Batavia Names Not One But Two Citizens of the Year

Two lifelong “visionary” Batavians were named the 2011 Batavia Citizens of the Year today.

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce will honor Robert and Suzanne Peterson at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner on Sat., Jan. 28.
 
“Both are most deserving of this award,” said Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke.
 
Although each focused the majority of their vast community service in different organizations, together they contributed countless hours toward Batavia’s improvement. Sue Peterson, Class of 1963, is currently chairperson of the Batavia Plan Commission. Bob Peterson, a 1948 Batavia High School graduate, served on the Batavia Board of Education from 1971 to 1986. He was the School Board's President for nine years.
 
“Bob was instrumental in the significant expansion of the elementary buildings and also the enhancement of the curriculum,” Schielke said. “He was a real visionary in helping Batavia become the it is today.”
 
Bob continues his focus on education as a board member and treasurer of the Hansen-Furnas Foundation, which offers college scholarships. He is the third of five generations of Batavians. After graduating from Purdue University in 1953 and serving in the U.S. Army, Bob, along with his brother Harold, owned and operated . A business that their father helped found in 1921, the foundry remains a family operation with son Joel and nephew Scott at the helm.

A Couple of Leaders

A recurring theme emerges when one chronicles the Petersons’ activities—both are obviously leaders. No matter what organization, they each seem to rise to the top.
 
Sue, a fourth generation Batavian, played a role in the development of the arts in Batavia, as well as the greater Fox Valley area. After obtaining her Masters of Arts in art history, she taught art history and art appreciation at Elgin Community College for 15 years. She has been a member of the Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles for 25 years, serving on its board of directors for 12 of those years. Sue is president of Fine Line’s board and volunteers as a shop person one day a week.

Sue Peterson is indispensable, said Lynn Caldwell, executive director of the Fine Line Creative Arts Center.
 
“Sue has been instrumental in developing the Center,” Caldwell said. “Her work is a huge part of who the Fine Line is. I couldn’t be happier that she was chosen.” 
 
Seven years ago, Mayor Schielke appointed Sue Peterson to Batavia’s Plan Commission. Through her service, which included development of the Batavia Comprehensive Plan, she earned the respect of her peers and currently serves as the Commission’s chairperson.

“Sue brought a fresh approach to the commission,” Schielke said. “But by being a lifelong Batavian, she knew the history of what worked and what didn’t.”

In Their Support

In a letter supporting the Peterson’s nomination, Michael Stoner, senior pastor of , also spoke of the couple’s visionary leadership (which includes their many activities and service within the Church).
 
“Bob and Sue ... see possibilities for our future and are never stuck in the past,” Stoner wrote. “This is a rare gift to be able to see beyond what has always been and glimpse what could be.
 
“It is their visionary leadership, which inspires others to join with them in activities and plans to beautify, grow and enhance our community,” Stoner said. “Batavia is truly blessed to have them in our community.”
 
The Petersons are also members of the Batavia Historical Society (where Bob is the president), volunteer for events and are avid Batavia Bulldog fans. No less important, they are parents to three children: Jeff, Beth and Joel and proud grandparents of eight.
 
Roger Breisch, executive director of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, appropriately (since Sue is active in the Plain Dirt Gardeners) summed up the Petersons’ selection.
 
“The magic of naming Citizens of the Year is the discovery of the fertile ground in which this magnificent community has blossomed,” Breisch said. “Batavia would be far more desolate had Bob and Sue not nurtured its growth with such love and devotion.”
 
Want To See the Petersons Be Honored?

Bob and Sue Peterson will be honored at the annual awards dinner for the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. This year’s event, “Be Our Guest,” will be held on Jan. 28, 2012 at , 1345 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia.

For ticket information, contact the Chamber at 630-879-7134 or register online at BataviaChamber.org.

About the Award

The Batavia Citizen of the Year is selected by a committee of previous recipients of the award and is based on nominations from the community. The award is given for extraordinary contributions to the community over the course of the recipient’s lifetime.

This article was courtesy of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce and written by .