The Mike Kroll Community Leadership Award honors individuals whose vision, service, and dedication make Galesburg a stronger, more vibrant community. Established by the Galesburg Public Library Foundation, the award recognizes leaders who embody the spirit and values of Mike Kroll, an outspoken civic advocate, committed volunteer, and passionate supporter of the public library.
About Mike Kroll (1957–2012)
Mike Kroll believed deeply in community, its potential, its people, and its future. A passionate and civic-minded voice in Galesburg, he devoted his life to engaging others in meaningful conversations, encouraging active participation, and pushing for positive change.
A lifelong learner and technology enthusiast, Mike ran his own computer repair business and was a major contributor to the independent newspaper The Zephyr. He was a familiar presence at city council meetings, where his thoughtful perspectives helped shape local discussions.
As an avid supporter of the Galesburg Public Library, Mike served on the Library Board and chaired the committee working toward building a new library. His leadership and advocacy also played a key role in establishing the Galesburg Public Library Foundation, ensuring that the library would continue to grow, evolve, and serve the community for generations.
Award Purpose
Created in Mike’s memory, the Mike Kroll Community Leadership Award celebrates individuals who:
- Demonstrate a clear vision for a better Galesburg
- Serve the community with conviction, courage, and generosity
- Inspire others to engage, lead, and improve the world around them
Recipients reflect the very qualities that defined Mike’s life: integrity, curiosity, active citizenship, and a steadfast belief in the power of community and public institutions, especially the library, to transform lives.
2024 Honorees: Pam Van Kirk & Harriett Zipfel
For visionary leadership in securing a new public library for Galesburg
Pam Van Kirk and Harriett Zipfel are the 2024 recipients of the Mike Kroll Community Service Award in recognition of their instrumental roles in making the new Galesburg Public Library a reality.
Pam served as Library Director from 1998 to 2011, guiding the library into the 21st century by expanding digital access, conducting essential community needs assessments, and championing the vision for a new facility. Known for her bold advocacy and inspiring leadership, Pam helped establish the Galesburg Public Library Foundation and served as president of the Illinois Library Association. She was named an Illinois Library Luminary in 2017.
Harriett Zipfel succeeded Pam as Library Director from 2011 to 2017 and led the library through the critical early stages of the building project. Thanks to her grant-writing expertise and attention to detail, the library secured a transformative $15.3 million Public Library Construction Act Grant from the State of Illinois. Under her direction, FEH Design was selected as the architecture firm, and the roadmap for the new facility was developed.
Together, Pam and Harriett laid the foundation, both literally and figuratively, for a new era of library service in Galesburg. Their shared commitment, perseverance, and belief in the power of public libraries continue to benefit our community for generations to come.
Past honorees include:
2019 - Peter Schwartzman, Professor of Environmental Studies at Knox College, recognized for his work on renewable energy and urban agriculture initiatives, leadership with the Galesburg Farmers’ Market Association and Growing Together, involvement with the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, founding of the Knox Prairie Community Kitchen, and service as Galesburg’s Fifth Ward alderman.
2018 - Devone Eurales, Associate Director of Admissions at Knox College, celebrated for his leadership as President of the NAACP, involvement with the Streaks Dads and Moms mentorship program, and commitment to the Full Gospel Church—dedicated to making Galesburg a safer, smarter, and stronger community.
2017 - Mona Tourlentes, honored for founding the FISH Food Pantry, the Rootabaga Jazz Festival, and the Rootabaga Jammers. She also received the Studs Terkel Award from the Illinois Humanities Council in 2004.
2016 - Naomi Law, recognized for her service as a library trustee, past president of the GPL Foundation, and her volunteer work with the city's Fire and Police Commission and other local organizations.
2012 - The Library Board of Trustees, honored for their ongoing dedication to the library’s mission.
