Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara receives Distinguished Community Award
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara receives Distinguished Community Award
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara received the Distinguished Community Award from the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford (UICOMR). The award was given out at the UICOMR Convocation Ceremony on Friday, April 25, 2025.
The Distinguished Community Award goes to a nominee who enhances the stature or growth of UICOMR with contributions of a special nature.
McNamara has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to strengthening the health and well-being of the Rockford community, while also championing the College of Medicine’s presence in Rockford.
Under McNamara’s leadership, the City of Rockford has forged strong partnerships with the local health care systems and educational institutions, including UICOMR. His unwavering advocacy for public health initiatives, including efforts to combat the opioid crisis, improve mental health services, and expand access to health care, directly aligns with the mission of UICOMR.
McNamara has actively supported UICOMR’s COVID Community Testing Center and has served as a guest speaker at several student events, including orientation, the White Coat Ceremony and Convocation. He has also supported the work of the Medical Evaluation Response Initiative Team (MERIT) Program and other community initiatives of the College.
He’s also been a strong proponent of investment in medical research and education, actively supporting efforts that enable UICOMR to thrive as a premier institution for medical training and innovation. His leadership in advancing economic and workforce development initiatives has contributed to a thriving health care sector in Rockford, ensuring that students and graduates from UICOMR have opportunities to serve and grow within the community.