HR0831 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0831 LRB095 14479 GRL 40385 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Dr. Larry Choate on the occasion of his retirement as President of Shawnee Community College; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Larry Choate began his career with Shawnee Community College in January of 1988, serving as the Vice President of Instructional Services; as Vice-President, he was responsible for many vital changes, including the restructuring of academic programs and administrative procedures, the transition from the college's original staff to a new generation of faculty, the initiation of the college's theater program and youth leadership program, and the expansion of the college's facilities; he also represented the college through his participation in various State-wide committees, such as the Illinois Articulation Initiative; and

WHEREAS, In January of 2005, Dr. Larry Choate became President of Shawnee Community College; as President, he has accomplished many important initiatives for the college; working with the Shawnee Community College Foundation, he initiated a capital campaign which raised much-needed funds for the college's scholarship program and for the construction of the college's Medical Arts and Sciences Building, Career Technology Center, and student housing; he served as the co-chair of Southern Illinois University's 20-county Connect SI Initiative and as the chair of the Southern 5 Community of Interest; he was instrumental in the creation of many renovation projects for the college, including a new sewage treatment facility and the college's fiber optic network, as well as projects involving the relocation and expansion of numerous college facilities; he also instituted an international student program for the college; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Larry Choate has also contributed to the economic development of southern Illinois, having supported such projects as the coal gasification initiative in Alexander County; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Larry Choate's dedication to his profession and willingness to serve his community in meaningful ways makes him a model for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Dr. Larry Choate on the occasion of his retirement as President of Shawnee Community College and wish him continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Larry Choate as a symbol of our esteem and respect.