Editor's note: Individual photos posted below and available to download here.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Impactful projects making a positive difference in local communities did not go unnoticed at the 2025 University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Conference Sept. 4-5 in Springfield.
This year's annual conference marked 50 Years of the Master Gardener program’s mission of helping others learn to grow. The celebration featured hands-on workshops, a timeless garden and historical home tours, and a keynote session on designing gardens that appeal to all five senses in the garden. A panel discussion with former yet foundational extension staff highlighted the program's roots in communities and its continued growth through connection across Illinois.
"It's been five decades since this program's purposeful start and mission to help others learn to grow," said Candice Anderson, state Master Gardener specialist. “Over the years, this program has grown more than just plants; it has built strong relationships that continue to connect communities across Illinois."
Each year, the Master Gardener Awards recognize exceptional projects and volunteers who exemplify leadership, innovation, and community engagement. Nominations are submitted in three categories: Outstanding, Teamwork, and Sustained Excellence, and are reviewed by the state Master Gardener advisory committee, which evaluates and scores each submission based on established criteria.
This year's award recipients from DuPage, Kane, and Kendall counties were recognized for their contributions to the program and their support of fellow volunteers, as well as the shared commitment to improving neighbors' lives through gardening and education.
“These hard-working volunteers exemplify the leadership and character of Master Gardener excellence,” said Maddie Olivieri-Rangel, DuPage County Master Gardener program coordinator. “We are proud to have them as part of our amazing team, which serves our communities and helps fellow residents learn to grow in many ways.”
Local Master Gardeners earning a 2025 Illinois Master Gardener Outstanding Award include: Carol Burck of Hinsdale, Tom Kopacz of Oswego, Pat Miller of Westmont, and Suzanna Viravec of Huntley. In addition, Jan Gricus of Naperville received a 2025 Sustained Excellence Award.
Carol Burck of Hinsdale
Burck serves as team leader at Graue Mill, where she also teaches visitors about the importance of native plant choices and protecting pollinators. Last year, she was awarded a grant to install a new pollinator garden, which now features both beautiful plant placement and helpful educational signage. She is described as understanding, optimistic, and resilient, as well as a great leader and steward.
Tom Kopacz of Oswego
Kopacz began volunteering five years before officially becoming a Master Gardener, inspired by his wife Linda, a dedicated Master Gardener for more than 30 years. Since being certified in 2021, Kopacz took on several responsibilities including greenhouse caretaker, patio installation project leader, seed starting workshop co-leader, Help Desk volunteer, Kendall Rainfall Network and CoCoRaHS reporter, and new intern mentor. He also is dedicated to continuing education for himself and others.
Pat Miller of Westmont
Miller has been a Master Gardener for more than 20 years, providing leadership on a variety of projects including the 2024 cicada presentation series, the Westmont Giving Garden, and educational youth programs Herman the Worm and Monarch Magic. She is known as welcoming, passionate, and inspiring, and her vast knowledge and strong oratory skills make her an excellent teacher and leader.
Suzanna Viravec of Huntley
During COVID-19 at the DuPage County Care Center, Viravec created a virtual program called “Secrets from the Secret Garden” to connect with residents in isolation. She continues to host this engaging radio show-style program each winter. Her thoughtful, creative efforts at the Care Center and other projects across DuPage County enrich the lives of others.
Jan Gricus of Naperville
A seasoned Master Gardener who earned her own Outstanding Award in 2014, Gricus continues to be a strong leader. At the Naperville Giving Garden, her decade of leadership has increased food pantry donations to more than 1,000 pounds per year. She is described as kind, knowledgeable, and dedicated. In fact, most years, she volunteers at least 200 hours to local Master Gardener projects.
Learn more about the Master Gardener program in DuPage, Kane, and Kendall counties.
Fifty Years of Impact by Illinois Extension Master Gardeners: University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are celebrating 50 years of positive impact across Illinois in 2025. Master Gardeners enrich communities with their commitment to horticulture education and the art and science of growing. Over 2,000 active volunteers invest their time and talents cultivating collaborative gardens that feed and support healthy communities, foster hands-on learning, enhance neighborhood beauty, and support the environment. Help Master Gardeners grow.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.