Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1994 [PAGE 232]

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[March 9

Following his election by the board, Mr. Lamont congratulated Dr. Stukel. Chancellor Stukel then thanked the board and shared with them some thoughts. He remarked that as he was walking near the South Lounge in the Illini Union he remembered sitting in that lounge in 1961 and looking out the window onto the quad and beginning to think about his first opportunity to be a student at this great institution. He said that he thought back on how he gradually became involved in teaching, research, and administration at the University. He said that it was extraordinary in terms of his life that he would be here with Mrs. Stukel to become the fifteenth president of the University of Illinois. He then acknowledged the outstanding leadership of President Ikenberry during a time when the institution was changing dramatically. He noted that President Ikenberry was known as the "Master Builder," but in many ways he was much more than that. He stated that President Ikenberry was a builder not just of buildings but of academic programs. The remarkable growth in the academic quality of the institution, the creation of the University of Illinois at Chicago, and his major contribution to the University of Illinois will place Stanley Ikenberry among the finest presidents that the University of Illinois has known. Dr. Stukel continued, saying that Judy Ikenberry has made extraordinary contributions to the University in terms of her time and all the things that she does. He stated that on behalf of all at the University, he thanked the Ikenberry family for giving to us their parents during this time for the benefit of the University of Illinois. Chancellor Stukel continued by saying that as we look at our society, we know it is a time of transition and this includes higher education. It is a time of great change in society. He went on to say that there will be institutions that will prosper under change, they will make the right choices, they will take risks, they will do things that they have not done in the past. These institutions will create new structures to deal with the issues of the day. Also, Dr. Stukel observed that there will be other institutions though that will not do that. They will not rise to the challenge of change, they will not prosper. He voiced his hope that the Board of Trustees, the new president, the chancellors, and the faculty at this institution, can be part of a team that will prosper under change. An institution that will take risks, that will think about things differently, and will provide leadership, not just in Illinois, but nationally and internationally. He concluded by saying that he thought all involved at the University had the courage to do all that he mentioned and that all would have a very interesting time. Then he said that it was with humility that he thanked all involved for putting trust in him as the University's new president. Mr. Lamont told Dr. Stukel that the board looked forward to his guidance and stewardship.