Bradley Instructor Awarded for Her Volunteerism in the Community

09/16/2021 1:00 AM

Heather Ford, lead instructor in the Department of Interactive Media and head of the user experience design program at Bradley University, is an active volunteer in our local community, often working countless hours without fanfare to help others. Her efforts are now being recognized by the Heart of Illinois United Way (HOIUW) through the organization’s Hoot Gibson award. The annual award is presented in memory of Horace “Hoot” Gibson, who pursued his goals in a quiet, determined manner, caring little if others knew of his accomplishments.

Ford has devoted much of her time and energy to Home For All, the HOIUW’s continuum of care for homelessness. She helped with the program’s rebrand by leading strategy, developing a logo, overhauling the website to make it more user-friendly, contributing to the development of HOWIE, and creating countless art installations throughout the community.

“Heather seems to find more than 24 hours in each day,” said President of the HOIUW Jennifer Zammuto. “She gives back so much, not only to the United Way but to other non-profits as well. She has changed more lives than we can count, in multiple ways, and she is humble and never expects recognition, making her the perfect candidate for the Hoot Gibson award.”

Photos provided by Scott Cavanah and Heather Ford.