HR1160 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1160 LRB100 22316 ALS 41111 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Rob Widmer on the occasion of his retirement as President of Heartland Community College; and

WHEREAS, Rob Widmer began his career at Heartland Community College as the Vice President of Business Services in 1996; he has served as the third President of the College since June 2013; as President, he is the chief executive officer of the College responsible for providing strategic direction and focus for the institution, as well as maintaining oversight of all College functions and operations; and

WHEREAS, As President of Heartland Community College, he concentrated on supporting student success, serving as a strong community resource, demonstrating sound fiscal stewardship, and enhancing institutional effectiveness by committing to continuous improvement; and

WHEREAS, Rob Widmer's ongoing leadership has been integral to budget development and management, campus master planning and growth of the campus, creating numerous sustainability initiatives, and establishing vital community partnerships; and

WHEREAS, Rob Widmer has over 40 years' experience in Illinois higher education; before his tenure at Heartland Community College, he began his career teaching at Western Illinois University; he then held a variety of roles at Lincoln College between 1977 and 1985; he then worked at the Illinois Community College Board from 1985 until 1994, where he advanced from Associate Director to Deputy Director for Fiscal Affairs; he then served as Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs at Joliet Junior College from 1994 until 1996; and

WHEREAS, Rob Widmer earned bachelor and master's degrees in business and economics from Western Illinois University; he pursued doctoral course work at the University of Illinois at Springfield and Illinois State University; he was also a participant in the American Association of Community College's Professional Administrators Development Institute; and

WHEREAS, Rob Widmer is the father of four grown sons and has ten grandchildren, with another due in July ; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Rob Widmer on the occasion of his retirement as President of Heartland Community College, and we commend his leadership and dedication to his students; and be it further

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