Evanston in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

PolioPlus

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 25, 2025

1. PolioPlus Marker

Inscription. PolioPlus is the vision of a world free from poliomyelitis, a disease feared for centuries. in 1985, the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International mounted two efforts -- a fund-raising campaign to provide large quantities of vaccine, and an immunization program to deliver the vaccine to children around the world. Both efforts achieved unparalleled success: The campaign raised twice the initial goal of U.S. $120 million, and the immunization effort brought praise and support from health authorities worldwide. This statue symbolizes the commitment of countless Rotarians who are making their vision a reality and the world a healthier place for millions of children.

Erected 1991 by Rotary International.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1985.

Location. 42° 2.772′ N, 87° 40.923′ W. Marker is in Evanston, Illinois, in Cook County. It is on Sherman Avenue north of Grove Street, on the left when

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traveling south. The marker is next to the statue, which is near the northeast corner of the Rotary International world headquarters. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1560 Sherman Avenue, Evanston IL 60201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Chandler's Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Fountain Square Veterans Memorial Wall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The First House of Worship in Evanston (approx. 0.2 miles away); Northwestern University's First Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Methodist Church of Evanston (approx. ¼ mile away); Frances E. Willard (1839-1898) / Woman's Christian Temperance Union

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 25, 2025

2. PolioPlus

(approx. ¼ mile away); Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity (approx. 0.4 miles away); Evanston War Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Evanston.

Regarding PolioPlus. The 1991 statue was designed by Glenna Maxey Goodacre, a sculptor whose best-known works include the Vietnam Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the design of the front of the Sacagawea dollar coin. She died in 2020. PolioPlus is the name of Rotary International's program to eradicate polio.

Also see . . .
1. To ‘the children of the world’: Glenna Goodacre’s sculpture celebrates Rotary’s battle against polio. A 2022 article by the Evanston Round Table.

Excerpt: "Rotary, a worldwide service organization, is justifiably proud of its great accomplishment in reducing global polio cases by 99.9% through its worldwide support of the poliomyelitis vaccine and partner programs in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The program was launched in 1985 and, at present, Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries where 'wild' polio remains endemic."

(Submitted on May 27, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. Rotary International: The plus in PolioPlus.

PolioPlus marker and sculpture image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 25, 2025

3. PolioPlus marker and sculpture

The marker is in front of One Rotary Center, the world headquarters for Rotary International.

Excerpt: "When we talk about PolioPlus, we know we are eradicating polio, but do we realize how many added benefits the program brings? The 'plus' is something else that is provided as a part of the polio eradication campaign. It might be a hand-operated tricycle or access to water. It might be additional medical treatment, bed nets, or soap. A 2010 study estimates that vitamin A drops given to children at the same time as the polio vaccine have prevented 1.25 million deaths by decreasing susceptibility to infectious diseases."

(Submitted on May 27, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 109 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 27, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.