2013 Hall of Fame Inductees

The inductees are:

• Community Service: Jere J. Wilmering, Sr., Fairview Heights
• Education: Dr. Philip Carlin, Chicago
• Labor Force: Dr. Russell R. Dohner, Rushville
• Performance & Graphic Arts: Sam Franco, Murphysboro

When there is a need, Wilmering will find a way to help. He has served on Boards of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Salvation Army, American Cancer Society, and Arts Council in addition to many others. He serves as a mentor and has been recognized for various honors notably as Businessman of the Year and several state awards for volunteerism. One example of his community service was a project where he raised $150,000 and coordinated 2,500 volunteers to construct a playground.

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Born to parents who were educators, Dr. Carlin has been teaching for more than 60 years. His career is described as having one constant which is love - the love of, and from, his students. A World War II veteran, he worked 22 years for Chicago Public Schools and continued another 25 years at his alma mater Loyola University. He still advises and presides over alumni functions. Described as warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring, Dr. Carlin always receives the highest marks of evaluation. His last full-time graduate class gave him an approval rating of 100 percent.

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Dr. Dohner recently retired after serving as the town doctor since 1955. At age 88, he still made house calls, patient rounds at the local hospital and nursing home, and was known to charge patients only $5.00 for the entire cost of visits. Considered a hero by many, this World War II veteran says if he can do something for people, he will do it. Examples include his donation of several thousand trees to the community, and recently giving money to create a walking path in the local park. Dr. Dohner also served as this year's Illinois State Fair Parade Grand Marshall.

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Franco has been teaching music for the past 60 years. As a young man he studied with master musicians who emigrated from Italy. During his service in WWII, he was lead musician and big band leader for the Army Air Corp. Division. Franco has excelled in both the technical study of music as well as music theory. His pro-bono generosity has benefitted many students who otherwise may not have had the chance to learn an instrument. In addition to his gift of music, Franco is also an accomplished painter and sculptor.

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For more information on the Senior Illinois Hall of Fame, contact the Illinois Department on Aging Senior HelpLine.