HJ0113 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0113 LRB101 20580 MST 70205 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Northern Illinois University's (NIU) live mascot, Mission, is an essential member of the NIU community; he assumed the role of the school's official mascot in 2013, and since then, he has embodied the spirit of the school; he has a multitude of accomplishments, ranging from being a best in show winner to his duties at NIU; and

WHEREAS, Mission has a variety of titles and achievements outside of being a mascot, which is a testament to his breed and training; his titles include Canine Good Citizen and Rally Novice by the American Kennel Club, and he successfully passed the Socialized Pet Obedience Test offered by the United Kennel Club; he is a three-time Best in Show winner, and comments on his performances note that he is a breath of fresh air, mainly because he defies the stereotype of stubbornness that is associated with his breed; and

WHEREAS, Mission is a certified support animal, a therapy dog, and a member of Helping Paws at Kishwaukee Hospital; he also makes visits to nursing homes; and

WHEREAS, Along with many significant accomplishments outside of NIU, Mission has many accomplishments with NIU; every Monday, he visits various buildings and colleges around campus while connecting with the students, faculty, and staff; he has helped NIU's marching band by attending their Red & Black Fall Classic and other events; he supports the NIU athletic community and attends many sporting events and travels with the NIU football team; he has been to both Nashville and the MAC Championships; and

WHEREAS, Mission continues to break new barriers at NIU; other animals do not have access to specific buildings at NIU, but Mission does because he is well-behaved; he has even been able to have access to NIU's Pick Museum of Anthropology; and

WHEREAS, Mission plays a vital role in NIU's ROTC program; a program called "Mission Support" allows cadets to accompany him to his appearances and show huskie pride around the school; within this program, Mission is decorated with the rank of colonel; and

WHEREAS, Mission is a significant part of NIU's identity and an iconic representation of the school and its values; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we urge that Mission be recognized as an honorary service animal by the Secretary of State and be eligible for entrance into the Illinois Capitol Building on Northern Illinois University's annual Advocacy Day; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Secretary of State.