Please join us as we welcome Jane Lux, DeKalb representative, to the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board of Directors.

“I love DeKalb for the multifaceted diversity of people and the numerous organizations that help the community.”

Steve and Jane Lux

Jane grew up in Aurora and came to DeKalb to attend Northern Illinois University (NIU), earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing and public health. She met her husband Steve at NIU, and they made DeKalb home. They raised their two daughters here and established roots in the community over nearly fifty years.

“NIU is a major presence that celebrates the value of education and offers educational and fun opportunities for the community. The University and the proximity of agricultural and rural influences, with close-knit small communities, appeal to me.”

Jane retired from the DeKalb County Health Department after thirty-five years as a public health nurse and administrator. She loved her profession and the opportunity it provided to make a difference and positively impact people’s lives. In addition, it gave her the chance to work in a high-performing, quality local health department. Maternal and child health is a personal area of interest for Jane, particularly the ongoing challenge of health disparities.

Spending time with family has been a memorable focal point for Jane since retirement. In addition, she sees this as a time to nurture and deepen friendships and to give back to the community she loves. She currently serves as a community representative on the board of the Behavioral Health Foundation (serving Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center). She also participates in her congregation’s social action programs, including volunteering at Barb Food Mart and providing a monthly dinner for Hope Haven residents. In the past, she served on the board for the Kishwaukee Family YMCA and was on the leadership team of Live Healthy DeKalb County.

Jane helped form a committee to start the Mary Uscian Health Care Access Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation to honor the memory of a dear friend. The committee provides a grant to Hope Haven to assist those with uncovered medical expenses.

In addition to spending time with her young granddaughters, who fill her life with joy and wonder, Jane loves learning. She enjoys reading, music, and the arts. Jane sees herself as a “news nerd” and attempts to keep up with current world news. She also enjoys exercising at the YMCA and spending time outdoors in nature, particularly loving the beach.

“I am honored to have this opportunity to learn from others, including talented and skilled Board, staff, and community members. I look forward to participating in the Board’s mission to improve the quality of life for all. Additionally, I am honored to act on DeKalb’s unique strengths and challenges with the special assets I can contribute as a Community Foundation Board member.” – Jane Lux

The Community Foundation Board of Directors are selected to represent communities throughout DeKalb County. The Board sets policy, formulates strategic priorities, and determines the use of grantmaking and other Foundation resources. Because of the willingness of these able, effective individuals who donate their time and talents to the ultimate betterment of DeKalb County, the Foundation continues to grow to enhance the quality of life for its citizens.