HR0257 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0257 LRB103 32209 ECR 61357 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives wish to congratulate Gerald C. "Jerry" Blazey, Ph.D., on his numerous career accomplishments as he retires from his roles as Vice President for Research and Innovation Partnerships of Northern Illinois University and as Chair of the Illinois Innovation Network Council; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Blazey has dedicated his career to discovery in the field of particle physics and innovation to address complex societal problems; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Blazey has served Northern Illinois University for more than 25 years in a number of roles in addition to his current position; in 2000, he was awarded a Presidential Research Professorship, the university's highest honor for outstanding research; he was later named a presidential science advisor; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Blazey has played a crucial role in organizing, launching, and leading the Illinois Innovation Network and its Council since the organization was founded in 2018; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Blazey has stood as a leader in national science policy, having served as a senior policy advisor at the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the U.S. President and the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of his career, Dr. Blazey has upheld collaboration as a requirement for progress and innovation, across disciplines and institutions, and is a tireless advocate for sustainability and preserving our natural environment; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Blazey remains a fierce supporter of underserved students, under-resourced universities, and the enhancement of equity and effectiveness in science; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Gerald C. "Jerry" Blazey, Ph.D., on his numerous career accomplishments as he retires from his roles as Vice President for Research and Innovation Partnerships of Northern Illinois University and as Chair of the Illinois Innovation Network Council; and be it further

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