HR0310 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0310 LRB097 11572 GRL 54566 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate and thank Dr. Alvin Goldfarb for the many years of service he has provided during his tenure at Western Illinois University; and

WHEREAS, Alvin Goldfarb was named President of Western Illinois University in March of 2002 by the Western Illinois University Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2002; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Goldfarb oversaw the creation of the Western Illinois University Strategic Plan: Higher Values in Higher Education, the WIU-Macomb Master Plan: Campus is the Classroom, and the WIU-Quad Cities Master Plan: Vision 2020, as well as the Technology Strategic Plan; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Goldfarb was instrumental in the creation of Western Illinois University's first doctoral program in education, as well as new programs in liberal arts and sciences, nursing, engineering, museum studies, forensic chemistry, and emergency management; and

WHEREAS, During Dr. Goldfarb's tenure at Western Illinois University, the first building of the Quad Cities Riverfront Campus, the Multicultural Center, Grote Hall, and the DPS building were built; in addition, a groundbreaking for the Performing Arts Center and numerous renovations took place, including Memorial Hall, the student side of Hanson Field, the Donald S. Spencer Recreation Center, the Wright House, the Union Bookstore, and the University Union entrance; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Goldfarb oversaw the successful beginning of the Capital Campaign: Set the Standard: Higher Values in Higher Education; and

WHEREAS, During Dr. Goldfarb's tenure, Western Illinois University received numerous accolades for its achievements, including those from The Princeton Review, U.S. News and World Report, GI Jobs, Carnegie Classification, the Presidential Honor Roll for Community Service, the Southern Regional Education Board, and the Educational Trust; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Goldfarb was instrumental in the creation of the First Year Experience Program and the expanded cost guarantee and received reaffirmation of accreditation from The North Central Association for Western Illinois University until 2021; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Goldfarb served in leadership roles in many organizations, including chairman of the Summit League Presidents Council, convener of the Illinois Public University Presidents and Chancellors Council, chairman of the Illinois Campus Compact, and member of the executive board of The Renaissance Group; he currently serves as a member of the State of Illinois Serve Illinois Commission; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Goldfarb provided noteworthy and exemplary cooperation, leadership, and contributions to the communities of Macomb and the Quad Cities during his tenure, including the formation of the Community University Partnership Program; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Goldfarb is a co-author of the textbooks "Living Theater: A History" and "Theater: The Lively Art", as well as numerous other scholarly writings; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Goldfarb provided outstanding service and brought pride to Western Illinois University, the WIU Board of Trustees, and the State of Illinois as a result of his visionary leadership and contributions to higher education; and

WHEREAS, On June 5, 2009, Dr. Goldfarb announced his retirement as President of Western Illinois University, effective June 29, 2011; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate and thank Dr. Alvin Goldfarb for the invaluable service he has provided during his nine-year tenure to the students, faculty, and staff of Western Illinois University and to the people of the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Alvin Goldfarb as a symbol of our esteem and respect.