HR0529 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0529 LRB098 12883 MST 47377 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Lester Foster of Chicago, who passed away on July 17, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Lester Foster was born in Chicago on March 27, 1958, to LeeAther and Bonnie Foster; he graduated in 1976 from Von Stuben High School, where he excelled in his studies and distinguished himself on the basketball court; he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Aurora University in 1980, and while there received the Young, Gifted and Black Award and was named to the Four-Year Varsity Letterman Club for basketball; he received his Masters of Science in Business Management in 1984; and

WHEREAS, After finishing his education, Lester Foster became the first African-American administrator for Aurora University; during his tenure there, he served as Head of Student Housing, Head of Campus Security, Minority Student Recruiter, Associate Dean of Students, Assistant Financial Aid Director, and assistant coach to the men's and women's basketball team; and

WHEREAS, On April 16, 1986, Lester Foster became initiated into the Iota Nu Sigma Graduate Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated; later that year, he chartered the Pi Omicron Undergraduate Chapter on the campus of Aurora University, and in 1987 he chartered the Iota Phi Sigma Graduate Chapter; in 2006, he received the Academic Achievement Award from the Black Student Association to honor his commitment throughout the years to Aurora University; and

WHEREAS, Lester Foster held many positions with a host of companies throughout the years; his most recent position was Vice-President of Business Development/Practice Leader at Sedgwick CMS, where his focus was on government and public entities; in 2012, he was awarded the Community Treasures Award by the African-American Employees Committee of Cook County; and

WHEREAS, Lester Foster married the love of his life, Veronica Maclin on December 24, 2001; and

WHEREAS, Lester Foster was an active member at Progressive Community Center, the People's Church and served on the Deacon Board and as Chairman of the Finance Committee; he enjoyed playing sports and watching Westerns and was affectionately known as "Peanut" since he was a child; and

WHEREAS, Lester Foster was preceded in death by his parents and by his 2 brothers, Charlie and Derrick; and

WHEREAS, Lester Foster is survived by his wife; his daughter, Monique Foster; his sons, Marcus (Emily) and Marcelles Foster; his sisters, Annette (the late Harry) Silas, Dorene (Anthony) Harris, and Pamela (LaVoya) Kerr; his special brother, James (Lisa) Marcel; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, God-children, other family, and treasured friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Lester Foster and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Lester Foster as an expression of our deepest sympathy.