Sauk President named Dixon Citizen of the Year

DIXON – Sauk Valley Community College President Dave Hellmich was named the 2020 Citizen of the Year for promoting engagement and his continued service to the community.

Hellmich has inspired leadership, unity and community involvement since becoming college president in 2015, and was named Dixon Citizen of the Year by the Dixon Chamber of Commerce and Main Street during the annual Best of Dixon awards, sponsored by Sauk Valley Media.

He formed the Sauk Valley Community Leadership Program five years ago and worked diligently to provide aid to students during the coronavirus pandemic.

It wasn’t his first time committing to helping others during hard times. He also pledged to grow the college during the state budget impasse in 2015.

More than $850,000 has gone to funding for students affected by the pandemic. As a result, a September 2020 survey found that 96 percent of students who participated now have technology and high speed internet.

“Dr. Hellmich is a major proponent of community involvement,” according to his award nomination. “He encourages all faculty and staff to get involved in the communities that we serve. He regularly celebrates the efforts of the staff and publicly recognizes their involvement. He has encouraged his staff to find new ways for community involvement including the Sauk Serves program that encourages staff to participate at community events including Taste of Fiesta and Dixon Christmas Walk, and many others.”

Last year, Hellmich organized Sauk Valley Unites, a non-partisan partnership of organizations and individuals across the Sauk Valley calling communities to come together to seek common ground and discourage polarization, to advocate for everyone being a good neighbor and community member, and to promote peaceful elections and safeguard the democratic process.

He also helped to re-establish the college’s agriculture program, expand career technical offerings and create the Small Business Development Center in efforts to address the region’s economic development needs.

“He has an open-door policy and genuinely welcomes input from everyone throughout the college and the region to visit with him to share their thoughts and concerns,” the nomination said.

Mike Wilcox, community service officer with the Dixon Police Department and a beloved Santa Claus in the community, received the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Kaleel’s Clothing and Printing won Business of the Year. In March 2020, they began selling a particular shirt every month and donating a portion of the proceeds to a local charity or organization including the KSB Hospital Foundation, Goodfellows of Lee County, Rock River Hospice & Home and the Sauk Valley YWCA.

Those receiving the annual 4 Under 40 awards were Dallas Knack, marketing specialist at Sauk Valley Community College; Nora Balayti, the local muralist and disc golfer who helped bring courses to Dixon; state Rep. Tom Demmer for supporting the community; and Brenna Chapman, who has volunteered for multiple community organizations.