4
1. Call Meeting to Order, Chairman James L. Kaplan
Chairman Kaplan called the meeting to order. A quorum was present.
2. Announcements and Remarks, Chairman James L. Kaplan
Chairman Kaplan said, “I would like to observe a moment of silence in memory of our
President, Ronald Reagan.
“I would also like to ask for the prayers for Professor Proshanta Nandi, whom we have
heard has been taken ill, for a speedy and uneventful recovery.
“I would like to thank president Gayle Saunders and her staff at Richland Community
College for the outstanding hospitality at the reception last evening and for today’s meeting
accommodations. I understand that President Saunders could not be here today and in her stead is
Dr. Jane Johnson.
“I would like to welcome Pauline Betts from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission
who is substituting today for Bob Barr. During our advisory committee reports we will hear from
Jon Astroth, president of Heartland Community College, who today is substituting for Terry
Ludwig and who will take over in July as the new representative for the Council of Community
College Presidents.
“I represented the Board at the awards ceremony and reception for the 2004 Annual
Collegiate Artists Competition on May 4. It was a very successful and enjoyable event. Brenda
Holmes was there from the Governor’s Office, as were representatives of the Illinois Arts
Council, the Illinois Community College Board, and the Federation of Independent Illinois
Colleges and Universities.
“On behalf of the Board, I presented the Illinois Board of Higher Education Award,
which was a $1000 purchase award, to Ryan Rocha of Richland Community College for his very
creative electronic art which you can view from our website. It is extraordinary. What he did on
the computer is amazing to see.
“I encourage everyone to visit Illinois State University to view the exhibit, which will be
on display through July 3. We have a brief presentation about the event later on our agenda.
“The Disabilities Advisory Committee met Wednesday, May 26, in Springfield. A
primary agenda item was meeting with Jane Angelis, editor of Continuance magazine, to discuss
potential topics for a fall edition of the magazine devoted to services provided, and contributions
of, students with disabilities. I will contribute a guest editorial for the issue.
“Planning continues for two presentations to be given at an August conference on
services to students with disabilities, sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education. This is
the annual Directors of Special Education Conference, and this is the first time that transition
services to higher education will be disclosed to directors and to interested parties at the
conference.
