Rachel Gustafson named South Rock Island Township Resident of the Year

Rachel Gustafson, admissions senior associate director at Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø, was named the South Rock Island Township Resident of the Year on April 9 for her commitment to serving youth in Rock Island. 

The township recognized Gustafson, a 30+ year resident of Rock Island, for dedicating her time to help college students navigate their college admissions paths and make college attendance a reality for many.

Township Supervisor Grace Shirk said the township loves what Gustafson is doing for Rock Island students and for Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø. Shirk said Gustafson¡¯s nomination was submitted anonymously, and it stood out among the rest for highlighting her commitment to serving young people in the Quad-Cities.

¡°It¡¯s nice to know they have people like Rachel to guide them and give them the help they need,¡± Shirk said. ¡°I think we¡¯re so very lucky to have Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø in our community, and I just think they¡¯re a tremendous asset.¡±

Shirk, a 1979 Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø graduate who also earned her teaching certificate from Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø in 1989, said she loves Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø and she encourages everyone considering college to put the college on their list.

¡°I love that Rachel is working with our youth and promoting another treasure in our city," she said.

The South Rock Island Township newsletter recognized Gustafson¡¯s contributions to a variety of organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She also serves on the Rock Island Milan Foundation Board and the Superintendent¡¯s Communication Council.

Gustafson, a 1992 Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø graduate, said she was humbled and honored by this award.

¡°South Rock Island Township does incredible work to support our neighbors and our community,¡± she said. ¡°I appreciate the opportunity every day to work with my colleagues at Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø to help Rock Island students overcome obstacles, and continue their educational journey. I have met so many amazing students from South Rock Island Township, and am inspired by them. I am proud to be a resident of the township and grateful for this community.¡±

Gustafson was joined by her family, husband Bill and daughter Claire, at the award ceremony.