HR0820 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0820 LRB099 14848 MST 39020 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives with to congratulate Richard F. "Dick" Wilson on the occasion of his retirement as President of Illinois Wesleyan University; and

WHEREAS, Dick Wilson will retire as the 18th President of Illinois Wesleyan University after serving for 11 years; and

WHEREAS, Dick Wilson has strengthened the University's financial health over the course of a very challenging decade for higher education through strong fiscal management and the successful completion of the Transforming Lives fundraising campaign, which raised $141 million, surpassing its $125 million goal; and

WHEREAS, Dick Wilson has strengthened the University's facilities with the construction of State Farm Hall, Kemp Commencement Plaza, the Minor Myers, Jr. Welcome Center, the Joslin Atrium, the Joyce Eichhorn Ames School of Art Rotunda, the Gates at Wesleyan, and the Shirk Center fitness center addition and the installation of artificial turf at Tucci Stadium; and

WHEREAS, Dick Wilson has guided the University through 2 strategic planning efforts, resulting in numerous initiatives, including increased attention to the assessment of student learning in academic programs, the expansion of efforts related to community engagement, global awareness, social justice, and growth in domestic and international student diversity; and

WHEREAS, Dick Wilson has been a leader serving numerous local, State, and national organizations, including the McLean County Economic Development Council, the American Red Cross of the Heartland, the McLean County Historical Society, the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities, the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin, the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Council of Presidents, and the American Council on Education, Office for Women in Higher Education; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Richard F. "Dick" Wilson on his retirement as President of Illinois Wesleyan University and we wish him the best in all his future endeavors; and be it further

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