Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1988 [PAGE 241]

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1987]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

231

steadfast supporter of the work of the University of Illinois. ( H e reminded the assembly that the governor is a n ex officio member of the Board of Trustees of the University.) Governor Thompson remarked this was his first visit to a meeting of the Board of Trustees as a trustee although one of many to the University campuses. H e expressed pride in the institution which he attended, as did Mrs. Thompson. 1 H e likened the relationship to that of the early years of the century when Governor J o h n Peter Altgeld h a d followed the affairs of the University of Illinois closely and given it his strong support. T h e governor m a d e clear that his appearance was a part of a statewide effort to enlist the support of institutions and their leaders for additional State revenue if the State is to support the priorities it has established. Among the established priorities in Illinois are education at all levels, economic development, transportation, and welfare. H e said to the trustees: "You are, of course, opinion leaders of the State and I hope that between now and the first of July you will bend every effort to influence the members of the General Assembly to recognize the priorities we have established and help supply the means to support them." In his current budget message h e has recommended an increase of approximately $100 million for higher education but the recommendation cannot stand without additional revenue. Mr. Thompson compared the situation in Illinois with other states which are increasing taxes, in many instances, states whose tax levels are higher than those in Illinois. T h e governor expressed his belief that the support of the Board of Trustees and the University in general is important to the institution's role in the State. H e said he was prepared to work with the University in this effort and emphasized the extent to which the future of higher education, and many other important programs in the State, are dependent upon the fiscal health of Illinois. President Howard a n d President Ikenberry expressed their appreciation for the visit and the trustees received the governor's remarks with a round of applause. T h e governor left the meeting at this time and the board reconvened in regular session at 10:45 a.m. MINUTES APPROVED T h e secretary presented for approval the press proof of the minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting of January 14 and 15, 1987, copies of which had previously been sent to the board. O n motion of Mrs. Gravenhorst, these minutes were approved.

1 Governor Thompson attended the University of Illinois at Navy Pier during 1956-57; Mrs. Jayne (Carr) Thompson was graduated from the University of Illinois (Chicago Circle) in 1967 with an A.B. in liberal arts and sciences.