BLOOMINGTON, Ill.— One Illinois Wesleyan staff member and two alumni have been named to the Pantagraph’s 20 Under 40, recognizing accomplished and dedicated individuals in the community under 40 years of age.
“It’s really an honor,” said Deborah Halperin, coordinator of the Action Research Center at Illinois Wesleyan University. Halperin, Brian Beam, vice president and art director of Business Builders, and plastic surgeon Chad Tattini appeared in a special section of the Pantagraph on Sept. 19, and will be celebrated with others chosen as 20 Under 40 at the Community Leaders Breakfast on Nov. 8 at the Doubletree Hotel in Bloomington.
An active volunteer, Halperin was the general coordinator for building of a playground for Washington Elementary School in Bloomington, which raised more than $100,000 and took the work of more than 1,000 volunteers.
Halperin’s dedication to community service, however, reaches past the playground. As president of the board for the Day Care Center of McLean County, she helps to ensure quality childcare for underprivileged youth. She also serves on the board of directors of the Founders’ Grove Neighborhood, where she helps with community assessment efforts.
Giving back is a natural to Halperin, whose position at Illinois Wesleyan helps boost local not-for-profit organizations. At IWU’s Action Research Center, she connects students to internships and research projects at local agencies. “It’s great to be able to match students who are filled with energy and promise to groups who need them,” said Halperin, who has worked with social organizations for more than 15 years. “I understand not-for-profits. I can come in and ask about logic models and strategic plans, and it helps get the best fit for the organizations and the students.”