JoAnn Rayfield, archives specialist at Illinois State University,
has been chosen as a 2006 Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award winner. The
award is given by the Illinois Humanities Council (IHC) to honor individuals
who have encouraged greater public understanding of the humanities in their
communities.
Rayfield is one of 75 award recipients statewide who were nominated by local mayors. Rayfield's nomination was submitted by Mayor Chris Koos of Normal. The Studs Terkel Award honors Rayfield for her work as an archivist for the University's Milner Library. Through her work she has helped to preserve and share the rich history of Illinois State and the surrounding community.
Rayfield will be given a specially cast and engraved bronze medal during a ceremony with Normal Mayor Chris Koos and other community and University representatives during the Normal Town Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 20.
Rayfield's work includes the online collection of letters, news clippings, and other historical documents related to 29 Illinois State students who served in World War I. She also serves on the board of directors of the Illinois Soldier's and Sailor's Children's Home Historical Society. The Home was a former state orphanage for children orphaned or economically displaced due to war service by their parents. Rayfield is currently assisting with oral history, photo-collecting, and exhibit projects as well as the publication of an illustrated history of the Home. She is also helping to prepare publications and displays for Illinois State's 150th Celebration.
For more information on the Studs Terkel Award visit the Illinois Humanities Council Web site at www.prairie.org
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