Rail Splitter Public Service Award

The Central Illinois Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration established the Rail Splitter Public Service Award to pay tribute to public servants (government and nonprofit) whose careers exhibit the highest standard of excellence, dedication, and accomplishment.

This award is presented to individuals who:

• have spent the primary part of their careers working in public service
• made outstanding contributions on a sustained basis rather than having performed a single exceptional deed
• accomplished or caused to be accomplished significant programs or projects within their areas of responsibility to the ultimate benefit of the public

In 2022, the School of Public Management and Policy took over the award responsibilities, making it a biennial event and adding an award for the private sector.

The goals of this award are to:

• Pay tribute to individuals who have made major contributions to the betterment of our community
• Foster public/nonprofit and private sector partnerships
• Inspire our students to develop strong public service values

Award Recipients

2025

Betsy Dollar (Public/nonprofit sector award)

Satch Pecori (Private sector award)

2023

Grace Hou (Public/nonprofit sector award)

Edgar J. Curtis (Private sector award)

Betsy Goulet (Alumni award)

2020

David Racine

2018

Scott Reimers

2017

Barbara Ferrara

Scott Kinsell (Student award)

Amy Leman (Student award)