HR1245 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1245 LRB100 23907 ALS 43039 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Larry Isaak on the occasion of his retirement as President of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact; and

WHEREAS, Larry Isaak served as president of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) from November 2003 until November 2010 and was reappointed in April 2011; during this time, he has helped lead a significant expansion in MHEC activities related to student access and success, policy research, and cost-savings initiatives; with his collegial manner and insightful leadership, he has helped MHEC commissioners find common ground, appreciate shared problems, and learn from the successes and challenges of the 12 state members; and

WHEREAS, Larry Isaak's leadership highlights MHEC's mission of advancing education through collaboration and resource sharing through the convening of educators, policymakers, and other leaders in ways that foster and promote interstate and inter-sector dialogue, problem-solving, and cost-savings; under his leadership, many public and private schools and other public entities in Illinois have saved hundreds of millions of dollars through hardware, software, and service contracts; over 6,000 Illinois residents save $40 million annually by participating in the Student Exchange program; and

WHEREAS, Previously, Larry Isaak was the chancellor of the North Dakota University System for nearly ten years and was named chancellor emeritus upon his departure in October 2003; he is credited with guiding collaborative leadership efforts transforming the North Dakota University System through the North Dakota Higher Education Roundtable, proclaimed as a national model for collaborative leadership; prior to serving the state government, he was employed with a private CPA firm; and

WHEREAS, Larry Isaak has served as chair of the State Higher Education Executive Officers and as a commissioner to both the Midwestern Higher Education Compact and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Larry Isaak on the occasion of his retirement as President of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact, and we wish him the best in all of his future endeavors; and be it further

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