Park District Director Awarded Western Illinois University’s Jim Berousek Distinguished Alumnus Award
Western Illinois University alumna and Macomb Park District Executive Director Rachel Lenz has been named the 2022 recipient of the Jim Berousek Distinguished Alumnus Award through the University’s Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA).
The award is given in honor of Berousek, who is a 1974 WIU graduate, with a degree in Park and Recreation Administration. He worked in the Wood Dale Park District and dedicated his career to making the small district into a larger, more effective and impactful agency, focused on serving the community. Berousek passed away suddenly in 1989, just short of his 38th birthday. The Berousek Distinguished Alumnus Award keeps his legacy alive by recognizing, annually, a WIU alumnus who exemplifies his traits, dedication and service to the University, community and profession.
Pictured with Lenz (center) are two RPTA alumni, who are previous Berousek Award recipients, who presented her with the award: Jackie Gonzalez, aquatic manager, Naperville Park District (left) and Scott Crowe, executive director, Huntley Park District (right).
Lenz graduated from Western Illinois University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration, with an emphasis in Recreation Therapy. She received her master’s degree from Western in RPTA in 2012. In addition to her two degrees, Lenz has earned Certified Park and Recreation Professional and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credentials.
“I am honored to receive this award and to be part of this distinguished group of alumni from the RPTA department,” said Lenz. “Macomb has been, and continues to be, an amazing community I get the opportunity to serve. I am so grateful for the extraordinary team I get to work alongside of, the quality program [RPTA] I get to continue to be a part of, and the wonderful faculty that continue to help me as I continue to learn and grow as a professional.”
After working as a graduate assistant running the Special Recreation Association and Special Olympics for with the Macomb Park District in 2010, Lenz moved up in the agency and became the executive director in 2017. As executive director, she has created events for the community, rebranded the park district, led its marketing and fundraising campaigns and worked with the community in a variety of ways. She helps lead the McDonough County CEO board, serves on the Quality of Life committee, is a member of the Macomb Rotary, serves on the RPTA Department Advisory Board, and is an ambassador for the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce.
Lenz was recognized as the Marquis Emerging Leader for contributions and achievements in the field of public parks and recreation in 2020, the 2018 Business Leader of the Year from the Macomb Chamber of Commerce and the 2017 Graduate of the Last Decade – Graduate Award by WIU’s RPTA Department.
In December 2021, Lenz was elected to the IPARKS Board of Directors. IPARKS is a local government risk-sharing pool comprised solely of park, recreation and conservation districts, river conservancy districts, forest preserves and special recreation agencies throughout the state of Illinois.
The Jim Berousek Distinguished Alumnus Award Committee shared that Lenz has shown her support for Macomb’s mental, physical, and spiritual health with the current Patton Park Initiative.
“This initiative will encourage both youth and adults to engage in the outdoors, facilitate opportunities for families to create memories and advocate for a healthy lifestyle through the development and beautification of a local park that needs revitalization,” the committee noted. “She has also advocated on behalf of the department and WIU by offering internships, assistantships and experiential learning opportunities for students from all majors.”
For more information about WIU’s RPTA department, visit wiu.edu/RPTA.
