Community Leaders Honored in the First Seventy Over 70 Awards
- ClarkLindsey
- Mar 1, 2019
- 2 min read
The News-Gazette has announced the inaugural recipients of its Seventy Over 70 awards, a new recognition program supported by ClarkLindsey. The honorees represent a wide range of accomplishments and community contributions across Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding region. The first class will be celebrated at a public event in early April.
What Happened
News-Gazette Media introduced its first Seventy Over 70 class, highlighting 70 older adults whose lives reflect curiosity, continued growth, and a commitment to improving their communities. The program, sponsored by ClarkLindsey, aims to recognize individuals who continue to lead, create, volunteer, and inspire well into their later decades.
Nominations were reviewed by an independent panel, ensuring that selections reflected a broad and thoughtful look at community impact. The honorees come from diverse backgrounds—education, public service, business, the arts, science, faith communities, and more—demonstrating the many ways older adults shape the region.
The award recipients will be recognized at a celebration on April 4 at the Round Barn Banquet Centre in Champaign. A special feature in The News-Gazette will also highlight each honoree.
Why This Matters
The Seventy Over 70 program challenges outdated assumptions about aging by spotlighting people who continue to contribute in meaningful ways. Recognizing these individuals helps broaden public understanding of what later life can look like—active, engaged, and full of purpose.
For the Champaign-Urbana area, the awards also serve as a reminder of how much local progress and community well‑being depend on the experience, leadership, and generosity of older adults. Honoring their work encourages intergenerational appreciation and reinforces the value of lifelong learning and service.
Key Details at a Glance
Program: Seventy Over 70 awards
Sponsor: ClarkLindsey
Honorees: 70 community members selected by an independent judging panel
Celebration event: April 4 at Round Barn Banquet Centre, Champaign
Additional recognition: Special section in The News-Gazette
Broader Context
Communities across the country are developing new ways to recognize the contributions of older adults, reflecting shifting demographics and a growing awareness of the importance of age‑inclusive engagement. Programs like Seventy Over 70 highlight the ongoing impact of individuals whose work spans decades and continues to shape civic life.
ClarkLindsey’s support of this initiative aligns with broader efforts to elevate stories of older adults who continue to learn, lead, and inspire. By celebrating these achievements, the region helps foster a culture that values people at every stage of life.
Source Attribution: This post is based on publicly reported information originally covered by The News-Gazette.
