Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1972 [PAGE 496]

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486

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[January 19

The Krannert Art Museum, dedicated in 1961, is in many ways a monument to her tastes and interests. She was closely involved in all aspects of its plan and its design, and took a large part in the development of the program carried out there. She presented a great "old master" painting to the Museum at the time of its dedication, and a few years later established an acquisitions fund which has made it possible to make important additions to the permanent collection. Sixteen works of the highest quality have been purchased through her generosity. The fund she has established will continue to make it possible to acquire additional distinguished works. The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, dedicated in 1969, is also very much a structure which bears the imprint of Mrs. Krannert's special interests. She was deeply involved in all phases of its plan, program, and design, and the building as it exists today reflects in many respects her character and influence. She personally selected and determined many of the materials and colors which the architect used. She was particularly concerned with the audience aspect of the Center, yet was completely sympathetic and understanding of its educational aims, which made it possible to provide remarkable facilities for opera, orchestra, choral organizations, theatre, and dance. There have probably been few cases where an institution has had such constructive relationships with donors as has this University with Mr. and Mrs. Krannert. They have contributed far more than the financial support which has made possible these two "centers of excellence," and, in this case, Mrs. Krannert's special interest in the fine arts has been decisive and essential. Therefore, the Trustees desire to convey to Ellnora Decker Krannert their profound appreciation, and that of the entire University community and of the state of Illinois as a whole, for the opportunities she has provided and the inspiration she has given to generations to come in a wide variety of the fine and performing arts. Herman Charles Krannert Throughout a notable career in business, chiefly as executive head of Inland Container Corporation, Herman Charles Krannert of Indianapolis has set a national example for acumen and for the highest ethics in industry. He has built a vast enterprise in the total production of container products and has done so with standards of morality and fair practice that have prompted the country's business world to admire and honor him. Mr. Krannert has set an example also as an imaginative and wise philanthropist whose gifts have greatly lifted many institutions and are viewed with admiration throughout the nation. A graduate of the University of Illinois in mechanical engineering in 1912, he directed his attention to strengthening his alma mater. His benefactions, joined in by his wife, Ellnora Decker Krannert, have provided the Urbana-Champaign campus with the Krannert Art Museum, numerous outstanding art objects, and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts which is supreme among such centers both in the United States and abroad. Within the space of one decade these gifts have given the University of Illinois a new dimension and have added tremendously to its distinction and to its public service. In recognition of Mr. Krannert's character, his business standards and example, his active loyalty as an alumnus, and his magnificent gifts, the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, as it considers its resources in the early weeks of the new year 1972, offers this expression of appreciation, gratitude, and warm regard. BUSINESS PRESENTED BY T H E PRESIDENT OF T H E UNIVERSITY

The Board considered the following reports and recommendations from the President of the University.

PRESIDENT'S REPORTS

President Corbally presented a report on selected topics of current interest, copies of which were distributed at the meeting, and a copy was filed with the Secretary of the Board.