university of illinois - UIHistories Project

274 BOARD OF TRUSTEES [February 14
ILLINOIS BUDGETARY COMMISSION HEARING ON BIENNIAL BUDGET
AND BUILDING PROGRAM FOR 1957-59
(21) Presidents Megran and Henry reported informally on a hearing by the
Illinois Budgetary Commission in Springfield, on January 30, 1957, on the University's
Operating Budget and Building Program for 1957-59 at which the
following University representatives appeared:
Members of the Board of Trustees University of Illinois Officials
H. B. MEGHAN, President DAVID D. HENRY, President
PARK LIVINGSTON, Chairman of the HENNING LARSEN, Vice-President and
Finance Committee Provost
DORIS S. HOLT, who also represented H. O. FARBER, Vice-President and
the Merit Board of the University Comptroller
Civil Service System of Illinois MORRIS S. KESSLER, Assistant to the
at a hearing on its budget held Comptroller
the same day WILLIAM H. RICE, Administrative
A. J. JANATA, Secretary Assistant in the President's Office
This report was received for record.
SITE FOR CHICAGO UNDERGRADUATE DIVISION
(22) President Henry presented the following report:
In response to a question asked at the Illinois Budgetary Commission meeting
on January 30, I stated that the University did not plan to request special
legislation to acquire Miller Meadow over the objection of the Forest Preserve
District. On that day, a statement was released explaining the University's position.
Copies of the statement were subsequently sent to all of the Trustees and
a copy is hereby filed with the Secretary of the Board for record.
In the light of subsequent discussion, it is well to summarize the matter as
it stands now:
Miller Meadow is the choice of the Board of Trustees as the site for the
Chicago Undergraduate Division. The University has no alternate site to propose.
The University still hopes that Miller Meadow will be made available.
However, the University has decided to rely on the cooperation of Chicago
area authorities and others concerned for acquisition of the site, rather than tu
ask legislative action.
The Trustees have also agreed to consider alternate sites if these meet
University specifications as to size, cost, setting, accessibility, and availability.
Although the Trustees do not plan to initiate the study of an alternate location,
they will welcome the cooperation of city, county, school district, and others, in
making a unified approach to an early solution of the problem.
As a part of its capital budget, the University has requested the sum of
$2,000,000 for site acquisition and building plans for the Division. The University
hopes the General Assembly will grant this request, even if at this time the
specific site can not be designated.
On motion of Mr. Livingston, this statement was approved as the
official position of the University.
MR. B1SSELL DESIGNATED ACTING CHAIRMAN
At this point Mr. Johnston asked President Megran to yield the chair
and designate an acting chairman for consideration of a special order
of business. President Megran designated Mr. Bissell who took the
chair. Thereupon Mr. Livingston offered the following resolution.
To Herbert B. Megran
The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois today records its grateful
appreciation of your distinguished public services as a member of this
Board since March, 1951, and as its President during the past three years.
The tradition of ILLINOIS LOYALTY has been nobly exemplified by
your generous, unselfish services to the University for many years, often at the