U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, presents a Water Award he received for his work promoting safe drinking water and sanitation in advancing former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon’s legacy to Linda Baker, left, interim director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and Simon’s daughter, Sheila Simon. (Photo provided)
August 31, 2026
Sen. Durbin joins Simon Institute for open house, water award presentation
More than 50 friends and supporters gathered at SIU Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on Aug. 28 for an open house featuring an appearance by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, recipient of a Water Award recognizing his work efforts addressing global water and sanitation issues, which Durbin says is tribute to the legacy of former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon.
Durbin presented the award he received to the institute. Former Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon, Paul Simon’s daughter, accepted the award on the institute’s behalf along with Linda Baker, interim institute director.
“My mentor Paul Simon was ahead of his time on so many issues,” said Durbin, the U.S. Senate Democratic Whip. “One of those issues was the importance of clean water and sanitation for the world’s poor. He understood that to avoid conflict between some nations, to keep a girl in school, to reduce infant mortality — you had to look at the issue of water.
“Paul’s vision helped eliminate waterborne diseases and provided clean and sustainable drinking water to underserved communities. This is Paul’s legacy: the creator of programs that improved and saved the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. When I recently received an award for furthering Paul’s vision, I thought it would be fitting to share it with the Simon family and Simon Institute, so I am delighted to see it housed here today.”
Patti Simon, Paul Simon’s widow, said the institute’s acceptance of the award represents an important continuation of her late husband’s work.
“It is such an honor for the Institute to be entrusted with this award that honors Senator Durbin’s dedication and success in promoting the issue of water, an issue Paul championed and wrote about in his book, ‘Tapped Out’,” Patti Simon said. “In ‘Tapped Out,’ Paul called for someone with courage and leadership skills to take on the task of making water part of our foreign policy. Senator Durbin heeded that call and made Paul’s dream come true. Seventy-six million people gained first-time access to safe, sustainable water, and 59 million people have access to sustainable sanitation — and we’re still counting. Paul would be immensely pleased.”
Baker said the institute was honored to receive the award and preserve an important part of Paul Simon’s legacy.
“Paul Simon understood that access to clean water and sanitation was not simply a humanitarian concern, but an issue deeply connected to peace, health, education and human dignity,” Baker said. “We are honored to house this award at the institute and grateful to Senator Durbin for continuing Senator Simon’s work and helping carry his vision forward. Having this award here serves as a powerful reminder of the impact public service can have when leaders are willing to take on some of the world’s most difficult challenges.”
The open house also provided an opportunity for guests to connect with institute staff and friends while welcoming Baker in her role as interim director. The open house was the first in a series of events planned for the institute this fall, which includes a visit from former Illinois congressman Adam Kinzinger on Sept. 15.