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A Letter
From President-Elect Goldfarb
Dear WIU Community:
Elaine and I are very excited to be joining
the Western Illinois University community on July 1. We
greatly appreciate the warm welcome that we have received as well
as the many kind notes and letters. We look forward to meeting
all of you in the near future. Elaine and I would also like to
thank Dave and Linda Taylor for their support during the
transition and wish them much joy in retirement.
I would like to take this opportunity to
update you on transitional meetings I have scheduled. During April,
I met with all of the vice presidents, the deans, president's
staff, the Faculty Senate, University Professionals of Illinois,
Council of Administrative Personnel, Civil Service Employees Council,
Quality of Campus Life Committee, Student Government Association,
and our Student Trustees. I also attended social events in Macomb
and the Quad Cities, including the Employee Service Recognition
Ceremony and a luncheon cruise with Quad Cities' faculty and staff.
I was able to participate in the Macomb Chamber of Commerce Day
in Springfield on April 17 and the Alumni Association's
dinner that evening.
In May, I plan to be in Macomb for a number
of events, including the Major Donor Banquet and the Dealing with
Difference Summer Institute as well as a community reception.
I will also welcome the Learning to Lead students at WIU-QC. In
June, I will attend the Board meeting in the Quad Cities. Elaine
and I will be in the Macomb Heritage Days parade on June 29
and hope to see many of you there, and that evening we'll attend
SMT's presentation of "City of Angels." I will also
represent WIU at the Gateway Presidents' Council meeting and the
Mid-Continent Presidents' Council meeting.
During the summer, I will be meeting individually
with board members and area legislators. I have asked that meetings
be scheduled with all academic departments as well as open meetings
for all campus constituency groups throughout the fall and spring
semesters.
My goal is to try to become a member of
the Western Illinois University community as quickly as possible
so that we can begin dealing with the significant issues that
will confront us in the coming year, especially the budgetary
ones.
I would also like to announce one additional
fall date. On September 23, in addition to the traditional
Founders' Day events, I will be scheduling an Inaugural Address.
This year, we will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the
first day of classes at Western Illinois University. This is an
ideal moment to discuss Western's rich heritage and how we will
plan for its future. I hope you will mark your calendar and watch
for details.
Again, please know how honored I am to serve
as the 10th president of Western Illinois University. I look forward
to meeting all of you in the near future.
All my best wishes,
Al Goldfarb
President-Elect
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