 |
About Us
Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford is a volunteer driven organization that has been recognizing and supporting excellence in education since 1997 when the Rockford Public Schools Foundation merged with the Community Education Foundation to create Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford. The idea for this unique recognition program originated with Don Zimmerman, a retired teacher and local residential building contractor, and Dr. Richard F. Novak, a retired pathologist and professor. Upon witnessing a successful program in Florida, together they enlisted the support of the business community to begin recognizing teachers in the Rockford Public Schools. The Foundation continues to operate on the generous financial support of community businesses and individuals.
Today, Golden Apple Foundation recognizes and supports teaching excellence and increases community involvement in education throughout Winnebago and Boone Counties through Golden Apple Teacher Recognition, Golden Apple Teacher Academy and Golden Apple Classroom Grants.
2008 - 2009 Board of Directors
PresidentChristie Stenstrom Jarrett
Stenstrom Companies
Treasurer
Roger Boeke
Boeke & Associates, LTD.
Vice President Communications
Eleanor F. Doar
AMCORE Bank
Vice President Events
Min Thienemann
Vice President Fund Development
Pam Keeling
Vice President Programs
Jan Jones
Vice President Strategic Initiatives
Frank Walter
JP Morgan Chase Bank
Directors
Jack Becherer, Ed.D.
Rock Valley College
Christine Bergsten
Beefaroo Restaurants
Steven Bois
RAAR
Helen Brooks
Rockford Memorial Development Foundation
Sheri Casey
Pacemaker Foods
John Chadwick
WREX-TV
Timothy J. Durkee, MD, Ph.D
Rock Valley Women’s Health Center
John T. Dorsey, M.D. Ph.D.
Rockford Health System
Jody Goff
Goff Communications
John Hartwig
Robert L. Head, Ph.D.
Rockford College
Tom Lasley
Rockford Register Star
Melissa Marsden
Mary Ann Norwood
Pathways EAP
Elton Turner
General Mills
Mary Ann Wham, Ed.D.
Northern Illinois University
Susan Whitcher
Rev. Virgil Woods
Allen Chapel AME Church
Emeritus Directors
Teresa J. Ingrassia
Verne Loeppert
Dan Loescher
Richard Novak, M.D.
David Thompson
Don Zimmerman
R. Ray Wood
Executive Director
Lori Berkes-Nelson
Academy Representatives
Sean Monahan
Sandra Timmerman
