To: All Faculty & All Academic Professionals & All Civil Service Staff
           <everybody@illinois.edu> 
    From: "uipres@uillinois.edu" <uipres@uillinois.edu>

Reply-To: uipres@uillinois.edu
 Subject: MASSMAIL - [PRESMAIL] Message from the President

Dec. 12, 2004


Dear Colleagues:

	Forty-three years ago a young Stukel family spent our first 
holiday season in the warm embrace of the University of Illinois. It was 
a special time and place for us. Our future was uncertain, but we were 
sure this University was a good place with good people doing important 
work.
	Four decades later as Joan and I prepare to set sail--
figuratively and literally--to retirement, we send holiday greetings to 
our U. of I. family for the last time. We know that although much has 
changed over the years, the fundamental strength of this great University 
remains: good people doing exceptional work.
	In the last several months we have had the pleasure of visiting 
and reminiscing with many of you about the decade of what I call "our 
presidency," meaning all of us at the U. of I. Each campus has a special 
significance for the University, and for Joan and me. We deeply 
appreciate the kind send-offs and will keep you in our thoughts.
	I am sure your welcome to the 16th president, B. Joseph White, 
and his wife Mary will be equally warm and heartfelt. Joe has a record of 
leadership and accomplishment, and I am confident the Board of Trustees 
made a sound decision in choosing him to lead the University. Joe and 
Mary have made numerous visits to the campuses in the five weeks since 
his selection was announced, and they are eager to officially join the U. 
of I. family on Feb. 1.
	Joe has the same belief in the value of public higher education 
and commitment to keeping it strong as all of us at the University of 
Illinois. Our University and its three campuses stand as one of the 
world's finest institutions of higher learning, research and public 
service. Because of the exceptional job all of you do in fulfilling those 
missions, as well as the University's role as an economic engine, the U. 
of I. is an irreplaceable jewel for the State of Illinois.
	I think about how different the world would be if public 
universities weren't providing affordable, accessible higher education 
for eight out of 10 college students; if the results of our research 
weren't saving lives and improving standards of living; and if our public 
engagement wasn't responding to societal needs and cultural appetites. It 
would be a world unimaginably poor in many respects. And I reflect on the 
impossibility of leading the U. of I. without the spirit and dedication 
of the faculty and staff.
	Again, thank you for your good work. I wish you a peaceful and 
joyful holiday season and a healthy and happy new year. 

Sincerely,

James J. Stukel
President
uipres@uillinois.edu  
	
	  
This mailing approved by:
The Office of the President

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