Aurora University conferred three honorary doctorates at its 125th Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 6. Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin is one of the recipients who received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

“I am extremely humbled by this honor,” said Irvin. “Thank you to the Aurora University Board of Trustees and President Dr. Rebecca Sherrick for such a prestigious recognition. Aurora University is a fine institution of higher learning and a stalwart community partner. With the utmost pride, I look forward to being in the presence of the Class of 2018 Spartans and their families.”

Mayor Irvin received his honorary doctorate during the university’s Graduate Commencement Ceremony that morning along with State Representative Robert W. Pritchard. During the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony that afternoon, longtime educational psychologist Pearl H. Rieger received her honorary doctorate.

“I am pleased to recognize three leaders during our Commencement ceremonies who embody Aurora University’s core values of citizenship and continuous learning,” said Rebecca L. Sherrick, president of Aurora University. “These individuals have dedicated their lives to advancing the well-being of our society through efforts that promote the transformative power of learning. They are shining examples for our graduates and students as they begin to build lives of meaning and service.”

Honorary degrees are awarded by the Aurora University board of trustees. Hilary Brennan, AU alumna and chair, board of trustees, presented Rieger with the Doctor of Humane Letters. The Doctor of Humane Letters degree was presented to Irvin by Linnea Windel, AU alumna and member, board of trustees. The honorary degree was presented to Pritchard by Scott Palmer, AU alumnus and member, board of trustees.

The City of Elgin accepted the American Public Works Association, Fox Valley Branch Project of the Year Award in the Transportation category for $5-25 million for the South Street Roadway Extension.  The project, built by Copenhaver Construction, was designed and managed by Engineering Enterprises, Inc. The award was accepted by the City of Elgin earlier this year at a luncheon held at Two Brothers Brewing Company in Aurora, Illinois.

The South Street Roadway Extension from Longcommon Parkway to Randall Road was a highly anticipated east/west collector awaited by both the City and its residents. Construction of the 1.1 mile boulevard section roadway started in the fall of 2015 and was completed approximately one year later. Aspects of the project included new water main and storm sewer, installation of a 24-inch interceptor sewer, a bike path, street lights, parkway trees and a new box culvert at Otter Creek.

In addition, Brad Sanderson, P.E., vice president of the firm, received the Donald C. Stone Excellence in Education award from both the APWA Fox Valley Branch and the Chicago Metro Chapter. The award recognizes outstanding and meritorious achievement of the individual’s assisting in the area of continuing professional education for public works professionals. Brad has served the Fox Valley Branch educational needs as a member of the education committee for the past four (4) years and more recently he has become a co-chair of the Education Committee. He is also the head of EEI’s Corporate Learning Committee which ensures that our continuous learning environment stays on track.

Engineering Enterprises, Inc., founded in 1974, is a progressive, award winning consulting engineering firm providing services to public agencies throughout northeastern Illinois.  Experienced firm members including licensed professional civil engineers and land surveyors, LEED Accredited Professionals, and support team members provide a full range of services for planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects, plus grant and funding assistance.  For additional information, visit www.eeiweb.com.

Frederick Nosal of Addison has been named first vice president of residential lending at Old Second National Bank. He will manage regional loan officers in developing Old Second’s markets.

Nosal brings more than 25 years of residential lending managerial experience to the bank. He earned Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Elmhurst College. In the community, he has coached more than 50 youth sports teams. He and his wife are former PTA members of Indian Trail Junior High School, former officers at Fullerton Elementary School in Addison School District 4, and former PTO members at Addison Trail High School. Nosal also served on the board of directors for Alpine Country Club, Addison Recreation Club, Addison Park District Youth Sports, and Addison Girls Sports Program.

Anita Janiszewski of Naperville has been named senior loan officer with Old Second National Bank. Her experience makes her a resource in assisting homebuyers at every stage of the loan process, including educating and offering assistance.

Prior to joining Old Second, Janiszewski served as a loan officer with First Midwest Bank and has more than 15 years of residential lending experience.  She has a degree in education and is also fluent in Polish.

Raul Escanio of Chicago has been named senior loan officer. He will specialize in helping first-time homebuyers identify optimal loan programs and to guide them through the process.

Escanio has more than 15 years of lending experience and more than 40 years of banking experience. Prior to joining Old Second, he served as mortgage loan consultant with Lakeside Bank.

In the community, Escanio is a member of the Southwest Realty Board and a director since 2012. He is also a member of the Hispanic National Association of Realtors.

Old Second National Bank is a diversified bank holding company headquartered in Aurora, IL. The Company operates through its subsidiary, Old Second National Bank, with over 25 banking offices across seven counties in northern Illinois. Old Second Bancorp, Inc.’s common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Exchange under the symbol OSBC. More information about the Company is available by visiting the “Investor Relations” section of its website www.oldsecond.com.