Linda Mason served 26 years on the Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees and has dedicated many years of volunteer work to the local community. Kishwaukee College recognized Mason and her service with the John C. Roberts Community Service Award on Saturday, May 17, at Kish's Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony.
Established in 2009, the John C. Roberts Community Service Award recognizes the importance of community members in Kishwaukee College's success. Roberts served on the Kish Board of Trustees from 1971 to 1997 and invited Mason to serve the remainder of his term when he retired.
"I am very honored to receive this award. John Roberts is why I initially joined the Board of Trustees, and it was a wonderful experience. Education is critical, and Kish has made a big difference in our community," Mason said. "Volunteering is beneficial both ways. You help a cause, but you learn and gain so much. I feel I have."
In addition to past and present volunteer roles, Mason currently operates Mason Properties, a property management company she cofounded that serves the DeKalb and Sycamore communities. Geri-Dee Hayden, Trustee, presented the award to Mason at the ceremony.
"Mason's commitment to Kishwaukee College and the local community has helped create positive change for our community. John Roberts recognized her charitable nature and steadfast dedication when selecting Linda as his replacement, and she has continued those traits to great success, making her a deserving recipient of the 2025 John C. Roberts Community Service Award," Hayden said.
Mason served on Kish's Board from 1997 to 2023, working with four College presidents and helping guide Kish through multiple transformative eras. Advancements include transitioning to online learning, maintaining a strong financial outlook and major construction projects, including the Conference Center and Student Center. She initially served as the Illinois Community College Trustees Association representative and later served as the Board's Vice Chair for several years.
Outside of Kish, Mason has a long history of volunteer service in the area. She volunteered for the Kishwaukee Hospital Auxiliary for approximately 25 years, serving as president for several years while helping fundraise for local health care. Additionally, she was a board member on the Ben Gordon Center Foundation Board of Directors and the Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center Board of Trustees. In 2014, Mason was an organizing member of the 100+ Women Who Care DeKalb/Sycamore Area Chapter, which has raised more than $550,000 for DeKalb County charities and organizations. As a donor, she has made significant contributions to the Kishwaukee College Foundation, the KishHealth System and the Northern Illinois University Foundation.
Mason's dedication to improving the local community has profoundly impacted the Kishwaukee College district. Learn more about the John C. Roberts Community Service Award at kish.edu/johnroberts.