Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1990 [PAGE 416]

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BOARD O F T R U S T E E S

[November

14

H e noted that Mr. Wolff b r o u g h t unique experience to the board in the form of his memories of his own student days at the Urbana campus, w h e r e he worked his way t h r o u g h college as a resident assistant in the campus residence halls and as a trainer to the athletic teams. T h a t perspective as a student, as with other members of the board, gave him a personal perspective from which to view issues confronting the b o a r d and contemplate these issues with particular patience and sensitivity. President Ikenberry observed that Mr. Wolff became well known for these two qualities but the trait that Dr. Ikenberry explained that he will r e m e m b e r Mr. Wolff best by will be his integrity. T h e president told the board that Mr. Wolff shared his burdens and he will miss him very much. Next, Mr. Boyle spoke and echoed President Ikenberry's sentiments, adding that "Chas was a great one; he was one in a thousand." Mr. Boyle c o m m e n t e d that Mr. Wolff came to board meetings when he was in pain and suffering greatly. H e stated that Mr. Wolff t h o u g h t of the University community as his family and treated us thusly. Mr. Boyle further observed that Mr. Wolff's address to the graduates of the U r b a n a campus in May 1991 was not only his advice to the graduates but a farewell to the University. Mr. Boyle, reiterating Mr. Wolff's words, said that time is indeed a precious commodity, to be used wisely. Further, Mr. Boyle stated, "As a m e m b e r of our family, I and my colleagues will always respect this man. I loved him dearly and will miss him greatly." Mrs. Gravenhorst then spoke, saying that when such a young person dies it is a great tragedy and it touches us all. She said that all t h e b o a r d m e m b e r s knew Chas as a kind and gentle person and that the message conveyed at his memorial service that we should refer to his memory and celebrate his life, not be bereaved, was very important at this time. Mrs. Gravenhorst noted that Mr. Wolff's suffering was long and now it is over, " a n d he is at peace, perhaps m o r e so than many of us, thus, this is a time to rejoice r a t h e r than be sad; we should be grateful that we all got to work with him and got to know him." Mrs. Shepherd recalled for the board that she had known Chas for m o r e than 20 years, from the time that he was in his early twenties. She c o m m e n t e d that she and Mr. Wolff had worked together in what was Mr. Wolff's first major campaign for a political candidate. She stated that she will always r e m e m b e r him for his dedication to public service. Mrs. Shepherd said that she t h o u g h t that Chas really believed the Aristotlian maxim that "politics was the noblest art." She said that "Chas really believed that politics was the best way to serve the public good." She observed that Mr. Wolff would be known for his graciousness and his consensus building and his great patience with differing views in aid of helping the University he loved so much. She sent love to Mr. Wolff's family and friends. Dr. Bacon began h e r comments by stating that "Chas was a very special person." She opined that his commitment to the University was