Board chair re-elected to second term

NIU Board of Trustees Chair Gary Skoien was re-elected earlier this month to a second term as head of the governing body of Northern Illinois University. 

Skoien is CEO and Chairman of the Board of Horizon Group Properties in Rosemont.  He was initially appointed to the board in 1998, has served on all its committees and served  as vice chair before taking over as chair in July 2003.

Fellow trustee Barbara Giorgi-Vella was elected to a second term as vice-chair. George Moser will serve as board secretary, while Bob Boey was chosen as the fourth member of the board's executive committee. Terms of board officers coincide with the university's fiscal year, from July 1, 2004, to June 30, 2005.

Skoien told audience members at the June 17 meeting that budget issues have consumed much of his time as chair, and likely will continue to do so during his second term.

"I know I speak for the entire board when I say that we are very, very impressed with the manner in which our faculty and staff have maintained the quality of our academic programs during this difficult period."

"That is not to say that I or any member of this board fail to understand the sacrifices or compromises that have been made: We know that larger classes, fewer teachers and aging facilities are having a negative effect. But we have not laid off employees or shut down departments; we have been able to proceed with summer school; and we continue to send about 5,000 well-prepared graduates out into the world each year."

"By any measure, those accomplishments exemplify the qualities of efficiency, accountability and productivity so many are demanding of higher education," Skoien said.

6-28-04