HR0125 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0125 LRB097 10902 GRL 51553 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the citizens of the City of Champaign on the occasion of the city's 150th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, The rich history of the City of Champaign began on April 20, 1860, when the citizens of the area formerly known as West Urbana voted to incorporate as Champaign City; on March 25, 1861, the citizens of Champaign City voted to approve the first charter for the City of Champaign, which was subsequently approved by the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Since its founding, the City of Champaign has proven to be a vital asset to the State of Illinois and its residents; centered in Champaign in the 1860s and later, the Illinois Central Railroad contributed to the great colonization and commerce within the State of Illinois and the nation at large; in 1867, the Illinois House of Representatives approved the Champaign County site for the Illinois Industrial University, now the University of Illinois, which has become a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, the City of Champaign has been led by an able group of mayors, city council members, city managers, and other employees retained by them to accomplish the goals and ensure the prosperity of the city and the welfare of its citizens; the city also contains numerous business institutions, civic institutions, churches, historic landmarks, labor unions, societies, and clubs, which have all contributed to the rich fabric of the State over the city's 150 year history; and

WHEREAS, The City of Champaign's educational endeavors to develop successful students and citizens of character are reflected in the Champaign Unit 4 School District's commitment to providing dynamic, resource-rich learning environments, abundant community partnerships, and annual support for exceeding exam averages on the State and national level; the city is also home to the third largest community college district in Illinois, Parkland College, which is known for its excellent academic standards, innovative programs, and quality instruction; and

WHEREAS, The City of Champaign is a nationally recognized multi-award winning quality parks and recreation community; the city's Champaign Park District boasts more than 60 parks totaling over 650 acres and over 1,200 special events and program offerings annually; and

WHEREAS, The City of Champaign has been the home to and nurtured notable athletes, authors, educators, engineers, architects, inventors, physicians, persons prominent in the media, musicians, artists, Olympians, scientists, prominent elected officials, civic leaders, military heroes, and persons dedicated to the social well-being of the city, the State of Illinois, and the nation at large; and

WHEREAS, In March of 2010, the City of Champaign launched a year-long celebration in honor of its 150th anniversary, which has included a three-week historical display of Champaign history and an extensive music festival and birthday salute to Champaign; to culminate the celebration year, the city has planned a community-driven "Letters to the Future" project, youth art exhibit, and Legacy/Time Capsule Dedication Ceremony for Spring 2011; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the citizens of the City of Champaign on the occasion of the city's 150th anniversary and wish them success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Gerald Schwieghart, Mayor of the City of Champaign, as a symbol of our esteem and respect.