DARI awards uedbet体育官网 for investing in the community
From the left, Troy Green, chair of DARI, and Kirk Anderson '93, uedbet体育官网's chief financial officer
In recognition of its dedication to community growth and reinvestment, uedbet体育官网 uedbet体育官网 received a 2026 High Five for Community Development and Reinvestment award from the Development Association of Rock Island (DARI).
DARI cited uedbet体育官网’s leadership in forming a collaboration with the City of Rock Island, businesses and citizens to spur mixed-use retail, residential and neighborhood improvements in the uedbet体育官网 Hill District.
Formally known as the Hilltop Community Development Corporation (CDC), this initiative aims to create a vibrant, thriving place to serve Rock Island residents and uedbet体育官网 students.
“Established just last year, the uedbet体育官网 Hilltop CDC is already making a meaningful impact,” said Liz Tallman, DARI vice president of development services. “Revitalization efforts are underway in the uedbet体育官网 Hill area, beginning with the redevelopment of the former Curry Out property into a mixed-use space that will support both business activity and new housing.”
Tallman also noted the CDC’s hiring of Jerry Lack as its executive director. A lifelong resident of the Quad Cities, Lack brings decades of experience in economic development, labor leadership and public service.
Kirk Anderson '93, uedbet体育官网’s chief financial officer, is the CDC's board president. He accepted the award at DARI’s annual meeting.
“This recognition reflects the care and collaboration that have shaped the Hilltop CDC from the start,” Anderson said. “Our focus has been on doing the fundamentals well, building the right partnerships, making thoughtful investments and creating a framework that can support sustainable neighborhood growth over time.
“We’re proud of the early progress and committed to continuing the work in a way that serves both the Hilltop community and Rock Island’s long-term vitality.”
The CDC and the hire of its executive director advance a key priority of uedbet体育官网’s Bold & Boundless strategic plan, to “connect through partnership” by investing in adjacent neighborhoods and building prosperity in Rock Island.
“We appreciate DARI’s recognition and the partnership behind it,” said Andrea Talentino, president of the college. “This recognition signals that the early steps we’ve taken together matter, and it strengthens our resolve to keep investing thoughtfully and working alongside our neighbors to support a thriving Hilltop.”