Applications are open for a new public service scholarship program for current Moline High School seniors created in honor of the late community and political leader Porter McNeil.
Mr. McNeil was a lifelong Moline resident, devoted public servant, and advocate for civic engagement and the Quad Cities region. His service to the nation, the state and the city he called home was so extensive, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a proclamation calling him “Mr. Moline” following his untimely Sept. 12, 2025 death. He was 65.
The Porter McNeil Public Service Foundation was founded by his wife Mary McNeil, brother Doug McNeil, son Jack McNeil and daughter-in-law Kamelotte Gregory. It began accepting student applications on Wednesday, Jan. 14.
“You won’t find a bigger advocate for Moline than my dad. He bled Maroon. He also never gave up on the idea that public service can be virtuous,” Jack McNeil, foundation president, said.
“Despite the cynical state of our civic life, he simply never lost his belief in the power of persuasion, working together, and public service as a tool to serve the public good. He would be over the moon to see this scholarship launch today.”
In its inaugural year, the foundation will award two $2,500 scholarships to graduating MHS students planning to enroll in a college, university, trade school, or post-secondary training program.
Applicants from all backgrounds who share Mr. McNeil’s belief in leading with purpose, giving back, and serving their communities are encouraged to apply, the foundation said.
Other requirements include:
- Be a current MHS senior planning to pursue a degree in public service, education, or social impact field.
- Hold a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to community engagement or volunteer service.
Lifetime of service
Mr. McNeil was a 1978 graduate of Moline High School, where he was an award-winning swimmer. Competitive swimming remained a passion throughout his life.
Politics and public service were his lifelong vocation that began at an early age.
After he received his bachelor’s degree from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, Mr. McNeil earned his master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the former Sangamon State University, now the University of Illinois at Springfield.
Throughout his career, he worked in the Illinois Statehouse, served on the Moline City Council and the Rock Island County Board, and was a trusted political consultant. The host of campaigns he worked on have ranged from school bond referendums to local, state and national races.
The latter included serving as Illinois communications director for the Kerry-Edwards Presidential Campaign in 2004 and as a communications consultant to the Democratic Party of Illinois in 2024. He helped introduce future President Barack Obama to the Quad Cities.
Mr. McNeil also was a respected political commentator. For example, he appeared on WHBF-TV’s political talk show, “4 the Record”, 70 times since 2016.
One of his last major legislative pushes was for public transit investments in the Quad Cities for passenger rail.
Mr. McNeil also mentored young people and promoted economic development in the region. That included the Western Illinois University Quad Cities Riverfront campus. He also inspired others to see public service as a noble calling, the foundation added.
The Porter McNeil Public Service Foundation is a 501(c)(3) so donations are tax deductible.
For more information email: [email protected] or follow them on Facebook.
