SR0893 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0893 LRB103 40089 ECR 71622 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to congratulate Clarence R. Wyatt, Ph.D. on the occasion of his retirement as president of Monmouth College; and

WHEREAS, President Wyatt, a first-generation college graduate, earned degrees from Centre College and the University of Kentucky; and

WHEREAS, President Wyatt previously served as chief planning officer and special assistant to the president at Centre College, where he held the title of Pottinger Distinguished Professorship of History; and

WHEREAS, President Wyatt has led Monmouth College through tumultuous times and great achievements, including navigating the institution through the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting investments in academic programs and the expansion of new majors, overseeing the complete renovation of the Stockdale Student Center, and securing a $20 million commitment, the largest in the college's history; and

WHEREAS, Through President Wyatt's guidance, the Light This Candle Campaign has surpassed its goal of raising $75 million dollars for the expansion of scholarships, student financial aid, and academic programs; and

WHEREAS, President Wyatt has been instrumental in strengthening student support and retention, offering a more robust and advantageous Monmouth College experience; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of his career in higher education, President Wyatt has been assisted by the support of his wife, Lobie Stone, who has also had an influential role at Monmouth College; and

WHEREAS, President Wyatt will conclude his tenth year as president of Monmouth College after the completion of the 2023-2024 school year; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Clarence R. Wyatt, Ph.D. on his retirement as president of Monmouth College, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to President Wyatt as an expression of our esteem and respect.