God and Fellow Man Award

Aurora, Ill., May 28, 2026   — The Kiwanis Club of Aurora is proud to announce that Fannie Morrison and the Rev. Charles Reichenbacher have been named two recipients of the 2026 God & Fellow Man Award. 
 
Fannie Morrison:
Born and raised in Louisiana, Fannie Morrison graduated from Southern University with a Bachelor’s in Dietology. Morrison then attained a master’s degree in Food Management from the University of Iowa. Shortly afterward, she moved to Aurora, where she worked at St. Charles Hospital, the Geneva Girls School, and the St. Charles Juvenile Detention Center before becoming a consultant for the Illinois Department of Corrections.
She became the first woman supervisor in an all-male work environment, stepping up to the challenge by revamping operations and helping make the facilities healthier and safer for everyone within them.
Her volunteer efforts have touched countless lives. She has read to children at Nancy Hill School, served meals at Wayside Cross Ministries and Hesed House, and taught Bible classes at the Fox Valley Adult Transition Center. For more than 30 years, she has volunteered at Mutual Ground in many capacities and is especially known for “Miss Fanny’s Yard Sale,” which raises more than $3,000 annually for the shelter.
At the age of 87, she continues to serve others unconditionally. As many who know her would say, “Everything she does is a service to God,” and so many are deeply    grateful for her compassion, dedication, and example.
 
The Rev. Charles Reichenbacher:
The Rev. Charles Reichenbacher of Marmion Academy has devoted more than 60 years to monastic life, faithfully serving the youth of Marmion Academy and the parishes of the Fox Valley. For over four decades, Reichenbacher has been instrumental in the advancement of Marmion Academy’s facilities, the growth of its student body, and the strengthening of alumni relationships. He currently serves as Director of Development for the campus, sports complexes, Abbey Church, and the Mission Church in Guatemala.
In his role, this Catholic leader has excelled at helping individuals leave legacies that reflect their deepest values: faith, family, and service to the community. Through his generosity, leadership, and dedication, his efforts have touched thousands of lives.
The Kiwanis award chairperson Kim Groom shares from others, “Outside of Marmion, both young and old witness his deep spirituality and the quiet humility of a man who brings joy, hope, and comfort during times of celebration and times of hardship. Father Charles is a true testament to someone who lives the Golden Rule each and every day."
What is the God & Fellow Man Award?

Our club honors a community member(s) for his/her/their spiritual and charitable contributions.  Nominees' qualifications to be considered:
 

  • Encourages the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships

  • Serves as a role model for the community: While a role model carries qualities of leadership, an individual can serve as a role model for a small or significant part of their community without leading it.

  • Helps improve the lives of children in our community: May have created a special project (small or large-scale effort). Efforts are carried out with dedication and enthusiasm to address community needs

  • Shows tremendous leadership skills: Makes a positive impact on children in the community through volunteer efforts or charitable work

 
Nomination Form for 2027 God & Fellow Man Award in January 2027
 
 
Past Award Recipients: 
 
The 1970s
1975    Father Sylvester J. Eye
1976    Major Eric Britcher
1977    Patricia Miller
1978    Rev, Edwin Millen & Rev, W. David Diercks
1979    Caroly Alschuler
 
The 1980's
1980    J. Keith Gibson
1981    Don & Dee Anderson
1982    Arthur D. Court
1983    Rev. Paul Johannaber
1984    Dr. Harry Greely
1985    Ruth Dieterich Wagner
1986    Sister Mary Loretta
1987    Neal & Margery Ormond
1988    C.W. "Champ" Boutwell
1989    Father Jerome Leake
 
The 1990's
1990    John Galles
1991    Donald E. Nelson
1992    William E. Kettley
1993    Lorraine Hawkins
1994    Kenneth Swanson
1995    Norm Titiner
1996    William "Bud" Meyer
1997    Stephen J. Andras
1998    Barbara Wesby          
1999    Marie Wilkinson
 
The 2000's
2000    William M Healy
2001    Frank Voris 
2002    George and Rita Smith 
2003    Henry Cowherd, Jr. 
2004    Avis P. Miller
2005    John F. McKee
2006    Sister Marcian Diesenroth
2007    Fr. David Engbarth & Pastor Dan Haas
2008    Gary McCann
2009    Sr. Kathleen Ryan, Sr. Ann Clennon, Sr., Jane Ann Beckman
2010    Nancy Hopp 
2011    Gary Ahasic
2012    Neal & Mary Clark Ormond
2013    Drs. David & Susan Leader
2014    Deacon Bruce Watermann
2015    Laura Martinez
2016    Kiwanis Club of Aurora
2017    Desiree Guzman
2018    Dennis Wiggins
2019    Jo Fredell Higgins
2020    No award - COVID-19
2021    Dick & Arlene Hawks
2022    No award
2023    Michelle Meyer
2024    No award
2025    Kim Groom
2026    Fannie Morrison, Fr. Charles Reichenbacher
 
Congratulations to all of the Kiwanis Club of Aurora distinguished award winners!!!