HR1292 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1292 LRB100 24131 MST 43370 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Bernard J. Brommel, professor emeritus and philanthropist of Northeastern Illinois University, who passed away on September 22, 2018 at his home in Kalamazoo, Michigan at the age of 88; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Brommel was born in St. Mary's, Iowa, south of Des Moines, in 1930, one of nine children who grew up on the family farm with humble beginnings; he earned his bachelor's degree in speech and history from Iowa Northern University in 1950; he earned his master's degree in speech education from the State University of Iowa (University of Iowa) in 1955; he earned his Ph.D. in Communication, Theater, and Education from Indiana University in 1963; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Brommel taught at Northeastern Illinois University for 28 years; in retirement, he was one of the institution's most generous donors; he was a great teacher, mentor, scholar, and philanthropist; among the many Northeastern Illinois University students that he influenced are Sarah Feigenholtz (B.A. 1978 Political Science and Speech), Alice M. McGee (B.A. 1984 Speech), Jarice Hanson (B.A. 1976 Speech), Timothy Portokalis (B.A. 1985 Nontraditional Degree Program-Kaskaskia), Raymond Wohl (M.A. 1994 Speech), Debra J. Niemann (B.A. 1976 Speech), Libby Komaiko (B.A. 1977 Nontraditional Degree Program-University Without Walls), Richard Lindberg (B.A. 1974 History, M.A. 1987 History), and Robert Jordan (M.A. 1994 Speech); and

WHEREAS, Dr. Brommel leaves a significant legacy at Northeastern; among his contributions, he established the following: the Brommel Doctoral Scholarship to support graduate students who want to pursue a doctorate, the Distinguished Research Professor Award to provide a research stipend for current faculty, the Brommel Awards for Student Research and Creative Activities to recognize outstanding work in the annual student symposium, 25 scholarships named in honor of key people in his life, primarily faculty and students at Northeastern, but also leaders of the university's resident dance company, Ensemble Español, as well as mentors and students of and from his various high school and college teaching posts, the Brommel-Hahs Lectureship in the College of Arts and Science, and the Bernard J. Brommel Endowment in Communication, Media and Theatre to support a faculty position; and

WHEREAS, Northeastern Illinois University is hosting a memorial to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Brommel on December 1, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Brommel is survived by his partner of over 20 years, Carl Ratner, and his children, Michaela, Brian, Debra, Brent, Brad, and Blair; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we offer our heartiest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Bernard J. Brommel and honor the lasting legacy he left for his students, colleagues, mentees, and many others; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Dr. Brommel as an expression of our deepest sympathy.