HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 186-R-26 (1) (1)
09/14/2026
186-R-26
A RESOLUTION
Designating that Portion of Greenwood Street between Pitner Avenue
and Hartrey Avenue with the Honorary Street Name Sign,
“Denise R. Martin Way”
WHEREAS, Denise R. Martin is a lifelong Evanston resident whose
distinguished career in education and public service spans more than five (5) decades;
and
WHEREAS, as Principal and Assistant Superintendent of Evanston
Township High School (ETHS), Ms. Martin held senior leadership responsibility within
one of Evanston’s most important public institutions, and while at ETHS, Ms. Martin
created and led programs addressing academic achievement, student recognition,
equity, student welfare, community responsibility, and school preparedness; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Martin opened The Closet to provide needed items for
students; organized community soup-kitchen projects; established honor roll recognition
programs; helped establish Freshman and Sophomore Honor Societies; contributed to
ETHS disaster and emergency preparedness planning; and organized Thanksgiving
and Christmas food-box programs for families; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Martin’s commitment to Evanston extends beyond her
distinguished career in education, as she has strengthened the community through the
establishment of the Joe “Butch” Martin Fund at the Evanston Community Foundation,
which created the REAL M.M.E.N. Awards to recognize men making lasting
contributions to the Evanston community and which provides financial support to local
nonprofit organizations and community initiatives; and
Page 1 of 3
186-R-26
WHEREAS, Ms. Martin’s leadership extends deep into the broader
Evanston community, as she served as President of the Evanston Rotary Club from
2008 to 2009; worked with the United Way, Evanston Historical Society, and the
Evanston Foundation Fund; served on the YMCA Advisory Board from 2015 to 2026;
and served on the Evanston Community Foundation Grant Committee; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Martin has been recognized through the ETHS
Distinguished Alumna Award in 2008, the Leadership Evanston Public Service Honor in
2024, the Illinois State Board of Education Those Who Excel Merit Award, as well as
recognition from the NAACP, Chessmen, YWCA Women on the Move, Family Focus
Those Who Make A Difference, Second Baptist Church, and other educational, civic,
and community organizations; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Martin remains a pillar of the community to this day.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT:
SECTION 1: The foregoing recitals are hereby found as fact and
incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2: On behalf of the entire citizenry of the City of Evanston, the
City Council hereby expresses appreciation for Denise R. Martin by designating that
portion of Greenwood Street between Pitner Avenue and Hartrey Avenue with the
Honorary Street Name Sign, “Denise R. Martin Way.”
SECTION 3: This Resolution 186-R-26 will be in full force and effect from
and after the date of its passage and approval in the manner provided by law.
Page 2 of 3
186-R-26
_______________________________
Daniel Biss, Mayor
Attest:
______________________________
Stephanie Mendoza, City Clerk
Adopted: __________________, 2026
Approved as to form:
_______________________________
Alexandra B. Ruggie, Corporation Counsel
Page 3 of 3
September 14