Spring Break
Taking presidency to a new level
Ashley Rueff/Senior Reporter
Issue date: 11/12/07 Section: News
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On Friday, his inauguration took place in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
Perry assumed the presidency at Eastern on July 1, but was formally honored by the university, past presidents, legislators, dignitaries and special guests at the inauguration ceremony with full academic regalia and lots of applause.
"I stand humbled by the opportunity to serve as president of a university with a proud past and a bright future," Perry said. "Today, we formally observe a beginning in the life of Eastern Illinois University."
Robert Webb, chair of the Board of Trustees, did his best to place the university's medallion over the head of the 6-foot-6-inch Perry as the crowd laughed and applauded.
"He is taking presidential visibility to a whole new level," Webb joked to the crowd.
Perry was named Eastern's 10th president last April after the announcement of President Lou Hencken's plans to retire July 30.
Perry left his position as vice provost at Texas A & M University to return to the Midwest where he was raised. He is originally from Missouri, and he received his Master of Arts and doctorate of philosophy degrees in mathematics from the University of Illinois.
Judy Erwin, executive director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, expressed her happiness at having Perry back in Illinois.
"Welcome back to the Midwest, Dr. Perry," Erwin said. "And what better place to lay out that welcome mat than Eastern Illinois University."
She applauded Perry's choice of coming to Eastern.
"Your students have been and will continue to make great, significant contributions to the state economy and the regional economy in Central Illinois," Erwin said.
State legislators Sen. Dale Righter, Rep. Chapin Rose and Rep. Bob Flider also attended the ceremony in academic regalia to honor Perry.
"The most important tradition that we can carry on here today is the tradition of outstanding leadership," Righter said. "I think Dr. Perry has made it very clear very early on that everything that happens here at Eastern is toward producing a better graduate and a better citizen."
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