HR0171 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0171 LRB094 11194 CSA 41872 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Dr. Gretchen J. Naff has devoted 35 years of her professional life to higher education; and

WHEREAS, She has provided outstanding leadership as President of the College of Lake County for the last 10 years and has been instrumental in the College's national reputation as one of the finest community colleges; and

WHEREAS, As President, she worked tirelessly on initiatives for new College facilities, faculty and staff development, and the expansion of educational opportunities that continue to impact the lives of Lake County residents; and

WHEREAS, She was a major advocate for the creation of the University Center of Lake County; and

WHEREAS, She led initiatives to diversify faculty and staff at the College, established a Leadership Institute for professional staff development, and created more than 50 new degree and certificate programs to expand educational options for students; and

WHEREAS, She has built invaluable relationships with state and national higher education leaders through her leadership as President of the Illinois Community College Presidents Council and her involvement with the American Association of Community Colleges and the National Institute for Leadership Development; and

WHEREAS, She has represented the College with the highest integrity in forging relationships with school districts, colleges and universities, business, government, and community organizations, including Lake County Partners; and

WHEREAS, She has earned the respect of educational, business, and community leaders, and has won numerous awards, including Lake County Partners' Extra Mile Award and the Latino Coalition's Community Outreach Award, for her leadership and community service; and

WHEREAS, She has elected to retire from her position at the College; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we express our gratitude to Dr. Gretchen J. Naff for her contributions to education and extend our best wishes for a long, healthy, joyful, and fulfilling retirement; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Gretchen J. Naff as an expression of our admiration and esteem.