HR1175 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1175 LRB099 21505 MST 47765 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Brother James Gaffney, FSC, on the occasion of his retirement as President of Lewis University on June 30, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Brother James became the 9th President of Lewis University in 1988; and

WHEREAS, Lewis University has achieved incredible successes through Brother James' leadership; enrollment has grown to more than 6,700 students, dozens of programs have been added, and the Romeoville campus has been revitalized; Lewis University was selected as the highest ranked Catholic university in Illinois by the 2016 CollegeChoice.net rankings of the 75 Best Catholic Colleges and Universities; and

WHEREAS, During Brother James' tenure, academic offerings have expanded to include 82 undergraduate programs, 34 graduate degrees, and doctoral programs in education and nursing; U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Colleges of Distinction, and Great Value Colleges have recognized Lewis University's commitment to student success through quality academic programs and facilities, outstanding faculty, affordable education, and a collaborative atmosphere; and

WHEREAS, Before becoming President, Brother James served on the University's Board of Trustees for 11 years, including 10 as Board Chair; he has been a faculty member in Theology and has extensive administrative experience as Provincial of the Christian Brothers of the Midwest; and

WHEREAS, Brother James is an alumnus of St. Mary's University of Minnesota; he holds master's degrees from St. Mary's and Manhattan College (N.Y.), and a Doctorate in Pastoral Theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake (IL.); therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Brother James Gaffney, FSC, on his retirement as President of Lewis University and we wish him the best in all his future endeavors; and be it further

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