Sterling Friendship Award
R. Thomas Jaeger
Tom Jaeger is a nationally recognized architect who was an integral part of the recent expansion at Friendship Village of Schaumburg. This multi-talented Sterling Award recipient is President Emeritus and Consulting Principal of Jaeger, Nickola & Associates Ltd., Architects, the design firm for Friendship Center. For fourteen years, Mr. Jaeger served as a member of the Board of Directors of Friendship Village of Schaumburg, two of which as Board Chair.
He not only helped shape the Friendship Village community, he has been a resident of the Crosswell Trace garden homes since 2004. He also serves as Emeritus Professor of Architecture at the School of Architecture, University of Illinois at Chicago. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture.
He has received countless awards for excellence in architecture and planning including the prestigious 1995 Excellence in Education Award for Exceptional Contributions to the Advancement of the Profession of Architecture by AIA Illinois and the 1998 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Northeast Illinois Chapter of the AIA.
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Sterling Distinguished Service Award
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging — William (Larry) Minnix, Jr.
The members of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) help millions of individuals and their families every day through mission-driven, not-for-profit organizations dedicated to providing the services that people need, when they need them, in the place they call home.
AAHSA's 5,700 member organizations, many of which have served their communities for generations, offer the continuum of aging services: adult day services, home health, community services, senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care retirement communities and nursing homes
Since its beginning 42 years ago, the association continues to be strong, has a talented and visionary staff, and is a recognized leader on the national scene. Larry Minnix is AAHSA's President and CEO, a position he has held since 2001. Dr. Minnix has been in mental health and aging services fields for over 35 years and is a frequent speaker on long-term care, quality, ethics, and policy.
Entertainer for the evening
Tom Dreesen
Tom Dreesen's life is equal parts comedy and philanthropy. He excels at both, and has created an extraordinary legacy in both arenas. Dreesen, whose comedic style is down-to-earth, warm, and unpretentious, is a favorite guest of David Letterman. He has made over 500 appearances on national television as a stand-up comedian, including more than 60 spots on The Tonight Show. Daily Variety called him a "thorough pro...one of the most respected family comedians of our time."
Dreesen has made an indelible mark with his philanthropic activities. For the last 30 years he has lent his talent to over 100 charities, and founded "A Day for Darlene," an event named for his late sister, to benefit Multiple Sclerosis research. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, he entertained troops throughout Iraq last Christmas. In recognition of his humanitarian activities, Dreesen was awarded an Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2005.
Sterling Friendship Gala Chairwoman
Jan Tucker is a long-time trustee of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, has been selected to chair Friendship Village of Schaumburg's yearly signature event, The Sterling Friendship Award Gala.
