Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1990 [PAGE 55]

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1990]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS MINUTES APPROVED1

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T h e secretary p r e s e n t e d for approval t h e press proofs of t h e minutes of t h e Board of T r u s t e e s meetings of March 7-8, and April 11-12, 1990, copies of which h a d previously b e e n sent to t h e b o a r d . O n motion of Mrs. Gravenhorst, these minutes were approved. BUSINESS PRESENTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD Trustees' Distinguished Service Medallion Award President Wolff, on behalf of t h e entire b o a r d , presented t h e following r e c o m m e n d a t i o n from T r u s t e e Reese: T h e Trustees' Distinguished Service Medallion was created to recognize individuals whose contribution to the growth and development of the University of Illinois, through extraordinary service or benefaction, has been of unusual significance. It is now recommended that the Distinguished Service Medallion be awarded to Earl W. Porter, the late secretary of the Board of Trustees and secretary of the University. Dr. Porter came to the University of Illinois in 1961 as assistant to the president after serving Duke University for 13 years as director of public information and assistant to the president. While at Duke, he earned the Doctor of Philosophy in History. In 1964, he was appointed associate secretary of the Board of Trustees and in 1966 became the secretary of the board. He served in that capacity until his death in February 1990. For nearly thirty years, the University, its trustees, and its presidents were the recipients of his thoughtful, professional counsel and dedicated service. His stable, yet responsive, leadership of a vital and sensitive part of University administration has set a standard for his successors to emulate. O n motion of Ms. Reese, this r e c o m m e n d a t i o n was approved. Ms. Reese t h e n t h a n k e d Mr. R. C. Wicklund, associate secretary, for his eloquent words in drafting t h e memorial tribute to Dr. P o r t e r p r e s e n t e d at t h e b o a r d meeting of March 1990. President I k e n b e r r y added an expression of enthusiasm from t h e administration of t h e University for t h e award of t h e T r u s t e e s ' Medallion to Dr. Porter, stating that Earl P o r t e r was a role model to all as a g e n t l e m a n a n d a professional. President I k e n b e r r y a d d e d that at t h e O c t o b e r m e e t i n g of t h e b o a r d in U r b a n a t h e r e would be a t r e e a n d a plaque dedicated to Dr. P o r t e r near t h e H e n r y Administration Building.

1 Prior to the motion to approve the minutes of March and April 1990, the Committee on Finance and Audit received a report from Mr. Douglas E. Beckmann, director of cash management and investments, who was introduced by Vice President Bazzani. Also reporting was Mr. Bob Haber of Wells Fargo Co. This report included the information that the University's investment growth was $25 million last year; 42 percent of the investment pool is in cash and 85 percent of the investments are in short-term investments.