HR0197 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0197 LRB099 10996 GRL 31358 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate William L. Perry on the occasion of his retirement as President of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston; and

WHEREAS, William Perry earned bachelor's degrees in both mathematics and history from Park College in Parkville, Missouri, where he also played basketball; he later chose to study at the University of Illinois, where he earned both his master's degree and Ph.D. in mathematics; and

WHEREAS, William Perry began his association with Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas in 1971 as an assistant professor of mathematics; he completed his 36-year tenure there as vice provost in June of 2007; and

WHEREAS, On July 1, 2007, William Perry left Texas and returned to the Midwest, where he was born and raised, to assume the role of Eastern Illinois University's 11th President; and

WHEREAS, Under William Perry's leadership, Eastern Illinois University has been named by U.S. News & World Report as the top-ranked public regional university in Illinois and ranked number 4 in the 12-state Midwest Region; U.S. News & World Report also listed Eastern as the number 13 "Best College for Veterans" among Midwestern regional universities (public and private); Eastern Illinois University unveiled its Renewable Energy Center, one of the largest university biomass installations in the country; Eastern Illinois University continued to build its reputation for community service by being named 3 consecutive years to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, with more than 80% of Eastern's students participating in volunteerism during their time in Charleston and collectively logging more than 140,000 hours of service during the previous academic year alone; and

WHEREAS, William Perry always promoted Eastern Illinois University as an excellent educational opportunity, with small classes taught by the finest faculty and where 98% of alumni are satisfied with their Eastern Illinois University education; Eastern Illinois University conferred 22,000 degrees during his tenure; and

WHEREAS, William Perry enthusiastically supported Eastern athletics and was often seen out in the community promoting Eastern Illinois University's "Real Panthers Wear Blue" spirit campaign or in the stands, wearing his blue wig and cheering alongside students; Eastern Illinois University's student-athletes excelled both academically and athletically, winning the Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner's Cup for overall athletic excellence 3 times; and

WHEREAS, William Perry enhanced the culture of philanthropy at Eastern Illinois University by expecting greatness from himself and the Eastern family, while remaining committed to access and affordability for students; Eastern Illinois University experienced 4 consecutive record-setting years in fundraising, with support that includes the largest and most successful capital campaign in Eastern Illinois University history, the establishment of approximately 300 new scholarships, and administrative visits to more than 640 alumni; and

WHEREAS, William Perry was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Park College in 1999; and

WHEREAS, William Perry is a student of languages and enjoys reading, but also enjoys being active; hiking, snowshoeing, and shooting hoops remain some of his favorite pastimes; and

WHEREAS, William Perry and his wife, Linda, have a son, Greg; a daughter, Deborah; and one grandson, Grayson, with whom he anticipates spending much more of his time; and

WHEREAS, William Perry serves as a model of hard work, integrity, and dedication for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate William L. Perry on the occasion of his retirement 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 William Perry as a symbol of our esteem and respect.