HR0892 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0892 LRB098 20499 MST 56550 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize Julius W. Hegeler II for his contributions to the community and congratulate him on his induction into the Vermilion Advantage Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Julius Hegeler II graduated from Millikin University in 1950 with a degree in Business Administration; he served his country in the United States Air Force as a jet fighter pilot during the Korean War, flying 70 missions without ever getting a scratch; he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, an Air Medal, and an Oak Leaf Cluster; and

WHEREAS, Following the war, Julius Hegeler II returned, and along with his 3 brothers, started Peterson Filing and Packaging, later known as Peterson/Puritan, and it became the world's largest contract packager of chemical specialties; and

WHEREAS, Julius Hegeler II decided a long time ago to return the good fortune he has received by giving back to his community; he gives to his alma maters, Millikin University and Culver Academy, but his heart is with the people of Danville and Vermilion County; he is always searching for projects to help the community; he has served numerous terms on the Danville Area Community College Foundation Board and he is a major donor for Presence United Samaritans Medical Center, its foundation and outreach programs, and he was the original donor who made the popular Polar Express event at the Festival of Trees possible; and

WHEREAS, In 1992, the Julius W. Hegeler II Foundation was started to focus on organizations that are philanthropic, research-oriented, and educational in nature; the Foundation has given millions of dollars to help Vermilion County; it has helped build 3 Ambucs Playgrounds for Everyone, given to Presence United Samaritans Medical Center to fund Cancer Center renovations and create a Women's Healthcare Center, donated money to ensure the Danville District 118 Foundation can support students and teachers into the future through special projects, and has given generously to help the Danville Area Community College reach new heights in campus renovations, including a marble bench dedicated to long time liberal arts instructor Mary Coffman, the Garden Gateway entrance to the college, the new greenhouse, and the new Technology Center, which was named after Julius; and

WHEREAS, Julius Hegeler II has supported the Danville Symphony, the United Way, the Vermilion County War Museum, and many other organizations across Vermilion County, and he has opened his Vermilion Street mansion to welcome home Vermilion County stars to raise funds for the Fisher Theater renovation, and to raise funds for the American Diabetes Association; he has touched thousands of lives and most people will never know as he does not do it for the recognition; and

WHEREAS, Julius Hegeler II will be inducted into the Vermilion Advantage Hall of Fame on March 16, 2014; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Julius W. Hegeler II for his contributions to the community and congratulate him on his induction into the Vermilion Advantage Hall of Fame; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Julius Hegeler II as an expression of our esteem and respect.