Preview
Award Date
2012
Award Description
Beth is the first female Chief Judge in McLean County. She leads by example, taking on issues that are most critical to shaping the future of her community. She recently pioneered efforts to obtain a $1.2 million federal grant for the Adult Treatment Court Collaborative, to enhance services provided by the Drug and Mental Health Courts in McLean County. She serves on the Supreme Court Special Advisory Committee on Criminal Justice and Mental Health, which is working on statewide issues affecting persons with mental disorders who are involved in the criminal justice system. In addition, Beth established a committee to develop the McLean County Bar Association’s Principles of Professionalism — a code of conduct for lawyers and judges. Remaining loyal to Illinois Wesleyan in many ways, Beth has provided internship and mock trial opportunities for current IWU students for more than 20 years, and has supervised more than 30 IWU students during that time. She has actively participated in the education and professional development of these younger generations, whether molding the career path of an intern or listening to pre-trial motions. Previously, Beth has been recognized in Bloomington-Normal among WEEK-TV 25 Women in Leadership, as the United Way Volunteer of the Year, while serving as President of the Board of Catholic Social Services, and received the YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Professions. Beth and her husband Alan Sender have two daughters, Jessica and Molly.