History Makers

The Bloomington priest never thought he'd wind up back in his hometown. Hennessy retired in 2013 after a decade as pastor at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

As the branch president of Busey Bank, Fazzini catalyzed the Shoppes at College Hills, the Corn Crib and Coffee Hound, to name a few. He managed to support many others whose ideas never came to fruition.

The 10 years Sally Rudolph spent on the McLean County Board were some of its most productive. Her political career was sparked by an invitation to join the League of Women Voters in 1969.

The McLean County Historical Society announced the recipients of the 2025 History Makers Awards Wednesday at the McLean County Museum of History.

The center of Barb and Bob Hathway's community service was connections made with other change-makers at First United Methodist Church of Normal.

Jan Lancaster is part of the 2024 class of McLean County History Makers that will be celebrated at the annual History Makers' Gala on June 18

The former McDonald's franchisees now own and operate a childcare center and fine dining restaurant, stemming from a life-long commitment to serving their community

Paul Penn was among the inaugural class of History Makers in 2012. His son John followed in his footsteps as a union leader advocating for McLean County construction workers.

John Penn, Jan Lancaster and couples Julie and Bob Dobski and Barb and Bob Hathway were nominated by community members and selected by a volunteer community for their contributions to McLean County.

2023 McLean County History Makers Willie and Charles Halbert were selected for their social justice activism and tireless advocacy for equity and inclusion.