Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1978 [PAGE 344]

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1977J

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

333

leadership in the field of continuing education and public service has helped to place the resources of the University at the disposal of a growing number of citizens of the state. Now, upon his retirement, the Board of Trustees honors Eldon L. Johnson not only for the intellectual quality of his representation of the University, but for the style and grace which he has brought to his tasks; T h e president and other administrative officers wish to join in this expression of appreciation and good wishes to him and to Mrs. Johnson for the years ahead. Jack W. Peltason For ten years Dr. Jack W. Peltason has served as the first chancellor at the Urbana-Champaign campus of the University of Illinois. This summer he will leave the University, after twenty-three years of service, to become the president of the American Council on Education. His contribution to the University, both as scholar and administrator, has been of the highest distinction. T h e author of several books, including a widely used political science text, he has steadfastly maintained his status as a productive political scientist, including service as president of the American Political Science Association, 1967-68. As dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, he led efforts in intercollege relations, curricular innovation, improvement of teaching, and communications with students. However, it was in his tenure as chancellor following his return to the University in 1967 that his dedication to the institution was most clearly tested and fulfilled. In that unsettled time, unprecedented demands were made upon higher education throughout the nation. Through those difficult years, Jack Peltason provided leadership, humanity, and an indispensable sense of humor. With energy and patience he was able to maintain communications among disputing parties and to work effectively for satisfactory solutions. Problems of campus disorder were succeeded by the problems of budget stringencies which we continue to face. He has effectively led the campus in its efforts to maintain quality and progress within tightening financial constraints. As he leaves now to assume this new post of national educational leadership, the Board of Trustees wishes to convey the thanks of the University to Jack Peltason and its hope for continued success and happiness for him and Mrs. Peltason in the years ahead. T h e president and other administrative officers of the University join in this expression of appreciation and admiration of their friend and colleague. BUSINESS PRESENTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY President's Reports President Corbally presented a report on selected topics of current inter-