IWPA members to maintain a high level of professionalism and excellence in the communications industry by supporting continuing education.

Click here to give a gift to support the professional communicator of the future.