18
Rutman.
Dr. Rutman said, “As all of you know, David Werner is stepping down as Chancellor at
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville on June 30, 2004. Dave Werner arrived on the
campus in December 1968 and has served the university and the higher education community
tremendously over the course of his career. He was a faculty member, an Associate Dean, a
Dean, a Provost, and a Chancellor. You might say he worked his way up the ranks. The
university is a better place because of Dave Werner. He has given ably and tirelessly of his
efforts to make that campus a much better place for the students. With all due respect, I would
like to put forward a resolution commending Dave Werner, thanking him and wishing him God’s
speed.”
Dr. LaVista said, “I would be happy to pick up on that task Dr. Rutman and on behalf of
the staff say a few words as David makes his way. I think that the issues of longevity and service
that Dr. Rutman just mentioned certainly are noteworthy and should be applauded. I think back
to a particular interaction with David on his campus when we had one of those onerous big
picture budget meetings and it struck me, particularly at that meeting, but also frequently at the
presidents and chancellors meetings that are held periodically, the great respect that he enjoyed
among his colleagues. It is important to note that David’s contributions have been manifested
through his wonderful grace and his moderate points of view. It is important to know that as a
moderate voice, his strength of character and convictions always shine through.
“I had the pleasure of a very brief exchange this morning with David over breakfast and
learned that his hand in higher education will continue as he starts out his retirement options. I
was pleased to learn one of the things he is continuing to do is to play a role in the accreditation
process for colleges and universities. If you have done that, you know there is a way to bring
your experience to bear on institutions. David, on behalf of the staff, and me personally, we wish
you much luck and thank you for your great contributions, not only to Southern Illinois
University but also to higher education in Illinois. Best wishes.”
The Illinois Board of Higher Education, on motion made by Dr. Rutman and seconded by
Mr. Lamont, unanimously accepts and endorses a resolution honoring the contributions of
Chancellor David Werner to the higher education community and Southern Illinois University.
13. Legislative Report
Mr. Sevener said, “This report will be brief because legislative action with respect to
higher education issues, at least to date, can be summed up in a couple of words: not much.
“The budget, which is the dominant issue of the legislative session, remains unsettled.
Also unsettled is legislation relating to the financial aid formula for the Monetary Award
Program. In its original form, House Bill 4744 would have changed the method of account usage
of calculating eligibility for MAP grants from eligibility units semesters to credit semester hours,
and set a ceiling of 135 credit hours for receiving MAP awards student financial assistance. It
also would have set the maximum grant at $4,968 during an academic year. The bill has been
stripped of those provisions and remains at amendment stage in the Senate.
“Despite the overall focus on the state budget, there have been some legislative actions
affecting higher education, and I would highlight four: First is Senate Bill 3107, which the Board
of Higher Education initiated to reorganize two minority graduate fellowship programs -- the
Illinois Consortium for Educational Opportunity Program and the Illinois Minority Graduate
