By Miriam Meza –
The Aurora Public Library and Foundation offers to thanks to everyone for attending the We Care Together Party and Auction December 1. It was a night full of laughter and joy, giving to a great cause, and honoring of members within our community. One of the awards was the inaugural Thomas J. Weisner Award for Excellence in Education Collaboration.
This award was given in honor of the inaugural recipient, Thomas J. Weisner, for inspiring all people to reach their full potential. As mayor of Aurora, 2005-2016, he brought tremendous growth to Aurora. Just a few of the improvements implemented under his leadership are mentorship opportunities for children, greatly improved technology, and substantial economic development. Weisner provided private and public schools access to the city’s fiber network, furthering access to internet resources and technology solutions. He led efforts to expand Aurora’s magnet school program, including the Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy, and established Pathways to Prosperity, which created mentorships for kids pursuing trades.
In addition, he played a key role in West Aurora School District 129’s purchase of the former Advocate/Dreyer building to create a district campus with an early childhood center and a career and technical education center. Weisner’s administration created United Way’s “Strong, Prepared, and Ready for Kindergarten” (SPARK). Under his excellent leadership, Aurora strengthened education with a focus on collaboration of people and organizations working together to impact early literacy through education.
Thomas J. Weisner is an advocate of not only our library, but all libraries, and how they play an essential role in a child’s education. He played an instrumental role in the building of the Richard and Gina Santori Public Library of Aurora. When the building opened in 2015, it was our honor to name the second-floor Family Lab after Weisner and his wife, Marilyn. This space is a true representation of the Weisners because it ties early education to adult learning and makes it possible for families to learn together in a space dedicated to them.
The Thomas J. Weisner Award for Excellence in Educational Collaboration will be awarded annually to a recipient that embodies the many leadership traits Tom has demonstrated to our community, an individual or organization who makes our community stronger, our kids healthier, and our families collaborating with each other. Mr. Weisner, we honor you with this award and thank you for everything you have done, and continue to do, for our community.
Miriam Meza is communications manager for Aurora Public Library.
