HR0990 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0990 LRB102 29624 LAW 41645 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate President Michael L. Elbe on the occasion of his retirement from John Wood Community College, Illinois Community College District #539, at the end of the Fall 2022 semester; and

WHEREAS, John Wood Community College was founded in 1974, with its first academic year held in 1975; since then, the college has had thousands of students successfully complete associate degree and certificate specific course work; and

WHEREAS, President Elbe is the sixth president of John Wood Community College, having spent eight years as president and 36 years of service in higher education; and

WHEREAS, Under President Elbe's leadership, John Wood Community College has been recognized for its leadership across a wide range of key student success areas, including strategic focus for workforce innovation and training programs with regional business leaders; and

WHEREAS, Through President Elbe's guidance, John Wood Community College has continued to adapt to the changing needs of the community, opening a new agricultural sciences complex and beginning a full expansion of the John Wood Community College Development Center; and

WHEREAS, President Elbe's steady leadership and fiscal management have guided John Wood Community College through a state budget crisis and a pandemic, allowing the institution to maintain a balanced budget and a healthy fund balance despite these challenges; and

WHEREAS, In retirement, President Elbe and his wife, Gerri, plan to travel as much as possible while continuing to reside in Adams County and remain involved members of the community; and

WHEREAS, President Elbe has set John Wood Community College on a trajectory of success; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate President Michael L. Elbe on his retirement from John Wood Community College and wish him continued success in the future; and be it further

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