BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois Wesleyan’s University Librarian Karen Schmidt was awarded the Jean Anderson Downtown Improvement Award by the Downtown Bloomington Association and the City of Bloomington in recognition of her contributions to the downtown.
In presenting the award on Nov. 5, Bloomington Mayor Steve Stockton cited Schmidt’s work “to build a stronger, vibrant downtown and her tireless efforts to connect people and resources to secure a bright future for a vital city and city center.”
A member of the City Council, Schmidt represents the city’s Sixth Ward, which includes much of downtown. She joined Illinois Wesleyan in August 2007, following 25 years at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The Jean Anderson Downtown Improvement Award is named in honor of alderwoman Jean Anderson, who served on the Bloomington City Council from 1989 until her death in 1996. Her dedication and leadership set the stage for a downtown renaissance by pioneering the idea of public and private involvement in downtown Bloomington.
Schmidt is actively involved with many non-profit and community organizations, including the Old House Society and the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts. She is the 2002 winner of the YWCA Women of Distinction award.
“Downtown Bloomington would not be where it is today without the leadership of Karen Schmidt,” said Greg Koos, president of the Downtown Bloomington Association and executive director of the McLean County Museum of History. “Her commitment to the economic strength and viability of the downtown is immeasurable. We are thankful for her dedication and devotion to this area and to the entire city.”