D
r. Jasti Rao, a world leader in cancer
research who is based in Peoria, is the
winner of the first The Peorian of the
Year Award.
The award was established by AdCo as a way
to honor a person in the Greater Peoria com-
munity who has, through work or avocation
or both, has contributed to the present and the
future of the area.
Rao, a Ph.D. and native of India, has been rec-
ognized around the world for his research into
cancer, including in the decade he has been at
UICOMP. He and his team of researchers have
patented a process that, in a nutshell, inhibits
the growth of tumors and kills cancer cells. It is
still awaiting clinical trials.
Rao was the key figure in bringing to UI-
COMP the new Cancer Research Center on the
college campus, something that would have
been unlikely if not for the work he has done.
Other finalists for the inaugural The Peorian
of the Year Award were Glen Barton, retired
chairman of Caterpillar Inc. and founder of the
Quest Charter Academy; Carl Cannon, founder
of the ELITE Peoria program; Jim McCo-
noughey, former president of the Heartland
Partnership, and Bonnie Noble, executive direc-
tor of the Peoria Park District.
The finalists were chosen by a committee
of officials of AdCo, The Peorian and award
co-sponsor Par-A-Dice Hotel. The winner was
chosen by a vote of readers of The Peorian and
visitors to
DR. JASTI RAO IS THE
PEORIAN OF THE YEAR
DR. JASTI RAO, HEAD OF CANCER RESEARCH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AT PEORIA,
RECEIVES THE INAUGURAL THE PEORIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD PRESENTED BY THE PEORIAN AND ADCO AGENCY.
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