Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1994 [PAGE 343]

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1995]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

331

University of Illinois trustee only since January 1995. However, one doesn't need to be a trustee, one doesn't even need to be associated with the University of Illinois, to know of the high esteem that Stanley Ikenberry is accorded throughout the State of Illinois and throughout the United States. His leadership has set a new standard for university presidents. His ability to work with the Legislature is the envy of the most expert politicians or lobbyists. He is the great communicator. Most important of all, he is a warm, caring individual who always takes the time necessary to listen and give assistance or advice. We will miss you, Stan. We are thankful that you were here for 16 years to contribute to the growth of this wonderful University and to improve this State's education system. We are honored that we have had the pleasure of knowing you professionally and we're overjoyed that we can call you friend. God speed, Stan and Judith, and I hope your future will be full of sparkling days with no thought of all that other rigmarole you have been talking about." She was followed by Mrs. Calder who made these remarks: "I was struggling to think about what I wanted to say today. Looking for that special signal that sometimes comes to us when we're thinking about what can we say that will mark comments as particularly heartfelt. So I hope that you will allow me a point of privilege in reminding you of something I doubt anyone needs reminding, that is about my close and positive support of organized labor. When I first came to this board this was something new to me. No one in my family had ever been associated with a labor union, but I felt strongly that these were people whose needs required some attention and I felt very comfortable about the good feelings we had for each other. When I came to the board I did not realize that this would be a very unique obligation on my part but it has been very interesting and very positive. And I think that the old saying, Tolitics makes strange bedfellows' is, of course, something we all know occurs and I'd like to take this opportunity to highlight a special accomplishment that I would like to take a tiny part of responsibility for and to give a great expression of thanks and appreciation to President Ikenberry on behalf of organized labor. I have before me a letter that I think everybody has at their place but I'm going to read it. It is from Judy Stoll who is president of AFSCME Local 3700 here in Urbana-Champaign.

I understand that this is the last board meeting that Stanley Ikenberry will be attending as president of the University. While our union has not always agreed with him we recognize that the progress towards parity was achieved during his leadership. We also recognize that in representing the U. of I. he has represented all of us and he has done so with great dignity. We are proud of his accomplishments and his efforts in helping build a foundation of progress of trust between the University and the union. We hope that what was accomplished under his administration and with the support of this board will not be lost.

I also thank you for that, Stan and Judy. I think it is a testimony to