SR0671 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0671 LRB104 21122 RMO 35389 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to congratulate Dr. Lawrence Van Oyen, professor of music at North Central College in Naperville, on the occasion of his retirement following a distinguished career dedicated to music education, performance, and community service; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Van Oyen is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he dedicated himself to music education before teaching for three years in the Michigan public schools, completing his master's degree, and serving as the director of bands and instructor of saxophone at Peru State College in Nebraska; and

WHEREAS, Since 1992, Dr. Van Oyen has served as professor of music, director of bands, and instructor of saxophone at North Central College, where for over three decades he has shaped the musical lives of countless students, instilling in them technical skill, artistic discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the power of music; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Van Oyen's profound impact as a teacher and mentor has been recognized by North Central College through the Dissinger Award for distinguished teaching and leadership, which he has received twice, and his colleagues and students alike know him as someone who takes the time to establish a personal connection with every student, whose door is always open, and who cares deeply for the well-being of those around him; and

WHEREAS, The North Central College Concert Winds has developed a widely recognized reputation for its technical precision and exceptional musicianship under Dr. Van Oyen's leadership, and he has fostered a culture of genuineness and kindness that is deeply embedded in the band program and will remain as a lasting part of his legacy; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Van Oyen is an accomplished performer, having won the Eastern Michigan Concerto contest and served as the principal alto saxophonist on the recording Sea Drift: Wind Music of Anthony Iannaccone on the Albany label, and he is a highly sought-after saxophone soloist, clinician, adjudicator, and private instructor throughout the Midwest; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Van Oyen has pursued innovative interdisciplinary work at North Central College, collaborating with Dr. Richard Wilders of the mathematics department on research exploring the relationships found in math, music, and art, with their findings published in the national journals Mathematics Teacher and Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, and presenting Across the Curriculum recitals in collaboration with faculty from a variety of departments; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Van Oyen is the founder of the Chords for Kids concert program at North Central College, which has been dedicated to providing meaningful concert experiences for children with autism and their families for 19 years, opening the doors of live musical performance to those who might otherwise face barriers to attending such events; Dr. Van Oyen has presented at both state and national conventions of the National Association for Music Education to share his expertise so that similar programs may be established across the nation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Dr. Lawrence Van Oyen, professor of music at North Central College, on the occasion of his retirement for his decades of distinguished service to music education, his extraordinary dedication to enriching the lives of children with autism and their families through the Chords for Kids program, and the profound and lasting impact he has had on his students and colleagues throughout his remarkable career; and be it further

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